Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, 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:
The 'Teacher' in Ecclesiastes proclaims:
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... a time for war, and a time for peace."
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8b)
Let us join our hearts in prayer, friends:
With members of South Carolina's 218th National Guard unit making their way back to South Carolina, to their families and to their home communities, we give you heartfelt praise, O God. Thank you for your blessings upon these women and men, for their contributions to efforts for global peace, for their fierce patriotism. Now continue to be with all who remain in places of conflict and unrest. Steel the courage and strengthen the hopes of all who serve you faithfully and with deep dedication, including each of these Senators and their aides here in this place.
In Your loving name we pray, dear Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Mark C. Sanford:
Initial Appointment, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, with the term to commence May 19, 2006, and to expire May 19, 2013
6th Congressional District:
Marion H. Newton, 506 West Oakland Avenue, Sumter, SC 29150 VICE J. Calhoun Land IV
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Initial Appointment, Director of Department of Public Safety, with the term to commence February 1, 2008, and to expire February 1, 2012
Director:
Mark A. Keel, 513 Bookman Mill Road, Irmo, SC 29063 VICE James K. Schwietzer
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
The following were received and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration:
Document No. 3199
Agency: Department of Health and Environmental Control
SUBJECT: South Carolina Trauma Care Systems
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 25, 2008
Referred to Medical Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration April 1, 2009
Document No. 3204
Agency: Department of Consumer Affairs
SUBJECT: Licensing Standards for Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 25, 2008
Referred to Medical Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration April 1, 2009
Document No. 3206
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - Board of Chiropractic Examiners
SUBJECT: Board of Chiropractic Examiners - Application, Renewal and Continuing Education
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 24, 2008
Referred to Medical Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration March 31, 2009
Document No. 3207
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
SUBJECT: Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Chapter Revision
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 24, 2008
Referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee
Legislative Review Expiration March 31, 2009
The following was received:
Document No. 3127
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
SUBJECT: Practice of Veterinary Medicine - Chapter Revision
Received by Lieutenant Governor June 7, 2007
Referred to Medical Affairs Committee
Legislative Review Expiration: Permanently Withdrawn
Permanently Withdrawn April 26, 2008
Senators GROOMS and SCOTT introduced Dr. Jim McCoy of Charleston, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
On motion of Senator FORD, at 2:15 P.M., he and Senator JACKSON requested that they be granted a leave of absence beginning at 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday, and lasting until 11:00 A.M. on Thursday.
At 2:30 P.M., Senator CLEARY requested a leave of absence for Thursday, May 1, 2008.
Senator McCONNELL rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
H. 4949 (Word version) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - PANEL FOR DIETETICS, RELATING TO LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF PERSONS ENGAGING IN THE PRACTICE OF DIETETICS WITHIN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3193, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Senator RYBERG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Joint Resolution from the Committee on Medical Affairs.
There was no objection.
The Joint Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Medical Affairs and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 5030 (Word version) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO TANNING FACILITIES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3114, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Senator RYBERG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Joint Resolution from the Committee on Medical Affairs.
There was no objection.
The Joint Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Medical Affairs and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
The following were introduced:
S. 1330 (Word version) -- Senator Ryberg: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE NORTH AUGUSTA PRAYER LUNCHEON IN HONOR OF NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, WHICH IS THE FIRST THURSDAY IN MAY OF EACH YEAR.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1331 (Word version) -- Senator Courson: A SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING AND CONGRATULATING COLONEL DOUGLAS M. SENTER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM DUTCH FORK HIGH SCHOOL AND THANKING HIM FOR HIS MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP TO CADETS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1332 (Word version) -- Senator Ryberg: A SENATE RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CITY OF AIKEN AND THE FRIENDS OF HOPELANDS AND RYE PATCH FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND EFFORTS IN MAINTAINING AND DEVELOPING THE GARDENS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1333 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ON AGING TO CONVENE A PURPLE RIBBON ALZHEIMER'S TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE CURRENT AND FUTURE IMPACT OF ALZHEIMER'S IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO ASSESS THE RESOURCES FOR AND NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH ALZHEIMER'S AND RELATED DISORDERS SO AS TO DEVELOP A STATE STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THIS HEALTH ISSUE.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
S. 1334 (Word version) -- Senators Vaughn, Fair, Verdin, Anderson and Thomas: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE NEW BRIDGE ON HAMMETT BRIDGE ROAD IN GREENVILLE COUNTY AS THE "HAROLD HAMMETT MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG BOTH HIGHWAY APPROACHES TO THIS BRIDGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "HAROLD HAMMETT MEMORIAL BRIDGE".
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On motion of Senator VAUGHN, with unanimous consent, the Concurrent Resolution was introduced and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 1335 (Word version) -- Senators Scott, Ford, Knotts, Elliott, Cleary, Malloy, Vaughn, Leventis, Hutto, Patterson, Campbell, Anderson, Ceips, Gregory, Thomas, Bryant and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 4, TITLE 30 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, BY ADDING SECTION 30-4-170, TO PROVIDE THAT SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATIONS, EACH MEETING OF A PUBLIC BODY, EXCEPT A PUBLIC BODY OF A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE, SHALL ATTEMPT TO BROADCAST EACH MEETING OR PORTION OF THE MEETING THAT IS REQUIRED TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE BODY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 1336 (Word version) -- Senators Ritchie, Campsen and McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 14 TO TITLE 8, RELATING TO ILLEGAL ALIENS AND PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM ACT", TO REQUIRE THAT EVERY PUBLIC EMPLOYER PARTICIPATE IN THE FEDERAL WORK AUTHORIZATION PROGRAM TO VERIFY ALL NEW EMPLOYEES, TO REQUIRE CONTRACTORS OR SUBCONTRACTORS WHO CONTRACT WITH PUBLIC EMPLOYERS FOR THE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE IN THE FEDERAL WORK AUTHORIZATION PROGRAM, TO DEFINE TERMS, TO ESTABLISH DEADLINES TO COMPLY FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYERS, CONTRACTORS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS, TO REQUIRE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHAPTER ARE ENFORCEABLE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, RELIGION, GENDER, ETHNICITY, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO PRESCRIBE FORMS AND PROMULGATE RULES NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER THE ACT AND PUBLISH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ON