Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 2:00 P.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

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

Our Lord says to us:

" 'Take my yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,   and you will find rest for your souls'."
(Matthew 11:29)

Let us pray:
  Gracious Lord, none of us here in this Senate Chamber would ever argue against the need to learn. Mastering our lessons in life is fundamental to our becoming all You would have us to be. Today, O God, we lift up to You every single individual involved in education here in South Carolina: public school classroom leaders, parents on the home front, college and university professors, staff personnel at every level-such wondrous contributions do they all make for the good of our citizens. Continue to guide these Senators and their staff members, Lord, as they themselves do all they can to be advocates for and providers of the best education South Carolinians might ever experience. In Your name we pray.
Amen.

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

Senator COURSON introduced Dr. Thomas Gibbons of Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

On motion of Senator HUTTO, at 2:05 P.M., Senator REESE was granted a leave of absence for today.

At 4:00 P.M., Senator CROMER requested a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

At 4:00 P.M., Senator SCOTT requested a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

At 5:00 P.M., Senator CLEARY requested a leave of absence beginning at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 24, 2008, for the balance of the day.

At 5:00 P.M., Senator PINCKNEY requested a leave of absence for Thursday, April 24, 2008.

S. 392 (Word version) -- Senators Ritchie, Cromer, Sheheen, Campsen, Scott, Williams and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM ACT", TO ADD CHAPTER 28 TO TITLE 8 RELATING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOM LAWS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, TO ADD CHAPTER 29 TO TITLE 8 RELATING TO THE VERIFICATION OF A PERSON'S LAWFUL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES, TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN WAGES FROM BEING CLAIMED AS A DEDUCTIBLE EXPENSE FOR STATE INCOME TAX PURPOSES, TO PROVIDE THAT TAX WITHHOLDING AGENTS MUST WITHHOLD STATE INCOME TAX AT THE RATE OF SIX PERCENT OF THE COMPENSATION PAID UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS A FELONY TO KNOWINGLY TRANSPORT A PERSON WHO IS IN THE UNITED STATES ILLEGALLY, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL JAILS IN THIS STATE MUST MAKE A REASONABLE EFFORT TO DETERMINE WHETHER A PERSON CHARGED WITH CERTAIN CRIMES ARE LAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, TO PROVIDE A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION TO A PERSON WHO IS TERMINATED FOR ANOTHER PERSON WHO THE EMPLOYER KNEW WAS NOT LAWFULLY IN THE UNITED STATES, AND TO ADD CHAPTER 83 TO TITLE 40 RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES. (ABBREVIATED TITLE)

Senator RITCHIE was recognized to give a status report of the committee of conference.

The following were introduced:
S. 1319 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING HOLLY HILL ACADEMY'S LADY RAIDERS AND COACH RON NESTER ON THE TEAM'S 2007 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION AA STATE VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP WIN AND ON ITS STELLAR 21-1 2007 SEASON.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1320 (Word version) -- Senator Martin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING PALMETTO HEALTH BAPTIST EASLEY ON THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND THANKING THEM FOR PROVIDING QUALITY AND COMPASSIONATE CARE, COMFORT, AND DIGNITY TO GENERATIONS OF PICKENS COUNTY FAMILIES.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1321 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander and Ritchie: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THEIR WONDERFUL EFFORTS IN HELPING SOUTH CAROLINA'S YOUTH PREPARE FOR A PRODUCTIVE LIFE AND TO RECOGNIZE THE SIXTEEN BOYS AND GIRLS FROM DIFFERENT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS THROUGHOUT THE STATE WHO HAVE BEEN NAMED "2008 YOUTH OF THE YEAR" BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA ALLIANCE OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1322 (Word version) -- Senators O'Dell and Drummond: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 780 OF 1928, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ABBEVILLE COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE HOSPITAL TO THE "ABBEVILLE AREA MEDICAL CENTER" AND TO REVISE THE MANNER OF SELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITAL'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

S. 1323 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS, 1976, RELATING TO VARIOUS BOARDS, COUNCILS, PANELS, AND COMMITTEES, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE BODIES' MEMBERS BE SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1324 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE HOLLY HILL ACADEMY FOOTBALL TEAM OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY FOR ITS OUTSTANDING SEASON AND FOR CAPTURING THE 2007 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION 8-MAN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO HONOR THE TEAM'S EXCEPTIONAL PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1325 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE NORTH MYRTLE BEACH UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND CITY MANAGER JOHN SMITHSON AND THE CITY COUNCIL FOR FORTY YEARS OF PROSPERITY.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1326 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR NORTH MYRTLE BEACH'S ALABAMA THEATRE FOR ITS DEDICATED PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT OF SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 3514 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Toole, Pinson, Dantzler, Hayes, Leach, J. R. Smith, Witherspoon, Neilson and Bales: 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.

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

H. 3590 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith, Bowen, Duncan, Haskins, Littlejohn, Lowe, Bedingfield and Stavrinakis: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RESTRUCTURING ACT OF 2007" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AGENCIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT BY ADDING THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION; BY ADDING SECTION 1-30-125 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AS AN AGENCY OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO BE HEADED BY A DIRECTOR APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND TO TRANSFER TO THIS NEWLY CREATED DEPARTMENT CERTAIN OFFICES AND DIVISIONS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, AND OTHER AGENCIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR TRANSITIONAL AND OTHER PROVISIONS NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH THE ABOVE; BY ADDING CHAPTER 8 TO TITLE 1 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF STATE INSPECTOR GENERAL AS A SEPARATE DIVISION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE INSPECTOR GENERAL MUST BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURPOSE, DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND AUTHORITY OF THE STATE INSPECTOR GENERAL, TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION OF "EXECUTIVE AGENCIES" FOR PURPOSES OF THIS CHAPTER, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RECEIPT AND INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS RELATING TO IMPROPER OR UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY WITHIN EXECUTIVE AGENCIES OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT; BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 1 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DIVISION OF THE STATE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO BE HEADED BY THE STATE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DIVISION; TO CREATE A JOINT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REVIEW COMMITTEE, AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CASE REVIEW PANEL, AND AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ARCHITECTURE OVERSIGHT PANEL AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUNCTIONS, POWERS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE AND PANELS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-1580, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROCUREMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT OFFICE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-10-10, 1-11-20, AS AMENDED, 1-11-22, 1-11-55, 1-11-56, 1-11-58, 1-11-65, 1-11-67, 1-11-70, 1-11-80, 1-11-90, 1-11-100, 1-11-110, 1-11-180, 1-11-220, 1-11-225, 1-11-250, 1-11-260, 1-11-270, 1-11-280, 1-11-290, 1-11-300, 1-11-310, 1-11-315, 1-11-320, 1-11-335, 1-11-340, 1-11-435, 2-13-240, AS AMENDED, CHAPTER 9 OF TITLE 3; 10-1-10, 10-1-30, AS AMENDED, 10-1-40, 10-1-130, 10-1-190, AS AMENDED, CHAPTER 9 OF TITLE 10, 10-11-50, AS AMENDED, 10-11-90, 10-11-110, 10-11-140, 10-11-330; 11-9-610, 11-9-620, 11-9-630, 11-35-3810, 11-35-3820, 11-35-3830, 11-35-3840, 13-7-30, 13-7-830, ALL AS AMENDED, 48-46-30, AS AMENDED, 48-46-40, AS AMENDED, 48-46-50, 48-46-60, 48-46-90, 44-53-530, AS AMENDED, AND 44-96-140; AND TO ADD SECTION 1-11-185, ALL RELATING TO VARIOUS AGENCY OR DEPARTMENT PROVISIONS SO AS TO CONFORM THEM TO THE ABOVE PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION OR TO SUPPLEMENT SUCH PROVISIONS.

Senator SHEHEEN spoke on the Bill.

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

H. 4340 (Word version) -- Reps. Cooper, Clyburn, Battle, Kirsh and Hosey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 8-23-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF THE DEFERRED COMPENSATION COMMISSION, SO AS TO ADD THE CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION AS AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE DEFERRED COMPENSATION COMMISSION.

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

H. 4565 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Scarborough, Merrill, Hagood and Limehouse: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION TO NAME THE CHARLESTON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT SECURITY OFFICE BUILDING ON LOCKWOOD BOULEVARD THE "J. GRAHAM ALTMAN BUILDING" AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SIGNAGE FOR THE BUILDING.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

H. 4773 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith, Walker, Talley, Mahaffey, Moss, Anthony, Kelly, Littlejohn, Mitchell and Phillips: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION TO EXPEND UP TO EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS OF THE FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE STATE UNDER SECTION 903 OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, AS AMENDED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ERECTING AND FURNISHING A BUILDING FOR USE BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY, FOR FURNISHINGS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE GAFFNEY AND UNION WORKFORCE CENTERS, EXPANDING THE LANCASTER WORKFORCE CENTER, IMPROVING THE SENECA WORKFORCE CENTER PARKING LOT AUTOMATING THE TRADE READJUSTMENT ALLOWANCES PAYMENT SYSTEM, DEVELOPING AN AUTOMATED DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PAYMENT SYSTEM, PROVIDING COMPUTER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS, AND PROVIDING ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDING FOR THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM.

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

H. 4952 (Word version) -- Rep. M. A. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-96 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE INTRODUCTION OF A FERTILITY CONTROL AGENT OR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE INTO WILDLIFE, TO AUTHORIZE EXCEPTIONS INCLUDING THOSE MADE FOR SPECIFIED PURPOSES UPON PERMIT OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

H. 5035 (Word version) -- Rep. Barfield: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 501 IN HORRY COUNTY THAT RUNS THROUGH THE TOWN OF AYNOR THE "W. G. HUCKS HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "W. G. HUCKS HIGHWAY".

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

H. 5043 (Word version) -- Reps. Hutson, 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, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, 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 DESIGNATE THE FOURTH SATURDAY IN APRIL AS CITIZENS REMEMBRANCE DAY, TO BE OBSERVED ANNUALLY IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF VICTIMS OF FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES.

On motion of Senator GROOMS, with unanimous consent, the Concurrent Resolution was introduced and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 5048 (Word version) -- Rep. Phillips: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2008, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ELECTION OF SUCCESSORS TO CERTAIN JUDGES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS AND A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE FAMILY COURT, AS THE DATE FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE TO MEET IN JOINT SESSION IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON, COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY, THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND THE WIL LOU GRAY OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL TO SUCCEED THOSE MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2008, OR WHOSE POSITIONS OTHERWISE MUST BE FILLED; AND TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE REGARDING NOMINATIONS AND SECONDING SPEECHES FOR THE CANDIDATES FOR THESE OFFICES DURING THE JOINT SESSION.

On motion of Senator MCCONNELL, with unanimous consent, the Concurrent Resolution was introduced and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 5066 (Word version) -- Reps. Govan, Cobb-Hunter, Ott, Sellers, 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, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Crawford, Daning, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, 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, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, 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 EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE DEATH OF JAMES "JIM" E. SULTON, SR. OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND MANY FRIENDS.

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

H. 5067 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, 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, 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 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR ROBERT CLINTON "BOBBY" RICHARDSON FOR HIS IMPRESSIVE CAREER IN BASEBALL, AND TO EXPRESS PROFOUND GRATITUDE AS HE MINISTERS TO YOUTH IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND IN THE WORLD ABROAD, AS HE SERVES AS AN AMBASSADOR FOR OUR FINE STATE.

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

H. 5068 (Word version) -- Rep. Delleney: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND DR. JACOB ALLEN DERRICK OF CHESTER COUNTY FOR HIS FORTY YEARS OF MINISTRY AND SERVICE TO THE MEMBERS OF HIS CONGREGATION AND TO HIS COMMUNITY, AND TO WISH HIM SUCCESS AND BLESSINGS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

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

H. 5071 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter and Cotty: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THEIR WONDERFUL EFFORTS IN HELPING SOUTH CAROLINA'S YOUTH PREPARE FOR A PRODUCTIVE LIFE AND TO RECOGNIZE THE SIXTEEN BOYS AND GIRLS FROM DIFFERENT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS THROUGHOUT THE STATE WHO HAVE BEEN NAMED "2008 YOUTH OF THE YEAR" BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA ALLIANCE OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS.

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

H. 5079 (Word version) -- Reps. Hardwick, 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, 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 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE GREAT CONCERN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE WELFARE OF PASTOR PHILLIP MILES, OF CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH IN HORRY COUNTY, WHO IS BEING UNJUSTLY DETAINED IN A RUSSIAN PRISON, AND TO INSIST IN THE STRONGEST TERMS THAT THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT RELEASE PASTOR MILES FROM HIS IMPRISONMENT.

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

H. 5080 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, 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, 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, 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 COLONEL ANNA J. AMOS, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, FOR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF GROUNDBREAKING SERVICE WITH THE STATE TRANSPORT POLICE, A DIVISION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, AND TO WISH HER SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

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

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

S. 241 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie, Knotts, Reese, Leventis, Jackson, Thomas, Pinckney, McGill, Hutto, Sheheen, Williams, Matthews, Patterson, Cromer, Scott, Setzler and Bryant: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 9-16-55 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION, ACTING CONSISTENTLY WITH ITS FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY, TO DIVEST ITS PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES THAT IN THEIR OPERATIONS ARE COMPLICIT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN IN THE DARFUR GENOCIDE AND PROHIBIT FUTURE INVESTMENTS BY THE COMMISSION IN SUCH COMPANIES, TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE REQUIREMENTS, TO INDEMNIFY MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION FROM CLAIMS ARISING FROM IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION NO LONGER SHALL APPLY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

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.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MALLOY from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 429 (Word version) -- Senator Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 27, TITLE 17, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO POST-CONVICTION RELIEF, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3, THE "POST-CONVICTION DNA PROCEDURES ACT", TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR DNA TESTING FOR PERSONS CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING THE IDENTITY OF THE PERPETRATOR AND TO ALLOW POST-CONVICTION PROCEEDINGS, IF APPLICABLE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RYBERG from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 511 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas and Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-59-30 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING LICENSE, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MUST HAVE A LICENSE TO FILE A MECHANICS LIEN, TO PROVIDE THE PROCESS FOR A RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR FILING A MECHANICS LIEN AGAINST A RESIDENTIAL BUILDER, TO PROVIDE FOR A RELEASE BOND, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR A FRAUDULENT LIEN.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 718 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell and Grooms: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 7, ARTICLE X OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO HAVE BUDGET PROCESSES DESIGNED TO KEEP REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES IN BALANCE, THE LIMITATION ON STATE APPROPRIATIONS, AND THE LIMITATIONS ON STATE EMPLOYEES, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXISTING STATE SPENDING LIMITATION AND REQUIRE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO REPLACE IT BY A LAW PROVIDING A LIMIT ON STATE SPENDING FOR A FISCAL YEAR THAT EQUALS THE TOTAL OF STATE APPROPRIATIONS IN THE PRIOR YEAR INCREASED BY THE TOTAL PERCENTAGE OF INCREASES IN STATE PERSONAL INCOME AND STATE POPULATION IN THE MOST RECENT YEAR FOR WHICH THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AND PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ENACTING THIS LIMIT SHALL DEFINE THE APPROPRIATIONS TO WHICH THE LIMIT APPLIES, AND THE METHOD OF AND SOURCES FOR CALCULATING THE LIMIT.

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, with unanimous consent, the Joint Resolution, which was reported out of the Committee on Finance, was recommitted to the Committee on Finance, retaining its place on the Calendar.

Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:

S. 773 (Word version) -- Senators Hawkins and Ritchie: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 77 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL ISSUE SPECIAL MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES TO CERTAIN OFFICIALS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STORM EYE INSTITUTE FOR PRIVATE PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES OWNED BY THEM.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RITCHIE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 808 (Word version) -- Senators Hawkins, Hayes, Thomas and Ceips: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20 OF THE 1976 CODE, TO ENACT THE MILITARY PARENT EQUAL PROTECTION ACT, TO PROVIDE THAT A MILITARY PARENT'S MILITARY SERVICE SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCE FOR PURPOSES OF CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CUSTODIAL NON-MILITARY PARENT MUST REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE THE MILITARY PARENT'S LEAVE SCHEDULE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE FAMILY COURT MAY HOLD AN EXPEDITED TEMPORARY HEARING TO ENSURE THAT THE MILITARY PARENT HAS ACCESS TO A MINOR CHILD, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ANY INCREASE OR DECREASE IN EARNING CAPACITY DUE TO MILITARY SERVICE IS NOT CONSIDERED A PERMANENT CHANGE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable report on:

S. 862 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas, Leventis, McGill and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-3-630, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PENALTIES FOR INJURING A POLICE DOG OR HORSE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR TORTURING, MUTILATING, INJURING, DISABLING, POISONING, OR KILLING A POLICE DOG OR HORSE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RITCHIE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 881 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary and O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-865 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE FAMILY COURT TO ISSUE A RULE TO SHOW CAUSE UPON THE FILING OF AN AFFIDAVIT THAT A PARENT HAS FAILED TO PAY COURT-ORDERED SUPPORT, OTHER THAN PERIODIC PAYMENT OF FUNDS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CHILD, TO PROVIDE FOR SERVICE BY REGULAR MAIL, TO PROVIDE THAT THE AFFIDAVIT AND CERTAIN OTHER DOCUMENTATION IS PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF NONPAYMENT, SHIFTING THE BURDEN OF PROOF, AND TO PROVIDE A DEFENSE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RITCHIE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 980 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-121, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CREATION, PURPOSE, AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NOTHING PROHIBITS A COUNTY FROM PROVIDING GUARDIAN AD LITEM SERVICES IF THE COUNTY'S PROGRAM IS CERTIFIED BY THE NATIONAL COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE ASSOCIATION AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SUBARTICLE APPLIES TO SUCH PROGRAMS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 20-7-126 AND 20-7-127, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING, RESPECTIVELY, TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS AND IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY, SO AS TO FURTHER SPECIFY THAT THESE PROVISIONS APPLY TO COUNTY GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAMS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-129, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FUNDING PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH FUNDING IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR A COUNTY GUARDAIN AD LITEM PROGRAM.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1006 (Word version) -- Senators Ritchie, McConnell, Setzler, Leventis, Knotts, Lourie, Hutto, Martin, Hayes, Ceips, Reese, Elliott, Hawkins, Fair and Bryant: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 23 OF THE 1976 CODE, BY ADDING SECTION 23-1-235 TO PROVIDE THAT A SPOUSE OR DEPENDENT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY MAY CONTINUE TO RECEIVE HEALTH AND DENTAL BENEFITS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator THOMAS from the Committee on Banking and Insurance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1010 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie, Williams, Leventis, Hutto, Malloy, Ford, Land, Jackson, Reese, Patterson, Matthews and Sheheen: A BILL TO ENACT THE "HEALTH CARE ACCESSIBILITY FOR YOUNG AMERICANS ACT", INCLUDING PROVISIONS, TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-295 SO AS TO PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE UNDER A PARENT'S POLICY FOR CERTAIN MILITARY PERSONNEL ON TERMINATION OF ACTIVE DUTY STATUS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-300 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERMS "DEPENDENT" AND "ELIGIBLE DEPENDENT" FOR HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED IN THIS STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-350, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN UNDER A PARENT'S INDIVIDUAL POLICY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-360, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE FOR NONHANDICAPPED CHILDREN UNDER A PARENT'S INDIVIDUAL POLICY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-780, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE TO HANDICAPPED AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN UNDER A PARENT'S GROUP POLICY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-1330, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING SMALL EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RITCHIE from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1038 (Word version) -- Senator Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-490, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF TERMS IN THE CHILDREN'S CODE, INCLUDING THE DEFINITION OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT INCLUDES KNOWINGLY EXPOSING A CHILD TO CHEMICALS THAT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO INTERFERE WITH NORMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING DURING THE MANUFACTURING OF METHAMPHETAMINE; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-763, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES MUST MAKE REASONABLE EFFORTS TO PRESERVE OR UNIFY THE FAMILY AND EXCEPTIONS TO THIS REQUIREMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE AS AN EXCEPTION THAT THE PARENT HAS KNOWINGLY EXPOSED A CHILD TO CHEMICALS THAT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO INTERFERE WITH NORMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING DURING THE MANUFACTURING OF METHAMPHETAMINE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1572, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE AS A GROUND THAT THE PARENT EXPOSED A CHILD TO CHEMICALS THAT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO INTERFERE WITH NORMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING DURING THE MANUFACTURING OF METHAMPHETAMINE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment 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.

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1076 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Alexander, Peeler, Rankin, Hutto, Martin, Land, Leventis, Hayes, Setzler, Ceips, Ford, Williams and Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 4, TITLE 58, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF, BY ADDING SECTION 58-4-140 SO AS TO CREATE A NON-PROFIT ENTITY NAMED OPERATION EMPOWERED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS TO IMPLEMENT ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION MEASURES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1098 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 25, CHAPTER 6, TITLE 12 OF THE 1976 CODE, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3680, TO PROVIDE A REFUNDABLE TAX CREDIT TO A RECYCLING FACILITY EQUAL TO THE YEARLY AMOUNT EXPENDED BY THE RECYCLING FACILITY FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE MULTIPLIED BY ONE PERCENT IN THE FIRST YEAR THE CREDIT IS CLAIMED, TWO PERCENT IN THE SECOND YEAR, AND INCREASING BY TWO PERCENT IN THE YEARS THEREAFTER UP TO A MAXIMUM OF EIGHT PERCENT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CREDIT SHALL ONLY TAKE EFFECT IF THE ANNUAL FEBRUARY FIFTEENTH FORECAST BY THE BOARD OF ECONOMIC ADVISORS OF ANNUAL GENERAL FUND REVENUE FORECASTS GROWTH THAT EQUALS AT LEAST FIVE PERCENT OF THE MOST RECENT ESTIMATE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1125 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-31-45 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF THE WORDS "NATIVE AMERICAN", "INDIAN TRIBE", "NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN", OR SIMILAR WORDS IN CONNECTION WITH THE NAME OF A PURSUIT UNLESS THE USER IS RECOGNIZED AS A NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBE BY THE STATE COMMISSION FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1140 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Peeler, Rankin, Martin, Leventis, Alexander, Hayes, Hutto, Setzler and Ceips: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 52, TITLE 48, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY, BY ADDING ARTICLE 12 SO AS TO ESTABLISH ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY GOALS FOR STATE GOVERNMENT, TO DIRECT STATE AGENCIES TO PROCURE ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS, AND TO DIRECT EVERY STATE AGENCY HEAD TO REQUIRE THE REPLACEMENT OF ALL INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULBS WITH COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS IN EACH STATE AGENCY BY JULY 1, 2011.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1141 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Rankin, Martin, Leventis, Peeler, Alexander, Hayes, Setzler, Hutto and Ceips: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CALCULATION OF TAX ON MANUFACTURED HOMES, SO AS TO REFINE THE DEFINITION OF A MANUFACTURED HOME THAT IS SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM SALES TAX BECAUSE IT MEETS CERTAIN ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 52, TITLE 48, BY ADDING ARTICLE 10 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT MANUFACTURED HOMES IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1143 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Martin, Alexander, Hayes, Hutto, Ceips, Peeler, Leventis, Rankin and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE SALES TAX, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES OR THE SALES PRICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1158 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Sheheen, Gregory, Short and Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 49-29-230, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATIONS, SO AS TO DESIGNATE A PORTION OF THE CATAWBA RIVER AS A SCENIC RIVER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1172 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts, Ford, Fair, Elliott, Thomas, Short, O'Dell, Reese and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-5-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FILLING OF VACANCIES IN THE OFFICE OF THE CORONER, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THESE VACANCIES SHALL BE FILLED AND FOR THE PERSON WHO SHALL ACT IN THE CORONER'S PLACE IF A VACANCY OR SUSPENSION IN THE OFFICE EXISTS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1210 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 49-29-230(4) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO SCENIC RIVERS, TO EXPAND THE PORTION OF LYNCHES RIVER THAT IS DESIGNATED AS A SCENIC RIVER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1224 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 133, TITLE 59 OF THE 1976 CODE RELATING TO FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO PROVIDE FOR FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1232 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 4, TO CHAPTER 10 OF TITLE 4, ENACTING THE "EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS SALES AND USE TAX ACT" SO AS TO ALLOW A ONE PERCENT LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX TO BE IMPOSED IN A COUNTY FOR NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS UPON REFERENDUM APPROVAL WITH THE REVENUES OF THE TAX USED BY THE COUNTY'S SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO PAY FOR SPECIFIC PUBLIC SCHOOL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COUNTY AND TO PROVIDE A METHOD WHEREBY REVENUE OF THE TAX MAY BE SHARED FOR THE PURPOSES OF SPECIFIC CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ON THE CAMPUSES OF A TECHNICAL COLLEGE OR OTHER STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING LOCATED IN THE COUNTY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFERENDUM REQUIRED FOR THE IMPOSITION OF THE TAX, THE DURATION OF THE TAX, NOT TO EXCEED FIFTEEN YEARS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE TAX AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE REVENUE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1232 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 4, TO CHAPTER 10 OF TITLE 4, ENACTING THE "EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS SALES AND USE TAX ACT" SO AS TO ALLOW A ONE PERCENT LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX TO BE IMPOSED IN A COUNTY FOR NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS UPON REFERENDUM APPROVAL WITH THE REVENUES OF THE TAX USED BY THE COUNTY'S SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO PAY FOR SPECIFIC PUBLIC SCHOOL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COUNTY AND TO PROVIDE A METHOD WHEREBY REVENUE OF THE TAX MAY BE SHARED FOR THE PURPOSES OF SPECIFIC CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ON THE CAMPUSES OF A TECHNICAL COLLEGE OR OTHER STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING LOCATED IN THE COUNTY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFERENDUM REQUIRED FOR THE IMPOSITION OF THE TAX, THE DURATION OF THE TAX, NOT TO EXCEED FIFTEEN YEARS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE TAX AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE REVENUE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1260 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie, Elliott, Short, Reese, Drummond and Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 47-1-145 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PROVISIONS FOR COST OF ANIMAL CARE ACT OF 2008" TO PROVIDE THAT THE CUSTODIAN OF AN ANIMAL TAKEN INTO CUSTODY DUE TO CIVIL OR CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS BY ITS OWNER MAY PETITION THE COURT FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO PROVIDING CARE TO THE ANIMAL; TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR HEARING SUCH PETITIONS AND FOR THE COLLECTION AND USE OF FUNDS ORDERED TO BE PAID; TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO FAILS TO PAY SUCH FUNDS FORFEITS RIGHTS OF OWNERSHIP TO THE ANIMAL AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISPOSITION OF SUCH AN ANIMAL; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RETURN OF FUNDS WHEN A PERSON IS NOT FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1302 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Thomas, Grooms, Cleary, Alexander, Gregory, Scott, Sheheen, Hayes, Williams, Courson, Hutto, Setzler, Cromer, Ceips, McConnell, Campbell, McGill, Land, Lourie, Martin, Drummond, Massey, Anderson, Matthews, Bryant and Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY REPEALING SECTION 48-59-75 RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF FUNDING PROVISIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSERVATION BANK IN FISCAL YEARS WHEN APPROPRIATIONS TO MORE THAN ONE-HALF OF STATE AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS ARE LESS THAN SUCH APPROPRIATIONS IN THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR OR IN A FISCAL YEAR WHEN ACROSS THE BOARD APPROPRIATIONS REDUCTIONS ARE ORDERED BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1303 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Land, Setzler, Campsen, Verdin, Fair, Cromer, Alexander, Williams and Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 56 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES, BY ADDING CHAPTER 35, TO PROVIDE AN OPERATOR OF A COMMERCIAL DIESEL VEHICLE MAY NOT ALLOW A VEHICLE TO IDLE FOR MORE THAN TEN MINUTES IN ANY SIXTY MINUTE PERIOD, TO PROVIDE THAT A PASSENGER BUS MAY IDLE UP TO FIFTEEN MINUTES IN A SIXTY MINUTE PERIOD, TO PROVIDE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING WHEN NON-DRIVER PASSENGERS ARE ON BOARD THE VEHICLE, TO PROVIDE FOR EXCEPTIONS TO THE IDLING RESTRICTIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE USE OF AN AUXILIARY POWER UNIT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE IDLING, TO PROVIDE FOR A DIESEL IDLING REDUCTION FUND, TO PROVIDE FOR AN IDLING REDUCTION AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE FOR PUNISHMENTS FOR VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE CHAPTER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1311 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Anderson, Alexander, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Ceips, Cleary, Courson, Cromer, Drummond, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Gregory, Grooms, Hawkins, Hayes, Hutto, Jackson, Knotts, Land, Leventis, Lourie, Malloy, Martin, Massey, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, O'Dell, Patterson, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Ritchie, Ryberg, Scott, Setzler, Sheheen, Short, Thomas, Vaughn, Verdin and Williams: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH THE PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING EFFECTIVENESS AND FAIRNESS PANEL, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PANEL'S MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE PANEL MUST CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE MANNER IN WHICH THE STATE FUNDS PUBLIC SCHOOLING AND SUBMIT A REPORT OF ITS RECOMMENDED CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION RESULTING FROM THE PANEL'S RECOMMENDATIONS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RYBERG from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3543 (Word version) -- Reps. Funderburk and Mulvaney: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-23-230, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE, RENEWAL, AND REINSTATEMENT OF A LICENSE ISSUED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION BOARD, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE PERIOD IN WHICH A LICENSEE MAY FILE AN APPLICATION TO REINSTATE A LAPSED LICENSE FROM NINETY DAYS TO THREE HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE DAYS, AND TO REQUIRE THAT AN APPLICANT SEEKING REINSTATEMENT OF A LAPSED LICENSE MEET CERTAIN CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RYBERG from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3803 (Word version) -- Reps. Haley and Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-13-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THE PROFESSION OF COSMETOLOGY, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO CERTAIN PRACTICES THAT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF COSMETOLOGY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 4520 (Word version) -- Reps. Cooper, Harrell, Cobb-Hunter, Walker, Perry, Battle, Skelton, Thompson, Alexander, Ballentine, Edge, Harrison, Hayes, Limehouse, J.H. Neal, Ott, Owens, Williams, Spires, Whipper, R. Brown, Hosey, Mitchell and Hodges: A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO ISSUE REVENUE BONDS TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPPING OF A NEW BUSINESS SCHOOL FACILITY AND FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE CLOSE-HIPP BUILDING FOR LEASE AND OCCUPANCY BY AN AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVENUE BONDS SHALL BE SECURED BY AND PAYABLE FROM A PLEDGE OF THE LEASE PAYMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE THE PROCESS BY WHICH THE REVENUE BONDS MAY BE ISSUED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator COURSON from the Committee on Education submitted a majority favorable with amendment and Senator RYBERG a minority unfavorable report on:

H. 4662 (Word version) -- Reps. Walker, Harrell, Whitmire, Toole, Gullick, Spires, Hiott, Bannister, J.R. Smith, Loftis, Ballentine, Pinson, Cotty, Brady, Bedingfield, Hardwick, Edge, Herbkersman, Lowe, Crawford, Limehouse, Hamilton, G.R. Smith, Harrison, Duncan, Bowen, Huggins, Mahaffey, Erickson, Leach, Owens, Frye, Rice, Hutson, Bingham, Haskins, Littlejohn, Cato, Chalk, Clyburn, Cooper, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Gambrell, Kelly, Lucas, Merrill, Moss, Neilson, E.H. Pitts, Sandifer, Scarborough, Shoopman, Skelton, D.C. Smith, G.M. Smith, W.D. Smith, Talley, Taylor, Umphlett, Viers, White, Witherspoon, Young, Barfield, Knight, Miller, Battle, Perry, Bales, Phillips, J.M. Neal, R. Brown and Whipper: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 18, TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH SCHOOLS ARE ASSESSED AND ACCREDITED, TO PROVIDE FOR DESIGNATION TO SIGNIFY VARYING LEVELS OF SCHOOL ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, AND TO REVISE AND FURTHER PROVIDE FOR OTHER RELATED PROVISIONS REGARDING EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 4774 (Word version) -- Reps. Littlejohn, Brantley, Whipper, Anthony, Bales, Bowers, Breeland, Clyburn, Erickson, Hardwick, Herbkersman, Hodges, Hosey, Jefferson, Kelly, Loftis, Lowe, Mack, Mahaffey, Owens, Phillips, Rice, W.D. Smith, Williams and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3750 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A NONREFUNDABLE INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR ANY MEAT PACKER, BUTCHER, OR PROCESSING PLANT LICENSED OR PERMITTED BY THIS STATE OR THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE THAT, DURING THE TAX YEAR FOR WHICH THE CREDIT IS CLAIMED, HAD A VALID CONTRACT WITH A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION TO PROCESS DEER FOR DONATION TO ANY CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION ENGAGED IN DISTRIBUTING FOOD TO THE NEEDY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDIT SHALL BE FIFTY DOLLARS FOR EACH CARCASS PROCESSED AND DONATED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Columbia, S.C., April 23, 2008

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 4680 (Word version) -- Reps. Walker, Anthony, W.D. Smith, Littlejohn, Talley, Kelly, Mahaffey and Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 906 OF 1962, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY COMMISSION FOR TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REPRESENTATION ON THE COMMISSION OF A MEMBER FROM CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE AND A MEMBER FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF UNION COUNTY, TO REDUCE FROM FOUR TO TWO THE AT-LARGE MEMBERS FROM SPARTANBURG COUNTY AND TO PROVIDE TRANSITION PROVISIONS.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Columbia, S.C., April 22, 2008

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 3605 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 62-1-110 SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT IF AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP EXISTS BETWEEN A LAWYER AND A FIDUCIARY, COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE LAWYER AND THE FIDUCIARY ARE PRIVILEGED UNLESS WAIVED BY THE FIDUCIARY.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Columbia, S.C., April 22, 2008

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 3451 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty, Agnew, Anderson, Ballentine, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Breeland, R. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Chellis, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Davenport, Edge, Funderburk, Hagood, Haley, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Herbkersman, Hinson, Hiott, Hosey, Howard, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Limehouse, McLeod, Miller, Moss, J.H. Neal, Neilson, Pinson, E.H. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, Stavrinakis, Talley, Toole, Viers, Weeks, Whipper, Young and Loftis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 6 TO TITLE 30 SO AS TO ENACT THE "UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY RECORDING ACT", PROVIDING FOR THE AUTHORITY OF THE REGISTER OF MESNE CONVEYANCES IN A COUNTY TO RECEIVE AND RECORD DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION IN ELECTRONIC FORM, SETTING FORTH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS IN ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS BY A REGISTER, CHARGING THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING THE ACT AND ADOPTING STANDARDS FOR THE RECEIPT, RECORDING, AND RETRIEVAL OF ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS, AND PROVIDING DEFINITIONS.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Columbia, S.C., April 23, 2008

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it insists upon the amendments proposed by the House to:

S. 799 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-755 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PHYSICIANS, SURGEONS, AND OSTEOPATHS, TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT AURICULAR DETOXIFICATION THERAPY TAKE PLACE UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST.
asks for a Committee of Conference, and has appointed Reps. Parks, Herbkersman and Spires to the committee on the part of the House.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 799 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-755 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PHYSICIANS, SURGEONS, AND OSTEOPATHS, TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT AURICULAR DETOXIFICATION THERAPY TAKE PLACE UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST.

Whereupon, Senators HAYES, LOURIE and BRYANT were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Columbia, S.C., April 22, 2008

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Kirsh, Simrill and Gullick to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

H. 4450 (Word version) -- Rep. Gullick: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 57-23-840 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL MAINTAIN ALL PROPERTY AND VEGETATION UNDER ITS CONTROL AT EXIT 90 ALONG INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 77 IN YORK COUNTY AND ALLOW PERSONS WHO OWN LAND ADJACENT TO THIS PROPERTY TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT IN MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 1285 (Word version) -- Senators Anderson, Fair, Thomas and Vaughn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNIVERSITY RIDGE IN THE CITY OF GREENVILLE FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH CLEVELAND STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH CHURCH STREET "WILFRED J. WALKER STREET" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS STREET THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "WILFRED J. WALKER STREET".

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

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

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

S. 815 (Word version) -- Senators Setzler, Courson, Short, Matthews, Rankin, Hayes, Sheheen, Drummond and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 2 TO CHAPTER 35, TITLE 59 SO AS TO CREATE A FULL-DAY, FOUR-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN, TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT ELIGIBILITY AND PRIORITY FOR ADMISSION, TO PROVIDE DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND OTHER STATE AGENCIES, TO PROVIDE FUNDING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE THAT ENROLLMENT IS A MATTER OF PARENTAL DISCRETION, TO PROVIDE THAT A FEE OR TUITION MAY NOT BE CHARGED, TO PROVIDE A PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAM, AMONG OTHER THINGS; AND TO DESIGNATE SECTION 59-35-10 AS ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 35, TITLE 59 AND ENTITLED "FIVE-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN".

S. 1069 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin, Scott, Elliott, Hawkins, Campbell, Cleary, Land and Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-4160, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY SALES OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND STATEWIDE ELECTION DAY SALES OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION ON THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS ON STATEWIDE ELECTION DAYS.

Senator RITCHIE explained the Bill.

Senator ANDERSON desired to be recorded as voting against the third reading of the Bill.

S. 1104 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 71 OF TITLE 38, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-242, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEFINITION OF THE TERMS "ACTUAL CHARGE" OR "ACTUAL FEE" WHEN USED IN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP SPECIFIED DISEASE INSURANCE POLICIES AND TO REQUIRE THAT NO INSURER OR ISSUER OF ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP SPECIFIED DISEASE INSURANCE POLICY PAY ANY CLAIM OR BENEFITS UNDER THE APPLICABLE POLICY IN AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF ACTUAL CHARGE OR ACTUAL FEE AS DEFINED.

S. 1244 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Gregory, Cromer, Ceips, McConnell, Scott and Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-730, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOURCE OF ASSETS OF THE WILDLIFE ENDOWMENT FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL LIFETIME PRIVILEGE FEES SHALL BE PART OF THE ASSETS OF THE FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-510, RELATING TO HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES AUTHORIZED FOR SALE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A LIFETIME STATEWIDE HUNTING LICENSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT AT DESIGNATED LICENSING LOCATIONS RATHER THAN AT THE DEPARTMENT'S COLUMBIA HEADQUARTERS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-520, RELATING TO LIFETIME COMBINATION LICENSES, SO AS TO REVISE THE TYPE OF LICENSES OFFERED, THE FEES FOR THESE LICENSES, THE LOCATIONS AT WHICH THEY MAY BE OBTAINED, AND THE PROCESS FOR CONVERTING CERTAIN LIFETIME LICENSES INTO SENIOR LIFETIME LICENSES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-540, RELATING TO FISHING LICENSES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT CERTAIN LICENSES ARE FOR RECREATIONAL FRESHWATER FISHING AND TO PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE AND FEE FOR OBTAINING A LIFETIME SALTWATER RECREATIONAL FISHERIES LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-1130, RELATING TO WHEN COMMERCIAL FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSES ARE REQUIRED, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR WHEN THESE LICENSES ARE REQUIRED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-1135, RELATING TO WHEN COMMERCIAL OR RECREATIONAL FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSES ARE REQUIRED WHEN USING CERTAIN DEVICES, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING EACH LICENSE.

Senator CAMPSEN explained the Bill.

S. 1288 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-1920, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SALE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF EXOTIC FARM-RAISED VENISON AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROHIBITIONS OF THIS SECTION DO NOT APPLY TO THE SALE OR PURCHASE OF PROCESSED PET FOODS OR PET TREATS CONTAINING EXOTIC FARM-RAISED VENISON, AND TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN REGISTRATION AND LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF THIS EXCEPTION.

S. 1312 (Word version) -- Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3112, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 11 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Vaughn, Richardson, Mescher and Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1120, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS, TO CLARIFY THAT A PUBLIC OFFICIAL, PUBLIC MEMBER, OR PUBLIC EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO REPORT THE SOURCE OF ANY GIFTS, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION, LODGING, FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT, OR ANYTHING OF VALUE WORTH TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS OR MORE IN A DAY OR WORTH TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS OR MORE IN THE AGGREGATE IN A CALENDAR YEAR; AND TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1302, RELATING TO A CANDIDATE'S MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS OF CONTRIBUTIONS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND EXPENDITURES, TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CANDIDATE MUST MAINTAIN AND PRESERVE AN ACCOUNT OF THE OCCUPATION OF EACH PERSON MAKING A CONTRIBUTION.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.

Senator CLEARY asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take up further amendments pursuant to the provisions of Rule 26B.

There was no objection.

Senator CLEARY proposed the following amendment (JUD0011.007), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, by striking line 38 and inserting:

/   value worth twenty-five dollars or more in a day or worth two hundred       /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 4, by striking SECTION 8, lines 31-41.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CLEARY explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

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

S. 488 (Word version) -- Senators Ryberg and Anderson: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE SHALL FOREGO ANY COMMISSION OR OTHER SOURCE OF REVENUE DERIVED FROM THE PLACEMENT OF PAY TELEPHONES IN INSTITUTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE FOR THE USE OF INMATES AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD SHALL ENSURE THAT THE TELEPHONE RATES CHARGED FOR THE USE OF THESE PAY PHONES REASONABLY REFLECT THIS FOREGONE STATE REVENUE.

Senator FAIR explained the Bill.

S. 997 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie, Leventis, Sheheen, Cleary, Cromer, Setzler, Campbell, Ceips, Massey, Drummond, Matthews and Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 56-1-175 AND 56-1-180, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A CONDITIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE AND SPECIAL RESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2008, A PERSON WHO IS ISSUED ONE OF THESE FORMS OF DRIVER'S LICENSES MUST HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A TEEN DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE THAT IS APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the committee amendment was carried over.

Senator LOURIE moved to waive the provisions of Rule 26B.

The provisions of Rule 26B relative to the voting requirements were waived and amendments could be offered on third reading of S. 997.

H. 4497 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, Umphlett, Lowe, Mitchell, Witherspoon, Dantzler, Duncan, Hodges and M.A. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-1-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF BIRDS, ANIMALS, AND FISH, SO AS TO REMOVE WHITE PERCH FROM THE LIST OF GAME FISH IN THIS STATE.

S. 530 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO ENACT THE PROVISO CODIFICATION ACT OF 2007, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CODIFICATION IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS OF CERTAIN PROVISOS CONTAINED IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, AND TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT EFFECTIVE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 ONLY.

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

Senator LEATHERMAN proposed the following amendment (530R005.HKL), which was adopted:

Amend the committee amendment, as and if amended, by striking all after the amending words and inserting:

/   SECTION   1.   The General Assembly finds that all the provisions contained in this act relate to one subject as required by Article III, Section 17 of the South Carolina Constitution in that each provision relates directly to or in conjunction with other sections to the subject of permanently codifying temporary provisos contained in prior versions of the General Appropriations Act.

The General Assembly further finds that a common purpose or relationship exists among the sections, representing a potential plurality but not disunity of topics, notwithstanding that reasonable minds might differ in identifying more than one topic contained in the act.

SECTION   2.   This act may be cited as the "Budget Proviso Codification Act".

(6.10)A.   Chapter 11, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-11-193.   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in a fiscal year in which the general funds appropriated for an institution of higher education are less than the general funds appropriated for that institution in the preceding fiscal year, or whenever the General Assembly or the Budget and Control Board implements a midyear across-the-board budget reduction, agency heads for institutions of higher education and the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education through policy and procedure for the Technical College System may institute employee furlough programs of not more than twenty working days in the fiscal year in which the deficit is projected to occur. The furlough must be inclusive of all employees regardless of source of funds, place of work, or tenure status, and must include employees in classified positions and unclassified positions as well as agency heads. Scheduling of furlough days, or portions of days, shall be at the discretion of the agency or individual institution. During the furlough, affected employees shall be entitled to receive the same state benefits as otherwise available to them except for receiving their salaries. For benefits which require employer and employee contributions, including but not limited to contributions to the South Carolina Retirement System or the optional retirement program, institutions will be responsible for making both employer and employee contributions during the time of the furlough if coverage would otherwise be interrupted. For benefits which require only employee contributions, the employee remains solely responsible for making the contributions. Placement of an employee on furlough pursuant to this section does not constitute a grievance or appeal under the State Employee Grievance Act. In the event an institution's reduction is due solely to the General Assembly transferring or deleting a program, this section does not apply. The implementation of a furlough program authorized by this section shall be on an institution by institution basis."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(6.14)A.   Section 59-104-20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an appropriately numbered subsection after subsection (G) to read:

"( )   The Commission on Higher Education shall, by regulation, define alternative qualifications for an exceptionally gifted student who is a resident of South Carolina and is accepted into an institution of higher learning without having attended or graduated from high school."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(6.11)A.   Section 59-143-10 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 59-143-10.   (A)   There is hereby established the South Carolina Children's Education Endowment. The revenue received pursuant to Section 48-46-40(E)(3) must be deposited by the State Treasurer in a fund separate and distinct from the state general fund entitled the 'Children's Education Endowment'. All interest or income earned by the fund shall be retained in the fund and used for its stated purposes, which are to provide funding for Public School Facilities Assistance and Higher Education Scholarship Grants. It is the intent of the General Assembly that in creating this endowment that its funds be managed so as to establish and fund these programs permanently.

(B)   Upon receipt of monies transferred to the Children's Education Endowment by the State Treasurer, thirty percent of these monies must be allocated to Higher Education Scholarship Grants and seventy percent must be allocated to Public School Facility Assistance. Earnings on each allocation shall accumulate for the benefit of that particular program. Beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, theThe Comptroller General shall record low-level radioactive waste tax revenues collected from the Barnwell waste facility on the accrual basis; however, no expenditure may be made against these accrued revenues until the related cash is deposited with the State. These revenues must be distributed in the manner prescribed by Section 48-48-140.

(C)   Funds made available for Need-based Grants and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships through the Higher Education Scholarship Grants allocation must be no more than the prior year's earned revenue and must be released for use on July first and January first of each fiscal year. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any unspent balance in the Higher Education Scholarship Grants allocation of the Children's Education Endowment Fund, including interest and low-level radioactive waste tax revenue from previous years' collections, may be made available for Need-based Grants and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships.

(D)   Funds made available from the public school facilities program allocation must be no more than the funds earned and received for that allocation through the most recently completed quarter."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(6.12)   Article 1, Chapter 111, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-111-25.   If a mid-year budget reduction is imposed by the General Assembly or the State Budget and Control Board, the Commission on Higher Education appropriations for the LIFE Scholarship, Need-based Grants, and the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship are exempt."

(6.17)A.   Section 59-112-70 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the governing boards listed in Section 59-112-10A, are authorized to adopt policies for the abatement of any part or all of the out-of-state rates for students who are recipients of scholarship aid.

(B)   State-supported colleges and universities, including the technical colleges, may waive the nonresident portion of tuition and fees for those students who are participating in an international Sister-State agreement program which the Governor and the General Assembly have entered to promote the economic development of South Carolina. The nonresident fee waiver for the students is applicable only for those Sister-State agreements where South Carolina students receive reciprocal consideration. The Commission on Higher Education, through coordination with the State Budget and Control Board, will annually notify institutions of the Sister-State agreements eligible for the nonresident fee waiver. The credit hours generated by these students must be included in the Mission Resource Requirement for funding.

(C)   State-supported colleges and universities that have an established and ongoing relationship in one or more degree programs with an international institution, the terms of which have been formally approved by the institution's board of trustees, and a relationship that includes regular arrangements for the enrollment of qualified students and the exchange of faculty between the institutions, although not necessarily in equal exchange numbers, may waive the nonresident portion of tuition and fees for nonresident students enrolled in the program."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(15.5)   Section 59-112-20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an item at the end to read:

"E.   Independent persons who reside in and are domiciled in Chatham-Effingham and Bryan County Georgia, and their dependents, may be considered eligible for in-state rates for as long as the Georgia Board of Regents offers its Georgia Tuition Program by which it grants in-state tuition to students residing in the Beaufort and Jasper county area."

(18.4)A.   Chapter 112, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-112-120.   The South Carolina Technical Colleges may offer in-state rates to residents of bordering North Carolina and Georgia communities if a reciprocal agreement is in effect with the two-year colleges in these neighboring regions or when students from these out-of-state communities are employed by South Carolina employers who pay South Carolina taxes."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(89.88)     Chapter 112, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-112-130.   A public institution of higher learning with a law school may offer fee waivers to no more than four percent of the law school student body. This waiver does not affect the capacity of the fee waivers for four percent of the undergraduate student body. This waiver must not be applied to fees for out-of-state students."

(7.1)   Chapter 113, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-113-47.   The grant funds appropriated pursuant to this chapter are exempt from mid-year budget reductions."

(17.1)   Section 59-123-115 of the 1976 code is amended to read:

"Section 59-123-115.   (A)   The South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium shall be awarded funding for the Statewide Family Practice Residency System, the Graduate Doctor Education Program, and the Area Health Education Center Program based on the appropriate formula, as approved by the Area Health Education Consortium and the Commission on Higher Education, and the funding methodology shall be applied in a manner consistent with that of other state institutions of higher learning.

(B)   Statewide Family Practice Residency System funds appropriated for faculty salaries, teaching services, and consultant fees may only be expended when these activities are accomplished for educational purposes in the family practice centers; however, the Medical University of South Carolina may expend these funds in hospital-based clinical settings apart from the consortium hospital, when these settings are determined by the president of the Medical University of South Carolina, with approval of the Medical University board, to provide appropriate educational experience and opportunities to the family practice residents. These funds must not be transferred to any other program."

(21.13)     Section 40-43-86(H)(6) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(6)   Substitution may not occur unless the pharmacist advises the patient or the patient's agent that the practitioner has authorized substitution and the patient, or patient's agent, consents. A Medicaid recipient whose prescription is reimbursed by the South Carolina Medicaid Program is deemed to have consented to the substitution of a less costly equivalent drug product."

(21.15)     Chapter 6, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 44-6-725.   Any promissory note received by a Medicaid applicant or recipient or the spouse of a Medicaid applicant or recipient in exchange for assets which if retained by the applicant or recipient or his spouse would cause the applicant or recipient to be ineligible for Medicaid benefits, shall, for Medicaid eligibility purposes, be deemed to be fully negotiable under the laws of this State unless it contains language plainly stating that it is not transferable under any circumstances. A promissory note will be considered valid for Medicaid purposes only if it is actuarially sound, requires monthly installments that fully amortize it over the life of the loan, and is free of any conditional or self-canceling clauses."

(21.30)   Chapter 6 of Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 44-6-920.   (A)   A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is exempt from the provisions of Chapter 43, Title 40 that require:

(1)   all facilities distributing or dispensing prescription drugs to be permitted by the Board of Pharmacy;

(2)   each pharmacy to have a pharmacist-in-charge;

(3)   a pharmacist to be physically present in the pharmacy or health center delivery site in order to serve as the pharmacist-in-charge; and

(4)   a pharmacist to serve as a pharmacist-in-charge for only one pharmacy at a time.

(B)   A FQHC must be recognized as a covered entity under Section 40-43-60(I) allowing licensed practitioners, as defined by Section 40-43-30(45), to dispense drugs or devices that are the lawful property of the practitioner or the corporation.

(C)   A FQHC may transport medications in the same manner as allowed by law for free clinics and private physician practices."

(21.25)A.   Chapter 6, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 44-6-1010.   There is created within the Department of Health and Human Services the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. The committee must consist of fifteen members appointed by the director and serving at the pleasure of the director of the department. The members must include eleven physicians and four pharmacists licensed to practice in South Carolina and actively engaged in providing services to the South Carolina Medicaid population. The physicians may include, but are not limited to, doctors who have experience in treating diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and hemophilia and who practice in internal medicine, primary care, and pediatrics.

Section 44-6-1020.   The committee shall adopt bylaws that include, at a minimum, the length of membership. A chairman and a vice chairman shall be elected on an annual basis from the committee membership. Committee members must not be compensated for service to the committee. However, committee members may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred by discharging committee duties in an amount not to exceed the mileage and subsistence amounts allowed by law for members of boards, commissions, and committees. The committee must meet at least quarterly and may meet at other times in the chairman's or the director's discretion. Committee meetings are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The department shall publish notice of regular business meetings of the committee at least thirty days before the meeting. However, the director or chairman may call special meetings of the committee and provide notice as soon as practical. The committee must provide for public comment, including comment on clinical and patient care data from Medicaid providers, representatives of the pharmaceutical industry, and patient advocacy groups. Proprietary information as defined in the trade secret law shall not be discussed. Trade secrets as defined in Section 30-4-40(a)(1) and relevant federal law must not be publicly disclosed.

Section 44-6-1030.   The committee must recommend to the department therapeutic classes of drugs that should be included on a preferred drug list. For those recommended classes, the committee shall recommend the drug or drugs considered preferred within that class based on safety and efficacy. In determining safety and efficacy, the committee may consider all submitted public comment or clinical information including, but not limited to, scientific evidence, standards of practice, peer-reviewed medical literature, randomized clinical trials, pharmacoeconomic studies, and outcomes research data. The committee also shall recommend prior authorization criteria for non-preferred drugs in the recommended therapeutic classes.

Section 44-6-1040.   Any preferred drug list program implemented by the department must include:

(1)   procedures to ensure that a request for prior authorization that has no material defect or impropriety can be processed within twenty-four hours of receipt;

(2)   procedures to allow the prescribing physician to request and receive notice of any delays or negative decision in regard to a prior authorization;

(3)   procedures to allow the prescribing physician to request and receive a second review of any denial of a prior authorization request; and

(4)   procedures to allow a pharmacist to dispense an emergency, seventy-two hour supply of a drug requiring prior authorization without prior authorization if the pharmacist:

(a)   has made a reasonable attempt to contact the physician and request that the prescribing physician secure prior authorization; and

(b)   reasonably believes that refusing to dispense a seventy-two-hour supply would unduly burden the Medicaid recipient and produce undesirable health consequences.

Section 44-6-1050.   A grant of prior authorization for a drug is specific to the drug, rather than the actual prescription, and extends to all refills allowed pursuant to the original prescription and to subsequent prescriptions for the same drug at the same dosage provided the time allowed by the prior authorization has not expired. A Medicaid recipient who has been denied prior authorization for a prescribed drug is entitled to appeal this decision through the department's appeals process."

B.   This article takes effect on July 1, 2008.

(9.32 of Act 117 of 2007)A.   Section 44-1-215 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 49 of 2007, is reenacted to read:

"Section 44-1-215.   Notwithstanding Section 13-7-85, the Department of Health and Environmental Control may retain all funds generated in excess of those funds remitted to the general fund in fiscal year 2000-2001 from fees listed in Regulation R61-64 Title B."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(22.25)     Section 44-7-570(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   The department shall actively monitor and regulate agreements approved under this article and may request information whenever necessary to ensure that the agreements remain in compliance with the conditions of approval. The department shall charge an annual fee to cover the cost of monitoring and regulating these agreements, including certificates of public advantage. During the time the certificate is in effect, a report on the activities pursuant to the cooperative agreement must be filed with the department every two years so that the department shall determine that the cooperative agreement continues to comply with the terms of the certificate of public advantage. The department may revoke a certificate upon a finding that:

(1)   the agreement is not in substantial compliance with the terms of the application or the conditions of approval; or

(2)   the likely benefits resulting from the certified agreement no longer outweigh any disadvantages attributable to any potential reduction in competition resulting from the agreement; or

(3)   the department's certification was obtained as a result of intentional material misrepresentation to the department or as the result of coercion, threats, or intimidation toward any party to the cooperative agreement."

(22.28)     Chapter 1, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 44-1-300.   The department shall not use any funds appropriated or authorized to the department to enforce Regulation 61-25 to the extent that its enforcement would prohibit a church or charitable organization from preparing and serving food to the public on their own premises at not more than one function a month or not more than twelve functions a year."

(22.41)     Section 44-56-160(G) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(G)   Any interest accruing from the management of the funds held pursuant to this section must be credited to the general fund of the State Hazardous Waste Contingency Fund and is authorized for expenditure by the department to defray costs of governmental response actions at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and for the purpose of response actions incidental to the transportation of hazardous materials, except earnings on the permitted site fund which must be credited to that fund, and earnings on the Pinewood Hazardous Waste Contingency Fund must be credited to that fund."

(22.45)   A.   Section 44-7-2440 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a subsection at the end to read:

"(F)   The department, after consultation with the advisory committee, may phase-in the reporting requirements of this section."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(22.46)   A.   Chapter 56, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 44-56-220.   The department is authorized to assess each company generating hazardous waste a fee based on the amount of hazardous waste generated. A large quantity generator, as determined by Regulation 61-79.262, producing more than one hundred tons of hazardous waste per year shall be assessed an annual base fee of one thousand dollars per facility and a one dollar and fifty cents per ton fee for all hazardous waste the company generates. A large quantity generator producing one hundred tons or less of hazardous waste shall be assessed an annual fee of one thousand dollars. A small quantity generator shall be assessed an annual fee of five hundred dollars. Fees collected pursuant to this section shall not exceed an annual cost of fifteen thousand dollars per generator. Companies subject to fees required by Section 44-56-170(F)(1) are exempt from fees established by this section. The fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the Hazardous Waste Contingency Fund for response actions at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(27.3)A.   Section 43-26-90 of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 205 of 2004, is further amended to read:

"Section 43-26-90.   This chapter does not apply to hospitals, four-year institutions of higher learning and their branches, public elementary and secondary schools, technical education institutions, the South Carolina State Museum, property under the Patriots Point Development Authority jurisdiction, facilities devoted primarily to athletics, or to state, municipal, county, or civic center auditoriums and assembly halls. As many as two coin operated vending machines may be placed in buildings on the public property if the machines are not located in a building where there is a vending facility operated by the commission."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(34.4)A.   Section 46-21-40 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 46-21-40.   For the purpose of providing a fund to defray the expenses of the examinations and analyses prescribed in this chapter, other than Article 11 hereof, each person selling or offering or ordering for sale or distribution in, or for export from, this State any seed mentioned in this chapter, other than Article 11 hereof, shall register his name with the Department of Agriculture and shall pay a license taxfee annually on January first of each year of one dollar when only boxed package vegetable or flower seed are handled and, when other seed with or without boxed package vegetable or flower seed is handled, of two and one-half dollars when the gross business is less than two hundred dollars, five dollars when the gross business is over two hundred dollars but less than five hundred dollars, ten dollars when the gross business is over five hundred dollars but less than one thousand dollars and twenty-five dollars when the gross business is one thousand dollars or more. The department shall charge for these licenses a minimum fee of twenty-five dollars and a maximum fee of one hundred fifty dollars. The department shall institute a graduated fee schedule between these minimum and maximum fees, which must be based on the per year dollar volume of the gross business receipts of the applicant. The department shall retain any revenue collected pursuant to this section to defray the costs of printing, mailing, and inspections and to pay the costs of leasing the Florence Farmer's Market from Clemson University. The commissioner's receipt for such license tax shall beis a license to conduct the business."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(34.5)   A.   Chapter 3, Title 46 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 46-3-270.   The Department of Agriculture may waive the remittance of indirect cost recoveries for the Specialty Crop Grant supported by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Commodity Credit Corporation."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(34.8)   Section 39-9-68 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an unnumbered paragraph at the end to read:

"The Department of Agriculture shall charge a fee of forty-five dollars an hour based on a fee schedule for all calibrations performed for private sector entities by the Metrology Laboratory authorized by subsection (3). Revenues generated by these fees shall be used by the department to offset expenses incurred in operating the Metrology Laboratory."

(34.12)   A.   Chapter 40, Title 46 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 46-40-100.   The department may retain and expend one hundred thousand dollars of the interest from the Grain Handlers Guaranty Fund to cover the costs associated with administering the program."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(37.3)A.   Chapter 9, Title 50 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 50-9-515.   Any member of the armed forces of the United States who is a resident of South Carolina stationed outside of the State, shall upon presentation of his official furlough or leave papers, be allowed to fish and hunt without purchasing a fishing or hunting license."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(37.15)A.     Items (3), (6), (7), (8), and (10) of Section 50-9-510 of the 1976 Code are amended to read:

"(3)   For the privilege of hunting and fishing, including the privilege of hunting big game throughout South Carolina, a resident of the State shall purchase a combination fishing and hunting license for twenty-five dollars, of which two dollars may be retained by the issuing agent."