THE BOARD'S WEBSITE; TO AMEND TITLE 8 BY ADDING CHAPTER 28, RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS LAWS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO NEGOTIATE THE TERMS OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONCERNING THE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS LAWS, DETENTION AND REMOVALS, AND INVESTIGATIONS IN THE STATE, TO AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO DESIGNATE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO BE TRAINED PURSUANT TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, TO STIPULATE THAT NO TRAINING SHALL TAKE PLACE UNTIL FUNDING IS SECURED, TO PERMIT THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, ANY COUNTY SHERIFF, OR THE GOVERNING BODY OF ANY MUNICIPALITY THAT MAINTAINS A POLICE FORCE TO ENTER INTO THE MEMORANDUM AS A PARTY AND PROVIDE OFFICERS TO BE TRAINED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN OFFICER CERTIFIED AS TRAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM IS AUTHORIZED TO ENFORCE FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS LAWS WHILE PERFORMING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF HIS OR HER DUTIES; TO AMEND TITLE 8, BY ADDING CHAPTER 29, RELATING TO VERIFICATION OF A PERSON'S LAWFUL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT EVERY AGENCY OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE VERIFY THE LAWFUL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES OF ANY NATURAL PERSON EIGHTEEN OR OLDER WHO HAS APPLIED FOR STATE OR LOCAL PUBLIC BENEFITS, AS DEFINED BY FEDERAL LAW, THAT ARE ADMINISTERED BY AN AGENCY OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE, TO REQUIRE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS PROVISION WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, RELIGION, GENDER, ETHNICITY, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS FOR VERIFICATION OF A PERSON'S LAWFUL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES, TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR A PERSON TO VERIFY HIS OR HER LAWFUL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING EXECUTING AN AFFIDAVIT THAT THE PERSON IS A UNITED STATES CITIZEN OR LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT OR A QUALIFIED ALIEN OR NONIMMIGRANT UNDER THE IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION ACT, TO REQUIRE THAT ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS SHALL BE MADE THROUGH THE FEDERAL SYSTEMATIC ALIEN VERIFICATION OF ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM MAINTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, TO MANDATE THAT A PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY AND WILFULLY MAKES A FALSE, FICTITIOUS, OR FRAUDULENT STATEMENT OR REPRESENTATION IN AN AFFIDAVIT EXECUTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, OR WHO AIDS OR ABETS A PERSON IN KNOWINGLY AND WILFULLY MAKING A FALSE, FICTITIOUS, OR FRAUDULENT STATEMENT OR REPRESENTATION IN AN AFFIDAVIT SHALL BE GUILTY OF A FELONY AND, UPON CONVICTION, SHALL BE FINED OR IMPRISONED NOT MORE THAN FIVE YEARS, OR BOTH, AND MUST DISGORGE ANY BENEFIT RECEIVED AND MAKE RESTITUTION TO THE AGENCY WHO ADMINISTERED THE BENEFIT OR ENTITLEMENT, TO REQUIRE THAT IF THE AFFIDAVIT CONSTITUTES A FALSE CLAIM OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP, THE STATE SHALL FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, TO PROVIDE THAT AGENCIES OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS MAY ADOPT VARIATIONS OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION TO REDUCE DELAY AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY, TO PROVIDE THAT IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY STATE AGENCY OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION TO PROVIDE BENEFITS IN VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION, AND TO REQUIRE THAT ALL ERRORS AND DELAYS EXPERIENCED BY AGENCIES OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS IN THE SYSTEMATIC ALIEN VERIFICATION OF ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM BE REPORTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; TO ADD SECTION 12-6-1175, SO AS TO PROHIBIT ANY WAGES OR REMUNERATION FOR LABOR SERVICES PAID TO AN INDIVIDUAL OF SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS OR MORE PER YEAR FROM BEING CLAIMED AS A DEDUCTIBLE BUSINESS EXPENSE FOR STATE INCOME TAX PURPOSES UNLESS THE INDIVIDUAL IS AN AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEE, TO PROVIDE FOR EXEMPTIONS, TO REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO PRESCRIBE FORMS AND PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO EFFECTUATE THIS SECTION, AND TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITIES COMMISSION TO SEND WRITTEN NOTICE OF THIS PROVISION TO ALL EMPLOYERS IN THIS STATE; TO ADD SECTION 12-8-595, SO AS TO REQUIRE TAX WITHHOLDING AGENTS FOR EMPLOYERS TO WITHHOLD STATE INCOME TAX AT THE RATE OF SIX PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAID TO AN INDIVIDUAL IF THE INDIVIDUAL HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, FAILED TO PROVIDE A CORRECT TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, OR PROVIDED A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ISSUED FOR NONRESIDENTS, TO PROVIDE THAT WITHHOLDING AGENTS WHO FAIL TO FOLLOW THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION ARE LIABLE FOR THE TAX, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS FROM LIABILITY FOR WITHHOLDING AGENTS IF THE EMPLOYEE PROVIDES A FACIALLY CORRECT TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER THAT THE WITHHOLDING AGENT DOES NOT KNOW WAS FALSE OR INCORRECT, AND TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION TO SEND NOTICE OF THIS PROVISION TO ALL EMPLOYERS; TO ADD SECTION 16-9-460, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS A FELONY FOR ANY PERSON TO TRANSPORT, MOVE, OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPORT WITHIN THE STATE ANY PERSON KNOWINGLY OR IN RECKLESS DISREGARD TO THE FACT THAT THE PERSON HAS COME TO, ENTERED INTO, OR REMAINED IN THE UNITED STATES IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW, IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PERSON'S ILLEGAL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES, OR TO CONCEAL, HARBOR, OR SHELTER FROM DETECTION A PERSON ILLEGALLY IN THE UNITED STATES IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PERSON'S ILLEGAL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES, TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES IF A PERSON IS CONVICTED, AND TO PROHIBIT ANY PERSON CONVICTED FROM OBTAINING A PROFESSIONAL LICENSE IN SOUTH CAROLINA; TO ADD SECTION 16-9-460, SO AS SO MAKE IT A FELONY TO TRANSPORT, MOVE, OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPORT WITHIN THE STATE ANY PERSON KNOWINGLY OR IN RECKLESS DISREGARD FOR THE FACT THAT THE PERSON IS NOT LEGALLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, OR TO CONCEAL, HARBOR, OR SHELTER FROM DETECTION ANY PERSON IN ANY PLACE KNOWINGLY OR IN RECKLESS DISREGARD OF THE FACT THAT THE PERSON IS NOT LEGALLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR A CONVICTION FOR SUCH CRIME; TO ADD SECTION 23-3-1100, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL JAILS OF THIS STATE OR ITS COUNTIES OR MUNICIPALITIES MUST MAKE A REASONABLE EFFORT TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY PERSON CHARGED WITH A FELONY OR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IS LAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, TO MAKE SUCH VERIFICATION WITHIN 72 HOURS OF CONFINEMENT, TO NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY IF A PERSON IS NOT LAWFULLY IN THE UNITED STATES, AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION; TO ADD SECTION 39-5-37, SO AS TO PROVIDE A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION TO ANY PERSON WHO IS TERMINATED BY AN EMPLOYER IF THE PURPOSE FOR DISCHARGE WAS TO REPLACE THE WORKER WITH ANOTHER PERSON WHO THE EMPLOYER KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN WAS NOT LAWFULLY ADMITTED TO THE UNITED STATES, OR NOT AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXEMPTION FOR ANY EMPLOYER WHO CONFIRMS A WORKER'S STATUS THROUGH THE FEDERAL WORK AUTHORIZATION PROGRAM; AND TO AMEND TITLE 40, BY ADDING CHAPTER 83, RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES, SO AS TO ADD THE "REGISTRATION OF IMMIGRATION SERVICE ACT" TO REQUIRE ALL IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES TO OBTAIN A BUSINESS LICENSE FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO LIST THE SERVICES THAT IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES MAY PROVIDE, TO PROHIBIT IMMIGRATION SERVICES FROM ACCEPTING PAYMENT IN EXCHANGE FOR PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE, FOR REFUSING TO RETURN DOCUMENTS SUPPLIED BY, PREPARED FOR, OR PAID FOR BY A CUSTOMER, FOR REPRESENTING OR ADVERTISING, IN CONNECTION WITH PROVIDING IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES, CERTAIN TITLES TO INCLUDE 'NOTARY PUBLIC', OR 'IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT', OR FOR PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE, OR MAKING ANY MISREPRESENTATION OR FALSE STATEMENT TO INFLUENCE, PERSUADE, OR INDUCE PATRONAGE, TO PROVIDE FOR CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AND TO REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION TO PROMULGATE RULES TO EFFECTUATE THIS SUBSECTION, AND TO AMEND TITLE 41 OF THE CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 8 TO REQUIRE PRIVATE EMPLOYERS TO VERIFY THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF ALL NEW EMPLOYEES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 1337 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, RELATING TO MODULAR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ACT, RESTRUCTURING, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3183, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 1338 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BUILDING CODES COUNCIL, RELATING TO BARRIER FREE DESIGN, RESTRUCTURING, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3181, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 1339 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman and McGill: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 1095 OF 1962, RELATING TO THE LOWER FLORENCE COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DISTRICT SHALL BE COMPRISED OF THAT PORTION OF FLORENCE COUNTY THAT IS SOUTH OF THE LYNCHES RIVER.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
S. 1340 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR MRS. MAMIE J. REARDEN OF EDGEFIELD COUNTY, A MUCH-LOVED MATRIARCH OF SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH AT NEARLY ONE HUNDRED TEN YEARS OF AGE, AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1341 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF MAY 2008, AS "MENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RAISE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE NEED FOR APPROPRIATE AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES FOR ALL PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1342 (Word version) -- Senator McGill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-9910, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES' ISSUANCE OF GOLD STAR FAMILY LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES MAY BE ISSUED ONLY TO MOTOR VEHICLE OWNERS WHO ARE PARENTS OR SPOUSES OF PERSONS WHO WERE SLAIN WHILE IN THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES OR DIED AS A RESULT OF THIS SERVICE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT APPLICATIONS FOR THE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE MUST INCLUDE A COPY OF THE SERVICEMAN'S OR SERVICEWOMAN'S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FORM DD1300 AS VERIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT'S ELIGIBILITY TO BE ISSUED THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 4815 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Merrill, Thompson, Brady, Stavrinakis, Haley, Ballentine, Cato, Cooper, Delleney, Harrison, Limehouse, Sandifer, Scarborough, Shoopman, Taylor, Viers, Walker, Young, Mahaffey, Neilson, Bales, R. Brown, Herbkersman, Edge, Bingham, Simrill, Whipper, Bedingfield and Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 64 TO TITLE 12 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA MOTION PICTURE INCENTIVE ACT OF 2008", REVISING AND UPDATING TAX INCENTIVES FOR MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTIONS IN THIS STATE BY ADDING AND MODERNIZING DEFINITIONS, MAKING TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS, ELIMINATING THE REBATE OF STATE AND LOCAL SALES TAXES PROVIDED UNDER FORMER LAW, PROVIDING FOR THE CARRY FORWARD OF REBATE FUNDS TO AVOID MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS, CLARIFYING THE WAGE INCENTIVE AND RESIDENT HIRING BONUS, ESTABLISHING A FIVE-YEAR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, INCREASING THE NUMBER OF DAYS STATE PROPERTY MAY BE USED WITHOUT FEE FROM SEVEN TO TEN DAYS, AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FILM CREDITS FOR THIS STATE; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 62 OF TITLE 12 RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA MOTION PICTURE INCENTIVE ACT.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
H. 4883 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield, Clemmons, Edge, Hardwick, Hayes, Viers, Witherspoon and Whipper: 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.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
H. 4909 (Word version) -- Rep. Walker: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-2110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT "THE SOUTH CAROLINA DRUG FREE TRUCKING ACT", RELATING TO DISQUALIFICATION FROM DRIVING A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WITH A VERIFIED POSITIVE DRUG TEST OR ALCOHOL CONFIRMATION TEST IS DISQUALIFIED FROM DRIVING A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE UNTIL THE PERSON SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES AN ALCOHOL OR DRUG PROGRAM; AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-2135, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MEDICAL REPORTING OFFICER CONDUCTING DRUG OR ALCOHOL CONFIRMATION TESTS PURSUANT TO 49 C.F.R. 40 MUST REPORT POSITIVE VERIFIED TEST RESULTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 4911 (Word version) -- Reps. Walker, E. H. Pitts, Duncan, Rice, Hagood, Harvin, Miller, Battle, Govan, Scott and Gambrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 35 TO TITLE 56 SO AS TO ESTABLISH IDLING RESTRICTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL DIESEL VEHICLES, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VEHICLES THAT VIOLATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE TRANSPORT POLICE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER, TO PROVIDE THAT FINES COLLECTED PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER MUST BE PLACED IN THE DIESEL IDLING REDUCTION FUND ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE TREASURY AND USED TO DEVELOP AND OPERATE AN IDLING AWARENESS PROGRAM, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 4942 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty, Clemmons, Hagood, E. H. Pitts, Sandifer, Brady, Erickson, Huggins, Haskins, Whipper and Edge: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-3140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DETERMINING THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA REAL PROPERTY VALUATION REFORM ACT, SO AS TO POSTPONE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRANSFER VALUE OF A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY UNIMPROVED SINCE THE LAST COUNTYWIDE REASSESSMENT PROGRAM UNTIL THE TIME OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEXT COUNTYWIDE REASSESSMENT PROGRAM AND TO REQUIRE THE FIFTEEN PERCENT LIMIT ON INCREASES IN VALUE TO BE CALCULATED SEPARATELY ON LAND AND IMPROVEMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-3150, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE TIME AN ASSESSABLE TRANSFER OF INTEREST OCCURS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE NOTICE OR FAILURE TO PROVIDE ACCURATE NOTICE TO THE ASSESSING AUTHORITY OF BUSINESS ENTITY TRANSFERS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CLASSIFICATION AND VALUATION OF PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF THE PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEED TO PROPERTY HELD IN TRUST TO RECITE THE NAME OF THE BENEFICIARY FOR THE PROPERTY TO QUALIFY AS THE BENEFICIARY'S LEGAL RESIDENCE AND REQUIRE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS OF APPLICANTS FOR THE LEGAL RESIDENCE ASSESSMENT RATIO; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-60-35, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSORS, SO AS TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENT.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
H. 4980 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Merrill, E. H. Pitts, Cato, Bedingfield, Haskins, Walker, D. C. Smith, J. R. Smith, Barfield, Crawford, Davenport, Lowe, Rice, Simrill, G. R. Smith, Young, Edge and Mulvaney: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL, RENEWAL, REVOCATION, AND TERMINATION OF CHARTERS FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE CHARTER PERIOD FROM FIVE TO TEN YEARS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
H. 5093 (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 HONOR THE W. J. KEENAN HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM, OF RICHLAND COUNTY, FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON, AND TO CONGRATULATE THE PLAYERS AND COACHES FOR CAPTURING THE 2008 CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
H. 5095 (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 HONOR MRS. REBECCA WAY GADSON, OF RICHLAND COUNTY, ON THE OCCASION OF MOTHER'S DAY, AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS CELEBRATION AND MANY MORE YEARS OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
H. 5096 (Word version) -- Rep. Agnew: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION OF THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF ABBEVILLE, AND TO CONGRATULATE AND COMMEND MAYOR HAROLD E. MCNEILL AND THE CITIZENS OF ABBEVILLE FOR TWO AND A HALF CENTURIES OF SHOWCASING BOTH THE BEAUTY AND PROGRESS OF THIS GREAT SOUTH CAROLINA CITY.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
Senator McCONNELL from the Committee on Judiciary polled out S. 879 favorable with amendment:
S. 879 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Knotts and Fair: A BILL TO ENACT THE UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN REMAINS DNA DATABASE ACT, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 9, CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 23, RELATING TO THE STATE DNA DATABASE, TO PROVIDE THAT FAMILY MEMBERS OF A MISSING PERSON MAY SUBMIT DNA SAMPLES TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE PERSON REMAINS MISSING FOR THIRTY DAYS, THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION MUST CONDUCT DNA IDENTIFICATION, TYPING, AND TESTING ON THE DNA SAMPLE PROVIDED BY THE FAMILY MEMBER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE RESULTS OF THE IDENTIFICATION, TYPING, AND TESTING OF THE FAMILY MEMBER'S DNA SAMPLE IS ENTERED INTO THE STATE DNA DATABASE AND THE NATIONAL DNA INDEX SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE THAT EACH FAMILY MEMBER PROVIDING DNA SAMPLES MUST PAY A PROCESSING FEE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION MUST CONDUCT DNA IDENTIFICATION, TYPING, AND TESTING ON DNA SAMPLES OF UNIDENTIFIED BODIES THAT REMAIN UNIDENTIFIED FOR THIRTY DAYS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE RESULTS OF THE IDENTIFICATION, TYPING, AND TESTING OF THE UNIDENTIFIED PERSON'S DNA SAMPLE IS ENTERED INTO THE STATE DNA DATABASE AND THE NATIONAL DNA INDEX SYSTEM; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 17, RELATING TO CORONERS AND MEDICAL EXAMINERS, TO PROVIDE THAT A CORONER PERFORMING AN AUTOPSY ON AN UNIDENTIFIED BODY MUST OBTAIN TISSUE AND FLUID SAMPLES FROM THE BODY SUITABLE FOR DNA IDENTIFICATION, TYPING, AND TESTING, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CORONER MUST SEND THE SAMPLES TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION; BY AMENDING SECTION 17-5-570, RELATING TO THE RELEASE AND BURIAL OF DEAD BODIES AND THE PRESERVATION AND DISPOSITION OF UNIDENTIFIED DEAD BODIES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA OR OTHER FACILITY PRESERVING AN UNIDENTIFIED DEAD BODY MUST NOTIFY THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION IF THE BODY REMAINS UNIDENTIFIED AFTER THIRTY DAYS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THERE MAY BE NO DISPOSITION OF THE BODY UNTIL AT LEAST THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE BODY'S DNA PROFILE HAS BEEN ENTERED INTO THE STATE DNA DATABASE AND THE NATIONAL DNA INDEX SYSTEM.
AYES
McConnell Ford Gregory Jackson Martin Rankin Elliott Hutto Anderson Hawkins Ritchie Knotts Malloy Sheheen Campsen Cleary Lourie Scott Williams Vaughn Ceips Massey Campbell
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3649 (Word version) -- Reps. Witherspoon, Merrill, Agnew, Anthony, Brady, R. Brown, Duncan, Funderburk, Hagood, Hardwick, Herbkersman, Hiott, Kelly, Loftis, Moss, Ott, E.H. Pitts, Scott, Talley, Toole, Umphlett, Cobb-Hunter, Leach, Cato, Clemmons, Barfield, Ceips, Dantzler, Hamilton, Howard, Jefferson, Lowe, Phillips, G.R. Smith, J.R. Smith, Stavrinakis, Bannister, J.H. Neal, Stewart, Sellers, Mitchell, Williams, G.M. Smith and Mahaffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 63 TO TITLE 12 SO AS TO ENACT THE "ENERGY FREEDOM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT" TO ALLOW A SALES TAX REBATE FOR THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT USED TO CONVERT A HYBRID VEHICLE INTO A HYBRID PLUG-IN VEHICLE, TO ALLOW AN INCENTIVE PAYMENT FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL PURCHASES, AND TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA RENEWABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3376 SO AS TO ALLOW AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR THE PURCHASE OR LEASE OF A PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3630 SO AS TO ALLOW AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED EXPENDITURES FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FEEDSTOCKS AND PROCESSES FOR CELLULOSIC ETHANOL AND FOR ALGAE-DERIVED BIODIESEL; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3587, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR SOLAR ENERGY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS, SO AS TO ALLOW A TAX CREDIT EQUAL TO THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR EACH BUILDING THAT IS INSTALLED WITH A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3600, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR AN ETHANOL AND BIODIESEL FACILITY, SO AS TO ALLOW A TAX CREDIT FOR A CORN-BASED ETHANOL AND SOY-BASED BIODIESEL FACILITY AND A NONCORN ETHANOL AND NONSOY OIL BIODIESEL FACILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3610, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR THE COST OF PURCHASING AND INSTALLING PROPERTY TO DISTRIBUTE AND DISPENSE RENEWABLE FUELS, SO AS TO LIMIT THE CREDIT TO ONE MILLION DOLLARS, TO DEFINE THE TERM "RENEWABLE FUEL", AND TO ADD CLARIFYING LANGUAGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3620, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR THE COST OF METHANE GAS USE, SO AS TO ALLOW A TAX CREDIT FOR THE COST OF EQUIPMENT TO CREATE A FORM OF ENERGY FROM A BIOMASS RESOURCE AND TO LIMIT THE CREDIT TO ONE MILLION DOLLARS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-28-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MOTOR FUEL FEES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "BIODIESEL".
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator ALEXANDER from the General Committee polled out H. 4904 favorable:
H. 4904 (Word version) -- Reps. Alexander, Branham, Crawford, Lowe and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNINTENTIONAL RELEASE OF AN UNARMED ATOMIC WARHEAD OVER THE MARS BLUFF COMMUNITY IN FLORENCE COUNTY.
AYES
Alexander O'Dell Martin Hawkins Knotts Ford Short Sheheen Lourie Williams Vaughn Leventis Bryant Ceips Campbell Massey
Reese
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator ALEXANDER from the Committee on General polled out H. 5027 favorable:
H. 5027 (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 EXPRESS THE GREAT CONCERN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE WELFARE OF PASTOR PHILIP MILES OF CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH IN RICHLAND 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.
AYES
Alexander O'Dell Martin Hawkins Knotts Ford Short Sheheen Lourie Williams Vaughn Leventis Bryant Ceips Campbell Massey
Reese
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
S. 1328 (Word version) -- Senators Jackson, Matthews, Ford, Anderson and Patterson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE DEATH OF THE REVEREND DR. LEWIS P. GRAHAM, SR. OF RICHLAND COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY, CHURCH, AND MANY FRIENDS.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
Senator RITCHIE objected to consideration of all Bills and Resolutions on the Uncontested Calendar.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.
H. 3032 (Word version) -- Reps. Viers and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY APPROPRIATE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS RELATING TO THE PRESENCE OF ILLEGAL ALIENS IN THIS STATE AND TO RECOMMEND LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AS APPROPRIATE.