"(6)   For the privilege of hunting throughout South Carolina July first through June thirtieth, a nonresident shall purchase an annual statewide license for one hundred twenty-five dollars, of which two dollars may be retained by the issuing agent."

"(7)   For the privilege of hunting throughout South Carolina during the regular hunting season for any ten consecutive days, a nonresident shall purchase a ten-day temporary license for fiftyseventy-five dollars, of which two dollars may be retained by the issuing agent."

"(8)   For the privilege of hunting throughout South Carolina during the regular hunting season for any three consecutive days, a nonresident may purchase a statewide three-day temporary license for twenty-fiveforty dollars, of which one dollar may be retained by the issuing agent."

"(10)   For the privilege of hunting big game including deer, bear, and turkey throughout South Carolina, a nonresident shall purchase a big game permit in addition to the required nonresident hunters license for eighty-nineone hundred dollars, of which two dollars may be retained by the issuing agent."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(89.65)   A.   Section 56-3-4510 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-3-4510.   The Department of Motor Vehicles shall issue a special commemorative motor vehicle license plate for use by the owner on his private passenger motor vehicle for the purposes of the "Nongame Wildlife and Natural Areas Fund" provided in Section 12-7-2415. The annual fee for the commemorative license plate is twelve dollars for the first two years and five dollars for each year after that time, and these amounts must be placed in the fund. This annual fee is in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 7 of this title. The commemorative plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates and must be imprinted with the words "South Carolina Protects Endangered Species". The plates must be issued or revalidated for an annual period which expires twelve months from the month they are issued a series of special commemorative motor vehicle license plates for use by the owner on his private passenger motor vehicle for the purposes of the "Non-game Wildlife and Natural Areas Fund" provided in Section 50-1-280. The special fee for the commemorative license plate is thirty dollars and this amount must be placed in the fund. This fee is in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of Title 56. The commemorative plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates and must be imprinted with the words "South Carolina Protects Endangered Species." The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period, which expires twenty-four months from the month they are issued."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(39.4)A.   Chapter 3, Title 51 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 51-3-65.   Notwithstanding Section 51-3-60, the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism must maintain adjustments in the fee structure directed by the 2002 study committee and implemented in September 2003 in order to maintain fiscal soundness and continued maintenance and operations of the State Park System. South Carolina residents who receive discounts pursuant to Section 51-3-60 must not be given discounts of less than thirty-five percent. Members of the South Carolina National Guard must be given the same discounts as residents receiving discounts pursuant to Section 59-3-60."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(45.1)   Article 1, Chapter 7, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-7-160.   A department or agency of state government may not hire a classified or temporary attorney as an employee except upon the written approval of the Attorney General and at compensation approved by him. All of these attorneys at all times are under the supervision and control of the Attorney General except as otherwise provided by law unless prior approval by the State Budget and Control Board is obtained. This section does not apply to an attorney hired by the General Assembly or the Judicial department.

(45.2)   Article 1, Chapter 7, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-7-170.   A department or agency of state government may not engage on a fee basis an attorney at law except upon the written approval of the Attorney General and upon a fee as must be approved by him. This section does not apply to the employment of attorneys in special cases in inferior courts when the fee to be paid does not exceed two hundred fifty dollars or exceptions approved by the State Budget and Control Board. This section does not apply to an attorney hired by the General Assembly or the Judicial department."

(45.3)   Chapter 7, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-7-85.   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General's Office may obtain reimbursement for its costs in representing the State in criminal proceedings and in representing the State and its officers and agencies in civil and administrative proceedings. These costs may include, but are not limited to, attorney fees or investigative costs or costs of litigation awarded by court order or settlement, travel expenditures, depositions, printing, transcripts, and personnel costs. Reimbursement of these costs may be obtained by the Attorney General's Office from the budget of an agency or officer that it is representing or from funds generally appropriated for legal expenses, with the approval of the Budget and Control Board."

(45.5)   Chapter 1, Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-217   The State, or a person or entity acting on behalf of the State, is not required to pay filing fees as provided in this chapter or as otherwise provided by law in proceedings brought pursuant to Chapter 48 of Title 44, the Sexually Violent Predator Act."

(46.6)   Sections 17-22-10 through 17-22-170 of the 1976 Code are designated as Article 1, Chapter 22 of Title 17 entitled "Pretrial Intervention Program".

(46.6)   Chapter 22 of Title 17 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 17-22-310.   (A)   A circuit solicitor may establish, under his direction and control and with the agreement of the county governing body, a Worthless Check Unit for the purpose of processing worthless checks and to assist the victims of these cases in the collection of restitution. The fee schedule is:

(1)   fifty dollars for checks up to five hundred dollars;

(2)   one hundred dollars for checks five hundred one dollars to one thousand dollars; and

(3)   one hundred fifty dollars for checks one thousand one dollars or greater.

(B)   An amount equal to the allowable administrative costs contained in Section 34-11-70(c) must be added to the fee. All fees collected by the Worthless Check Unit in accordance with the fee schedule promulgated pursuant to this section must be deposited into a fund known as the Worthless Check Fund maintained by the county treasurers of the counties comprising the circuit , other than court costs and an amount equal to the allowable administrative costs contained in Section 34-11-70(c) which must be remitted to the treasurer for deposit in the county general fund. All funds collected and deposited into this fund must be applied first to defray the costs of operating the Worthless Check Unit with the balance to be used by the solicitor to pay the normal operating expenses of his office. Withdrawals from this account may be made only at the request of the solicitor. The funds generated pursuant to this section may not be used to reduce the amount budgeted by the county to the solicitor's office. The solicitor shall maintain an account for the purpose of collecting and disbursing restitution funds collected for the benefit of victims worthless checks. The Worthless Check Unit shall disburse to the victim all restitution collected as a result of the original complaint filed. If the victim cannot be located after a reasonable time and diligent efforts the restitution due the victim must be transferred to the general fund of the county."

(46.7)A.   Chapter 1, Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-213.   (A)   In addition to all other assessments and surcharges required to be imposed by law, a one-hundred-dollar surcharge is also levied on all fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed in general sessions court or in magistrates or municipal court for misdemeanor or felony drug offenses. No portion of the surcharge may be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)   The revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A) must be retained by the jurisdiction that heard or processed the case and paid to the state treasurer within thirty days of receipt. The state treasurer shall transmit these funds to the Prosecution Coordination Commission which shall then apportion these funds among the sixteen judicial circuits on a per capita basis equal to the population in that circuit compared to the population of the State as a whole based on the most recent official United States census. The funds must be used for drug treatment court programs only.

(C)   It is the intent of the General Assembly that the amounts generated by this section are in addition to any amounts presently being provided for drug treatment court programs and may not be used to supplant funding already allocated for these services.

(D)   The state treasurer may request the state auditor to examine the financial records of a jurisdiction which he believes is not timely transmitting the funds required to be paid to the state treasurer pursuant to subsection (B). The state auditor is further authorized to conduct these examinations and the local jurisdiction is required to participate in and cooperate fully with the examination."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(49.2, 49.3, and 49.17)A.   Section 23-6-50 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-6-50.   The director shall annually cause the department to be audited. The audit must be conducted by a certified public accountant or firm of certified public accountants to be selected by the State Auditor. The designated accountant or firm of accountants shall issue audited financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and such financial statements shall be made available annually by October fifteenth to the General Assembly. The department may undergo an Agreed Upon Procedures audit in lieu of audited financial statements. The audit shall be in coordination with the State Auditor's Office and will be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and must comprise all financial records and controls. The audit must be completed by November 1 following the close of the fiscal year. The costs and expenses of the audit must be paid by the department out of its funds.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all revenue generated by the department from the sale of vehicles, various equipment, less the cost of disposition incurred by the Budget and Control Board Division of Operations, gasoline and insurance claims, during the prior fiscal year may be retained and carried forward into the current fiscal year and expended for the purpose of purchasing like items. Any unexpended balance on June 30 of the prior fiscal year authorized to be expended or used for any federal grant program may be retained and carried forward to the current fiscal year and used for matching committed or unanticipated grant funds, or both. The Department of Motor Vehicles is authorized to carry forward and expend all motor carrier registration fees collected pursuant to Chapter 23 of Title 58 for fiscal years 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1998-1999 into fiscal year 1999-2000.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, revenue received from the sale of publications, postal reimbursement, photo copying, electronic data from traffic collisions, sale of miscellaneous refuse and recyclable materials, insurance claim receipts, coin operated telephones, and revenue from building management services, and the Department of Public Safety training series shall be retained by the department and expended in budgeted operations for professional training, fees and dues, clothing allowance, and other related services or programs as the Director of the Department of Public Safety may deem necessary.

In order to complete projects begun in a prior fiscal year, the department is authorized to expend federal and earmarked funds in the following fiscal year for expenditures incurred in the prior fiscal year."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(49.5, 49.6, 49.7, 49.8, and 49.10)   Chapter 6, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-6-185.   Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, enforcement by the State Transport Police Division, of Articles 3 and 5, of Chapter 23 of Title 58, shall be funded from the motor carrier registration fees collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles that previously were collected by the Public Service Commission and the Department of Public Safety. Additionally, the State Transport Police is authorized to expend the motor carrier registration fees to build or renovate weigh stations. All unexpended funds from prior years collected pursuant to this section may be retained and carried forward by the department for the same purposes.

Section 23-6-187.   The department may charge a witness fee of one hundred thirty dollars per hour, up to one thousand dollars per day for each trooper trained in Advanced Accident Investigation testifying in civil matters which do not involve the State as a party in interest. The fee shall be charged in addition to any court prescribed payment due as compensation or reimbursement for judicial appearances and deposited into a designated revenue account. The department is authorized to receive, expend, retain, and carry forward these funds.

Section 23-6-191.   The Department may pay the cost of physical examinations for department personnel who are required to receive physical examinations prior to or after receiving a law enforcement commission.

Section 23-6-193.   The department may collect, expend, retain, and carry forward all funds received from other state or federal agencies as reimbursement for expenditures incurred when personnel and equipment are mobilized and expenses incurred due to an emergency.

Section 23-6-195.   The department may provide meals to employees of the department who are not permitted to leave assigned duty stations and are required to work during deployment, emergency simulation exercises, and when the Governor declares a state of emergency."

(49.14)   A.   Section 12-6-1140(6) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(6)   a subsistence allowance of five eight dollars a day for federal, state, and local law enforcement officers paid by a political subdivision of this State, the government of this State, or the federal government, for each regular work day in a taxable year and full-time firefighters and emergency medical service personnel may deduct as a subsistence allowance five eight dollars a day for each regular work day in a taxable year;"

B.   Section 56-19-420(B)(1) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(1)   the first one million dollars must be allocated to the Department of Education and used to support adult education programs credited to the general fund of the State to offset a portion of state individual income tax revenue not collected pursuant to the subsistence allowance allowed pursuant to Section 12-6-1140(6); and"

C.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(49.16)   A.   Chapter 6, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-6-190.   All monies collected in the Department of Public Safety Building Fund, as established in Section 56-3-840 that exceed the annual bond payment and the amount needed for building repair must be utilized by the department to support the Highway Patrol."

B.   Section 56-3-840 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-3-840.   The owner of every vehicle required to be registered and licensed under the provisions of this chapter who fails to register and license the vehicle and pay the specified fees or renewal, when and as required, upon registering the vehicle shall pay to the Department of Motor Vehicles a delinquency penalty fee of ten dollars, if the owner is delinquent less than fifteen days. If the owner is delinquent by fifteen days but less than thirty days, he shall pay a delinquency penalty of twenty-five dollars. If the owner is delinquent by more than thirty days but less than ninety days, he shall pay a delinquency penalty fee of fifty dollars to the department. If the owner is delinquent by more than ninety days, he shall pay a delinquency penalty fee of seventy-five dollars to the department. However, there is no delinquency penalty fee for campers and travel trailers subject to the registration fee under Section 56-3-720.

A person who drives, moves, or operates on a highway a vehicle for which a registration and license are required but have not been obtained within thirty days of the date when required is guilty of a misdemeanor.

All monies collected pursuant to this section, not to exceed the actual revenues collected in fiscal year 1999-2000, must be annually deposited to a separate account and held in reserve for the Department of Public Safety. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, these monies must be deposited to the credit of the department into a special fund in the office of the State Treasurer designated as the "Department of Public Safety Building Fund". The Department of Public Safety must use these monies and other unobligated monies for the purpose of issuing revenue bonds or for entering into a lease purchase agreement for a headquarters facility, including the renovation of existing facilities. All monies credited to the fund that exceed the funds necessary for the purposes authorized in this section must be used for other capital projects throughout the state. The Department of Public Safety is authorized to initiate and direct a capital project to purchase or construct a new headquarters facility. Projects funded under this section other than for the construction or purchase of a new headquarters facility, including but not limited to, the expansion or renovation of an existing facility, must be approved by a joint resolution provided that if the Department of Public Safety employs a lease purchase agreement to build or purchase a new headquarters facility, the lease purchase agreement must be approved by the Budget and Control Board. The cost of a headquarters facility must not exceed thirty million dollars unless a parking facility or garage is required."

(66.6)A.   Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-1-550.   The Department of Motor Vehicles may collect a fee not to exceed twenty dollars per document to expedite a request for copies of documents and records it maintains. This fee is in addition to the normal fees associated with the request. Expedited requests must be available within seventy-two hours of receipt of the request and standard requests within thirty days. Nothing in this section may be construed as circumventing the requirements of Section 30-4-30 of the Freedom of Information Act. The funds collected pursuant to this section must be placed into a special restricted account by the Comptroller General to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray expenses."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(66.7 and 66.14)   Section 56-3-1290 of the 1976 code is amended to read:

"Section 56-3-1290.   The Department of Motor Vehicles, upon application and the payment of a fee of three ten dollars, shall transfer the license plate previously assigned to an owner or lessee for one vehicle to another vehicle of the same general type owned or leased by the same person without a paid tax receipt for the vehicle. However, subsequent transfers of a license plate to the same vehicle may not be processed without a paid tax receipt based upon the value of the vehicle to which the plate is being transferred. Three dollars of the fees Fees paid pursuant to this section must be deposited in the state general fund, and the remaining seven dollars must be placed into a special restricted account by the Comptroller General to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray its expenses."

(66.8)   Section 56-3-620 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding at the end:

"(F)   Annual license plate validation stickers which are issued for nonpermanent license plates on certified South Carolina public law enforcement vehicles must be issued without charge."

(66.11)     Section 56-1-2080(A)(1) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(1)   A person may not be issued a commercial driver's license unless that person is a resident of this State and has passed a knowledge and skills test for driving a commercial motor vehicle which complies with the minimum federal standards established by 49 CFR Part 383, subparts F, G, and H, and has satisfied all other requirements of the CMVSA as well as any other requirements imposed by state law or federal regulation. The tests must be prescribed and conducted by the department. The first commercial driver's license skills test administered by the department to an individual is free of charge, thereafter the Department of Motor Vehicles is authorized to charge a fee of twenty-five dollars for each subsequent commercial driver's license skills test administered to that individual. State agency and school district employees who are required to possess a commercial driver's license in the course of their normal job duties are exempt from this requirement. This fee must be placed into a special restricted account by the Comptroller General to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray its expenses."

(66.16)     Section 56-1-200 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 176 of 2005, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-1-200.   If a driver's license is lost or destroyed, the person to whom the license was issued, upon payment of a fee of threeten dollars, may obtain a duplicate or substitution of it upon furnishing proof satisfactory to the Department of Motor Vehicles that the license has been lost or destroyed.

The feesThree dollars of the revenue from each fee collected pursuant to this section must be credited to the Department of Transportation State Non-Federal Aid Highway Fund as provided in the following schedule based on the actual date of receipt by the Department of Motor Vehicles:

Fees and Penalties General Fund Department of

Collected After   of the State   Transportation

            State Non-Federal Aid

            Highway Fund

June 30, 2005 60 percent 40 percent

June 30, 2006 20 percent 80 percent

June 30, 2007 0 percent 100 percent.

The balance of the revenue from each fee must be deposited into a special earmarked account by the State Treasurer for the use of the Department of Motor Vehicles."

(51.2 and 51.9)   Chapter 1, Title 24 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 24-1-252.   Notwithstanding another provision of law, the Department of Corrections shall retain proceeds from the sale of surplus products produced by its farm program. These funds may be used to:

(1)   offset the operating costs of the farm program;

(2)   expand and modernize the farm program; and

(3)   support a project or service to benefit the general welfare of the prison population."

(51.13).   Section 24-3-920 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 24-3-920.   The Director of the Department of Corrections shall offer a reward of one hundred dollars may award up to two thousand dollars for information leading to the capture of each escaped convict. Funds to support such awards shall be generated from monies or things of value used as money found in the unlawful possession of a prisoner and confiscated as contraband by the Department of Corrections."

(51.14 and 51.17)   Section 24-1-250 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 24-1-250.   (A)   The State Department of Corrections is hereby authorized to sell mature trees and other timber suitable for commercial purposes from lands owned by the department. However, the proceeds derived from these sales shall not exceed fifty thousand dollars in any one year. Prior to such sales, the director shall consult with the State Forester to determine the economic and environmental feasibility of and obtain approval for such sales. Funds derived from timber sales shall be utilized by the Department of Corrections to maintain and expand the agricultural program subject to the approval of the Budget and Control Board or at the discretion of the director, for projects or services benefiting the general welfare of the inmate population.

(B)   The Department of Corrections is hereby authorized to sell horticultural products suitable for commercial purposes that are grown or produced through the department's horticulture program. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the proceeds from the sale of horticultural products by the Department of Corrections shall be retained by the agency to fund services benefiting the general welfare of all inmates."

(51.18)     Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 24 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 24-3-45.   (A)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of money generated by inmates engaged in work at paid employment in the community, the director of the Department of Corrections shall deduct the following from the gross wages of the prisoner:

(1)   ten percent must be placed on deposit with the State Treasurer for credit to a special account to support victim assistance programs established pursuant to the 'Victims of Crime Act of 1984', Public Law 98-473, Title II, Chapter XIV, Section 1404; and

(2)   ten percent must be retained by the department to support services provided by the department to victims of the incarcerated population.

At the close of the fiscal year, any excess funds not expended by the department to support victim services reverts to the victim assistance programs account as described in item (1) of this section and as mandated pursuant to Section 24-3-40(A)(2). By September first each year, the department shall provide an accounting to the Senate Finance Committee and Ways and Means Committee describing the expenditure of the retained funds and the services that were provided.

(B)   The deductions provided pursuant to subsection (A) of this section apply only if restitution to a particular victim or victims has not been ordered by the court or if court-ordered restitution to a particular victim or victims has been satisfied. Otherwise restitution must be satisfied before deductions are made pursuant to subsection (A) of this section."

(51.21)     Section 24-1-110 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 24-1-110.   (A)   The duty of the director shall extend to the employment and discharge of such persons as may be necessary for the efficient conduct of the prison system.

(B)   In order to positively impact the retention of qualified correctional officers, and notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Director of the Department of Corrections is authorized to expend nonappropriated funds for the purpose of providing certain services to correctional officers at no cost or at a reduced cost. These services may include, but are not limited to, haircuts, cleaning of agency uniforms, and other services that relate directly to job requirements for correctional officers. These services may be provided by inmates incarcerated within the department. The price for the services, if any, shall be determined by the Director of the Department of Corrections. Any funds generated by these activities may be retained by the department and applied to costs associated with the operation of correctional officer retention incentives."

(52.3)   Section 24-21-480(4) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(4)   payment of six dollars and fifty cents per daya daily fee for housing and food. This fee may be set by the department with the approval of the State Budget and Control Board. The fee must be based on the offender's ability to pay not to exceed the actual costs. This payment is in lieu of supervision fees while in the restitution center. This fee must be deposited by the department with the State Treasurer for credit to the same account as funds collected under Sections 14-1-210 through 14-1-230;"

(52.5 and 52.8)   Article 1, Chapter 21, Title 24 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 24-21-87.   (A)   The department may charge offenders a fee based on the number of miles and length of time required to perform an extradition. The fee must be used to offset the cost of extradition. All unexpended revenues of this fee at year end must be retained and carried forward by the department and expended for the same purpose.

(B)   The department may charge a fee to offenders required to have maintenance polygraphs. This fee may not exceed the actual cost of the maintenance polygraph. All unexpended revenues of this fee at year end must be retained and carried forward by the department and expended for the same purpose."

(52.6)   Section 24-21-960(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   Each pardon application must be accompanied with a pardon application fee of fiftyone hundred dollars. The pardon application fee must be retained and applied by the department towards the pardon process."

(64.4)   Section 37-16-30 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 37-16-30.   Before any sales or solicitation activity commences, a person seeking to be involved in direct selling or direct in-person or electronic solicitation of the general public or segments of the general public, on behalf of a prepaid legal services company, must be appointed a representative of that prepaid legal services company by filing with the department, on a form prescribed by the department, the appointee's name, address, and telephone number. The appointment must be renewed each year no later than October first. The department may collect a fee of twentyforty dollars with each initial or renewal filing and may use the proceeds to offset the costs of administering and enforcing this chapter. Appointment may be refused or revoked upon a finding that a prospective representative or representative has been convicted of a crime of deceit or dishonesty within the previous ten years."

(64.5)   Section 37-2-305(8) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(8)   Every creditor shall file at least one maximum rate schedule and pay at least one twentyforty-dollar filing fee during each state fiscal year disclosing that creditor's existing maximum rates plus an additional forty dollars for each additional location. This filing and fee required of each creditor is due annually before the thirty-first day of January of each year. If this filing does not change any maximum rates previously filed, the creditor is not required to alter posted maximum rates. If any creditor has not filed a maximum rate schedule with the Department of Consumer Affairs by the thirty-first day of January of the year in which it is due, then on this date the filing is no longer effective and the maximum credit service charge that the creditor may impose on any credit extended after that date may not exceed eighteen percent a year until such time as the creditor files a revised maximum rate schedule that complies with this section. The Department of Consumer Affairs shall retain thirty dollars of each fee to offset the cost of administering and enforcing this chapter and Chapter 3 of this title. This revenue may be applied to the cost of operations and any unexpended balance carries forward to succeeding fiscal years and must be used for the same purposes."

(64.5)   Section 37-3-305(8) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(8)   Every creditor shall file at least one maximum rate schedule and pay at least one twentyforty-dollar filing fee during each state fiscal year disclosing that creditor's existing maximum rates plus an additional forty dollars for each additional location. This filing and fee required of each creditor is due annually before the thirty-first day of January of each year. If this filing does not change any maximum rates previously filed, the creditor is not required to alter posted maximum rates. If any creditor has not filed a maximum rate schedule with the Department of Consumer Affairs by the thirty-first day of January of the year in which it is due, then on this date the filing is no longer effective and the maximum credit service charge that the creditor may impose on any credit extended after that date may not exceed eighteen percent a year until such time as the creditor files a revised maximum rate schedule that complies with this section. The Department of Consumer Affairs shall retain thirty dollars of each fee to offset the cost of administering and enforcing this chapter and Chapter 2 of this title. This revenue may be applied to the cost of operations and any unexpended balance carries forward to succeeding fiscal years and must be used for the same purposes."

(64.5).   Section 37-6-203 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 37-6-203.   A person required to file notification shall pay on or before January thirty-first of each year to the administrator an annual fee of ninetyone hundred twenty dollars for that year, for each address in this State listed in the notification; provided, that the. The fee for any one person must be not less than ninetyone hundred twenty dollars; provided, further, that a. A person who does not extend credit pursuant to written contracts and a person whose annual gross volume of business does not exceed one hundred fifty thousand dollars is exempt from any fee and from the notification requirements of Section 37-6-202. A person engaged in making consumer credit sales or consumer leases who is also engaged in making consumer rental-purchase agreements is only required to pay one ninetyone hundred twenty dollar fee for each location. The Department of Consumer Affairs shall retain thirty dollars of each fee to offset the cost of administration and enforcement of this chapter."

(65.6)A.   Chapter 7, Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 40-7-285.   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 40-7-280 or any other provision of law, a person licensed as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist pursuant to Chapter 13 of this title may practice, within the scope authorized by the person's license, in a barbershop registered in accordance with this chapter."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(65.8)   Chapter 10, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-10-20.   The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is authorized to purchase and issue clothing to the staff of the State Fire Academy."

(71.3)   Article 5, Chapter 23, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-23-670.   Each request for a contested case hearing, notice of appeal, or request for injunctive relief before the Administrative Law Court must be accompanied by a filing fee equal to that charged in circuit court for filing a summons and complaint, unless another filing fee schedule is established by rules promulgated by the Administrative Law Court, subject to review as in the manner of rules of procedure promulgated by the Supreme Court pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of this State. This fee must be retained by the Administrative Law Court in order to help defray the costs of the proceedings. No filing fee is required in administrative appeals by inmates from final decisions of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. However, if an inmate files three administrative appeals during a calendar year, then each subsequent filing during that year must be accompanied by a twenty-five dollar filing fee. If the presiding administrative law judge determines at the conclusion of the proceeding that the case was frivolous or taken solely for the purpose of delay, the judge may impose such sanctions as the circumstances of the case and discouragement of like conduct in the future may require."

(71.4)   Article 5, Chapter 23, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-23-680.   The South Carolina Administrative Law Court is not required to reimburse the South Carolina Legislative Council for the cost of the Code of Laws, code supplements, or code replacement volumes distributed to the court."

(48.3)   Section 23-3-115 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-3-115.   (A)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the The State Law Enforcement Division shall charge a fee not to exceed eight dollars and collect a fee of twenty-five dollars for a each criminal record search conducted pursuant to this article and related regulations contained in Subarticle 1, Article 3, Chapter 73 of the Code of Regulations., if the criminal record search is conducted for a charitable organization or for the use of a charitable organization. The division shall develop forms on which a charitable organization shall certify that the criminal record search is conducted for the use and benefit of the charitable organization. For purposes of this section, the phrase "charitable organization" shall mean: All revenue generated up to an amount of four million four hundred sixty-one thousand dollars collected from the criminal record search fee must be deposited to the general fund of the State; any revenue generated above this amount shall be collected, retained, expended, and carried forward by the State Law Enforcement Division for agency operations. The sale or dissemination of the criminal history record database maintained by the State Law Enforcement Division is prohibited. The individual sale of individual criminal history records by the State Law Enforcement Division is not affected. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, criminal history record information, including arrest history, may be disseminated in accordance with regulations regardless of whether a corresponding judicial finding or disposition is part of the record.

(B)   The fee allowed in subsection (A) is fixed at eight dollars if the criminal record search is conducted for a charitable organization, a bona fide mentor, or for the use of a charitable organization. The division shall develop forms on which a mentor or charitable organization shall certify that the criminal record search is conducted for the use and benefit of the charitable organization or mentor. For purposes of this subsection, the phrase "charitable organization" means:

(1)   an organization which has been determined to be exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

(2)   a bona fide church, including an institution such as a synagogue or mosque; or

(3)   an organization which has filed a statement of registration or exemption under the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, Chapter 56, Title 33; or

(4)   local recreation commission volunteers."

(48.4)   Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-3-55   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all revenue generated by the State Law Enforcement Division from the sale of vehicles, various equipment, and gasoline, and insurance claims during the prior fiscal year may be retained, carried forward, and expended for the purpose of purchasing like items."

(48.10)     Section 23-31-216 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-31-216.   The State Law Enforcement Division shall collect, retain, expend, and carry forward all fees associated with the concealable weapon application, renewal, and replacement of the permit, as provided for in pursuant to this article."

(80A.11)   Article 1, Chapter 11, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-11-495.   (A)   The State Budget and Control Board is directed to survey the progress of the collection of revenue and the expenditure of funds by all agencies, departments, and institutions. If the board determines that a year-end aggregate deficit may occur by virtue of a projected shortfall in anticipated revenues, it shall utilize those funds as may be available and required to be used to avoid a year-end deficit and after that take action as necessary to restrict the rate of expenditure of all agencies, departments, and institutions consistent with the provisions of this section. No agencies, departments, institutions, activity, program, item, special appropriation, or allocation for which the General Assembly has provided funding in any part of this section may be discontinued, deleted, or deferred by the board. A reduction of rate of expenditure by the board, under authority of this section, must be applied as uniformly as may be practicable, except that no reduction must be applied to funds encumbered by a written contract with the agency, department, or institution not connected with state government. This reduction must not be ordered by the board while the General Assembly is in session without first reporting such necessity to the General Assembly and the General Assembly takes no action to prevent the reduction within five statewide session days of formal written notification.

(B)   As far as practicable, all agencies, departments, and institutions of the State are directed to budget and allocate appropriations as a quarterly allocation so as to provide for operation on uniform standards throughout the fiscal year and in order to avoid an operating deficit for the fiscal year. It is recognized that academic year calendars of state institutions affect the uniformity of the receipt and distribution of funds during the years. The Comptroller General or the Office of State Budget shall make reports to the board as they consider advisable on an agency, department, or institution that is expending authorized appropriations at a rate which predicts or projects a general fund deficit for the agency, department, or institution. The board is directed to require the agency, department, or institution to file a quarterly allocations plan and is further authorized to restrict the rate of expenditures of the agency, department, or institution if the board determines that a deficit may occur. It is the responsibility of the agency, department, or institution to develop a plan, in consultation with the board, which eliminates or reduces a deficit. If the board makes a finding that the cause of or likelihood of a deficit is unavoidable due to factors which are outside the control of the agency, department, or institution, then the board may determine that the recognition of the agency, department, or institution is appropriate and shall notify the General Assembly of this action or the presiding officer of the House and Senate if the General Assembly is not in session.

(C)   Upon receipt of the notification from the board, the General Assembly may authorize supplemental appropriations from any surplus revenues that existed at the close of the previous fiscal year. If the General Assembly fails to take action, then the finding of the board shall stand, and the actual deficit at the close of the fiscal year must be reduced as necessary from surplus revenues or surplus funds available at the close of the fiscal year in which the deficit occurs and from funds available in the Capital Reserve Fund and General Reserve Fund, as required by the Constitution of this State. If the board finds that the cause of or likelihood of a deficit is the result of the agency, department, or institution management, then the state officials responsible for management of the agency, department, or institution involved must be held liable for it and the board shall notify the Agency Head Salary Commission of this finding. In the case of a finding that a projected deficit is the result of the management of the agency, department, or institution, the board shall take steps immediately to curtail agency, department, or institution expenditures so as to bring expenditures in line with authorized appropriations and avoid a year-end operating deficit."

(80A.14)A.   Section 8-11-165 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 8-11-165.   It is the intent of the General Assembly that a salary and fringe benefit survey for agency heads must be conducted by the Office of Human Resources of the Budget and Control Board every three years. The staff of the office shall serve as the support staff to the Agency Head Salary Commission.

No employee of agencies reviewed by the Agency Head Salary Commission may receive a salary in excess of ninety-five percent of the midpoint of the agency head salary range or the agency head actual salary, whichever is greater, except on approval of the Budget and Control Board, and except for employees of higher education technical colleges, colleges, and universities.

No president of a Technical College may receive a salary in excess of ninety-five percent of the midpoint of the agency head salary range or the agency head actual salary, whichever is greater, except on approval of the Agency Head Salary Commission and the Budget and Control Board.

The Agency Head Salary Commission may recommend to the Budget and Control Board that agency head salaries be adjusted to the minimum of their salary ranges and may recommend to the Board that agency head salaries be adjusted when necessary up to the midpoints of their respective salary ranges. These increases must be based on criteria developed and approved by the Agency Head Salary Commission.

All new members appointed to a governing board of an agency where the performance of the agency head is reviewed and ranked by the Agency Head Salary Commission shall attend the training in agency head performance appraisal provided by the Commission within the first year of their appointment unless specifically excused by the chairman of the Agency Head Salary Commission."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(80A.28)   Section 8-7-90 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 8-7-90.   All officers and employees of this State or a political subdivision of this State who are either enlisted or commissioned members of the South Carolina National Guard, the United States Army Reserve, the United States Air Force Reserve, the United States Naval Reserve, the United States Marine Corps Reserve, or the United States Coast Guard Reserve are entitled to leaves of absence from their respective duties without loss of pay, time, or efficiency rating for one or more periods not exceeding an aggregate of fifteen regularly scheduled work days in any one year during which they may engage in training or any other duties ordered by the Governor, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of the Navy, the Department of the Treasury, or any other department or agency of the government of the United States having authority to issue lawful orders requiring military service. Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays may not be included in the fifteen-day aggregate unless the particular Saturday, Sunday, or holiday to be included is a regularly scheduled work day for the officer or employee involved. In the event any such person is called upon to serve during an emergency he is entitled to such leave of absence for not exceeding thirty additional days.

A state employee in a full time position who serves on active duty in a combat zone and who has exhausted all available leave for military purposes is entitled to receive up to thirty additional days of military leave in any one year.

As used in this section, "in any one year" means either a calendar year or, in the case of members required to perform active duty for training or other duties within or on a fiscal year basis, the fiscal year of the National Guard or reserve component issuing the orders.

The provisions of this section must be construed liberally to encourage and allow full participation in all aspects of the National Guard and reserve programs of the armed forces of the United States and to allow state officers and employees who are enlisted or commissioned members of the National Guard or reserve components to excel in military and emergency preparedness and service by taking full advantage of all career-enhancing assignments and training opportunities."

(89.16)   A.   Chapter 1, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-1-155.   Notwithstanding another provision of law, if a vacancy occurs in a state agency, other than an institution of higher learning, or if an agency acts to fill a new position, the agency shall give preference to a resident of this State, if the applicants are equally qualified for the vacancy or new position."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(89.51)     Article 1, Chapter 11, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-11-497.   If the State Budget and Control Board or the General Assembly mandates an across-the-board reduction, state agencies are encouraged to reduce general operating expenses including, but not limited to, travel, training, procurement, hiring of temporary and contractual employees before reductions are made to programs, special line items, or local provider services critical to an agency's mission."

(89.61)     Chapter 1, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 1-1-1610.   An administrative state agency performing administrative hearings within this State may make use of existing video conferencing capabilities. There must be evidence that a cost savings will be recognized by using video conferencing, as opposed to holding an administrative hearing where all parties must be in attendance at one particular location. A report of video conferencing activities and any related cost savings must be submitted annually, before January fifteenth, to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee."

(89.62)     Section 8-21-320 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an unnumbered paragraph at the end to read:

"The revenue collected pursuant to this section shall be distributed by the State Treasurer in the following manner:

(1)   The first four hundred fifty thousand dollars of these funds must be transferred to the Prosecution Coordination Commission. The funds shall be distributed equally to the third, fourth, and eleventh judicial circuits to fund drug courts.

(2)   Any remaining funds must be transferred to the Judicial Department for operating purposes."

(89.96)     Chapter 17, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-17-370.   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, employees of an Executive Department of this State, except for the Department of Transportation, enumerated in Section 1-30-10(A) with a governing board who are unclassified, whose employment or compensation are decided by the governing board subject to specified approvals provided by law, and whose appointment or employment is subject to Senate confirmation may not be reassigned, terminated, or have their compensation reduced, except by majority vote of the governing board and approval by the Senate upon advice and consent prior to the action being taken or an interim appointment being made."

(89.77)     Article 5, Chapter 11, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-11-725.   The State Budget and Control Board's experience rating of all local disabilities and special needs providers pursuant to Section 1-11-720(A)(3) must be rated as a single group when rating all optional groups participating in the state employee health insurance program."

(81.3, 4, 7, and 8)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-388.   (A)   The Department of Revenue may charge participants a fee to cover the cost of education and training programs. The revenue generated may be applied to the cost of the related operation, and any unexpended balance may be carried forward to succeeding fiscal years and used for the same purposes.

(B)   The Department of Revenue may charge participants in taxpayer education and information programs required pursuant to Section 12-58-40 a fee to recover the related direct costs. The revenue of this fee may be applied to these costs, and any unexpended balance may be carried forward to succeeding fiscal years and used for the same purposes.

(C)   The Department of Revenue may impose a sixty-dollar fee for the issuance of each certificate of compliance and a thirty-five dollar fee for each informal nonbinding letter concerning eligibility for infrastructure credits against the license tax. The revenue of these fees must be retained and expended for use in budgeted operations of the department.

(D)   The Department of Revenue may impose a forty-five dollar fee for entering into installment agreements for the payment of tax liabilities to defray administrative expenses. The revenue of this fee must be retained and expended for use in budgeted operations of the department.

(81.5)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-377.   The Department of Revenue shall maintain adequate records accounting for the receipt of funds from the sale of confiscated alcoholic beverages. The revenue from the sale must be deposited to the credit of the general fund of the State after deducting the costs of confiscation and sale."

(81.6)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-379.   The Department of Revenue may incur and pay the expense of the fee required pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 6402(e)(6), as required for the Federal Refund Offset Program. This fee must be paid upon certification of the department by drawing upon funds from the same tax type setoff."

(81.9)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-393.   The Department of Revenue may contract with private entities to establish data mining and data warehousing capabilities within the department to enhance compliance and collections. These contractual arrangements may include payment from the increased revenue generated by the resulting enhanced capabilities. The department is allowed reimbursement of costs associated with administration of this section from the data warehouse generated collections and this amount may be retained and expended for budgeted operations of the department."

(81.10)A.     Section 61-6-2010 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 386 of 2006, is further amended by adding a new subsection at the end to read:

"(F)   Temporary permits issued by the Department of Revenue pursuant to this section may be issued in all parts of a municipality if any part of the municipality is located in a county where the issuance of these permits is allowed."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(81.11)     Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-375.   The Department of Revenue may retain and expend in budgeted operations the first one hundred fifty thousand dollars in each fiscal year from its bankruptcy operations to defray its administrative costs, including staff. The remaining revenue collected by the department from this source must be remitted to the general fund of the State."

(81.12)     Article 29, Chapter 6, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-6-3930.   No interest, penalties, or other sanctions may be imposed on the active duty income of members of the National Guard and Reserves activated as a result of the conflict in Iraq and the war on terrorism with regard to underpayment of state estimated individual income tax payments of the active duty income if the federal government is unable to withhold state income taxes due on such pay."

(81.13)     Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-387.   The Department of Revenue shall use available personnel to conduct audits involving all taxes to promote voluntary compliance and to collect revenues for the general fund of the State and designated accounts."

(82.1)   Article 1, Chapter 13, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-13-120.   The State Ethics Commission may charge a ten dollar fee to partially offset the cost of providing ethics education and training programs, to include costs associated with travel, including, but not limited to, mileage, lodging, and meals, as well as, costs associated with handouts and other training materials."

(82.2)   Article 1, Chapter 13, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-13-130.   The State Ethics Commission may levy an enforcement or administrative fee on a person who is found in violation, or who admits to a violation, of the 'Ethics, Government Accountability and Campaign Reform Act of 1991'. The fee must be used to reimburse the commission for costs associated with the investigation and hearing of a violation. The costs associated include:

(1)   the investigator's time;

(2)   mileage, meals, and lodging;

(3)   the prosecutor's time;

(4)   the hearing panel's travel, per diem, and meals;

(5)   administrative time;

(6)   subpoena costs to include witness fees and mileage; and

(7)   miscellaneous costs such as postage and supplies.

This fee is in addition to any fines as otherwise provided by law."

(82.3)   Article 1, Chapter 13, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-13-140.   The State Ethics Commission is authorized to retain any funds derived from additional assessments associated with late filing fees to offset the costs of administering and enforcing the 'Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act of 1991'. The commission is authorized to carry forward unexpended funds into the current fiscal year for the same purpose."

(82.4)   Article 1, Chapter 13, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-13-150.   The State Ethics Commission is authorized to carry forward unexpended lobbyists and lobbyist's principals registration fees into the current fiscal year and to use these funds for the same purpose."

(89.73)     Article 3, Chapter 3, Title 22 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 22-3-330.   An assessment equal to twenty-five dollars is imposed on all summons and complaint filings in magistrates court and an assessment equal to ten dollars is imposed on all other civil filings in magistrates court, except for restraining orders. The fees must be collected by the magistrates court and forwarded monthly to the county treasurer and remitted in turn by the county treasurer to the State Treasurer for allocation to the judicial department."

(90.3)   Section 14-1-204 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 329 of 2002, is further amended to read:

"Section 14-1-204.   (A)   The one-hundred dollar filing fee for documents and actions described in Section 8-21-310(11)(a) must be remitted to the county in which the proceeding is instituted, and fifty-six percent of these filing fee revenues must be delivered to the county treasurer to be remitted monthly by the fifteenth day of each month to the State Treasurer. When a payment is made to the county in installments, the state's portion must be remitted to the State Treasurer by the county treasurer on a monthly basis.

The fifty-six percent of the one-hundred-dollar fee prescribed in Section 8-21-310(11)(a) remitted to the State Treasurer must be deposited as follows:

(1)   31.52 percent to the state general fund;

(2)   7.23 percent to the Department of Mental Health to be used exclusively for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts within the department's addiction center facilities;

(3)   4.47 percent to the State Office of Victim Assistance under the South Carolina Victim's Compensation Fund; and

(4)   26.78 percent to the Defense of Indigents Per Capita Fund, administered by the Commission on Indigent Defense, which shall then distribute these funds on December thirty-first and on June thirtieth of each year to South Carolina organizations that are grantees of the Legal Services Corporation, in amounts proportionate to each recipient's share of the state's poverty population; and

(5)   30.00 percent to the South Carolina Judicial Department.

(B)(1)   There is added to the fee imposed pursuant to Section 8-21-310(11)(a) an additional fee equal to fifty dollars. The revenue from this additional fee must be remitted to the State Treasurer on the schedule provided in subsection (A) of this section for the state portion of the fee. The revenues from this additional fee must be allocated in each fiscal year to the following agencies in the amounts specified:

(a)   Judicial Department - 67.96 percent;

(b)   Commission on Indigent Defense, Defense of Indigents per capita - 14.56 percent;

(c)   Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services - 11.30 percent;

(d)   Prosecution Coordination Commission - 4.37 percent; and

(e)   Commission on Indigent Defense, Division of Appellate Defense - 1.81 percent.

(2)   Fee revenues allocated pursuant to this subsection are to be retained, expended, and carried forward by the agencies specified."

(89.72)     Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-210.   (A)   Based upon a random selection process, the State Auditor shall periodically examine the books, accounts, receipts, disbursements, vouchers, and any records considered necessary of the county treasurers, municipal treasurers, county clerks of court, magistrates, and municipal courts to report whether or not the assessments, surcharges, fees, fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed or mandated, or both, by law in family court, circuit court, magistrates court, and municipal court are properly collected and remitted to the State. In addition, these audits shall determine if the proper amount of funds have been reported, retained, and allocated for victim services in accordance with the law. These audits must be performed in accordance with standard auditing practices to include the right to respond to findings before the publishing of the audit report. The State Auditor shall submit a copy of the completed audit report to the Chairmen of the House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Finance Committee, House Judiciary Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Governor. If the State Auditor finds that a jurisdiction has over remitted the State's portion of the funds collected by the jurisdiction or over reported or over retained crime victim funds, the State Auditor shall notify the State Treasurer to make the appropriate adjustment to that jurisdiction. If the State Auditor finds that a jurisdiction has under remitted, incorrectly reported, incorrectly retained, or incorrectly allocated the State or victim services portion of the funds collected by the jurisdiction, the State Auditor shall determine where the error was made. If the error is determined to have been made by the county or municipal treasurer's office, the State Auditor shall notify the State Office of Victim Assistance for the crime victim portion and the chief administrator of the county or municipality of the findings and, if full payment has not been made by the county or municipality within ninety days of the audit notification, the State Treasurer shall adjust the jurisdiction's State Aid to Subdivisions Act funding in an amount equal to the amount determined by the State Auditor to be the State's portion; or equal to the amount incorrectly reported, retained, or allocated pursuant to Sections 14-1-206, 14-1-207, 14-1-208, and 14-1-211.

If an error is determined to have been made at the magistrate, municipal, family, or circuit courts, the State Auditor shall notify the responsible office, their supervising authority, and the chief justice of the State. If full payment has not been made by the court within ninety days of the audit notification, the chief magistrate or municipal court or clerk of court shall remit an amount equal to the amount determined by the State Auditor to be the State's portion or the crime victim fund portion within ninety days of the audit notification.

(B)   The State Auditor shall conduct these examinations and the local authority is required to participate in and cooperate fully with the examination. The State Auditor may subcontract with independent auditors on audits required pursuant to subsection (A) of this section. The State Auditor shall create an audit team to perform these audits. The State Treasurer shall transfer, in each fiscal year, the first $10,900 received from the General Sessions Court pursuant to Section 14-1-206, the first $136,600 received from the Magistrates Court pursuant to Section 14-1-207, and the first $102,500 received from the Municipal Court pursuant to Section 14-1-208 for a total of $250,000 to the State Auditor's Office to fund these audits as required pursuant to subsection (A) of this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a state agency or local governmental entity receiving assessments, surcharges, fees, fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed or mandated, or both, by law in family court, circuit court, magistrates court and municipal court may use any of its funds to assist the State Auditor's Office in funding these audits.

(C)   Each municipality shall submit a copy of its annual audit report as provided pursuant to Section 5-7-240 without charge to both the State Treasurer's Office and the State Auditor's Office within thirty days of the report being made public. If a municipality fails to provide the copy of the annual audit within the time provided, the State Treasurer's Office may withhold the municipality's State Aid to Subdivisions Act distribution until the annual audit report is properly filed.

(D)   The State Treasurer's Office and South Carolina Court Administration shall make available annually training on the collection and distribution of assessments, surcharges, fees, fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed or mandated, or both, by law in family court, circuit court, magistrates court and municipal court for the counties, municipalities, and court employees.

(E)   The State Treasurer shall transfer, in each fiscal year, $2,000 received from the General Sessions Court pursuant to Section 14-1-206, $5,000 received from magistrates court pursuant to Section 14-1-207, and $3,000 received from municipal courts pursuant to Section 14-1-208 for a total of $10,000 to fund annual training on the collection and distribution of assessments, surcharges, fees, fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed or mandated, or both, by law in family court, circuit court, magistrates court, and municipal court for the counties, municipalities, and court employees. The State Treasurer's Office and South Carolina Court Administration are responsible for the annual training prescribed by this section."

(47.11, 49.20, and 76.5)   Subsections (A), (B), and (C) of Section 14-1-206 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 107 of 2001, are further amended to read:

"(A)   Beginning January 1, 1995, and continuously after that date, a A person who is convicted of, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or forfeits bond for an offense occurring after June 30, 2008, tried in general sessions court must pay an amount equal to one hundred107.5 percent of the fine imposed as an assessment. This assessment must be paid to the clerk of court in the county in which the criminal judgment is rendered for remittance to the State Treasurer by the county treasurer. The assessment is based upon that portion of the fine that is not suspended and assessments must not be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)   The county treasurer must remit thirty-eight35.35 percent of the revenue generated by the assessment imposed in subsection (A) to the county to be used for the purposes set forth in subsection (D) and remit the balance of the assessment revenue to the State Treasurer on a monthly basis by the fifteenth day of each month and make reports on a form and in a manner prescribed by the State Treasurer. Assessments paid in installments must be remitted as received.

(C)   TheAfter deducting amounts provided pursuant to Section 14-1-210, the State Treasurer shall deposit the balance of assessments received as follows:

(1)   47.17 42.08 percent for programs established pursuant to Chapter 21 of Title 24 and the Shock Incarceration Program as provided in Article 13, Chapter 13 of Title 24;

(2)   16.52 14.74 percent to the Department of Public Safety program of Law Enforcement Training Council for training in the fields of law enforcement and criminal justice;

(3)   .5 .45 percent to the Department of Public Safety to defray the cost of erecting and maintaining the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. When funds collected pursuant to this item exceed the necessary costs and expenses of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame operation and maintenance as determined by the Department of Public Safety, the department may retain, carry-forward, and expend the surplus for to defray the costs of maintaining and operating the Hall of Fame use in its law enforcement training programs;

(4)   16.21 14.46 percent to the Office of Indigent Defense for the defense of indigents;

(5)   13.26 11.83 percent for the State Office of Victim Assistance;

(6)   5.34 15.39 percent to the general fund;

(7)   1.0 .89 percent to the Attorney General's Office for a fund to provide support for counties involved in complex criminal litigation. For the purposes of this item, 'complex criminal litigation' means criminal cases in which the State is seeking the death penalty and has served notice as required by law upon the defendant's counsel, and the county involved has expended more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars for a particular case in direct support of operating the court of general sessions and for prosecution related expenses. The Attorney General shall develop guidelines for determining what expenses are reimbursable from the fund and shall approve all disbursements from the fund. Funds must be paid to a county for all expenditures authorized for reimbursement under this item except for the first one hundred thousand dollars the county expended in satisfying the requirements for reimbursement from the fund; however, money disbursed from this fund must be disbursed on a 'first received, first paid' basis. When revenue in the fund reaches five hundred thousand dollars, all revenue in excess of five hundred thousand dollars must be credited to the general fund of the State. Unexpended revenue in the fund at the end of the fiscal year carries over and may be expended in the next fiscal year; and

(8)   .16 percent to the State Treasurer's Office to defray the administrative expenses associated with collecting and distributing the revenue of these assessments."

(47.11, 49.20, and 76.5)   Subsections (A), (B), and (C) of Section 14-1-207 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 107 of 2001, are further amended to read:

"(A)   Beginning January 1, 1995, and continuously after that date, a A person who is convicted of, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or forfeits bond for an offense occurring after June 30, 2008, tried in magistrate's court must pay an amount equal to 100107.5 percent of the fine imposed as an assessment. This assessment must be paid to the magistrate and deposited as required by Section 22-1-70 in the county in which the criminal judgment is rendered for remittance to the State Treasurer by the county treasurer. The assessment is based upon that portion of the fine that is not suspended and assessments must not be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)   The county treasurer must remit 1211.16 percent of the revenue generated by the assessment imposed in subsection (A) to the county to be used for the purposes set forth in subsection (D) and remit the balance of the assessment revenue to the State Treasurer on a monthly basis by the fifteenth day of each month and make reports on a form and in a manner prescribed by the State Treasurer. Assessments paid in installments must be remitted as received.

(C)   The After deducting amounts provided pursuant to Section 14-1-210, the State Treasurer shall deposit the balance of the assessments received as follows:

(1)   35.12 32.36 percent for programs established pursuant to Chapter 21 of Title 24 and the Shock Incarceration Program as provided in Article 13, Chapter 13 of Title 24;

(2)   22.49 20.72 percent to the Department of Public Safety program of Law Enforcement Training Council for training in the fields of law enforcement and criminal justice;

(3)   .65 .60 percent to the Department of Public Safety to defray the cost of erecting and maintaining the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. When funds collected pursuant to this item exceed the necessary costs and expenses of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame operation and maintenance as determined by the Department of Public Safety, the department may retain, carry-forward, and expend the surplus for to defray the costs of maintaining and operating the Hall of Fame use in its law enforcement training programs;

(4)   20.42 18.82 percent for the State Office of Victim Assistance;

(5)   8.94 15.93 percent to the general fund;

(6)   11.38 10.49 percent to the Office of Indigent Defense for the defense of indigents;

(7)   1.0 .92 percent to the Attorney General's Office for a fund to provide support for counties involved in complex criminal litigation. For the purposes of this item, 'complex criminal litigation' means criminal cases in which the State is seeking the death penalty and has served notice as required by law upon the defendant's counsel and the county involved has expended more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars for a particular case in direct support of operating the court of general sessions and for prosecution related expenses. The Attorney General shall develop guidelines for determining what expenses are reimbursable from the fund and shall approve all disbursements from the fund. Funds must be paid to a county for all expenditures authorized for reimbursement under this item except for the first one hundred thousand dollars the county expended in satisfying the requirements for reimbursement from the fund; however, money disbursed from this fund must be disbursed on a 'first received, first paid' basis. When revenue in the fund reaches five hundred thousand dollars, all revenue in excess of five hundred thousand dollars must be credited to the general fund of the State. Unexpended revenue in the fund at the end of the fiscal year carries over and may be expended in the next fiscal year; and

(8)   .16 percent to the State Treasurer's Office to defray the administrative expenses associated with collecting and distributing the revenue of these assessments."

(47.11, 49.20, and 76.5)   Subsections (A), (B), and (C) of Section 14-1-208 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 107 of 2001, are further amended to read:

"(A)   Beginning October 1, 2000, and continuously after that date, a A person who is convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or forfeits bond for an offense occurring after June 30, 2008, tried in municipal court must pay an amount equal to 100107.5 percent of the fine imposed as an assessment. This assessment must be paid to the municipal clerk of court and deposited with the city treasurer for remittance to the State Treasurer. The assessment is based upon that portion of the fine that is not suspended, and assessments must not be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)   The city treasurer must remit 1211.16 percent of the revenue generated by the assessment imposed in subsection (A) to the municipality to be used for the purposes set forth in subsection (D) and remit the balance of the assessment revenue to the State Treasurer on a monthly basis by the fifteenth day of each month and make reports on a form and in a manner prescribed by the State Treasurer. Assessments paid in installments must be remitted as received.

(C)   TheAfter deducting amounts provided pursuant to Section 14-1-210, the State Treasurer shall deposit the balance of the assessments received as follows:

(1)   15.24 14.04 percent for programs established pursuant to Chapter 21 of Title 24 and the Shock Incarceration Program as provided in Article 13, Chapter 13 of Title 24;

(2)   15.07 13.89 percent to the Department of Public Safety program of Law Enforcement Training Council for training in the fields of law enforcement and criminal justice;

(3)   .39 .36 percent to the Department of Public Safety to defray the cost of erecting and maintaining the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. When funds collected pursuant to this item exceed the necessary costs and expenses of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame operation and maintenance as determined by the Department of Public Safety, the department may retain, carry-forward, and expend the surplus for the purpose of defraying the costs of maintaining and operating the Hall of Fame use in its law enforcement training programs;

(4)   11.26 10.38 percent for the State Office of Victim Assistance;

(5)   4.11 11.53 percent to the general fund;

(6)   11.46 10.56 percent to the Office of Indigent Defense for the defense of indigents;

(7)   .97 .89 percent to the Department of Mental Health to be used exclusively for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts within the department's addiction center facilities;

(8)   .59 .54 percent to the Attorney General's Office for a fund to provide support for counties involved in complex criminal litigation. For the purposes of this item, 'complex criminal litigation' means criminal cases in which the State is seeking the death penalty and has served notice as required by law upon the defendant's counsel and the county involved has expended more than one hundred thousand dollars for a particular case in direct support of operating the court of general sessions and for prosecution-related expenses. The Attorney General shall develop guidelines for determining what expenses are reimbursable from the fund and shall approve all disbursements from the fund. Funds must be paid to a county for all expenditures authorized for reimbursement under this item except for the first one hundred thousand dollars the county expended in satisfying the requirements for reimbursement from the fund; however, money disbursed from this fund must be disbursed on a 'first received, first paid' basis. When revenue in the fund reaches five hundred thousand dollars, all revenue in excess of five hundred thousand dollars must be credited to the general fund of the State. Unexpended revenue in the fund at the end of the fiscal year carries over and may be expended in the next fiscal year;

(9)(a)   11.36 9.16 percent to the Department of Public Safety for the programs established pursuant to Section 56-5-2953(E); and

(b)   1.31 percent to SLED for the programs established pursuant to Section 56-5-2953(E);

(10)   14.77 13.61 percent to the Governor's Task Force on Litter and in the expenditure of these funds, the provisions of Chapter 35 of Title 11 do not apply;

(11)   14.77 13.61 percent to the Department of Juvenile Justice. The Department of Juvenile Justice must apply the funds generated by this item to offset the nonstate share of allowable costs of operating juvenile detention centers so that per diem costs charged to local governments utilizing the juvenile detention centers do not exceed twenty-five dollars a day. Notwithstanding this provision of law, the director of the department may waive, reduce, defer, or reimburse the charges paid by local governments for juvenile detention placements. The department may apply the remainder of the funds generated by this item, if any, to operational or capital expenses associated with regional evaluation centers; and

(12)   .12 percent to the State Treasurer's Office to defray the administrative expenses associated with the collecting and distributing the revenue of these assessments."

(47.11, 49.20, and 76.5)   Chapter 1, Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-218.   From the deposits made pursuant to Section 14-1-206(C)(6), Section 14-1-207(C)(5), and Section 14-1-208(C)(5), three million two hundred thousand dollars shall be allocated to the following agencies for support of the programs specified:

(1)   five hundred thousand dollars to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the Juvenile Arbitration Program;

(2)   four hundred fifty thousand dollars to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the Marine Institutes;

(3)   five hundred thousand dollars to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the regional status offender programs; and

(4)   one million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars to the Office of Indigent Defense."

(47.9)   Chapter 3, Title 17 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 17-3-55.   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission on Indigent Defense is authorized to carry-forward unpaid obligations incurred and received for payment in one fiscal year and to pay, to the extent possible, these obligations from funds appropriated in the next year's budget."

(47.12)     Chapter 3, Title 17 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 17-3-45.   (A)   A person to whom counsel has been provided in any court in this State shall execute an affidavit that the person is financially unable to employ counsel and that affidavit shall set forth all of the person's assets. If it appears that the person has some assets but they are insufficient to employ private counsel, the court, in its discretion, may order the person to pay these assets or a portion thereof to the Office of Indigent Defense.

(B)   A forty dollar application fee for appointed counsel services must be collected from every person who executes an affidavit that they are financially unable to employ counsel. The person may apply to the court, the clerk of court, or other appropriate official for a waiver or reduction in the application fee. If it is determined that the person is unable to pay the application fee, the fee may be waived or reduced, provided that if the fee is waived or reduced, the clerk or appropriate official shall report the amount waived or reduced to the trial judge and the trial judge shall order the remainder of the fee paid during probation if the person is granted probation or by a time payment method if probation is not granted or appropriate. The clerk of court or other appropriate official shall collect the application fee imposed by this section and remit the proceeds to the Public Defender Application Fund on a monthly basis. The monies must be deposited in an interest-bearing account separate from the general fund and used only to provide for indigent defense services. The monies shall be administered by the Office of Indigent Defense. The clerk of court or other appropriate official shall maintain a record of all persons applying for representation and the disposition of the application and shall provide this information to the Office of Indigent Defense on a monthly basis as well as reporting the amount of funds collected or waived.

(C)   In matters in which a juvenile is brought before a court, the parents or legal guardian of such juvenile shall execute the above affidavit based upon their financial status and shall be responsible for paying any fee. In juvenile matters, the parents or legal guardians of the juvenile, must be advised in writing of this requirement at the earliest stage of the proceedings against the juvenile.

(D)   Nothing contained in this section restricts or hinders a court from appointing counsel in any emergency proceedings or where there is not sufficient time for an individual to complete the application process.

(E)   The appointment of counsel creates a claim against the assets and estate of the person who is provided counsel or the parents or legal guardians of a juvenile in an amount equal to the costs of representation as determined by a voucher submitted by the appointed counsel and approved by the court, less that amount that the person pays either to the appointed counsel or defender corporation of the county or counties where he is represented or to the Office of Indigent Defense. The claim shall be filed in the office of the clerk of court in the county where the person is assigned counsel, but the filing of a claim shall not constitute a lien against real or personal property of the person unless, in the discretion of the court, part or all of such claim is reduced to judgment by appropriate order of the court, after serving the person with at least thirty days' notice that judgment will be entered. When a claim is reduced to judgment, it shall have the same effect as judgments, except as modified by this chapter.

(F)   The court may, in its discretion, order any claim or judgment waived, modified or withdrawn."

(26.4)   Chapter 1, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 43-1-710.   The names of persons benefiting from assistance payments under the Department of Social Services programs must be available to other state agencies if not in conflict with federal regulations."

(26.5)   Chapter 1, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 43-1-715.   No county shall supplement the salary of any Department of Social Services employee."

(26.8)   Chapter 1, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 43-1-720.   The Department of Social Services shall establish and collect accounts receivable in accordance with appropriate and applicable federal regulations."