Senator MARTIN, as Chairman of the Committee on Rules, moved under Rule 32B to take up the Bill immediately after the Bills on Special Order.
The motion was adopted.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Senate agreed to dispense with the Motion Period.
PURSUANT TO THE MOTION UNDER RULE 32B, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF H. 3032.
H. 3032 (Word version) -- Reps. Viers and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY APPROPRIATE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS RELATING TO THE PRESENCE OF ILLEGAL ALIENS IN THIS STATE AND TO RECOMMEND LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AS APPROPRIATE.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator RITCHIE was recognized to speak on the Bill.
At 1:23 P.M., Senator MARTIN assumed the Chair.
Senator RITCHIE was recognized to speak on the Bill.
Senator RITCHIE asked unanimous consent to make a motion that Amendment No. 1 was to be taken up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
Senators RITCHIE, CAMPSEN, FAIR, BRYANT, MARTIN, THOMAS, VAUGHN, CEIPS, SCOTT, LOURIE and VERDIN proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (JUD3032.006):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting language, and inserting therein the following:
/ SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act".
SECTION 2. Section 1-31-40(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"(A) The commission shall:
(1) provide the minority community consisting of African Americans, Native American Indians, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and others with a single point of contact for statistical and technical assistance in the areas of research and planning for a greater economic future;
(2) work with minority officials on the state, county, and local levels of government in disseminating statistical data and its impact on their constituencies;
(3) provide for publication of a statewide statistical abstract on minority affairs;
(4) provide statistical analyses for members of the General Assembly on the state of minority communities as the State experiences economic growth and changes;
(5) provide the minority community with assistance and information on Voting Rights Act submissions in the State, as well as other related areas of concern to the minority community;
(6) determine, approve, and acknowledge by certification state recognition for Native American Indian entities; however, notwithstanding their state certification, the tribes have no power or authority to take any action which would establish, advance, or promote any form of gambling in this State;
(7) establish advisory committees representative of minority groups, as the commission considers appropriate to advise the commission;
(8) act as liaison with the business community to provide programs and opportunities to fulfill its duties under this chapter;
(9) seek federal and other funding on behalf of the State of South Carolina for the express purpose of implementing various programs and services for African Americans, Native American Indians, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and other minority groups;
(10) promulgate regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this article including, but not limited to, regulations regarding State Recognition of Native American Indian entities in the State of South Carolina; and
(11) establish and maintain a twenty-four hour toll free telephone number and electronic website in accordance with Section 8-30-10; and
(11)(12) perform other duties necessary to implement programs."
SECTION 3. Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
Unauthorized Aliens and Public Employment
Section 8-14-10. (A) As used in this article, the term:
(1) 'Contractor' means any person having a contract with a public employer except a political subdivision, where the total value of the contract to be performed in a twelve-month period exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars, or, if the public employer is a political subdivision, where the total value of the contract to be performed in a twelve-month period exceeds fifteen thousand dollars.
(2) 'Director' means the director of the State Budget and Control Board.
(3) 'End product' means movable personal property described in the solicitation and in final form and ready for the use intended including, without limitation, commodities or equipment.
(4) 'Federal work authorization program' means the E-Verify Program or one of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, or an equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), Public Law 99-603, or an electronic verification of work authorization program operated by a private entity and approved by the Attorney General.
(5) 'Public employer' means every department, agency, or instrumentality of the State or a political subdivision of the State.
(6) 'Service contract' means a contract that involves the physical performance of manual labor, if the total cost of such labor exceeds (i) thirty percent of the total cost of all labor, or (ii) five percent of the total contract price. The term does not include:
(a) a contract with a public employer, other than a political subdivision, with a total value of less than twenty-five thousand dollars, or a contract with a political subdivision with a total value of less than fifteen thousand dollars;
(b) a contract primarily for the acquisition of an end product; and
(c) a contract that is predominantly for the performance of professional or consultant services.
(7) 'Subcontractor' means any person having either: (a) a services contract with a contractor; or (b) a contract with a sub-subcontractor.
(8) 'Sub-subcontractor' means any person having a services contract with a subcontractor.
(9) 'Private employer' means any person carrying on any employment and the legal representative of a deceased person or the receiver or trustee of any person, and any person for whom an individual performs a service, of whatever nature, as an employee, as defined in Section 12-8-10.
Section 8-14-20. (A) On or after January 1, 2009, every public employer shall register and participate in the federal work authorization program to verify the employment authorization of all new employees.
(B) A public employer may not enter into a services contract with a contractor for the physical performance of services within this State unless the contractor agrees:
(1) to register and participate in the federal work authorization program to verify the employment authorization of all new employees; and require agreement from its subcontractors, and through the subcontractors, the sub-subcontractors, to register and participate in the federal verification of the employment authorization of all new employees; or
(2) to employ only workers who:
(a) possess a valid South Carolina driver's license or identification card issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles;
(b) are eligible to obtain a South Carolina driver's license or identification card in that they meet the requirements set forth in S.C. Code Ann. Section 56-1-40 through 56-1-90; or
(c) possess a valid driver's license or identification card from another state where the license requirements are at least as strict as those in South Carolina, as determined by the Attorney General.
(C) A public employer and contractor must not divide work or duties that would otherwise constitute a single service contract into separate contracts for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this chapter.
(D) Subsection (B) applies as follows:
(1) on and after January 1, 2009, with respect to contractors, subcontractors, or sub-subcontractors of five hundred or more employees;
(2) on and after July 1, 2009, with respect to contractors, subcontractors, or sub-subcontractors of one hundred or more employees but less than five hundred employees; and
(3) on and after January 1, 2010, with respect to all other contractors, subcontractors or sub-subcontractors.
(E) Private employers shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 8, Title 41.
Section 8-14-30. The provisions of this chapter are enforceable without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or national origin. Section 11-35-4210 provides the exclusive remedy for violations of this article for any contract governed by Title 11, Chapter 35. A pre-award protest process appearing in a procurement ordinance adopted by a political subdivision pursuant to Section 11-35-50 or Section 11-35-70 provides the exclusive remedy for violations of this article for any contract governed by that procurement ordinance.
Section 8-14-40. A public employer complies with this chapter if it obtains a written statement from the contractor certifying that the contractor will comply with the requirements of this article and agrees to provide to the public employer any documentation required to establish either: (a) the applicability of this article to the contractor, subcontractor, and sub-subcontractor; or (b) the compliance with this article by the contractor and any subcontractor or sub-subcontractor. A public employer need not audit or independently verify a contractor's compliance with this article.
Section 8-14-50. A contractor or public employer who in good faith complies with the requirements of this chapter may not be sanctioned or subjected to any civil or administrative action for employing an individual not authorized for employment in the United States.
Section 8-14-60. A person who knowingly makes or files any false, fictitious, or fraudulent document, statement, or report pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, must be fined within the discretion of the court or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.
Section 8-14-70. A local government must not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from seeking to enforce the provisions of this article.
Section 8-14-80. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the director shall prescribe all forms and promulgate regulations necessary for the application of this chapter to contracts or agreements and may publish these regulations on the Budget and Control Board's website in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 23 of Title 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Section 8-14-90. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the director of the Department of Transportation shall prescribe forms, promulgate regulations, and adopt rules necessary for the application of this chapter to a contract or agreement relating to public transportation and shall publish these rules and regulations on the Department of Transportation's website in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 23 of Title 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws."