(26.14)A.     Chapter 7, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 20-7-1641.   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 20-7-1640, the department is authorized to pay from funds appropriated for foster care the costs of Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint reviews for foster care families recruited, selected, and licensed by the department."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(73.1)A.   Section 8-11-260 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an item at the end to read:

"(k)   staff of the Lieutenant Governor's Office who report directly to the Lieutenant Governor."

B.   Section 8-17-370 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a new item at the end to read:

"(19)   employees of the Lieutenant Governor's Office if the employees report directly to the Lieutenant Governor or report directly to a person who reports directly to the Lieutenant Governor."

(73.2)   A.   Chapter 21, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

Section 43-21-10.   There is created in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Division on Aging. The division must be supported by an Advisory Council on Aging consisting of one member from each of the ten planning and service areas under the Division on Aging and five members from the State at large. The director of the division shall provide statewide notice that nominations may be submitted to the director from which the Lieutenant Governor shall appoint the members of the council, upon the advice and consent of the Senate. The members must be citizens of the State who have an interest in and a knowledge of the problems of an aging population. In making appointments to the council, consideration must be given to assure that the council is composed of appointees who are diverse in age, who are able and disabled, and who are active leaders in organizations and institutions that represent different concerns of older citizens and their families. The chair must be elected by the members of the advisory council from its members for a term of two years and until a successor is elected. Members of the council shall serve without compensation but shall receive mileage and subsistence authorized by law for members of boards, commissions, and committees. The advisory council shall meet at least once each quarter and special meetings may be called at the discretion of the director of the division. Rules and procedures must be adopted by the council for the governance of its operations and activities.

Section 43-21-20.   The members of the advisory council shall serve for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. The terms of the members expire on June thirtieth and all vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term only. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.

The Lieutenant Governor may terminate a member of the council for any reason pursuant to the provisions of Section 1-3-240, and the reason for the termination must be communicated to each member of the council.

Section 43-21-30. Repealed by 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1617(A), eff July 1, 1993.

Section 43-21-40.   The division shall be the designated state agency to implement and administer all programs of the federal government relating to the aging, requiring acts within the State which are not the specific responsibility of another state agency under the provisions of federal or state law. The division may accept and disburse any funds available or which might become available pursuant to the purposes of this chapter.

The division shall study, investigate, plan, promote, and execute a program to meet the present and future needs of aging citizens of the State, and it shall receive the cooperation of other state departments and agencies in carrying out a coordinated program.

It shall also be the duty of the division to encourage and assist in the development of programs for the aging in the counties and municipalities of this State. It shall consult and cooperate with public and voluntary groups, with county and municipal officers and agencies, and with any federal or state agency or officer for the purpose of promoting cooperation between state and local plans and programs, and between state and interstate plans and programs for the aging.

Without limiting the foregoing, the division is specifically authorized to:

(a)   Initiate requests for the investigation of potential resources and problems of the aging people of the State, encourage research programs, initiate pilot projects to demonstrate new services, and promote the training of personnel for work in the field of aging.

(b)   Promote community education in the problems of older people through institutes, publications, radio, television, and the press.

(c)   Cooperate with, encourage, and assist local groups, both public and voluntary, which are concerned with the problems of the aging.

(d)   Encourage the cooperation of agencies in dealing with problems of the aging and offer assistance to voluntary groups in the fulfillment of their responsibility for the aging.

(e)   Serve as a clearinghouse for information in the field of aging.

(f)   Appoint such committees as it deems necessary for carrying out the purposes of this chapter, such committee members to serve without compensation.

(g)   Engage in any other activity deemed necessary by the division to promote the health and well-being of the aging citizen of this State, not inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter or the public policies of the State;

(h)   Certify homemakers and home health aides pursuant to the Federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 and subsequent amendments to that act and through regulations promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act establish and collect fees for the administration of this certification program. Fees collected must be placed on deposit with the State Treasurer. Accounting records must be maintained in accordance with the Comptroller General's policies and procedures. Unused fees may be carried forward to the next fiscal year for the same purpose;

(i)   award grants and contracts to public and private organizations for the purpose of planning, coordinating, administering, developing, and delivering aging programs and services;

(j)   designate area agencies on aging as required by the Older Americans Act;

(k)   administer the Senior Citizens Center Permanent Improvement Fund established pursuant to Section 12-21-3441 and community services programs in accordance with Section 12-21-3590.

Section 43-21-45.   The Lieutenant Governor's Office, Division on Aging, shall designate area agencies on aging and area agencies on aging shall designate focal points. Focal points shall provide leadership on aging issues in their respective communities and shall carry out a comprehensive service system for older adults or shall coordinate with a comprehensive service system in providing services for older adults. The area agencies on aging represent the regional level of the state aging network and the focal points represent the local level of the state aging network.

Section 43-21-50.   The division may receive on behalf of the State any grant or grant-in-aid from government sources, or any grant, gift, bequest, or devise from any other source. Title to all funds and other property received pursuant to this section shall vest in the State unless otherwise specified by the grantor.

Section 43-21-60.   The division shall submit an annual report to the Lieutenant Governor and to the General Assembly on or before January first of each year. The report shall deal with the present and future needs of the elderly and with the work of the division during the year.

Section 43-21-70.   The Lieutenant Governor may employ a director to be the administrative officer of the division who shall serve at his pleasure and who is subject to removal pursuant to the provisions of Section 1-3-240.

Section 43-21-80.   The director shall appoint any other personnel and consultants considered necessary for the efficient performance of the duties prescribed by this chapter and shall fix the compensation herefore in accordance with the Human Resource Management Division of the State Budget and Control Board and Merit System requirements.

Section 43-21-100.   The division shall prepare the budget for its operation which must be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor and to the General Assembly for approval.

Section 43-21-110.   The General Assembly shall provide an annual appropriation to carry out the work of the Commission.

Section 43-21-120.   There is created the Coordinating Council to the Division on Aging to work with the division on the coordination of programs related to the field of aging, and to advise and make pertinent recommendations, composed of the following: the Director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the State Director of Social Services, the Director of the Department of Mental Health, the Superintendent of Education, the Director of the State Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, the Executive Director of the South Carolina State Employment Security Commission, the Secretary of Commerce, the Commissioner of the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Director of the Clemson University Extension Service, the Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, the Director of the South Carolina Retirement System, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Municipal Association, the Executive Director of the State Office of Economic Opportunity, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of Counties, the Commissioner of the Commission for the Blind, the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, and the Chairperson of the Commission on Women.

The council shall meet at least once each six months and special meetings may be called at the discretion of the chairman or upon request of a majority of the members.

The chairman of the advisory commission and the director of the Division on Aging, who shall serve as secretary to the council, shall attend the meetings of the council.

The director of each agency or department making up the council shall serve as chairman of the council for a term of one year. The office of chairman is held in the order in which the membership of the council is listed in this section.

Section 43-21-130.   (A)   There is created the Long-Term Care Council (council) composed of the following voting members:

(1)   the Lieutenant Governor or his designee;

(2)   the Director of the Department of Social Services;

(3)   the Director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control;

(4)   the Director of the Department of Mental Health;

(5)   the Director of the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs;

(6)   the Director of the Division on Aging;

(7)   the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services;

(8)   the Chairman of the Joint Legislative Health Care Planning and Oversight Committee, or his designee;

(9)   the Chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on Aging, or his designee;

(10)   one representative of each of the following groups appointed by the Lieutenant Governor annually:

(a)   long-term care providers;

(b)   long-term care consumers;

(c)   persons in the insurance industry developing or marketing a long-term care product.

(B)   Each director serving as a council member may authorize in writing a designee to vote on his behalf at two meetings a year. Members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to represent private groups serve without compensation.

(C)   The council shall meet at least quarterly, provide for its own officers, and make an annual report to the General Assembly before January second each year. This report must include new council recommendations.

Section 43-21-140.   The council has no authority to direct or require any implementing action from any member agency. The council shall identify future policy issues in long-term care and may conduct research and demonstration activities related to these issues. Through close coordination of each member agency's planning efforts, the council shall develop recommendations for a statewide service delivery system for all health-impaired elderly or disabled persons, regardless of the persons' resources or source of payment. These recommendations must be updated annually as needed. The service delivery system must provide for:

(1)   charges based on ability to pay for persons not eligible for Medicaid;

(2)   coordination of community services;

(3)   access to and receipt of an appropriate mix of long-term care services for all health impaired elderly or disabled persons;

(4)   case management; and

(5)   discharge planning and services.

The council, through its member agencies, shall study and make recommendations concerning the costs and benefits of: adult day care centers, in-home and institutional respite care, adult foster homes, incentives for families to provide in-home care, such as cash assistance, tax credits or deductions, and home-delivered services to aid families caring for chronically-impaired elderly relatives.

Section 43-21-150.   The Division on Aging, with the cooperation of the Long Term Care Council and the Department of Insurance, shall develop and implement a program to educate citizens concerning:

(a)   the availability of long term care services;

(b)   the lifetime risk of spending some time in a nursing home;

(c)   the coverage available for long term care services through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance policies, and the limitations of this coverage; and

(d)   the availability of home equity conversion alternatives, such as reverse annuity mortgages and sale-leaseback arrangements, in this State and the risks and benefits of these alternatives.

This program must be made a part of the Preretirement Education Program of the South Carolina Retirement Systems.

Section 43-21-160.   (A)   There is created the Eldercare Trust Fund of South Carolina to be administered by the South Carolina Division on Aging.

(B)   All monies received from the voluntary contribution system established in Section 12-7-2419 or any other contribution, gift, or bequest must be placed on deposit with the State Treasurer in an interest-bearing account.

(C)   These funds must be used to award grants to public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations to establish and administer innovative programs and services that assist older persons to remain in their homes and communities with maximum independence and dignity.

(D)   The Eldercare Trust Fund shall supplement and augment programs and services provided by or through state agencies but may not take the place of these programs and services.

(E)   The South Carolina Division on Aging shall carry out all activities necessary to administer the fund.

Section 43-21-170.   In administering the Eldercare Trust Fund, the division may, but is not limited to:

(1)   assess the critical needs of the frail elderly and establish priorities for meeting these needs;

(2)   receive gifts, bequests, and devises for deposit and investment into the trust fund for awarding grants to public and private nonprofit organizations;

(3)   solicit proposals for programs that are aimed at meeting identified service needs;

(4)   provide technical assistance to public and private nonprofit organizations, when requested, in preparing proposals for submission;

(5)   establish criteria for awarding grants; and

(6)   enter into contracts for the awarding of grants to public and private nonprofit organizations.

Section 43-21-180.   Funds deposited in the trust fund and all earnings from the investment of these funds, after allowances for operating expenses, are available for disbursement upon authorization of the division. However, in any year in which more than two hundred thousand dollars is deposited in the trust fund, twenty-five percent of the amount over two hundred thousand dollars and earnings from the investment of these funds must be placed in a separate account. When the assets of this separate account exceed five million dollars, no further deposits are required to be made to the separate account and all future earnings from the investment of the monies in this separate account also are available for distribution upon authorization of the division.

Section 43-21-190.   There is created a model legislature on aging issues to be administered by the South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature, Inc. This model legislature shall:

(1)   identify issues, concerns, and possible solutions for problems facing the aging population in South Carolina;

(2)   make recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor and members of the General Assembly and to the Joint Legislative Committee on Aging;

(3)   arrange educational forums to explore issues related to older South Carolinians;

(4)   promote good government for all South Carolinians.

The participants must be sixty years of age or older and must be selected pursuant to procedures adopted by the South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature, Inc., in coordination with the state's network of aging programs.

The nonpartisan model legislature shall conduct its general assembly annually.

Section 43-21-200.   (A)   There is established within the Division of Aging the State Loan Repayment Program to reimburse student loan payments of a physician licensed or certified to practice in this State, who has completed a fellowship training program in geriatrics or geropsychiatry accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, is accepted into the program, and contracts with the division as provided in subsection (C) of this section.

(B)(1)   To assist the division in selecting program participants, there is established the Physician Advisory Board to review applicants for the repayment reimbursement program. The board consists of five members, one each appointed by the division to represent:

(a)   the South Carolina Medical Association;

(b)   the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education;

(c)   the Medical University of South Carolina;

(d)   the School of Medicine of the University of South Carolina;

(e)   a fellow in geriatrics or geropsychiatry.

Board members serve at the pleasure of the division and without compensation, but may receive the mileage, subsistence, and per diem allowed by law for members of boards, committees, and commissions, to be paid from approved accounts of the division.

(2)   The board shall meet as necessary to review program applications and from among these applications recommend program candidates to the division. No physician may participate in the program who has not been recommended by the board. In considering applications, the board shall consider demonstrable need and make every effort to select those who intend to continue to practice in this State after completing the program. In order of priority in considering applicants for the program, the board shall consider first South Carolina natives completing fellowship programs in this State, then out-of-state applicants completing fellowships in this State, then South Carolina natives completing out-of-state fellowship programs, and finally out-of-state applicants completing out-of-state fellowships.

(C)(1)   A physician accepted for the program shall execute a contract with the division in which the physician agrees:

(a)   to practice in this State for no fewer than five consecutive years immediately following completion of his or her fellowship;

(b)   to accept Medicare and Medicaid patients;

(c)   to accept reimbursement or contractual binding rates; and

(d)   not to discriminate against patients based on the ability to pay.

(2)   Upon execution of the contract, the division shall reimburse student loan payments made by the physician during the last completed calendar quarter. No more than four physicians a year may participate in the program unless sufficient funding is available to reimburse, in accordance with this section, more than four physicians a year. The total amount that may be reimbursed to one physician is thirty-five thousand dollars multiplied by the number of years of the fellowship completed, prorated for periods less than one year.

(D)   If the division determines that the physician is not in compliance with the contract, it shall refer this matter to the Physicians Advisory Board, which shall recommend an appropriate penalty which may be imposed by the division for noncompliance, which must be an amount not to exceed three times the total of reimbursement received plus interest at the prime rate plus ten percent calculated from the date noncompliance was determined.

(E)   The division shall prescribe the form of applications and the procedures for reimbursement and may require such information and documentation as it determines appropriate for these applications and reimbursements.

(F)   The General Assembly, in the annual general appropriations act, shall appropriate the funds necessary for the operation of the State Loan Repayment Program."

B.   Section 9-1-10(11)(G) and (14) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(g) an employee of a local council on aging or other governmental agency providing aging services funded by the Office on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services Lieutenant Governor's Office."

"(14)   "Employer" means this State, a county board of education, a district board of trustees, the board of trustees or other managing board of a state- supported college or educational institution, or any other agency of this State by which a teacher or employee is paid; the term ' employer' also includes a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the State, or an agency or department of any of these, which has been admitted to the system under the provisions of Section 9-1-470, a service organization referred to in item (11)(e) of this section, an alcohol and drug abuse planning agency authorized to receive funds pursuant to Section 61-12-20, and a local council on aging or other governmental agency providing aging services funded by the Office on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services Lieutenant Governor's Office."

C.   Section 1-11-720(A)(9) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(9)   local councils on aging or other governmental agencies providing aging services funded by the Office on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services Lieutenant Governor's Office;"

D.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(68A.8)   A.   Section 57-5-720 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an unnumbered paragraph at the end to read:

"In recognition of budgetary restraints, the Department of Transportation, its commission, officers and employees, are granted the discretionary authority to relax design and construction standards with respect to highway projects in the secondary state highway system. The exercise of the discretionary authority to relax design and construction standards shall not give rise to any liability on the part of the department, its commission, officers or employees."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(68A.13)A.   Section 57-3-130(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   Subject to the conditions prescribed in subsection (B), the Department of Transportation, in its discretion upon application in writing and good cause being shown that it is in the public interest, may issue special permits authorizing the applicants to operate or move vehicles or combinations of vehicles of a size and weight of vehicle or load exceeding the maximum specified in Article 33, Chapter 5 of Title 56 or otherwise not in conformity with the article upon a state highway. The application for the permit specifically must describe the vehicle and load to be operated or moved and the particular highways for which a permit to operate is requested. A permit must be carried in the vehicle or combination of vehicles to which it refers and must be open to inspection by a police officer or an authorized agent of the authority granting the permit. No person may violate the terms or conditions of the special permit. The Department of Transportation shall charge a fee of twenty dollars for each permit issued, and fees Fees collected pursuant to this section must be placed in the state highway fund and used for defraying the cost of issuing and administering the permits and for other highway purposes. The department may charge the following rates for oversize or overweight permits and licenses:

Single Trip   $   30.00

Excessive Width Over 16 feet   $   35.00

Excessive Width Over 18 feet   $   40.00

Excessive Width Over 20 feet   $   45.00

Excessive Width Over 22 feet   $   50.00

Multiple Trip (Annual)   $   100.00

House Moving License (Annual)   $   100.00

Superload Application (Non-Refundable)   $   100.00

Superload Engineer Analysis Over 130,000 pounds     $   100.00

Superload Engineer Analysis Over 200,000 pounds     $   200.00

Superload Engineer Analysis Over 300,000 pounds     $   350.00

Superload Impact Fee for Loads Over 130,000 pounds   $3.00/1,000 pounds

Administration Fee for Prorating Active Annual Permits     $   10.00

Administration Fee for Road Machinery Permits           $   10.00.

B.   Section 57-3-150(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

(A)   The Department of Transportation, under the terms and conditions it considers to be in the best interest of the public for safety on the highways, may issue multiple trip permits for the moving of over-dimensional or overweight nondivisible loads over specified state highways determined by the Department of Transportation. The fee for the permit is as delineated in the fee schedule in Section 57-3-130(A) fifty dollars, payable at the time of issuance, as long as a permit is purchased for each vehicle in the fleet, one hundred percent. A multiple trip permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance. To be valid, the original permit must be carried on the towing vehicle. It is unlawful for a person to violate a provision, term, or condition of the permit. The permit is subject at all times to inspection by a law enforcement officer or an authorized agent of the authority issuing the permit. A multiple trip permit is void one year from the date of issue or whenever the Department of Transportation is notified in writing that the permit has been lost, stolen, or destroyed.

C.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(50.3)A.   Chapter 23, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-23-120.   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, revenue received from the sale of meals to employees and students attending non-mandated, advanced, or specialized training courses, sale of student locks and materials, sale of legal manuals and other publications, postal reimbursement, photo copying, sale of miscellaneous refuse and recyclable materials, tuition from non-mandated, advanced, or specialized courses, coin operated telephones, revenue from E-911 and Coroner training, private college tuition, and revenue from canteen operations and building management services, revenue from "Crime-to-Court" and other Criminal Justice Academy training series shall be retained by the Academy and expended in budgeted operations for food services, expansion of the department's distance learning programs, professional training, fees and dues, clothing allowance, and other related services or programs as the Director of the Criminal Justice Academy may deem necessary. The Law Enforcement Training Council, Criminal Justice Academy shall report annually to the General Assembly the amount of miscellaneous revenue retained and carried forward."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(53.5)   Section 20-7-6850 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an unnumbered paragraph at the end to read:

"All revenues generated from United States Department of Agriculture grants, the Education Finance Act, the Detention Center, and Medicaid federal funding may be retained, carried forward, and expended by the Department of Juvenile Justice, in accordance with applicable regulations, for the costs associated with related programs."

(53.12 and 53.16)A.   Section 20-7-7810 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding two subsections at the end to read:

"(G)   After having served at least two-thirds of the time ordered by a court, a child committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a determinate period pursuant to this section may be released by the department prior to the expiration of the determinate period for 'good behavior' as determined by the department. The court, in its discretion, may state in the order that the child is not to be released prior to the expiration of the determinate period ordered by the court.

(H)   Juveniles detained in any temporary holding facility or juvenile detention center or who are temporarily committed for evaluation to a Department of Juvenile Justice evaluation center for the offense for which they were subsequently committed by the Family Court to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice shall receive credit toward their parole guidelines, if indeterminately sentenced, or credit toward their date of release, if determinately sentenced, for each day they are detained in or temporarily committed to any secure pre-dispositional facility, center, or program."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(53.17)   A.   Section 20-7-6855(C) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(C)   Schools operated by the department shall receive funds from the Department of Education under the same provisions as other public schools in the State.

Funds previously received by the Department of Juvenile Justice from the South Carolina Department of Education for programs now being consolidated under the Education Finance Act shall be disbursed to the Department of Juvenile Justice by the Department of Education from the appropriation provided in the annual general appropriations act and entitled "Education Finance Act." The amount to be disbursed to the Department of Juvenile Justice must be sufficient to produce funds equal to the product of the number of students served by the Department of Juvenile Justice weighted according to the criteria established by the South Carolina Department of Education under the provisions of the Education Finance Act and the state portion of the appropriated value statewide of the base student cost, adjusted for twelve months operation of the department's twelve-month continuous progress education program using a base of two hundred thirty-five instructional days instead of one hundred ninety instructional days. The amount includes, but is not limited to, all funding for teacher salary supplements, instructional purposes, or any other funds disbursed to the Department of Juvenile Justice school district's twelve-month continuous progress educational program. The Department of Juvenile Justice shall comply with the provisions of subsection (4) of Section 59-20-50 and subsections (1), (2), (3)(a), (4)(b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of Section 59-20-60. The South Carolina Department of Education annually shall determine that these provisions are being met and include its findings in the report mandated in subsection (5)(e) of Section 59-20-60. If the accreditation standards set forth in the Defined Minimum Program for the Department of Juvenile Justice as approved by the State Board of Education are not met, funds by this section shall be reduced the following fiscal year according to the provisions set forth in the Education Finance Act.

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(53.19)     Section 20-7-8005 is amended to read:

"Section 20-7-8005.   From the time of lawful reception of a child by the Department of Juvenile Justice and during the child's stay in custody in a correctional institution, facility, or program operated by the department, the child shall be under the exclusive care, custody, and control of the department. All expenses must be borne by the State except as otherwise provided by law local governments utilizing the juvenile detention services provided by the Department of Juvenile Justice must pay the department a per diem of fifty dollars a day per child. The department may apply the remainder of the funds generated by this item, if any, to operational or capital expenses associated with juvenile services provided by the department. If adequate funding is not received, the department shall have flexibility to use funds from other programmatic areas to maintain an appropriate level of service."

(76.6)A.   Section 27-18-195 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a subsection at the end to read:

"(F)   Notwithstanding Section 27-18-190, the State Treasurer shall only be required to publish a notice not later than April thirtieth of the year immediately following the report required by this section by electronic means or at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in this State which is the last known address of any person named in the notice."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(76.8)A.   Section 11-5-120 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 11-5-120.   The Treasurer shall publish, quarterly, by electronic means and in a manner that allows for public review, in one daily paper in the city of Columbia a statement showing the amount of money on hand and in what banks financial institution it is deposited and the respective funds to which it belongs."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(35.4)   A.   Section 46-25-210(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   Each company guaranteeing commercial fertilizer offered for sale, sold, or distributed in this State must be registered with the State. The application for registration must be submitted to the commission on forms furnished by the commission. Upon approval by the commission or its authorized agent, a copy of the registration must be furnished to the applicant.

(1)   A person wishing to become a registrant, before engaging in business, shall secure a license or renewal from the commission or its authorized representative. The application for the license must be on forms furnished by and contain the information prescribed by the commission or its authorized representative. The application must be accompanied by an annual registration fee in accordance with the following schedule:

Tonnage Volume of

Registrant License Fee

0-5,000 tons Fifty One hundred dollars

5,001-25,000 tons One hundred Two hundred dollars

More than 25,000 tons Two hundred Four Hundred dollars

A new registrant shall pay a license fee of fifty one hundred dollars. On renewal the fee must be based on the tonnage volume of the registrant in accordance with the schedule above. The tonnage is determined from the monthly tonnage reports filed by the registrant in accordance with this chapter. The license must be renewed annually and is effective from July first through June thirtieth of the following year. Fees must be paid by the first day of July of each calendar year. The license may be revoked for a violation of a provision of this chapter or regulations promulgated by the authority.

(2)   All brands and grades of specialty fertilizer offered for sale, sold, or distributed in this State must be registered on forms supplied by the commission or its agent. All specialty fertilizers sold or distributed in this State are subject to an annual registration fee of thirty dollars for each product."

B.   Section 46-25-820 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 46-25-820.   On individual packages of commercial fertilizer containing ten pounds or less, there must be paid in lieu of the twenty-five fifty cents a ton inspection tax a combined annual registration fee and inspection tax of thirty sixty dollars for each brand and grade sold or distributed. Where fertilizer is sold or distributed in packages of ten pounds or less as well as in packages over ten pounds, this annual registration and inspection tax of thirty sixty dollars applies only to that portion sold in packages of ten pounds or less. That portion sold in packages over ten pounds is subject to the same regulation requirement provided in Section 46-25-210 and an inspection tax as provided in Section 46-25-810."

C.   Sections 46-26-50 and 46-26-60 are amended to read:

"Section 46-26-50.   Any person desiring to become a distributor as defined in this chapter shall before engaging in such business, make application to the commission on application forms furnished by the commission for a permit to do business in South Carolina. Each application should be accompanied by a remittance of ten twenty dollars for each distributor as a fee for issue of permit. The applicant shall guarantee compliance with all provisions of this chapter which apply to the sale of bulk liming materials, which shall include delivery to the consumer the bulk liming materials purchased. Upon approval by the commission a copy of the permit shall be furnished the applicant and when furnished, shall authorize the person receiving it to do business as a distributor. All permits shall expire on June thirtieth of each year.

Section 46-26-60.   (a)   Each separately identified product shall be registered before being distributed in this State. The application for registration shall be submitted to the commission on forms furnished or approved by the commission or its duly authorized representative and shall be accompanied by a fee of ten twenty dollars per product. Upon approval by the commission or its duly authorized representative, a copy of the registration shall be furnished to the applicant. All registrations shall expire on June thirtieth of each year.

(b) A distributor shall not be required to register any brand of agricultural liming material if it has been duly registered under this chapter by another person, providing the label does not differ in any respect." (c)

D.   Sections 46-13-50(A) and 46-13-60 of the 1976 Code are amended to read:

"A.   (1)   After October 21, 1976, no person shall act in the capacity of a pesticide dealer, or shall engage or offer to engage in the business of, advertise as, or assume to act as a pesticide dealer unless he is licensed annually as provided in this chapter. A separate license and fee shall be obtained for each establishment from which restricted use pesticides are distributed, sold, held for sale, or offered for sale directly to the user or for resale.

(2)   Applications for a pesticide dealer license shall be in the form and shall contain the information prescribed by the Director. Each initial application shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five fifty dollars; additional license for applicants at the same location shall be five ten dollars per applicant. All licenses issued under this chapter shall expire on December thirty-first of the year for which they are issued.

(3)   The license for a pesticide dealer may be renewed annually upon application to the Director accompanied by a fee of twenty-five fifty dollars for each license, on or before the first day of January of the calendar year for which the license is issued.

(4)   Every licensed pesticide dealer who changes his address or place of business shall notify the Director within ten days.

(5)   The Director shall issue to each applicant that satisfies the requirements of this chapter a license which entitles the applicant to conduct the business described in the application for the calendar year for which the license is issued, unless the license is sooner revoked or suspended.

(6)   If an application for renewal of a pesticide dealer license is not filed on or prior to January first of any one year an additional fee of twenty-five percent of the original fee shall be assessed and added to the original fee and shall be paid by the applicant before the renewal license shall be issued; provided, that such additional fee shall not apply if the applicant furnishes an affidavit that he has not operated as a licensed pesticide dealer subsequent to the expiration of his prior license.

Section 46-13-60.   The director may prescribe standards for the certification of applicators of pesticides. The standards must conform with the standards for certification as specified by Section 4, Public Law 92-516. The standards for certification of private applicators of restricted use pesticides do not become effective except as becomes necessary under Section 4, Public Law 92-516 and the resulting regulations established under that law.

(1)   Private applicators:

(a)   No "private applicator" may use or supervise the use of a "restricted use pesticide" which is restricted to use by "certified applicators" without that private applicator first complying with the certification requirements necessary to prevent unreasonable adverse effects on the environment, including injury to the applicator or other persons, for that specific pesticide use.

(b)   Certification standards to determine the individual's competency with respect to the use of the pesticide or class of pesticides the private applicator is to be certified to use must be promulgated by the director.

(i)   To be certified as a private applicator to use "restricted use pesticides" (categorized for this examination requirement) the applicant is required to pass a written or oral examination or otherwise demonstrate his competency with respect to the use of the pesticide or category of pesticides covered by his certification before purchase and use of the product.

(ii)   Applications for a private applicator's license must be in the form and must contain the information prescribed by the director. Each application must be accompanied by a fee equaling one dollar two dollars a valid year. All licenses issued under this chapter expire on December thirty-first of the year that the license is dated to expire.

(iii)   Private applicator licenses, issued by the director, are valid for a period as prescribed by the director in regulations. The director may renew a private applicator license without reexamination. The director by regulation shall establish provisions, which do not include reexamination unless required to do so by federal law, to ensure that private applicators continue to meet the requirements of changing technology and to ensure a continuing level of competence and ability to use pesticides safely and properly.

(iv)   If the director does not issue or renew a private applicator's license, he shall inform the applicant in writing of the reasons therefor. The applicant is eligible for reexamination after thirty days.

(2)   Other applicators:

(a)   Application for a license must be made in writing to the director on a designated form obtained from the director's office. Each application for a license must contain information regarding the applicant's qualifications and proposed operations, the type of license (commercial or noncommercial), the license classification for which the applicant is applying, and must include the following:

(i)   the full name of the person applying for the license;

(ii)   the principal business address of the applicant in the State and elsewhere;

(iii)   the name and address of a person, who may be the Secretary of State, whose domicile is in the State, and who is authorized to receive and accept services of summons and legal notice of all kinds for the applicant;

(iv)   the type of equipment (excluding manually powered equipment) used by the applicant to apply pesticides.

(b)   The director may not issue a commercial or noncommercial applicator's license until the individual who uses or supervises the use of a restricted use pesticide is certified by passing an examination to demonstrate to the director his knowledge of how to use and supervise the use of pesticides under the classifications he has applied for, and his knowledge of the nature and effect of pesticides he may apply under those classifications.