SECTION 4. Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 23-3-80. (A) The chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is authorized and directed to negotiate the terms of a memorandum of understanding between the State of South Carolina and the United States Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security addressing:
(1) the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local law enforcement, specifically through the 287-G program or other applicable federal law designed for the purpose of state enforcement of federal immigration laws;
(2) the detention of unlawful aliens by state and local law enforcement officials and the costs associated with those detentions;
(3) the removal of detained unlawful aliens by federal authorities or, instead of removal, the deportation of illegal immigrants by state and local law enforcement officials;
(4) training of state and local law enforcement officials pursuant to the 287-G program or other applicable federal laws and the costs of such training; and
(5) further communication and cooperation between federal law enforcement and state and local law enforcement officials in the area of immigration enforcement, pursuant to 8 U.S.C. Section 1357(g).
(B) The memorandum of understanding negotiated pursuant to subsection (A) must be signed on behalf of the State by the chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Governor or as otherwise required by the appropriate federal agency.
(C) The chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division shall designate appropriate law enforcement officers to be trained pursuant to the memorandum of understanding provided for in subsections (A) and (B). The training may be funded pursuant to the federal Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2006, or any other source of funding. The provisions of this section become effective upon the securing of this funding.
(D) The director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the sheriff of a county, and the governing body of a municipality that maintains a paid police department may enter into the memorandum of understanding between the State of South Carolina and the United States Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security as a party, and, subject to the availability of funds provided for in subsection (C) of this section, provide corrections officers and local law enforcement officers for training in accordance with the memorandum of understanding.
(E) A law enforcement officer certified as trained in accordance with the memorandum of understanding as provided in this section is authorized to enforce federal immigration and customs laws while performing within the scope of his or her authorized duties."
SECTION 5. Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States
Section 8-29-10. (A) Except as provided in subsection (C) of this section or where exempted by federal law, on or after July 1, 2008, every agency or political subdivision of this State shall verify the lawful presence in the United States of any alien eighteen years of age or older who has applied for state or local public benefits, as defined in 8 U.S.C. Section 1621, or for federal public benefits, as defined in 8 U.S.C. Section 1611, that are administered by an agency or a political subdivision of this State.
(B) The provisions of this article shall be enforced without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or national origin.
(C) Verification of lawful presence pursuant to the provisions of this article is not required for:
(1) a purpose for which lawful presence in the United States is not required by law, ordinance, or regulation;
(2) assistance for health care items and services that are necessary for the treatment of an emergency medical condition, as defined in the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), of the person involved and are not related to an organ transplant procedure;
(3) short-term, noncash, in-kind emergency disaster relief;
(4) public health assistance for immunizations with respect to immunizable diseases and for testing and treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases whether or not such symptoms are caused by a communicable disease;
(5) programs, services, or assistance including soup kitchens, crisis counseling and intervention, and short-term shelter specified by the United States Attorney General, in the United States Attorney General's sole discretion after consultation with appropriate federal agencies and departments, which:
(a) deliver in-kind services at the community level, including through public or private nonprofit agencies;
(b) do not condition the provision of assistance, the amount of assistance provided, or the cost of assistance provided on the individual recipient's income or resources; and
(c) are necessary for the protection of life or safety;
(6) prenatal care;
(7) postsecondary education, whereby the Department of Education shall set forth, or cause to be set forth, policies regarding postsecondary benefits that comply with all federal law including, but not limited to, public benefits as described in 8 U.S.C. Section 1611, 1621, or 1623;
(8) benefits, programs, services or any other assistance provided to victims of domestic violence, irrespective of their immigration status, under the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, Public Law Number 106-386, or the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, Public Law Number 104-208; or
(9) benefits and refunds lawfully due from the South Carolina Retirement Systems pursuant to Title 9 of the South Carolina Code to members of the Retirement Systems and their beneficiaries.
(D) Verification of lawful presence in the United States by the agency or political subdivision required to make such verification must occur as follows:
(1) the applicant must execute an affidavit that he is a United States citizen or legal permanent resident eighteen years of age or older; or
(2) the applicant must execute an affidavit that he or she is a qualified alien or nonimmigrant under the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act, Public Law 82-414, eighteen years of age or older, and lawfully present in the United States.
(E) For an applicant who has executed an affidavit that he or she is an alien lawfully present in the United States, eligibility for benefits shall be made through the Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or a successor program designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Until the eligibility verification is made, the affidavit shall be presumed to be proof of lawful presence for the purposes of this article.
(F) A person who knowingly and willfully makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit executed pursuant to this section, or who aids or abets a person in knowingly and willfully making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit executed pursuant to this section, or who solicits or conspires to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit executed pursuant to this section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. In addition, a person convicted pursuant to this section must disgorge any benefit received or make restitution, or both, to the agency or political subdivision of this State that administered the benefit or entitlement program. It is a separate violation of this section each time a person receives a public benefit based on such a statement or representation. A conviction and fine charged pursuant to this section shall not preempt or preclude additional appropriate civil or criminal charges or penalties. A person who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property, real or personal, as a result of the actions of anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection may bring an action, individually, or in a representative capacity, to recover actual damages. If the court finds that a violation has been established, the court shall award three times the actual damages sustained and may provide such other relief as it considers necessary and proper. Upon a finding by the court of a violation, the court shall award to the person bringing the action under this section reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
(G) Persons convicted of a violation of this section are jointly and severally liable for a loss suffered by a person or an agency or political subdivision of the State.
(H) If an affidavit constitutes a false claim of U.S. citizenship under 18 U.S.C. Section 911, a complaint must be filed by the agency or political subdivision with the United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina.
(I) It is unlawful for an agency or a political subdivision of this State to provide any state, local, or federal benefit, as defined in 8 U.S.C. Section 1621 or 8 U.S.C. Section 1611, in violation of this section.
(J) All errors and significant delays by SAVE or its successor program must be reported to the United States Department of Homeland Security and to the Secretary of State which will monitor the state's participation in the SAVE program and its verification of application errors and significant delays and report yearly on such errors and significant delays to ensure that the application of SAVE is not wrongfully denying benefits to legal residents of South Carolina.
(K) An agency or a political subdivision of this State that provides a state, local, or federal benefit, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1621 or 8 U.S.C. Section 1611, must require a person currently under the age of eighteen who received the benefit to comply with the provisions of this article upon reaching the age of eighteen. If the recipient is unwilling or unable to comply, receipt of all benefits must cease immediately upon the recipient's eighteenth birthday.
(L) A local government may not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from seeking to enforce the provisions of this article."
SECTION 6. Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
Recording and Reporting Immigration Law Violations
Section 8-30-10. (A) The executive director of the State Commission for Minority Affairs, or a designee, shall establish and maintain a twenty-four hour toll free telephone number and electronic website to receive, record, collect, and report allegations of violations of federal immigration laws or related provisions of South Carolina law by any non-United States citizen or immigrant, and allegations of violations of any federal immigration laws or related provisions in South Carolina law against any non-United States citizen or immigrant. Such violations shall include, but are not limited to, E-Verify or other federal work authorization program violations, violations of Chapter 83 of Title 40 of this Code relating to immigration assistance services, or any regulations enacted governing the operation of immigration assistance services, false or fraudulent statements made or documents filed in relation to an immigration matter, as defined by Section 40-83-20, violation of human trafficking laws, as defined in Section 16-3-930, landlord tenant law violations, or violations of any law pertaining to the provision or receipt of public assistance benefits or public services.
(B) The executive director, or a designee, shall establish and maintain a centralized tracking database consisting of all information received through the twenty-four hour toll free telephone number and electronic website, and shall report all alleged violations to the appropriate law enforcement, administrative, executive, or regulatory agency or political subdivision having law enforcement or regulatory control over the subject matter, including, but not limited to the United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, consistent with 8 U.S.C. Section 1373.
Section 8-30-20. The executive director is authorized to hire personnel necessary to carry out the duties prescribed in Section 8-30-10. The General Assembly shall provide for the funds in the annual appropriations act."
SECTION 7. Chapter 6, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 12-6-1175. (A) As used in this section:
(1) 'Unauthorized alien' means an unauthorized alien as defined by 8 U.S.C. Section 1324A(b)(3).
(2) 'Labor services' means the physical performance of services in this State.
(B) On or after January 1, 2009, no wages or remuneration for labor services to an individual of six hundred dollars or more per annum may be claimed and allowed as a deductible business expense for state income tax purposes by a taxpayer if the individual is an unauthorized alien. The provisions of this subsection shall apply whether or not an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 is issued in conjunction with the wages or remuneration.
(C) This section shall not apply to a business domiciled in this State that is exempt from compliance with federal employment verification procedures under federal law.
(D) This section shall not apply to an individual hired by the taxpayer prior to January 1, 2009.
(E) This section shall not apply to a taxpayer where the individual being paid is not directly compensated or employed by said taxpayer.
(F) This section shall not apply to wages or remuneration paid for labor services to any individual who: (1) holds and presents to the taxpayer a valid license or identification card issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles; (2) is eligible to obtain a South Carolina driver's license or identification card in that he meets the requirements set forth in S.C. Code Ann. Section 56-1-40 through 56-1-90; or (3) possesses a valid driver's license or identification card from another state where the license requirements are as strict or stricter than those in South Carolina, as determined by the Attorney General.
(G) A taxpayer must not be held liable for failing to comply with the provisions of this section, if, based on a reasonable investigation of the individual, the taxpayer did not know or should not have known that the individual was an unauthorized alien. For purposes of this subsection, a taxpayer shall be deemed to have conducted a reasonable investigation if the individual met the requirements of subsection (F), and the information provided by the individual to the taxpayer was facially correct.
(H) The director of the South Carolina Department of Revenue is authorized to prescribe forms and promulgate regulations deemed necessary in order to administer and effectuate this section in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 23 of Title 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
(I) The executive director of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission shall send written notice of this section to all South Carolina employers no later than July 1, 2008."
SECTION 8. Chapter 8, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 12-8-595. (A) A withholding agent, as defined in Section 12-8-10, shall withhold state income tax at the rate of seven percent of the amount of compensation paid to an individual, which compensation is reported on Form 1099 and with respect to which the individual has:
(1) failed to provide a taxpayer identification number or social security number;
(2) failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number or social security number; or
(3) provided an Internal Revenue Service issued taxpayer identification number issued for nonresident aliens.
(B) A withholding agent who fails to comply with the withholding requirements of this subsection shall be liable for the taxes required to have been withheld unless the withholding agent is exempt from federal withholding with respect to the individual pursuant to a properly filed Internal Revenue Service Form 8233 and has provided a copy of the form to the commissioner.
(C) A withholding agent does not violate this section if the individual provides a false or incorrect social security number or taxpayer identification number that is facially correct and the withholding agent does not know or should not have known based on a reasonable investigation that the number provided is false or incorrect.
(D) The executive director of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission shall send written notice of this section to all South Carolina employers no later than July 1, 2008."
SECTION 9. Article 5, Chapter 9, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 16-9-460. (A) It is a felony for a person knowingly or in reckless disregard of the fact that another person has come to, entered, or remained in the United States in violation of law to transport, move, or attempt to transport that person within the State or to solicit or conspire to transport or move that person within the State with specific intent to further that person's unlawful entry into the United States or avoiding apprehension or detection of that person's unlawful immigration status by state or federal authorities.
(B) It is a felony for a person knowingly or in reckless disregard of the fact that another person has come to, entered, or remained in the United States in violation of law to conceal, harbor, or shelter from detection or to solicit or conspire to conceal, harbor, or shelter from detection that person in any place, including a building or means of transportation, with specific intent to further that person's unlawful entry into the United States or avoiding apprehension or detection of that person's unlawful immigration status by state or federal authorities.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A) or (B) of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years, or both.
(D) A person who is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or enters into a plea of nolo contendere to a violation of this section must not be permitted to seek or obtain any professional license offered by the State or any agency or political subdivision of the State.
(E) Subsections (A) and (B) do not apply to programs, services, or assistance including soup kitchens, crisis counseling and intervention; churches or other religious institutions that are recognized as a 501(c)(3) organizations by the Internal Revenue Service; and short-term shelters specified by the United States Attorney General, in the United States Attorney General's sole discretion after consultation with appropriate federal agencies and departments, which:
(i) deliver in-kind services at the community level, including through public or private nonprofit agencies;
(ii) do not condition the provision of assistance, the amount of assistance provided, or the cost of assistance provided on the individual recipient's income or resources; and
(iii) are necessary for the protection of life or safety.
Shelter provided for strictly humanitarian purposes or provided under the Violence Against Women Act is not a violation of this section, so long as the shelter is not provided in furtherance of or in an attempt to conceal a person's illegal presence in the United States.
(F) Providing health care treatment or services to a natural person who is in the United States unlawfully is not a violation of this section."
SECTION 10. Chapter 13, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 16-13-525. (A) In addition to the penalties provided for in this chapter, a person who is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or enters into a plea of nolo contendere to financial identity fraud or identity fraud involving the false, fictitious, or fraudulent creation or use of documents that enable an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States to live or work in the United States, or to receive benefits administered by an agency or political subdivision of this State, must disgorge any benefit received or make restitution to the agency or political subdivision that administered the benefit or entitlement program, or both. A criminal charge pursuant to this chapter shall not preempt or preclude additional appropriate civil or criminal charges or penalties.
(B) A person who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property, real or personal, as a result of a conviction or plea to a violation of financial identity fraud or identity fraud involving a matter described in subsection (A), may bring an action individually, or in a representative capacity, to recover actual damages against any person convicted of the violation. If a court finds that a violation has been established, the court shall award three times the actual damages sustained and may provide such other relief as it considers necessary or proper. Upon the finding by the court of a violation, the court shall award to the person bringing this action pursuant to this section reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
(C) A person convicted of a violation of this subsection is jointly and severally liable for a loss suffered by a person or an agency or political subdivision of the State.
(D)(1) It is unlawful for a person to display, cause or permit to be displayed, or have in his possession a false, fictitious, fraudulent, or counterfeit identity document including, but not limited to, a driver's license or social security card for the purpose of offering proof of United States citizenship or classification by the United States as an alien lawfully admitted for temporary or permanent residence under federal immigration law.
(2) A person who violates the provisions of this section:
(a) for a first offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days; and
(b) for a second offense or subsequent offense, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than five years.