(c)   If the deputy director finds the applicant qualified to use and supervise the use of pesticides in the classifications he has applied for, and if an applicant applying for a commercial applicator license files the evidence of financial responsibility required under Section 46-13-100, and if the applicant applying for a license to engage in aerial application of pesticides has met all of the requirements of the Federal Aviation Agency, the Division of Aeronautics of the Department of Commerce for the State, and any other applicable federal or state laws or regulations to operate the equipment described in the application, the deputy director shall issue a pesticide applicator's license limited to the classifications for which he is qualified, which shall expire at the end of the calendar year of issue unless it has been revoked or suspended prior thereto by the deputy director for cause. The deputy director may limit the license of the applicant to the use of certain areas, or to certain types of equipment if the applicant is only so qualified.

(d)   An applicator license issued to an individual representing a government entity or a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other juridical person, is valid only so long as that individual satisfying the examination requirement of Section 46-13-60(2)(b) is employed by the business, or is an official or employee of the governmental entity. A licensee shall notify the director within thirty days of the date of invalidation of a license pursuant to this provision. Supervision required by a licensee pursuant to this chapter must be performed only by an individual satisfying the examination requirement of Section 46-13-60(2)(b).

(3)   All persons:

(a)   No person (including officials or employees of federal, state, or local government) may use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide without a private, commercial, or noncommercial applicator license issued by the director.

(b)   An annual fee of twenty-five fifty dollars for each pesticide applicator's license issued to each office at which records relative to the sale or application of pesticides are maintained is required. Payment of this annual fee permits the certification of one individual under any or all of the classifications. A five dollar annual fee is required to certify each additional applicant who desires to be certified in any one classification. Noncommercial applicators are exempt from all fee requirements.

(c)   If a license is not issued as applied for, the director shall inform the applicant in writing of the reasons for the denial.

(d)   An applicant is eligible for reexamination after thirty days.

(e)   The license of an applicator whose financial responsibility, as required by Section 46-13-100 lapses, expires, or otherwise ceases to comply is suspended automatically until proof of continuing responsibility is provided by the applicator. It is unlawful for the person to engage in the business of applying pesticides until the financial responsibility is brought into compliance with the requirements of Section 46-13-100, and his license is reinstated by the director. If the applicator fails to reinstate his financial responsibility within three months or his applicator's license expires sooner, his license automatically is revoked and must not be restored until he has complied with the requirements of this section."

E.   Chapter 25, Title 46 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 46-25-825.   Each separately identified product shall be registered before being distributed in this State. The application for registration shall be submitted to the commission on the form furnished or approved by the commission and shall be accompanied by a fee of one hundred dollars per product. Upon approval by the commission, a copy of the registration shall be furnished to the applicant. All registrations expire on June thirtieth of the following year. Each manufacturer shall submit to the Commission a copy of labels and advertising literature with the registration request for each soil amendment."

F.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(40.13)   A.   Section 12-10-95 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a subsection at the end to read:

"(I)   The council may establish an annual renewal fee of five hundred dollars to be shared equally with the department for administrative, data collection, reporting, and other obligations of this chapter."

B.   Section 12-10-100(B) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(B)   The council shall establish an application fee schedule, not to exceed two four thousand dollars for each qualifying business, for undertaking the provisions of this chapter. Of that amount, five hundred dollars shall be shared with the department. The council shall also establish an annual renewal fee of five hundred dollars to be shared equally with the department. The State Treasurer shall establish an account for these fees which must be expended by the council only for meeting administrative, data collection, credit analysis, cost/benefits analysis, reporting, and any other obligations pursuant to this chapter. This account may retain funds for expenditure in the next fiscal year only for purposes enumerated in this section."

C.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(40.22)   A.   Section 13-1-50 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 13-1-50.   The department shall be audited by a certified public accountant or firm of certified public accountants once each year to be designated by the State Auditor. The department may undergo an Agreed Upon Procedures audit in lieu of having audited financial statements. The audit shall be in coordination with the State Auditor's Office and will be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and must comprise all financial records and controls. The audit must be completed by November 1 following the close of the fiscal year. The designated accountant or firm of accountants shall issue audited financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and such financial statements shall be made available annually by October fifteenth to the General Assembly. The costs and expenses of the audit must be paid by the department out of its funds."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(40.13 and 40.24)   A.   Section 12-10-85 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 12-10-85.   (A)   Funds received by the department for the State Rural Infrastructure Fund must be deposited in the State Rural Infrastructure Fund of the Council. The fund must be administered by the council for the purpose of providing financial assistance to local governments for infrastructure and other economic development activities including, but not limited to:

(1)   training costs and facilities;

(2)   improvements to regionally planned public and private water and sewer systems;

(3)   improvements to both public and private electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications systems including, but not limited to, an electric cooperative, electrical utility, or electric supplier described in Chapter 27 of Title 58; or

(4)   fixed transportation facilities including highway, rail, water, and air.

The Council may retain up to five percent of the revenue received for the State Rural Infrastructure Fund for administrative, reporting, establishment of grant guidelines, review of grant applications, and other statutory obligations.

(B)   Rural Infrastructure Fund grants must be available to benefit counties or municipalities designated as "distressed" or "least developed" as defined in Section 12-6-3360 according to guidelines established by the council, except that up to twenty-five percent of the funds annually available in excess of ten million dollars must be set aside for grants to areas of "underdeveloped", "moderately developed", and "developed" counties. A governing body of an "underdeveloped", "moderately developed", or "developed" county must apply to the council for these set-aside grants stating the reasons that certain areas of the county qualify for these grants because the conditions in that area of the county are comparable to those conditions qualifying a county as "distressed" or "least developed".

(C)   For the purposes of this section, "local government" means a county, municipality, or group of counties organized pursuant to Section 4-9-20(a), (b), (c), or (d).

(D)   The council shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly by March fifteenth covering activities for the prior calendar year.

(E)   The department shall retain unexpended or uncommitted funds at the close of the State's fiscal year of the State and expend the funds in subsequent fiscal years for like purposes."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(89.41)     Chapter 1, Title 10 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 10-1-210.   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all state agencies, institutions, colleges and universities must remit to the general fund all revenues received and all monies retained above the cost of allowing the placement or location of pay telephones on public property. Each state agency, institution, college and university must annually report to the Office of State Budget the revenue received for allowing the placement or location of pay telephones on public property, including any commission received for allowing the placement or location of pay telephones on public property. Public property means any and all property occupied or under the control of a state agency, institution, college or university. The State shall forego any commissions or revenues for the provision of pay telephones in institutions of the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice for use by inmates. The State Budget and Control Board shall ensure that the telephone rates charged by vendors for the use of those telephones must be reduced to reflect this foregone state revenue."

(89.84)   A.   Section 23-1-60 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-1-60.   (A)   The Governor may, at his discretion, appoint such additional deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives as he may deem deems necessary to assist in the detection of crime and the enforcement of any the criminal laws of this State,. The qualifications, salaries, and expenses of such these deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives appointed are to be determined by and paid as provided for by law. Appointments by the Governor may be made hereunder pursuant to this section without compensation from the State. Any Appointments of deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives made without compensation from the State may be revoked by the Governor at his pleasure.

(B)   All appointments of deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives hereunder appointed pursuant to this section without compensation shall expire sixty days after the expiration of the term of the Governor making such the appointment. Each Governor shall reappoint all deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives who are regularly salaried as provided for by law within sixty days after taking office unless such the deputy, constable, security guard, or detective is discharged with cause as provided for by law.

(C)   All persons appointed under pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be are required to furnish evidence that they are knowledgeable as to the duties and responsibilities of a laws-enforcement law enforcement officer or shall be are required to take such undergo training in this field as may be prescribed by the Chief of the South Carolina Law-Enforcement Law Enforcement Division.

(D)   A voluntary deputy, constable, security guard, or detective appointed pursuant to this section, must be included under the provisions of the workers' compensation laws only while performing duties in connection with his appointment and as authorized by the State Law Enforcement Division. The workers' compensation premiums for these constables must be paid from the funds appropriated for this purpose upon warrant of the Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division."

B.   This section takes effect July 1, 2008.

(90.2)   Chapter 1, Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-212.   (A)   In addition to all other assessments and surcharges, a twenty-five dollar surcharge is imposed on all fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed in the general sessions court or in magistrates or municipal court for misdemeanor traffic offenses or for nontraffic violations. No portion of the surcharge may be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)(1)   The revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A) must be retained by the jurisdiction which heard or processed the case and paid to the State Treasurer within thirty days after receipt. The State Treasurer may retain in a fiscal year the actual cost associated with the collection of this surcharge not to exceed forty thousand dollars. The State Treasurer shall allocate and transfer quarterly the remaining revenue as follows:

(a)   18.50 percent quarterly to the Prosecution Coordination Commission for allocations to circuit solicitors in the manner provided pursuant to this subsection for the operations of solicitors' offices, a portion of which, at the option of a solicitor, may be used for drugs courts in the judicial circuit;

(b)   22.10 percent to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the Coastal Evaluation Center, for Assault Prevention, and other federal lawsuit related expenses;

(c)   15 percent to the State Law Enforcement Division for its general purposes;

(d)   15 percent to the Department of Corrections for its general purposes;

(e)   3.75 percent to the Attorney General's Office for its general purposes;

(f)   8.56 percent to the Judicial Department for its general purposes;

(g)   1.55 percent to the Department of Natural Resources for statewide police responsibilities;

(h)   1 percent to the Office of Indigent Defense, Division of Appellate Defense for its general purposes;

(i)     0.10 percent to the Forestry Commission for statewide police responsibilities; and

(j)   14.44 percent to the Department of Public Safety for the Highway patrol Division for equipment, vehicle purchases, and associated vehicle expenses, including maintenance and gasoline.

(2)   The State Treasurer shall transmit the portion of these funds earmarked for the solicitors' offices to the Prosecution Coordination Commission which then shall apportion these funds among the circuit solicitors of this State on a per capita basis equal to the population in that circuit compared to the population of the State as a whole based on the most recent official United States Census. Amounts generated by this section for use by solicitors' offices must be in addition to any amounts presently being provided by the county for these services and may not be used to supplant funding already allocated for these services by the county.

(C)   The State Treasurer may request the State Auditor to examine the financial records of any jurisdiction which he believes is not timely transmitting the funds required to be paid to the State Treasurer pursuant to subsection (B). The State Auditor is further authorized to conduct these examinations and the local jurisdiction is required to participate in and cooperate fully with the examination."

SECTION   3.   The numbers in parenthesis following the individually lettered subdivisions in each Part of Section 1 of this act are references to paragraphs in Part IB of the general appropriations act of 2008 for fiscal year 2008-2009, and are for purposes of identification only.

SECTION   4.   The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

SECTION   5.   The purpose of this, the Budget Proviso Codification Act, is to enact into permanent law temporary provisions that are reenacted annually in the annual general appropriations act. With respect to the imposition of fees and assessments, this act must not be construed in a manner that would result in a doubling of the fees and assessments by deeming them to be imposed cumulatively pursuant to both temporary and permanent law.

SECTION   6.   Except as otherwise provided, this act takes effect July 1, 2009.           /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator LEATHERMAN explained the perfecting amendment.

The perfecting amendment was adopted.

The Committee on Finance proposed the following amendment (530R003.HKL), which was adopted:

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

/     SECTION   1.   This act may be cited as the "Budget Proviso Codification Act".

A.   (5A.11)   Section 59-143-10 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 59-143-10.   (A)   There is hereby established the South Carolina Children's Education Endowment. The revenue received pursuant to Section 48-48-140(C) must be deposited by the State Treasurer in a fund separate and distinct from the state general fund entitled the 'Children's Education Endowment'. All interest or income earned by the fund shall be retained in the fund and used for its stated purposes, which are to provide funding for Public School Facilities Assistance and Higher Education Scholarship Grants. It is the intent of the General Assembly that in creating this endowment that its funds be managed so as to establish and fund these programs permanently.

(B)   Upon receipt of monies transferred to the Children's Education Endowment by the State Treasurer, thirty percent of these monies must be allocated to Higher Education Scholarship Grants and seventy percent must be allocated to Public School Facility Assistance. Earnings on each allocation shall accumulate for the benefit of that particular program. Beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, theThe Comptroller General shall record low-level radioactive waste tax revenues collected from the Barnwell waste facility on the accrual basis; however, no expenditure may be made against these accrued revenues until the related cash is deposited with the State. These revenues must be distributed in the manner prescribed by Section 48-48-140.

(C)   Funds made available for Need-based Grants and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships through the Higher Education Scholarship Grants allocation must be no more than the prior year's earned revenue and must be released for use on July first and January first of each fiscal year. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 59-143-10, any unspent balance in the Higher Education Scholarship Grants allocation of the Children's Education Endowment Fund, including interest and low-level radioactive waste tax revenue from previous years' collections, may be made available for Need-based Grants and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships.

(D)   Funds made available from the public school facilities program allocation must be no more than the funds earned and received for that allocation through the most recently completed quarter."

B.   (5A.12)   Article 1, Chapter 111, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-111-25.   If a mid-year budget reduction is imposed by the General Assembly and the State Budget and Control Board, the Commission on Higher Education appropriations for the LIFE Scholarship, Need-based Grants, and the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship are exempt."

C.   (5A.17)   Section 59-112-70 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the governing boards listed in Section 59-112-10A, are authorized to adopt policies for the abatement of any part or all of the out-of-state rates for students who are recipients of scholarship aid.

(B)   State-supported colleges and universities, including the technical colleges, may waive the nonresident portion of tuition and fees for those students who are participating in an international Sister-State agreement program which the Governor and the General Assembly have entered to promote the economic development of South Carolina. The nonresident fee waiver for the students is applicable only for those Sister-State agreements where South Carolina students receive reciprocal consideration. The Commission on Higher Education, through coordination with the State Budget and Control Board, will annually notify institutions of the Sister-State agreements eligible for the nonresident fee waiver. The credit hours generated by these students must be included in the Mission Resource Requirement for funding.

(C)   State-supported colleges and universities that have an established and ongoing relationship in one or more degree programs with an international institution, the terms of which have been formally approved by the institution's board of trustees, and a relationship that includes regular arrangements for the enrollment of qualified students and the exchange of faculty between the institutions, although not necessarily in equal exchange numbers, may waive the nonresident portion of tuition and fees for nonresident students enrolled in the program."

D.   (72.93)     Chapter 112, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-112-120.   A public institution of higher learning with a law school may offer fee waivers to no more than four percent of the law school student body. This waiver shall not impact the capacity of the fee waivers for four percent of the undergraduate student body. This waiver can not be applied to fees for out-of-state students."

(5B.1)   Chapter 113, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-113-47.   The grant funds appropriated pursuant to this chapter are exempt from mid-year budget reductions."

(5M.1)   Section 59-123-115 of the 1976 code is amended to read:

"Section 59-123-115.   (A)   The South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium shall be awarded funding for the Statewide Family Practice Residency System, the Graduate Doctor Education Program, and the Area Health Education Center Program based on the appropriate formula, as approved by the Area Health Education Consortium and the Commission on Higher Education, and the funding methodology shall be applied in a manner consistent with that of other state institutions of higher learning.

(B)   Statewide Family Practice Residency System funds appropriated for faculty salaries, teaching services, and consultant fees may only be expended when these activities are accomplished for educational purposes in the family practice centers: however, the Medical University of South Carolina may expend these funds in hospital-based clinical settings apart from the consortium hospital, when these settings are determined by the president of the Medical University of South Carolina, with approval of the board of the Medical University, to provide appropriate educational experience and opportunities to the family practice residents. These funds must not be transferred to any other program."

(8.34)   Chapter 6 of Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 44-6-920.   (A)   A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is exempt from the provisions of Chapter 43, Title 40 that require:

(1)   all facilities distributing or dispensing prescription drugs to be permitted by the Board of Pharmacy;

(2)   each pharmacy to have a pharmacist-in-charge;

(3)   a pharmacist to be physically present in the pharmacy or health center delivery site in order to serve as the pharmacist-in-charge; and

(4)   a pharmacist to serve as a pharmacist-in-charge for only one pharmacy at a time.

(B)   A FQHC must be recognized as a covered entity under Section 40-43-60(I) allowing licensed practitioners, as defined by Section 40-43-30(45), to dispense drugs or devices that are the lawful property of the practitioner or the corporation.

(C)   A FQHC may transport medications in the same manner as allowed by law for free clinics and private physician practices."

(9.32)   Section 44-1-215 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 49 of 2007, is reenacted to read:

"Section 44-1-215.   Notwithstanding Section 13-7-85, the Department of Health and Environmental Control may retain all funds generated in excess of those funds remitted to the general fund in fiscal year 2000-2001 from fees listed in Regulation R61-64 Title B."

(14.3)   Section 43-26-90 of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 205 of 2004, is further amended to read:

"Section 43-26-90.   This chapter does not apply to hospitals, four-year institutions of higher learning and their branches, public elementary and secondary schools, technical education institutions, the South Carolina State Museum, property under the jurisdiction of Patriots Point Development Authority, facilities devoted primarily to athletics, or to state, municipal, county, or civic center auditoriums and assembly halls. As many as two coin operated vending machines may be placed in buildings on the public property if the machines are not located in a building where there is a vending facility operated by the commission."

(22.4)   Section 46-21-40 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 46-21-40.   For the purpose of providing a fund to defray the expenses of the examinations and analyses prescribed in this chapter, other than Article 11 hereof, each person selling or offering or ordering for sale or distribution in, or for export from, this State any seed mentioned in this chapter, other than Article 11 hereof, shall register his name with the Department of Agriculture and shall pay a license taxfee annually on January first of each year of one dollar when only boxed package vegetable or flower seed are handled and, when other seed with or without boxed package vegetable or flower seed is handled, of two and one-half dollars when the gross business is less than two hundred dollars, five dollars when the gross business is over two hundred dollars but less than five hundred dollars, ten dollars when the gross business is over five hundred dollars but less than one thousand dollars and twenty-five dollars when the gross business is one thousand dollars or more. The department shall charge for these licenses a minimum fee of twenty-five dollars and a maximum fee of one hundred fifty dollars. The department shall institute a graduated fee schedule between these minimum and maximum fees, which must be based on the per year dollar volume of the gross business receipts of the applicant. The department shall retain any revenue collected pursuant to this section to defray the costs of printing, mailing, and inspections and to pay the costs of leasing the Florence Farmer's Market from Clemson University. The commissioner's receipt for such license tax shall beis a license to conduct the business."

(24.15)   Items (3), (6), (7), (8), and (10) of Section 50-9-510 of the 1976 Code are amended to read:

"(3)   For the privilege of hunting and fishing, including the privilege of hunting big game throughout South Carolina, a resident of the State shall purchase a combination fishing and hunting license for twenty-five dollars, of which two dollars may be retained by the issuing agent.

(6)   For the privilege of hunting throughout South Carolina July first through June thirtieth, a nonresident shall purchase an annual statewide license for one hundred twenty-five dollars, of which two dollars may be retained by the issuing agent.

(7)   For the privilege of hunting throughout South Carolina during the regular hunting season for any ten consecutive days, a nonresident shall purchase a ten-day temporary license for fiftyseventy-five dollars, of which two dollars may be retained by the issuing agent.

(8)   For the privilege of hunting throughout South Carolina during the regular hunting season for any three consecutive days, a nonresident may purchase a statewide three-day temporary license for twenty-fiveforty dollars, of which one dollar may be retained by the issuing agent.

(10)   For the privilege of hunting big game including deer, bear, and turkey throughout South Carolina, a nonresident shall purchase a big game permit in addition to the required nonresident hunters license for eighty-nineone hundred dollars, of which two dollars may be retained by the issuing agent."

(26.4)   Chapter 3, Title 51 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 51-3-65.   Notwithstanding Section 51-3-60, the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism must maintain adjustments in the fee structure directed by the 2002 study committee and implemented in September 2003 in order to maintain fiscal soundness and continued maintenance and operations of the State Park System. South Carolina residents who receive discounts pursuant to Section 51-3-60 must not be given discounts of less than thirty-five percent. Members of the South Carolina National Guard must be given the same discounts as residents receiving discounts pursuant to Section 59-3-60."

A.   (32.1)   Article 1, Chapter 7, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-7-160.   A department or agency of state government may not hire a classified or temporary attorney as an employee except upon the written approval of the Attorney General and at compensation approved by him. All of these attorneys at all times are under the supervision and control of the Attorney General except as otherwise provided by law unless prior approval by the State Budget and Control Board is obtained."

B.   (32.2)   Article 1, Chapter 7, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-7-170.   A department or agency of state government may not engage on a fee basis an attorney at law except upon the written approval of the Attorney General and upon a fee as must be approved by him. This section does not apply to the employment of attorneys in special cases in inferior courts when the fee to be paid does not exceed two hundred fifty dollars or exceptions approved by the State Budget and Control Board."

C.   (32.5)   Chapter 1, Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-217   The State, or a person or entity acting on behalf of the State, is not required to pay filing fees as provided in this chapter or as otherwise provided by law in proceedings brought pursuant to Chapter 48 of Title 44, the Sexually Violent Predator Act."

A.1.   (33.6)   Sections 17-22-10 through 17-22-170 of the 1976 Code are designated as Article 1, Chapter 22 of Title 17 entitled "Pretrial Intervention Program".

2.   Chapter 22 of Title 17 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 17-22-310.   (A)   A circuit solicitor may establish, under his direction and control and with the agreement of the county governing body, a Worthless Check Unit for the purpose of processing worthless checks and to assist the victims of these cases in the collection of restitution. The fee schedule is:

(1)   fifty dollars for checks up to five hundred dollars;

(2)   one hundred dollars for checks five hundred one dollars to one thousand dollars; and

(3)   one hundred fifty dollars for checks one thousand one dollars or greater.

(B)   An amount equal to the allowable administrative costs contained in Section 34-11-70(c) must be added to the fee. All fees, other than court costs and an amount equal to the allowable administrative costs contained in Section 34-11-70(c) which must be remitted to the treasurer for deposit in the county general fund, collected by the Worthless Check Unit in accordance with the fee schedule promulgated pursuant to this section must be deposited into a fund known as the Worthless Check Fund maintained by the county treasurers of the counties comprising the circuit. All funds collected and deposited in this fund must be applied first to defray the costs of operation of the Worthless Check Unit with the balance to be used by the solicitor to pay normal operating expenses of his office. Withdrawals from this account may be made only at the request of the solicitor. The funds generated pursuant to this section may not be used to reduce the amount budgeted by the county to the Solicitor's Office. The solicitor shall maintain an account for the purpose of collection and disbursement of restitution of all funds collected for the benefit of the victims of worthless checks. The Worthless Check Unit shall disburse to the victim all restitution collected in connection with the original complaint filed. If the victim cannot be located after a reasonable time and upon diligent efforts to locate him, the restitution due the victim must be transferred to the general fund of the county."

B.   (33.7)   Chapter 1, Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-213.   (A)   In addition to all other assessments and surcharges required to be imposed by law, a one-hundred-dollar surcharge is also levied on all fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed in the general sessions court or in magistrates or municipal court for misdemeanor or felony drug offenses. No portion of the surcharge may be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)   The revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A) must be retained by the jurisdiction, which heard or processed the case and paid to the state treasurer within thirty days after receipt. The state treasurer shall transmit these funds to the Prosecution Coordination Commission which shall then apportion these funds among the sixteen judicial circuits on a per capita basis equal to the population in that circuit compared to the population of the State as a whole based on the most recent official United States census. The funds must be used for drug treatment court programs only.

(C)   It is the intent of the General Assembly that the amounts generated by this section are in addition to any amounts presently being provided for drug treatment court programs and may not be used to supplant funding already allocated for these services.

(D)   The state treasurer may request the state auditor to examine the financial records of a jurisdiction which he believes is not timely transmitting the funds required to be paid to the state treasurer pursuant to subsection (B). The state auditor is further authorized to conduct these examinations and the local jurisdiction is required to participate in and cooperate fully with the examination."

A.   (36.14)   Section 12-6-1140(6) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(6)   a subsistence allowance of five eight dollars a day for federal, state, and local law enforcement officers paid by a political subdivision of this State, the government of this State, or the federal government, for each regular work day in a taxable year and full-time firefighters and emergency medical service personnel may deduct as a subsistence allowance five eight dollars a day for each regular work day in a taxable year;"

B.   Section 56-19-420(B)(1) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(1)   the first one million dollars must be allocated to the Department of Education and used to support adult education programs credited to the general fund of the State to offset a portion of state individual income tax revenue not collected pursuant to the subsistence allowance allowed pursuant to Section 12-6-1140(6); and"

A.   (36A.6)   Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-1-550.   The Department of Motor Vehicles may collect a fee not to exceed twenty dollars per document to expedite a request for copies of documents and records it maintains. This fee is in addition to the normal fees associated with the request. Expedited requests must be available within seventy-two hours of receipt of the request and standard requests within thirty days. Nothing in this section may be construed as circumventing the requirements of Section 30-4-30 of the Freedom of Information Act. The funds collected pursuant to this section must be placed into a special restricted account by the Comptroller General to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray expenses."

B.   (36A.7 and 36A.14)   Section 56-3-1290 of the 1976 code is amended to read:

"Section 56-3-1290.   The Department of Motor Vehicles, upon application and the payment of a fee of three ten dollars, shall transfer the license plate previously assigned to an owner or lessee for one vehicle to another vehicle of the same general type owned or leased by the same person without a paid tax receipt for the vehicle. However, subsequent transfers of a license plate to the same vehicle may not be processed without a paid tax receipt based upon the value of the vehicle to which the plate is being transferred. Three dollars of the fees paid pursuant to this section must be deposited in the state general fund, and the remaining seven dollars must be placed into a special restricted account by the Comptroller General to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray its expenses."

C.   (36A.8)   Section 56-3-620 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding at the end:

"(F)   Annual license plate validation stickers which are issued for nonpermanent license plates on certified South Carolina public law enforcement vehicles must be issued without charge."

D.   (36A.11)   Section 56-1-2080(A)(1) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(1)   A person may not be issued a commercial driver's license unless that person is a resident of this State and has passed a knowledge and skills test for driving a commercial motor vehicle which complies with the minimum federal standards established by 49 CFR Part 383, subparts F, G, and H, and has satisfied all other requirements of the CMVSA as well as any other requirements imposed by state law or federal regulation. The tests must be prescribed and conducted by the department. The first commercial driver's license skills test administered by the department to an individual is free of charge, thereafter the Department of Motor Vehicles is authorized to charge a fee of twenty-five dollars for each subsequent commercial driver's license skills test administered to that individual. State agency and school district employees who are required to possess a commercial driver's license in the course of their normal job duties are exempt from this requirement. This fee must be placed into a special restricted account by the Comptroller General to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray its expenses."

E.   (36A.16)   Section 56-1-200 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 176 of 2005, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-1-200.   If a driver's license is lost or destroyed, the person to whom the license was issued, upon payment of a fee of threeten dollars, may obtain a duplicate or substitution of it upon furnishing proof satisfactory to the Department of Motor Vehicles that the license has been lost or destroyed.

The feesThree dollars of the revenue of each fee collected pursuant to this section must be credited to the Department of Transportation State Non-Federal Aid Highway Fund as provided in the following schedule based on the actual date of receipt by the Department of Motor Vehicles:

Fees and Penalties General Fund Department of

Collected After   of the State   Transportation

            State Non-Federal Aid

            Highway Fund

June 30, 2005 60 percent 40 percent

June 30, 2006 20 percent 80 percent

June 30, 2007 0 percent 100 percent.

The balance of the revenue of each fee must be deposited into a special earmarked account by the State Treasurer for the use of the Department of Motor Vehicles."

A.   (37.2 and 37.9)   Chapter 1, Title 24 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 24-1-252.   Notwithstanding another provision of law, the Department of Corrections shall retain proceeds from the sale of surplus products produced by its farm program. These funds may be used to:

(1)   offset the operating costs of the farm program;

(2)   expand and modernize the farm program; and

(3)   support a project or service to benefit the general welfare of the prison population."

B.   (37.18)   Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 24 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 24-3-45.   (A)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of money generated by inmates engaged in work at paid employment in the community, the director of the Department of Corrections shall deduct the following from the gross wages of the prisoner:

(1)   ten percent must be placed on deposit with the State Treasurer for credit to a special account to support victim assistance programs established pursuant to the 'Victims of Crime Act of 1984', Public Law 98-473, Title II, Chapter XIV, Section 1404; and

(2)   ten percent must be retained by the department to support services provided by the department to victims of the incarcerated population.

At the close of the fiscal year, any excess funds not expended by the department to support victim services reverts to the victim assistance programs account as described in item (1) of this section and as mandated pursuant to Section 24-3-40(A)(2). The department shall provide an accounting to the Senate Finance Committee and Ways and Means Committee of how the retained funds were expended and the services that were provided by September first each year.

(B)   The deductions provided pursuant to subsection (A) of this section apply only if restitution to a particular victim or victims has not been ordered by the court or if court-ordered restitution to a particular victim or victims has been satisfied. Otherwise restitution must be satisfied before deductions are made pursuant to subsection (A) of this section."

A.   (38.3)Section 24-21-480(4) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(4)   payment of six dollars and fifty cents per daya daily fee for housing and food. This fee may be set by the department with the approval of the State Budget and Control Board. The fee must be based on the offender's ability to pay not to exceed the actual costs. This payment is in lieu of supervision fees while in the restitution center. This fee must be deposited by the department with the State Treasurer for credit to the same account as funds collected under Sections 14-1-210 through 14-1-230;"

B.   (38.5 and 38.8)   Article 1, Chapter 21, Title 24 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 24-21-87.   (A)   The department may charge offenders a fee based on the number of miles and length of time required to perform an extradition. The fee must be used to offset the cost of extradition. All unexpended revenues of this fee at year end must be retained and carried forward by the department and expended for the same purpose.

(B)   The department may charge a fee to offenders required to have maintenance polygraphs. This fee may not exceed the actual cost of the maintenance polygraph. All unexpended revenues of this fee at year end must be retained and carried forward by the department and expended for the same purpose."

C.   (38.6)   Section 24-21-960(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   Each pardon application must be accompanied with a pardon application fee of fiftyone hundred dollars. The pardon application fee must be retained and applied by the department towards the pardon process."

A.   (49.4)   Section 37-16-30 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 37-16-30.   Before any sales or solicitation activity commences, a person seeking to be involved in direct selling or direct in-person or electronic solicitation of the general public or segments of the general public, on behalf of a prepaid legal services company, must be appointed a representative of that prepaid legal services company by filing with the department, on a form prescribed by the department, the appointee's name, address, and telephone number. The appointment must be renewed each year no later than October first. The department may collect a fee of twentyforty dollars with each initial or renewal filing and may use the proceeds to offset the costs of administering and enforcing this chapter. Appointment may be refused or revoked upon a finding that a prospective representative or representative has been convicted of a crime of deceit or dishonesty within the previous ten years."

B.1.   (49.5)   Section 37-2-305(8) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(8)   Every creditor shall file at least one maximum rate schedule and pay at least one twentyforty-dollar filing fee during each state fiscal year disclosing that creditor's existing maximum rates plus an additional forty dollars for each additional location. This filing and fee required of each creditor is due annually before the thirty-first day of January of each year. If this filing does not change any maximum rates previously filed, the creditor is not required to alter posted maximum rates. If any creditor has not filed a maximum rate schedule with the Department of Consumer Affairs by the thirty-first day of January of the year in which it is due, then on this date the filing is no longer effective and the maximum credit service charge that the creditor may impose on any credit extended after that date may not exceed eighteen percent a year until such time as the creditor files a revised maximum rate schedule that complies with this section. The Department of Consumer Affairs shall retain thirty dollars of each fee to offset the cost of administering and enforcing this chapter and Chapter 3 of this title. This revenue may be applied to the cost of operations and any unexpended balance carries forward to succeeding fiscal years and must be used for the same purposes."

2.   Section 37-3-305(8) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(8)   Every creditor shall file at least one maximum rate schedule and pay at least one twentyforty-dollar filing fee during each state fiscal year disclosing that creditor's existing maximum rates plus an additional forty dollars for each additional location. This filing and fee required of each creditor is due annually before the thirty-first day of January of each year. If this filing does not change any maximum rates previously filed, the creditor is not required to alter posted maximum rates. If any creditor has not filed a maximum rate schedule with the Department of Consumer Affairs by the thirty-first day of January of the year in which it is due, then on this date the filing is no longer effective and the maximum credit service charge that the creditor may impose on any credit extended after that date may not exceed eighteen percent a year until such time as the creditor files a revised maximum rate schedule that complies with this section. The Department of Consumer Affairs shall retain thirty dollars of each fee to offset the cost of administering and enforcing this chapter and Chapter 2 of this title. This revenue may be applied to the cost of operations and any unexpended balance carries forward to succeeding fiscal years and must be used for the same purposes."

3.   Section 37-6-203 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 37-6-203.   A person required to file notification shall pay on or before January thirty-first of each year to the administrator an annual fee of ninetyone hundred twenty dollars for that year, for each address in this State listed in the notification; provided, that the. The fee for any one person must be not less than ninetyone hundred twenty dollars; provided, further, that a. A person who does not extend credit pursuant to written contracts and a person whose annual gross volume of business does not exceed one hundred fifty thousand dollars is exempt from any fee and from the notification requirements of Section 37-6-202. A person engaged in making consumer credit sales or consumer leases who is also engaged in making consumer rental-purchase agreements is only required to pay one ninetyone hundred twenty dollar fee for each location. The Department of Consumer Affairs shall retain thirty dollars of each fee to offset the cost of administration and enforcement of this chapter."

A.   (50.6)   Chapter 7, Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 40-7-285.   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 40-7-280 or any other provision of law, a person licensed as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist pursuant to Chapter 13 of this title may practice, within the scope authorized by the person's license, in a barbershop registered in accordance with this chapter."

B.   (50.8)   Chapter 10, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-10-20.   The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is authorized to purchase and issue clothing to the staff of the State Fire Academy."

A.   (55.3)   Article 5, Chapter 23, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-23-670.   Each request for a contested case hearing, notice of appeal, or request for injunctive relief before the Administrative Law Court must be accompanied by a filing fee equal to that charged in circuit court for filing a summons and complaint, unless another filing fee schedule is established by rules promulgated by the Administrative Law Court, subject to review as in the manner of rules of procedure promulgated by the Supreme Court pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of this State. This fee must be retained by the Administrative Law Court in order to help defray the costs of the proceedings. No filing fee is required in administrative appeals by inmates from final decisions of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. However, if an inmate files three administrative appeals during a calendar year, then each subsequent filing during that year must be accompanied by a twenty-five dollar filing fee. If the presiding administrative law judge determines at the conclusion of the proceeding that the case was frivolous or taken solely for the purpose of delay, the judge may impose such sanctions as the circumstances of the case and discouragement of like conduct in the future may require."

B.   (55.4)   Article 5, Chapter 23, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-23-680.   The South Carolina Administrative Law Court is not required to reimburse the South Carolina Legislative Council for the cost of the Code of Laws, code supplements, or code replacement volumes distributed to the court."

(56DD.25)   Section 23-31-216 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-31-216.   The State Law Enforcement Division shall collect, retain, expend, and carry forward all fees associated with the concealable weapon application, renewal, and replacement of the permit, as provided for in pursuant to this article."

A.   (63.11)   Article 1, Chapter 11, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-11-495.   (A)   The State Budget and Control Board is directed to survey the progress of the collection of revenue and the expenditure of funds by all agencies, departments, and institutions. If the board determines that a year-end aggregate deficit may occur by virtue of a projected shortfall in anticipated revenues, it shall utilize those funds as may be available and required to be used to avoid a year-end deficit and after that take action as necessary to restrict the rate of expenditure of all agencies, departments, and institutions consistent with the provisions of this section. No agencies, departments, institutions, activity, program, item, special appropriation, or allocation for which the General Assembly has provided funding in any part of this section may be discontinued, deleted, or deferred by the board. A reduction of rate of expenditure by the board, under authority of this section, must be applied as uniformly as may be practicable, except that no reduction must be applied to funds encumbered by a written contract with the agency, department, or institution not connected with state government. This reduction must not be ordered by the board while the General Assembly is in session without first reporting such necessity to the General Assembly and the General Assembly takes no action to prevent the reduction within five statewide session days of formal written notification.

(B)   As far as practicable, all agencies, departments, and institutions of the State are directed to budget and allocate appropriations as a quarterly allocation so as to provide for operation on uniform standards throughout the fiscal year and in order to avoid an operating deficit for the fiscal year. It is recognized that academic year calendars of state institutions affect the uniformity of the receipt and distribution of funds during the years. The Comptroller General or the Office of State Budget shall make reports to the board as they consider advisable on an agency, department, or institution that is expending authorized appropriations at a rate which predicts or projects a general fund deficit for the agency, department, or institution. The board is directed to require the agency, department, or institution to file a quarterly allocations plan and is further authorized to restrict the rate of expenditures of the agency, department, or institution if the board determines that a deficit may occur. It is the responsibility of the agency, department, or institution to develop a plan, in consultation with the board, which eliminates or reduces a deficit. If the board makes a finding that the cause of or likelihood of a deficit is unavoidable due to factors which are outside the control of the agency, department, or institution, then the board may determine that the recognition of the agency, department, or institution is appropriate and shall notify the General Assembly of this action or the presiding officer of the House and Senate if the General Assembly is not in session.

(C)   Upon receipt of the notification from the board, the General Assembly may authorize supplemental appropriations from any surplus revenues that existed at the close of the previous fiscal year. If the General Assembly fails to take action, then the finding of the board shall stand, and the actual deficit at close of the fiscal year must be reduced as necessary from surplus revenues or surplus funds available at the close of the fiscal year in which the deficit occurs and from funds available in the Capital Reserve Fund and General Reserve Fund, as required by the Constitution of this State. If the board finds that the cause of or likelihood of a deficit is the result of the agency, department, or institution management, then the state officials responsible for management of the agency, department, or institution involved must be held liable for it and the board shall notify the Agency Head Salary Commission of this finding. In the case of a finding that a projected deficit is the result of the management of the agency, department, or institution, the board shall take steps immediately to curtail agency, department, or institution expenditures so as to bring expenditures in line with authorized appropriations and avoid a year-end operating deficit."

B.   (63.30)   Chapter 7, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-7-100.   (A)   For purposes of this section 'any one year' is as defined in the second paragraph of Section 8-7-96.

(B)   A state employee in an FTE position who serves on active duty in a combat zone who has exhausted all available leave for military purposes is entitled to receive up to thirty additional days of military leave in any one year."

C.   (72.16)   Chapter 1, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-1-155.   Notwithstanding another provision of law, if a vacancy occurs in a state agency, other than an institution of higher learning, or if an agency acts to fill a new position, the agency shall give preference to a resident of this State, if the applicants are equally qualified for the vacancy or new position."

D.   (72.52)   Article 1, Chapter 11, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-11-497.   If the State Budget and Control Board or the General Assembly mandates an across-the-board reduction, state agencies are encouraged to reduce general operating expenses including, but not limited to, travel, training, procurement, hiring of temporary and contractual employees before reductions are made to programs, special line items, or local provider services critical to an agency's mission."

E.   (72.64)   Chapter 1, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 1-1-1610.   An administrative state agency performing administrative hearings within this State may make use of existing video conferencing capabilities. There must be evidence that a cost savings will be recognized by using video conferencing, as opposed to holding an administrative hearing where all parties must be in attendance at one particular location. A report of video conferencing activities and any related cost savings must be submitted annually, before January fifteenth, to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee."

F.   (72.81)   Article 5, Chapter 11, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-11-725.   The State Budget and Control Board's experience rating of all local disabilities and special needs providers pursuant to Section 1-11-720(A)(3) must be rated as a single group when rating all optional groups participating in the state employee health insurance program."

A.   (64.3, 4, 7, and 8)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-388.   (A)   The Department of Revenue may charge participants a fee to cover the cost of education and training programs. The revenue generated may be applied to the cost of the related operation, and any unexpended balance may be carried forward to succeeding fiscal years and used for the same purposes.

(B)   The Department of Revenue may charge participants in taxpayer education and information programs required pursuant to Section 12-58-40 a fee to recover the related direct costs. The revenue of this fee may be applied to these costs, and any unexpended balance may be carried forward to succeeding fiscal years and used for the same purposes.

(C)   The Department of Revenue may impose a sixty-dollar fee for the issuance of each certificate of compliance and a thirty-five dollar fee for each informal nonbinding letter concerning eligibility for infrastructure credits against the license tax. The revenue of these fees must be retained and expended for use in budgeted operations of the department.

(D)   The Department of Revenue may impose a forty-five dollar fee for entering into installment agreements for the payment of tax liabilities to defray administrative expenses. The revenue of this fee must be retained and expended for use in budgeted operations of the department.

B.   (64.5)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-377.   The Department of Revenue shall maintain adequate records accounting for the receipt of funds from the sale of confiscated alcoholic beverages. The revenue of the sale must be deposited to the credit of the general fund of the State after deducting the costs of confiscation and sale."

C.   (64.6)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-379.   The Department of Revenue may incur and pay the expense of the fee required pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 6402(e)(6), as required for the Federal Refund Offset Program. This fee must be paid upon certificate of the department by drawing upon funds from the same tax type setoff."

D.   (64.9)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-393.   The Department of Revenue may contract with private entities to establish data mining and data warehousing capabilities within the department to enhance compliance and collections. These contractual arrangements may include payment from the increased revenue generated by the resulting enhanced capabilities. The department is allowed reimbursement of costs associated with administration of this section from the data warehouse generated collections and this amount may be retained and expended for budgeted operations of the department."

E.   (64.10)   Section 61-6-2010 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 386 of 2006, is further amended by adding a new subsection at the end to read:

"(F)   Temporary permits issued by the Department of Revenue pursuant to this section may be issued in all parts of a municipality if any part of the municipality is located in a county where the issuance of these permits is allowed."

F.   (64.11)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-375.   The Department of Revenue may retain and expend in budgeted operations the first one hundred fifty thousand dollars in each fiscal year from its bankruptcy operations to defray its administrative costs, including staff. The remaining revenue collected by the department from this source must be remitted to the general fund of the State."

G.   (64.12)   Article 29, Chapter 6, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-6-3930.   No interest, penalties, or other sanctions may be imposed on the active duty income of members of the National Guard and Reserves activated as a result of the conflict in Iraq and the war on terrorism with regard to underpayment of state estimated individual income tax payments of the active duty income if the federal government is unable to withhold state income taxes due on such pay."

H.   (64.13)   Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-4-387.   The Department of Revenue shall use available personnel to conduct audits involving all taxes to promote voluntary compliance and to collect revenues for the general fund of the State and designated accounts."

A.   (65.1)   Article 1, Chapter 13, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-13-120.   The State Ethics Commission may charge a ten dollar fee to partially offset the cost of providing ethics education and training programs, to include costs associated with travel, including, but not limited to, mileage, lodging, and meals, as well as costs associated with handouts and other training materials."

B.   (65.2)   Article 1, Chapter 13, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-13-130.   The State Ethics Commission may levy an enforcement/administrative fee on a person who is found in violation, or who admits to a violation, of the 'Ethics, Government Accountability and Campaign Reform Act of 1991'. The fee must be used to reimburse the commission for costs associated with the investigation of and hearing into a violation. The costs associated include: the investigator's time, mileage, meals, and lodging; the prosecutor's time; the hearing panel's travel, per diem, and meals; administrative time; subpoena costs to include witness fees and mileage; and miscellaneous costs such as postage and supplies. This fee is in addition to any fines as otherwise provided by law."

C.   (65.3)   Article 1, Chapter 13, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-13-140.   The State Ethics Commission is authorized to retain any funds derived from additional assessments associated with late filing fees to offset the costs of administering and enforcing the 'Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act of 1991'. The commission is authorized to carry forward unexpended funds into the current fiscal year for the same purpose."

D.   (65.4)   Article 1, Chapter 13, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 8-13-150.   The State Ethics Commission is authorized to carry forward unexpended lobbyists and lobbyist's principals registration fees into the current fiscal year and to use these funds for the same purpose."

A.   (72.77)   Article 3, Chapter 3, Title 22 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 22-3-330.   An assessment equal to twenty-five dollars is imposed on all summons and complaint filings in magistrates court and an assessment equal to ten dollars is imposed on all other civil filings in magistrates court except for restraining orders. The fees must be collected by the magistrates court and forwarded monthly to the county treasurer and remitted in turn by the county treasurer to the State Treasurer for allocation to the judicial department."

B.     (73.4)   Section 14-1-204 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 329 of 2002, is further amended to read:

"Section 14-1-204.   (A)   The one-hundred dollar filing fee for documents and actions described in Section 8-21-310(11)(a) must be remitted to the county in which the proceeding is instituted, and fifty-six percent of these filing fee revenues must be delivered to the county treasurer to be remitted monthly by the fifteenth day of each month to the State Treasurer. When a payment is made to the county in installments, the state's portion must be remitted to the State Treasurer by the county treasurer on a monthly basis.

The fifty-six percent of the one-hundred-dollar fee prescribed in Section 8-21-310(11)(a) remitted to the State Treasurer must be deposited as follows:

(1)   31.52 percent to the state general fund;

(2)   7.23 percent to the Department of Mental Health to be used exclusively for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts within the department's addiction center facilities;

(3)   4.47 percent to the State Office of Victim Assistance under the South Carolina Victim's Compensation Fund; and

(4)   26.78 percent to the Defense of Indigents Per Capita Fund, administered by the Commission on Indigent Defense, which shall then distribute these funds on December thirty-first and on June thirtieth of each year to South Carolina organizations that are grantees of the Legal Services Corporation, in amounts proportionate to each recipient's share of the state's poverty population; and

(5)   30.00 percent to the South Carolina Judicial Department.

(B)(1)   There is added to the fee imposed pursuant to Section 8-21-310(11)(a) an additional fee equal to fifty dollars. The revenue of this additional fee must be remitted to the State Treasurer on the schedule provided in subsection (A) of this section for the state portion of the fee. The revenues of this additional fee must be allocated in each fiscal year to the following agencies in the amounts specified:

(a)   Judicial Department - 67.96 percent;

(b)   Commission on Indigent Defense, Defense of Indigents per capita - 14.56 percent;

(c)   Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services - 11.30 percent;

(d)   Prosecution Coordination Commission - 4.27 percent; and

(e)   Commission on Indigent Defense, Division of Appellate Defense - 1.81 percent.

(2)   Fee revenues allocated pursuant to this subsection are to be retained, expended, and carried forward by the agencies specified."

C.     (72.75)   Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-210.   (A)   Based upon a random selection process, the State Auditor shall periodically examine the books, accounts, receipts, disbursements, vouchers, and any records considered necessary of the county treasurers, municipal treasurers, county clerks of court, magistrates, and municipal courts to report whether or not the assessments, surcharges, fees, fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed or mandated, or both, by law in family court, circuit court, magistrates court, and municipal court are properly collected and remitted to the State. In addition, these audits shall determine if the proper amount of funds have been reported, retained, and allocated for victim services in accordance with law. These audits must be performed in accordance with standard auditing practices to include the right to respond to findings before the publishing of the audit report. The State Auditor shall submit a copy of the completed audit report to the Chairmen of the House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Finance Committee, House Judiciary Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Governor. If the State Auditor finds that a jurisdiction has over remitted the state's portion of the funds collected by the jurisdiction or over reported or over retained crime victim funds, the State Auditor shall notify the State Treasurer to make the appropriate adjustment to that jurisdiction. If the State Auditor finds that a jurisdiction has under remitted, incorrectly reported, incorrectly retained, or incorrectly allocated the state or victim services portion of the funds collected by the jurisdiction, the State Auditor shall determine where the error was made. If the error is determined to have been made by the county or municipal treasurer's office, the State Auditor shall notify the State Office of Victim Assistance for the crime victim portion and the chief administrator of the county or municipality of the findings and, if full payment has not been made by the county or municipality within ninety days of the audit notification, the State Treasurer shall adjust the jurisdiction's State Aid to Subdivisions Act funding in an amount equal to the amount determined by the State Auditor to be the state's portion; or equal to the amount incorrectly reported, retained, or allocated pursuant to Sections 14-1-206, 14-1-207, 14-1-208, and 14-1-211.

If an error is determined to have been made at the magistrate, municipal, family, or circuit courts, the State Auditor shall notify the responsible office, their supervising authority, and the chief justice of the State. If full payment has not been made by the court within ninety days of the audit notification, the chief magistrate or municipal court or clerk of court shall remit an amount equal to the amount determined by the State Auditor to be the state's portion or the crime victim fund portion within ninety days of the audit notification.

(B)   The State Auditor shall conduct these examinations and the local authority is required to participate in and cooperate fully with the examination. The State Auditor may subcontract with independent auditors on audits required pursuant to subsection (A) of this section. The State Auditor shall create an audit team to perform these audits. The State Treasurer shall transfer, in each fiscal year, the first $10,900 received from the General Sessions Court pursuant to Section 14-1-206, the first $136,600 received from the Magistrates Court pursuant to Section 14-1-207, and the first $102,500 received from the Municipal Court pursuant to Section 14-1-208 for a total of $250,000 to the State Auditor's Office to fund these audits as required pursuant to subsection (A) of this section. Notwithstanding another provision of law, a state agency or local governmental entity receiving assessments, surcharges, fees, fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed or mandated, or both, by law in family court, circuit court, magistrates court and municipal court may use any of their funds to assist the State Auditor's Office in funding these audits.

(C)   Each municipality shall submit a copy of its annual audit report as provided pursuant to Section 5-7-240 without charge to both the State Treasurer's Office and the State Auditor's Office within thirty days of the report being made public. If a municipality fails to provide the copy of the annual audit within the time provided, the State Treasurer's Office may withhold the municipality's State Aid to Subdivisions Act distribution until the annual audit report is properly filed.

(D)   The State Treasurer's Office and South Carolina Court Administration shall make available annually training on the collection and distribution of assessments, surcharges, fees, fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed or mandated, or both, by law in family court, circuit court, magistrates court and municipal court for the counties, municipalities, and court employees.

(E)   The State Treasurer shall transfer, in each fiscal year, $2,000 received from the General Sessions Court pursuant to Section 14-1-206, $5,000 received from Magistrates Court pursuant to Section 14-1-207, and $3,000 received from Municipal Court pursuant to Section 14-1-208 for a total of $10,000 to fund annual training on the collection and distribution of assessments, surcharges, fees, fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed or mandated, or both, by law in family court, circuit court, magistrates court, and municipal court for the counties, municipalities, and court employees. The State Treasurer's Office and South Carolina Court Administration are responsible for the annual training prescribed by this section."

D.   (35.11 and 60.5)   Subsections (A), (B), and (C) of Section 14-1-206 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 107 of 2001, are further amended to read:

"(A)   Beginning January 1, 1995, and continuously after that date, a A person who is convicted of, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or forfeits bond for an offense occurring after June 30, 2008, tried in general sessions court must pay an amount equal to one hundred107.5 percent of the fine imposed as an assessment. This assessment must be paid to the clerk of court in the county in which the criminal judgment is rendered for remittance to the State Treasurer by the county treasurer. The assessment is based upon that portion of the fine that is not suspended and assessments must not be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)   The county treasurer must remit thirty-eight35.35 percent of the revenue generated by the assessment imposed in subsection (A) to the county to be used for the purposes set forth in subsection (D) and remit the balance of the assessment revenue to the State Treasurer on a monthly basis by the fifteenth day of each month and make reports on a form and in a manner prescribed by the State Treasurer. Assessments paid in installments must be remitted as received.

(C)   TheAfter deducting amounts provided pursuant to Section 14-1-210, the State Treasurer shall deposit the balance of assessments received as follows:

(1)   47.1742.08 percent for programs established pursuant to Chapter 21 of Title 24 and the Shock Incarceration Program as provided in Article 13, Chapter 13 of Title 24;

(2)   16.5214.74 percent to the Department of Public Safety program ofLaw Enforcement Training Council for training in the fields of law enforcement and criminal justice;

(3)   .5.45 percent to the Department of Public Safety to defray the cost of erecting and maintaining the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. When funds collected pursuant to this item exceed the necessary costs and expenses of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame operation and maintenance as determined by the Department of Public Safety, the department may retain the surplus for use in its law enforcement training programs;

(4)   16.2114.46 percent to the Office of Indigent Defense for the defense of indigents;

(5)   13.2611.83 percent for the State Office of Victim Assistance;

(6)   5.3415.39 percent to the general fund;

(7)   1.0.89 percent to the Attorney General's Office for a fund to provide support for counties involved in complex criminal litigation. For the purposes of this item, 'complex criminal litigation' means criminal cases in which the State is seeking the death penalty and has served notice as required by law upon the defendant's counsel, and the county involved has expended more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars for a particular case in direct support of operating the court of general sessions and for prosecution related expenses. The Attorney General shall develop guidelines for determining what expenses are reimbursable from the fund and shall approve all disbursements from the fund. Funds must be paid to a county for all expenditures authorized for reimbursement under this item except for the first one hundred thousand dollars the county expended in satisfying the requirements for reimbursement from the fund; however, money disbursed from this fund must be disbursed on a 'first received, first paid' basis. When revenue in the fund reaches five hundred thousand dollars, all revenue in excess of five hundred thousand dollars must be credited to the general fund of the State. Unexpended revenue in the fund at the end of the fiscal year carries over and may be expended in the next fiscal year; and

(8)   .16 percent to the State Treasurer's Office to defray the administrative expenses of the collection and distribution of the revenue of these assessments."

E.   (35.11 and 60.5)   Subsections (A), (B), and (C) of Section 14-1-207 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 107 of 2001, are further amended to read:

"(A)   Beginning January 1, 1995, and continuously after that date, a A person who is convicted of, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or forfeits bond for an offense occurring after June 30, 2008, tried in magistrate's court must pay an amount equal to 100107.5 percent of the fine imposed as an assessment. This assessment must be paid to the magistrate and deposited as required by Section 22-1-70 in the county in which the criminal judgment is rendered for remittance to the State Treasurer by the county treasurer. The assessment is based upon that portion of the fine that is not suspended and assessments must not be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)   The county treasurer must remit 1211.16 percent of the revenue generated by the assessment imposed in subsection (A) to the county to be used for the purposes set forth in subsection (D) and remit the balance of the assessment revenue to the State Treasurer on a monthly basis by the fifteenth day of each month and make reports on a form and in a manner prescribed by the State Treasurer. Assessments paid in installments must be remitted as received.

(C)   TheAfter deducting amounts provided pursuant to Section 14-1-210, the State Treasurer shall deposit the balance of the assessments received as follows:

(1)   35.1232.36 percent for programs established pursuant to Chapter 21 of Title 24 and the Shock Incarceration Program as provided in Article 13, Chapter 13 of Title 24;

(2)   22.4920.72 percent to the Department of Public Safety program ofLaw Enforcement Training Council for training in the fields of law enforcement and criminal justice;

(3)   .65.60 percent to the Department of Public Safety to defray the cost of erecting and maintaining the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. When funds collected pursuant to this item exceed the necessary costs and expenses of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame operation and maintenance as determined by the Department of Public Safety, the department may retain the surplus for use in its law enforcement training programs;

(4)   20.4218.82 percent for the State Office of Victim Assistance;

(5)   8.9415.93 percent to the general fund;

(6)   11.3810.49 percent to the Office of Indigent Defense for the defense of indigents;

(7)   1.0.92 percent to the Attorney General's Office for a fund to provide support for counties involved in complex criminal litigation. For the purposes of this item, 'complex criminal litigation' means criminal cases in which the State is seeking the death penalty and has served notice as required by law upon the defendant's counsel and the county involved has expended more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars for a particular case in direct support of operating the court of general sessions and for prosecution related expenses. The Attorney General shall develop guidelines for determining what expenses are reimbursable from the fund and shall approve all disbursements from the fund. Funds must be paid to a county for all expenditures authorized for reimbursement under this item except for the first one hundred thousand dollars the county expended in satisfying the requirements for reimbursement from the fund; however, money disbursed from this fund must be disbursed on a 'first received, first paid' basis. When revenue in the fund reaches five hundred thousand dollars, all revenue in excess of five hundred thousand dollars must be credited to the general fund of the State. Unexpended revenue in the fund at the end of the fiscal year carries over and may be expended in the next fiscal year; and

(8)   .16 percent to the State Treasurer's Office to defray the administrative expenses of the collection and distribution of the revenue of these assessments."

F.   (35.11 and 60.5)   Subsections (A), (B), and (C) of Section 14-1-208 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 107 of 2001, are further amended to read:

"(A)   Beginning October 1, 2000, and continuously after that date, a A person who is convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or forfeits bond for an offense occurring after June 30, 2008, tried in municipal court must pay an amount equal to 100107.5 percent of the fine imposed as an assessment. This assessment must be paid to the municipal clerk of court and deposited with the city treasurer for remittance to the State Treasurer. The assessment is based upon that portion of the fine that is not suspended, and assessments must not be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)   The city treasurer must remit 1211.16 percent of the revenue generated by the assessment imposed in subsection (A) to the municipality to be used for the purposes set forth in subsection (D) and remit the balance of the assessment revenue to the State Treasurer on a monthly basis by the fifteenth day of each month and make reports on a form and in a manner prescribed by the State Treasurer. Assessments paid in installments must be remitted as received.

(C)   TheAfter deducting amounts provided pursuant to Section 14-1-210, the State Treasurer shall deposit the balance of the assessments received as follows:

(1)   15.2414.04 percent for programs established pursuant to Chapter 21 of Title 24 and the Shock Incarceration Program as provided in Article 13, Chapter 13 of Title 24;

(2)   15.0713.89 percent to the Department of Public Safety program ofLaw Enforcement Training Council for training in the fields of law enforcement and criminal justice;

(3)   .39.36 percent to the Department of Public Safety to defray the cost of erecting and maintaining the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. When funds collected pursuant to this item exceed the necessary costs and expenses of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame operation and maintenance as determined by the Department of Public Safety, the department may retain the surplus for use in its law enforcement training programs;

(4)   11.2610.38 percent for the State Office of Victim Assistance;

(5)   4.1111.53 percent to the general fund;

(6)   11.4610.56 percent to the Office of Indigent Defense for the defense of indigents;

(7)   .97.89 percent to the Department of Mental Health to be used exclusively for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts within the department's addiction center facilities;

(8)   .59.54 percent to the Attorney General's Office for a fund to provide support for counties involved in complex criminal litigation. For the purposes of this item, 'complex criminal litigation' means criminal cases in which the State is seeking the death penalty and has served notice as required by law upon the defendant's counsel and the county involved has expended more than one hundred thousand dollars for a particular case in direct support of operating the court of general sessions and for prosecution-related expenses. The Attorney General shall develop guidelines for determining what expenses are reimbursable from the fund and shall approve all disbursements from the fund. Funds must be paid to a county for all expenditures authorized for reimbursement under this item except for the first one hundred thousand dollars the county expended in satisfying the requirements for reimbursement from the fund; however, money disbursed from this fund must be disbursed on a 'first received, first paid' basis. When revenue in the fund reaches five hundred thousand dollars, all revenue in excess of five hundred thousand dollars must be credited to the general fund of the State. Unexpended revenue in the fund at the end of the fiscal year carries over and may be expended in the next fiscal year;

(9)(a)   11.369.16 percent to the Department of Public Safety for the programs established pursuant to Section 56-5-2953(E); and

(b)   1.31 percent to SLED for the programs established pursuant to Section 56-5-2953(E);

(10)   14.7713.61 percent to the Governor's Task Force on Litter and in the expenditure of these funds, the provisions of Chapter 35 of Title 11 do not apply;

(11)   14.7713.61 percent to the Department of Juvenile Justice. The Department of Juvenile Justice must apply the funds generated by this item to offset the nonstate share of allowable costs of operating juvenile detention centers so that per diem costs charged to local governments utilizing the juvenile detention centers do not exceed twenty-five dollars a day. Notwithstanding this provision of law, the director of the department may waive, reduce, defer, or reimburse the charges paid by local governments for juvenile detention placements. The department may apply the remainder of the funds generated by this item, if any, to operational or capital expenses associated with regional evaluation centers; and

(12)   .12 percent to the State Treasurer's Office to defray the administrative expenses of the collection and distribution of the revenue of these assessments."

G.   Chapter 1, Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-218.   From the deposits made pursuant to Section 14-1-206(C)(6), Section 14-1-207(C)(5), and Section 14-1-208(C)(5), three million two hundred thousand dollars shall be allocated to the following agencies for support of the programs specified:

(1)   five hundred thousand dollars to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the Juvenile Arbitration Program;

(2)   four hundred fifty thousand dollars to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the Marine Institutes;

(3)   five hundred thousand dollars to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the regional status offender programs; and

(4)   one million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars to the Office of Indigent Defense."

A.   (13.4)   Chapter 1, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 43-1-710.   The names of persons benefiting from assistance payments under the programs of the Department of Social Services must be available to other state agencies if not in conflict with federal regulations."

B.     (13.5)   Chapter 1, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 43-1-715.   No county shall supplement the salary of any Department of Social Services employee."

C.     (13.8)   Chapter 1, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 43-1-720.   The Department of Social Services shall establish and collect accounts receivable in accordance with appropriate and applicable federal regulations."

D.   (13.15)   Chapter 7, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 20-7-1641.   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 20-7-1640, the department is authorized to pay from funds appropriated for foster care the costs of Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint reviews for foster care families recruiting, selected, and licensed by the department."

A.   (72.89)   Section 23-1-60 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-1-60.   (A)   The Governor may, at his discretion, appoint such additional deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives as he may deemdeems necessary to assist in the detection of crime and the enforcement of anythe criminal laws of this State,. The qualifications, salaries, and expenses of suchthese deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives appointed are to be determined by and paid as provided for by law. Appointments by the Governor may be made hereunderpursuant to this section without compensation from the State. Any Appointments of deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives made without compensation from the State may be revoked by the Governor at his pleasure.

(B)   All appointments of deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives hereunderappointed pursuant to this section without compensation shall expire sixty days after the expiration of the term of the Governor making suchthe appointment. Each Governor shall reappoint all deputies, constables, security guards, and detectives who are regularly salaried as provided for by law within sixty days after taking office unless suchthe deputy, constable, security guard, or detective is discharged with cause as provided for by law.

(C)   All persons appointed underpursuant to the provisions of this section shall beare required to furnish evidence that they are knowledgeable as to the duties and responsibilities of a law-enforcementlaw enforcement officer or shall beare required to take suchundergo training in this field as may be prescribed by the Chief of the South Carolina Law-EnforcementLaw Enforcement Division.

(D)   A voluntary deputy, constable, security guard, or detective appointed pursuant to this section, must be included under the provisions of the workers' compensation laws only while performing duties in connection with his appointment and as authorized by the State Law Enforcement Division. The workers' compensation premiums for these constables must be paid from the funds appropriated for this purpose upon warrant of the Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division."

B.   (73.2)   Chapter 1, Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 14-1-212.   (A)   In addition to all other assessments and surcharges, a twenty-five dollar surcharge is imposed on all fines, forfeitures, escheatments, or other monetary penalties imposed in the general sessions court or in magistrates or municipal court for misdemeanor traffic offenses or for nontraffic violations. No portion of the surcharge may be waived, reduced, or suspended.

(B)(1)   The revenue collected pursuant to subsection (A) must be retained by the jurisdiction which heard or processed the case and paid to the State Treasurer within thirty days after receipt. The State Treasurer may retain in a fiscal year the actual cost associated with the collection of this surcharge not to exceed forty thousand dollars. The State Treasurer shall allocate and transfer quarterly the remaining revenue as follows:

(a)   18.50 percent quarterly to the Prosecution Coordination Commission for allocations to circuit solicitors in the manner provided pursuant to this subsection for the operations of solicitors' offices, a portion of which, at the option of a solicitor, may be used for drugs courts in the judicial circuit;

(b)   22.10 percent to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the Coastal Evaluation Center, for Assault Prevention, and other federal lawsuit related expenses;

(c)   15 percent to the State Law Enforcement Division for its general purposes;

(d)   15 percent to the Department of Corrections for its general purposes;

(e)   3.75 percent to the Attorney General's Office for its general purposes;

(f)   8.56 percent to the Judicial Department for its general purposes;

(g)   1.55 percent to the Department of Natural Resources for statewide police responsibilities;

(h)   1 percent to the Office of Indigent Defense, Division of Appellate Defense for its general purposes;

(i)     0.10 percent to the Forestry Commission for statewide police responsibilities; and

(j)   14.44 percent to the Department of Public Safety for the Highway patrol Division for equipment, vehicle purchases, and associated vehicle expenses, including maintenance and gasoline.

(2)   The State Treasurer shall transmit the portion of these funds earmarked for the solicitors' offices to the Prosecution Coordination Commission which then shall apportion these funds among the circuit solicitors of this State on a per capita basis equal to the population in that circuit compared to the population of the State as a whole based on the most recent official United States Census. Amounts generated by this section for use by solicitors' offices must be in addition to any amounts presently being provided by the county for these services and may not be used to supplant funding already allocated for these services by the county.

(C)   The State Treasurer may request the State Auditor to examine the financial records of any jurisdiction which he believes is not timely transmitting the funds required to be paid to the State Treasurer pursuant to subsection (B). The State Auditor is further authorized to conduct these examinations and the local jurisdiction is required to participate in and cooperate fully with the examination."

SECTION   2.   The numbers in parenthesis following the individually lettered subdivisions in each Part of Section 1 of this act are references to paragraphs in Part IB of Act 117 of 2007, the general appropriations act for fiscal year 2007-2008, and are for purposes of identification only.

SECTION   3.   The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

SECTION   4.   The purpose of this, the Budget Proviso Codification Act, is to enact into permanent law temporary provisions that are reenacted annually in the annual general appropriations act. With respect to the imposition of fees and assessments, this act must not be construed in a manner that would result in a doubling of the fees and assessments by deeming them to be imposed cumulatively pursuant to both temporary and permanent law.

SECTION   5.   The General Assembly finds that all the provisions contained in this act relate to one subject as required by Article III, Section 17 of the South Carolina Constitution in that each provision relates directly to or in conjunction with other sections to the subject of permanently codifying temporary provisos contained in prior versions of the General Appropriations Act.

The General Assembly further finds that a common purpose or relationship exists among the sections, representing a potential plurality but not disunity of topics, notwithstanding that reasonable minds might differ in identifying more than one topic contained in the act.

SECTION   6.   This act takes effect July 1, 2009, except that the provisions of Section 44-1-215 of the 1976 Code, as amended in Part 5 of this act take effect July 1, 2008.                 /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senator CROMER proposed the following amendment (530R007.RWC), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking the section that codifies Proviso 8.34 from the 2007-2008 general appropriations act.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CROMER explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

Senator SHEHEEN desired to be recorded as voting against the second reading of the Bill.

I am voting against S. 530 because it violates the spirit of the South Carolina Constitution, Article III, Section 17.

S. 1130 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-5-120, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF LICENSE OF AN INSURER AND ITS OFFICERS AND AGENTS AND THE PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR AN AGGRIEVED INSURER TO REQUEST A HEARING BEFORE THE DIRECTOR OR HIS DESIGNEE AND PROVIDE RECOURSE THROUGH JUDICIAL REVIEW; TO AMEND SECTION 38-7-90, RELATING TO THE RETALIATORY TAXES, PENALTIES, INTEREST, AND FEES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE FEES, TAXES, AND OBLIGATIONS MUST BE BASED UPON THE COMPARISON OF THE AGGREGATE REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY AND PAID TO THIS STATE TO THE SAME IMPOSED BY AND PAID TO THE OTHER STATE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-21-95, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL, CONDITIONS, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ACQUISITION OF A DOMESTIC INSURER BY A CONTROLLING PRODUCER, SO AS TO REDEFINE A PORTION OF THE DEFINITION OF "CONTROLLING PRODUCER".

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

Senator CROMER proposed the following amendment (DKA\3874DW08), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 2, by striking SECTION 2 in its entirety and inserting:

/ SECTION   2.   Section 38-7-90 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 38-7-90.   (A)   When the laws of any other state or the regulations or actions of any public official of another state subject, or would subject, insurance companies chartered by this State, or their agents or representatives, to fees, taxes, obligations, conditions, restrictions, or penalties for the privilege of doing business in that state which are greater than those required by this State of similar insurers organized or domiciled in the other state by or in this State for the privilege of doing business herein in this State, then all similar insurers organized or domiciled in that state are subjected to the greater requirements which are or would be imposed by or in that state upon similar insurers of this State.

(B)   This section must be applied, regardless of whether an insurer chartered by this State is doing business in the other state. The application of this section is based upon a comparison of the aggregate requirements imposed by this State with the aggregate requirements imposed by the other state. Taxes, fees, or other obligations imposed by municipalities are considered in the application of this section.

(C)   Taxes, fees, or other obligations imposed by municipalities are based on a comparison of the aggregate requirements imposed and paid in this State with the aggregate requirements imposed and paid in the other state.

(D)   This section is effective for all insurance premiums collected after December 31, 1989, and to all insurance premium tax returns filed beginning with the quarterly return due September 1, 1990, and all quarterly and annual returns filed after that time." /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CROMER explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

H. 4548 (Word version) -- Reps. Umphlett, Cobb-Hunter, G.M. Smith, Lowe, Hutson, Jefferson, Toole, Vick, J.H. Neal, Huggins, Haley, Witherspoon, Anderson, Dantzler, Duncan, Knight, Ott, E.H. Pitts, Spires, Williams and Funderburk: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-13-5 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF CHAPTER 13 OF TITLE 50, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF FISH; BY ADDING SECTION 50-13-221 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CATCH LIMITS, LENGTH LIMITS, AND OTHER REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO STRIPED BASS TAKEN IN THE LOWER SANTEE RIVER AND COOPER RIVER SYSTEMS DURING SPECIFIED PERIODS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-1120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE POINT SYSTEM FOR HUNTING AND FISHING VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO ADD ADDITIONAL POINTS FOR OTHER FISHING VIOLATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-285, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR EXCEEDING CERTAIN LIMITS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THESE PENALTIES APPLY; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 50-13-220, 50-13-230, AND 50-13-235 RELATING TO STRIPED BASS CATCH AND TAKING REQUIREMENTS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

The Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry proposed the following amendment (GJK\20658SD08), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 50-13-221 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 2, by striking subsection (A) of Section 50-13-221 and inserting:

/   (A)   In the Lower Santee River and Cooper River systems from June first to September thirtieth, it is unlawful to possess any striped bass. Any striped bass taken must be immediately returned to the waters from whence it came.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MARTIN explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

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

S. 1041 (Word version) -- Senators Hawkins, Campbell, Ford, Fair, Cleary, Anderson, Ryberg, Thomas and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-17-650, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COCKFIGHTING, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR THE OFFENSE.

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

There was no objection.

Senator HAWKINS asked unanimous consent to remove the minority report on S. 1041.
There was no objection and the minority report was removed from the Bill.

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

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD1041.004), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, pages 1 and 2, by striking SECTION 1 in its entirety and inserting:

/   SECTION   1.   Section 16-17-650 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 345 of 2006, is further amended to read:

"Section 16-17-650.   (A)   A person who engages in or is present at cockfighting, or game fowl fighting, or illegal game fowl testing is guilty of a:

(1)   misdemeanor felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars but not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than six months but not more than one year five years for a first offense; or

(2)   misdemeanor felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars but not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than one year but not more than three five years for a second or subsequent offense.

(B)   A person who is present at cockfighting, game fowl fighting, or illegal game fowl testing, or who possesses birds for the purpose of cockfighting, game fowl fighting, or illegal game fowl testing is guilty of a:

(1)   misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars but not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than six months but not more than five years for a first offense; or

(2)   felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars but not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than one year but not more than five years for a second or subsequent offense.

(B)(C)   For purposes of this section, 'illegal game fowl testing' means allowing game fowl to engage in physical combat:

(1)   with or without spurs or other artificial items while in the presence of more than five spectators;

(2)   under any circumstances while employing spurs or other artificial items or with the injection or application of a stimulant substance; or

(3)   for purposes of or in the presence of wagering or gambling.

(C)   A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A)(1) must be tried exclusively in summary court.

(D)   A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A)(2) this section is subject to the forfeiture of monies, negotiable instruments, and securities specifically gained or used to engage in or further a violation of this section pursuant to Section 16-27-55.

(E)   All game fowl breeders and game fowl breeder testing facilities must comply with the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the State Veterinarian's regulations, policies, and procedures regarding avian influenza preparedness and testing. In the event of an avian influenza outbreak in South Carolina, all game fowl breeders and game fowl breeder testing facilities must allow the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the State Veterinarian to conduct avian influenza testing of all game fowl."/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HAWKINS explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senator HAWKINS proposed the following amendment (JUD1041.006), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, pages 1 and 2, by striking SECTION 1 in its entirety and inserting:

/   SECTION   1.   Section 16-17-650 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 345 of 2006, is further amended to read:

"Section 16-17-650.   (A)   A person who engages in or is present at cockfighting, or game fowl fighting, or illegal game fowl testing is guilty of a:

(1)   misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars but not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than six months but not more than one year five years for a first offense; or

(2)   misdemeanor felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars but not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than one year but not more than three five years for a second or subsequent offense.; or

(3)   felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand five hundred dollars but not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than eighteen months but not more than five years for a third or subsequent offense.

(B)   A person who is present at cockfighting, game fowl fighting, or illegal game fowl testing is guilty of a:

(1)   misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars but not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than six months but not more than five years for a first offense;

(2)   misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars but not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than one year but not more than five years for a second offense; or

(3)   felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand five hundred dollars but not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than eighteen months but not more than five years for a third or subsequent offense.

(C)   A person who possesses a cockfighting, game fowl fighting, or illegal game fowl testing implement commonly known as a spur, gaff, knife, blade, or any other sharp implement designed to be attached to the leg of a game fowl for the purpose of cockfighting, game fowl fighting, or illegal game fowl testing is guilty of a:

(1)   misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars but not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than six months but not more than five years for a first offense;

(2)   misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars but not more than three thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than one year but not more than five years for a second offense;

(3)   felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand five hundred dollars but not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not less than eighteen months but not more than five years for a third or subsequent offense.

(B)(D)   For purposes of this section, 'illegal game fowl testing' means allowing game fowl to engage in physical combat:

(1)   with or without spurs or other artificial items while in the presence of more than five spectators;

(2)   under any circumstances while employing spurs or other artificial items or with the injection or application of a stimulant substance; or

(3)   for purposes of or in the presence of wagering or gambling.

(C)   A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A)(1) must be tried exclusively in summary court.

(D)(E)   A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A)(2) this section is subject to the forfeiture of monies, negotiable instruments, and securities specifically gained or used to engage in or further a violation of this section pursuant to Section 16-27-55.

(E)(F)   All game fowl breeders and game fowl breeder testing facilities must comply with the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the State Veterinarian's regulations, policies, and procedures regarding avian influenza preparedness and testing. In the event of an avian influenza outbreak in South Carolina, all game fowl breeders and game fowl breeder testing facilities must allow the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the State Veterinarian to conduct avian influenza testing of all game fowl."/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HAWKINS explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

On motion of Senator PEELER, the Bill was carried over, as amended.

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

S. 797 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Land and Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ENACT "CHANDLER'S LAW" BY ADDING CHAPTER 26 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON AT LEAST SIX AND NOT OVER SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE MUST COMPLETE A SAFETY COURSE BEFORE HE MAY OPERATE AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE AND MUST ALSO MEET AGE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO THE VEHICLE, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES ARE EXEMPT FROM AD VALOREM TAXES BEGINNING WITH CALENDAR YEAR 2007, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 10 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR THE TITLING OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES.

Senator HUTTO moved that the Bill be made a Special Order.

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

Anderson                  Elliott                   Ford
Hawkins                   Hutto                     Jackson
Knotts                    Land                      Leatherman
Leventis                  Lourie                    Malloy
McGill                    Patterson                 Rankin
Ryberg                    Setzler                   Sheheen
Short                     Williams

Alexander                 Bryant                    Campsen
Cleary                    Cromer                    Fair
Grooms                    Hayes                     Martin
Massey                    McConnell                 O'Dell
Peeler                    Ritchie                   Scott
Thomas                    Verdin

Not having received the necessary vote, the motion to make the Bill a Special Order failed.

I support Chandler's Law, but I do not wish to block the Calendar with this Bill this late in the session.

On motion of Senator RITCHIE, with unanimous consent, Senators RITCHIE, CAMPSEN and SHEHEEN were granted leave to attend a meeting of a Committee of Conference, be counted in any quorum calls and be granted leave to vote from the balcony.

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

HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM THE HOUSE.

S. 642 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-5-15 AND SECTION 11-13-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COLLATERAL REQUIRED TO SECURE THE UNINSURED FUNDS ON DEPOSIT OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITY AND THE STATE, SO AS TO DEFINE A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION IN WHICH THESE FUNDS ARE DEPOSITED AS A QUALIFIED PUBLIC DEPOSITORY, TO ALLOW SUCH A DEPOSITORY TO SECURE THESE FUNDS USING THE DEDICATED METHOD OR THE POOLING METHOD, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITY OR STATE TREASURER MAY REQUIRE SUCH A DEPOSITORY TO USE THE DEDICATED METHOD.
The House returned the Bill with amendments.

Senator THOMAS proposed the following amendment (642R001.DLT), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding two appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:

/     SECTION   ___.   Section 6-5-10 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a new subsection at the end to read:

"(b)   For purposes of subsection (a), in the case of a defeased obligation, an obligation shall be treated as the obligation of the issuer of the obligation included in the qualifying defeasance escrow for the defeased obligation. A 'defeased obligation' means any obligation the payment of which is secured and payable solely from a qualifying defeasance escrow and the terms of which may not be amended or modified without the consent of each of the holders of the defeased obligation. A 'qualifying defeasance escrow' means a deposit of securities, including defeasance obligations, with a trustee or similar fiduciary under the terms of an agreement that requires the trustee or fiduciary to apply the proceeds of any interest payments or maturity of the defeasance obligation to the payment of the defeased obligation and when the trustee or fiduciary has received verification from a certified public accountant that the payments will be sufficient to pay the defeased obligation timely. A defeasance obligation must not be callable or subject to prepayment by the issuer and it must be a direct general obligation of the United States and its agencies, or an obligation the payment of principal and interest on which is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the United States."

SECTION   ___.   Section 11-14-110 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 11-14-110.   The State, acting through the Budget and Control Board, all agencies and institutions and all counties, municipal corporations, authorities, special purpose districts and other political units may effect the defeasance of any outstanding bonds, notes, or other obligations by depositing in a special irrevocable trust fund, to be held by the State Treasurer or a bank or other financial institution approved by the State Treasurer, obligations provided for in Section 6-5-10(a)(1) of the United States or any of its agencies and moneys which will provide the sums required to pay when due the principal of, redemption premium, if any, and interest on the bonds sought to be defeased. Upon the establishment and funding in full of such special trust fund, the bonds so defeased shall no longer be deemed outstanding for any purpose."     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator THOMAS explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

On motion of Senator ANDERSON, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator ANDERSON was added as a co-sponsor of S. 642.

S. 1242 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Cleary, Short, Hayes and Rankin: A BILL TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA TAXATION REALIGNMENT COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMISSION'S MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION MUST CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE STATE'S TAX SYSTEM AND SUBMIT A REPORT OF ITS RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO FURTHER THE GOAL OF MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING THE STATE AS AN OPTIMUM COMPETITOR IN THE EFFORT TO ATTRACT BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS TO LOCATE, LIVE, WORK, AND INVEST IN THE STATE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION RESULTING FROM THE COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATIONS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.

On motion of Senator GROOMS, with unanimous consent, Amendment No. 2 (Doc. No. 1242R019.LKG), which was carried over on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, was withdrawn.

Senator GROOMS proposed the following Amendment No. 2A (1242R023.LKG), which was tabled:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking the last sentence in SECTION 1(C)(3).

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator GROOMS explained the amendment.

Senator GROOMS explained the amendment.

Senator LEATHERMAN moved to lay the amendment on the table.

By a division vote of 15-9, the amendment was laid on the table.

Senator VERDIN desired to be recorded as voting against the motion to table the amendment.

Senators KNOTTS and FORD proposed the following Amendment No. 4 (1242R024.JMK), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 3, by striking lines 21 through 24 and inserting:

/   Any recommendations by the commission must not include changes to: (1) taxes levied by any local taxing entity except for sales taxes on items exempt from state sales tax pursuant to Section 12-36-2120, or (2) property tax relief provided by the General Assembly./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator KNOTTS explained the amendment.

Senator LEATHERMAN spoke on the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator ALEXANDER was added as a co-sponsor of S. 1242.

Senator MARTIN moved to revert to the Motion Period.

THE SENATE REVERTED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

Senator MARTIN moved under the provisions of Rule 32B to take up S. 638 for consideration immediately after the Special Orders.

The motion was adopted.

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

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of S. 638.

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 and McGill: 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".

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

Senator MARTIN was recognized to speak on the Bill.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following amendment (JUD0638.004), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking the bill in its entirety and inserting therein:

TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-160 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC INVOCATION ACT" TO ALLOW A GOVERNING BODY OF A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT BODY TO ADOPT, BY ORDINANCE, RESOLUTION, OR POLICY STATEMENT, 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".

Whereas, state and local governing bodies across the nation have long maintained a tradition of solemnizing their proceedings by allowing for an opening invocation before each meeting for the benefit and blessing of those public bodies; and

Whereas, such invocations before deliberative public bodies have been consistently upheld as constitutional by American courts, including the United States Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; and

Whereas, in Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783, 786 (1983), the United States Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the Nebraska Legislature's practice of opening each day of its sessions with a prayer by a chaplain paid with taxpayer dollars, and specifically concluded, "The opening of sessions of legislative and other deliberative public bodies with prayer is deeply embedded in the history and tradition of this country. From colonial times through the founding of the Republic and ever since, the practice of legislative prayer has coexisted with the principles of disestablishment and religious freedom"; and

Whereas, the United States Supreme Court clarified in Marsh, 463 U.S. at 794-795, "The content of [such] prayer is not of concern to judges where . . . there is no indication that the prayer opportunity has been exploited to proselytize or advance any one, or to disparage any other, faith or belief."; and

Whereas, in Simpson v. Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, 404 F.3d 276 (4th Cir. 2004), cert. denied, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit recently reviewed and specifically approved the policy of a county board in which various clergy in the county's religious community were invited to present invocations before meetings of the board; and

Whereas, the Fourth Circuit's ruling in Simpson can be distinguished from its earlier decision in Wynne v. Town of Great Falls, 376 F.3d 292, 298 (4th Cir. 2004, cert. denied) (citing Marsh, 463 U.S. at 794), where the court found a town council "improperly 'exploited' a 'prayer opportunity' to 'advance' one religion over others"; and

Whereas, the General Assembly acknowledges that differences of opinion exist with regard to whether and when sectarian references can be included in public invocations, and encourages deliberative public bodies to seek qualified counsel on that specific issue and other case law developments concerning public invocations; and

Whereas, this act signifies the General Assembly's belief that deliberate public bodies in this State may adopt policies that will permit public invocations in a constitutionally permissible fashion. This act does not signify the General Assembly's belief in the limits of constitutional law, nor preempt the deliberative public body from exercising a constitutional right to permit public invocations pursuant to a policy other than that set forth in this act. Now, therefore,

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

SECTION   1.   This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Public Invocation Act".

SECTION   2.   Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 6 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 6-1-160.   (A)   For purposes of this section:

(1)   'Public invocation' means an invocation delivered in a method provided pursuant to subsection (B) to open the public meeting of a deliberative public body. In order to comply with applicable constitutional law, a public invocation must not be exploited to proselytize or advance any one, or to disparage any other, faith or belief.

(2)   'Deliberative public body' means a state board or commission, the governing body of a county or municipal government, a school district, a branch or division of a county or municipal government, or a special purpose or public service district.

(B)   A deliberative public body, by ordinance, resolution, or written policy statement, may adopt a policy to permit a public invocation as defined in subsection (A)(1) before each meeting of the public body, for the benefit of the public body. The policy may allow for an invocation to be offered on a voluntary basis, at the beginning of the meeting, by:

(1)   one of the public officials, elected or appointed to the deliberative public body, so long as the opportunity for invocation duty is regularly and objectively rotated among all of that deliberative public body's public officials;

(2)   a chaplain elected by the public officials of the deliberative public body; or

(3)   an invocation speaker selected on an objective and rotating basis from among a wide pool of the religious leaders serving established religious congregations in the local community in which the deliberative public body meets. To ensure objectivity in the selection, the deliberative public body on an annual basis shall compile a list of all known, established religious congregations and assemblies by reference to local telephone books or similar sources, or both, and on an annual basis shall mail an invitation addressed to the 'religious leader' of each congregation and assembly. The invitation must contain, in addition to scheduling and other general information, the following statement: 'A religious leader is free to offer an invocation according to the dictates of his own conscience, but, in order to comply with applicable constitutional law, the [name of deliberative public body issuing the invitation] requests that the public invocation opportunity not be exploited to proselytize or advance any one, or to disparage any other, faith or belief'. Each respondent who accepts the invitation to deliver an invocation at an upcoming meeting of the deliberative public body shall be scheduled to deliver an invocation on a first-come, first-serve basis.

(C)   In order that deliberative public bodies may have access to advice on the current status of the law concerning public invocations, the Attorney General's office shall prepare a statement of the applicable constitutional law and, upon request, make that statement available to a member of the General Assembly or a deliberative public body. As necessary, the Attorney General's office shall update this statement to reflect any changes made in the law. The Attorney General's office may make the statement available through the most economical and convenient method including, but not limited to, posting the statement on a website.

(D)   Nothing in this section prohibits a deliberative public body from developing its own policy on public invocations based upon advice from legal counsel."

SECTION   3.   If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.

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

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MARTIN explained the committee amendment.

Senator CROMER spoke on the committee amendment.

At 4:25 P.M., Senator McCONNELL assumed the Chair.

Senator CROMER spoke on the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

Senators HUTTO and MALLOY proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (638R002.CBH), which was withdrawn:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered new SECTION to read:

/   SECTION   ___.   In the event any provision of this act is challenged, all cost incurred by a deliberative public body as a result of defending against the challenge shall be paid equally from the approved accounts of the House and the Senate. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HUTTO explained the amendment.

Senator MARTIN argued contra to the adoption of the amendment.

Senator KNOTTS spoke on the amendment.

Senator CAMPSEN spoke on the amendment.

On motion of Senator MARTIN, with unanimous consent, Amendment No. 1 was withdrawn.

Thank you, Mr. PRESIDENT.

I'm not going to be very long on the podium today; however, I was sitting back there at my seat and I heard something that I felt very strongly needs to be addressed to this body. As you know, we are accused of spending money in this body on all types of things--some things foolish, some things necessary. Sometimes we don't spend money on things that money needs to be spent on. Today we're debating the question of spending money to defend potential lawsuits on this Prayer Bill, which budget the money will come from, and what agencies will be responsible for defending this Bill. I don't care how much money is going to be spent or what we have to do to defend this Bill or who is going to defend this Prayer Bill.

Through my thirty years in life as a law enforcement officer, I have seen money spent to defend all types of criminals--murderers, rapists, prostitutes, gamblers and yes, even atheists. I have seen money spent to defend just about every aspect of society you can imagine and I believe we have a chance today to use our money and resources, money that will be well spent, to start defending God. I don't know of another Bill in the legislature this year that should be supported more whole-heartedly than this Bill. Who cares if it comes out of the Attorney General's budget or the General Appropriations fund. Who cares! If this Bill passes and it needs defending in court, it will be money well spent. It's high time that we start defending God in society. This country was founded on God. People, there is an attempt out there in this wicked world to destroy God--removing "In God We Trust" from our money and yes they've even taken prayer out of our public schools because we sat back and didn't defend when we needed to defend. I think a little more prayer in the public and private sector will go a long way to the betterment of society. In doing so we would not have to pass the laws that we pass up here. The one thing you need to do is to remember if we only obeyed God's law, the Ten Commandments, there would be no need for this body to meet. Ladies and gentlemen, if you can't obey God's laws then you certainly can't obey man's laws.

I rise today, fully in support of this Bill and at this time I want to share something with you. I probably pray more than anybody in this body because I know I need God's guidance on a daily basis. I even ask Pastor St. John each day to always pray for me and this body. I am not ashamed to say I pray. I pray in public, private and at my desk in my office. I pray at home and I pray a lot of time when you don't even know I am praying--with my eyes wide open, praying for myself, praying for some of the things that go on in this legislative body on a daily basis. That's a side of me that many of you may not realize and it may even surprise some of you. I have a real strict belief in my faith and defending God's word and God's laws. I don't know of another tax dollar that would be better spent in this State--that could be spent more wisely than spending to defend any type of challenge on this Bill and let's all join together and start defending God and God's actions.
Thank you.

On motion of Senator THOMAS, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator KNOTTS were ordered printed in the Journal.

Senators CAMPSEN, MARTIN and HUTTO proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (JUD0638.006), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking subsection (D) in Section 6-1-160, as contained in SECTION 1, and inserting therein the following:

/   (D)   The   Attorney General shall defend any deliberative public body against a facial challenge to the constitutionality of this act.

(E)   Nothing in this section prohibits a deliberative public body from developing its own policy on public invocations based upon advice from legal counsel."     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The question then was the second reading of the Bill.

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

Alexander                 Anderson                  Bryant
Campbell                  Campsen                   Ceips
Cleary                    Courson                   Cromer
Drummond                  Elliott                   Fair
Ford                      Gregory                   Grooms
Hawkins                   Hayes                     Hutto
Jackson                   Knotts                    Land
Leatherman                Leventis                  Lourie
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews                  McConnell                 McGill
O'Dell                    Patterson                 Peeler
Pinckney                  Rankin                    Reese
Ritchie                   Ryberg                    Scott
Setzler                   Sheheen                   Short
Thomas                    Vaughn                    Verdin
Williams

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

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

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the seal of secrecy was removed and the Senate reconvened.

On motion of Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Dan I. Ross, Jr., former Chairman of the State Republican Party and campaign chairman for former Governor James B. Edwards. He will be remembered for his patriotism, his service to others and a generous spirit.

At 6:41 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

This web page was last updated on Monday, June 22, 2009 at 1:50 P.M.