(E) A violation of the provisions of this section is considered a separate criminal offense and does not preclude prosecution for perjury pursuant to Section 16-9-10 in addition to prosecution pursuant to the provisions of this section.
(F) In enforcing the terms of this section, no state officer shall attempt to make an independent judgment of an alien's immigration status. State officials must verify any alien's status with the federal government in accordance with 8 U.S.C. Section 1373(c)."
SECTION 11. Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
Verification of Nationality of Prisoners
Section 23-3-1100. (A) If a person is charged with a criminal offense and is confined for any period in a jail of the State, county, or municipality, or a jail operated by a regional jail authority, a reasonable effort shall be made to determine whether the confined person is an alien unlawfully present in the United States.
(B) If the prisoner is an alien, the keeper of the jail or other officer must make a reasonable effort to verify whether the prisoner has been lawfully admitted to the United States or if the prisoner is unlawfully present in the United States. Verification must be made within seventy-two hours through a query to the Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) of the United States Department of Homeland Security or other office or agency designated for that purpose by the United States Department of Homeland Security. If the prisoner is determined to be an alien unlawfully present in the United States, the keeper of the jail or other officer shall notify the United States Department of Homeland Security.
(C) Upon notification to the United States Department of Homeland Security pursuant to subsection (B), the keeper of the jail must account for daily expenses incurred for the housing, maintenance, and care of the prisoner who is an alien unlawfully present in the United States and forward an invoice to the Department of Homeland Security for these expenses.
(D) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deny a person bond or from being released from confinement when such person is otherwise eligible for release. However, pursuant to the provisions of Section 17-15-30, a court setting bond shall consider whether the person charged is an alien unlawfully present in the United States.
(E) The State Law Enforcement Division shall promulgate regulations to comply with the provisions of this section in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 23 of Title 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
(F) In enforcing the terms of this section, no state officer shall attempt to make an independent judgment of an alien's immigration status. State officials must verify any alien's status with the federal government in accordance with 8 U.S.C. Section 1373(c)."
SECTION 12. Chapter 1, Title 41 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 41-1-30. (A) There is a civil right of action for wrongful termination against an employer who discharges an employee authorized to work in the United States for the purpose of replacing that employee with a person the employer knows or should reasonably know is an unauthorized alien.
(B) An aggrieved employee must show:
(a) the replacement occurred within sixty days of the date of the employee's termination, and
(b) the replacement worker was an unauthorized alien at the time of the replacement; and
(c) the employer knew or reasonably should have known of the replacement worker's status; and
(d) the replacement worker filled duties and responsibilities the employee vacated.
(C) This section does not create an employment contract for either a public or private employer.
(D) An employee who brings a civil suit pursuant to this section is limited to the following recovery:
(1) reinstatement to his former position; and
(2) lost wages.
(E) A cause of action does not arise against an employer who submits the necessary identifying information for all employees through the Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) program, the E-Verify Program or a successor program used for verification of work authorization and operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
(F) Any cause of action arising pursuant to this section is equitable in nature and must be brought within one year of the date of the alleged violation.
(G) For any action brought pursuant to this section, the court may award attorney fees to the prevailing party.
(H) This section takes effect ninety days after the effective date of the act."
SECTION 13. Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
Registration of Immigration Assistance Services
Section 40-83-10. This act shall be cited as the 'Registration of Immigration Assistance Service Act'.
Section 40-83-20. As used in this chapter, the term:
(A) 'Compensation' means money, property, services, promise of payment, or anything else of value given in exchange for a service.
(B) 'Director' means the Director of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, or his designee.
(C) 'Employed by' means that a person is on the payroll of the employer and the employer deducts from the employee's paycheck social security and withholding taxes or that a person receives compensation from the employer on a commission basis or as an independent contractor.
(D) 'Immigration assistance service' means information or action provided or offered to customers or prospective customers related to immigration matters, excluding legal advice, recommending a specific course of legal action or providing other assistance that requires legal analysis, legal judgment, or interpretation of the law.
(E) 'Immigration matter' means a proceeding, filing, or action affecting the nonimmigrant, immigrant, or citizenship status of any person that arises under:
(1) immigration and naturalization law, executive order, or presidential proclamation of the United States or any foreign country; or
(2) action of the United States Department of Labor, the United States Department of State, the United States Department of Homeland Security, or the United States Department of Justice.
Section 43-83-30. (A) A person who provides or offers to provide immigration assistance service shall perform only the following services:
(1) completing a government agency form, requested by the customer and appropriate to the customer's needs only if the completion of that form does not involve a legal judgment for that particular matter;
(2) transcribing responses to a government agency form that is related to an immigration matter but not advising a customer as to his or her answers on those forms;
(3) translating information on forms to a customer and translating the customer's answers to questions posed on those forms;
(4) securing for the customer supporting documents currently in existence, such as birth and marriage certificates, which may be needed to be submitted with government agency forms;
(5) translating documents from a foreign language into English;
(6) notarizing signatures on government agency forms, if the person performing the service is a notary public commissioned in the State of South Carolina and is lawfully present in the United States;
(7) making referrals, without a fee, to attorneys who could undertake legal representation for a person in an immigration matter;
(8) preparing or arranging for the preparation of photographs and fingerprints;
(9) arranging for the performance of medical testing (including X-rays and AIDS tests) and the obtaining of reports of such test results;
(10) conducting English language and civics courses; and
(11) performing other services that the director determines by rule may be appropriately performed by such persons in light of the purposes of this chapter.
(B) The following persons are exempt from this chapter:
(1) an attorney licensed to practice law in South Carolina or an attorney licensed to practice law in another state or territory of the United States or in a foreign country when acting with the approval of a judge having lawful jurisdiction over the matter;
(2) a legal intern, clerk, paralegal, or person in a similar position employed by and under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney meeting the requirements in item (1) of this subsection and rendering immigration assistance service in the course of employment; or
(3) a not-for-profit organization recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals under 8 C.F.R. 292.2(a), to include, but not be limited to, religious, charitable, social service, or similar organizations, and employees of those organizations accredited under 8 C.F.R. 292.2(d).
(C) This chapter does not regulate any business to the extent that such regulation is prohibited or preempted by federal law.
(D) A person performing the services described in this chapter shall obtain a business license from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and as may be required by a local governing authority.
(E) A person who provides or offers immigration assistance service and is not exempted under this chapter shall post signs at his or her place of business setting forth information in English and in every other language in which the person provides or offers to provide immigration assistance service. Each language shall be on a separate sign. Signs shall be posted in a location where the signs will be visible to customers. Each sign shall be at least twelve inches by seventeen inches and shall contain the following statement:
'I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'
(F) Each person engaged in immigration assistance service who is not an attorney who advertises immigration assistance service in a language other than English, whether by radio, television, signs, pamphlets, newspapers, or other written communication, with the exception of a single desk plaque, must include in the document, advertisement, stationery, letterhead, business card, or other comparable written material the following notice in English and the language in which the written communication appears. This notice shall be of a conspicuous font size, if in writing, and shall state:
'I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'
If an advertisement is by radio or television, the statement may be modified but must include substantially the same information.
(G) A person who provides or offers immigration assistance service and who is not exempted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may not literally translate from English into another language any document, advertisement, stationery, letterhead, business card, or other comparable written material terms or titles including, but not limited to, notary public, notary, licensed attorney, lawyer, or another term that implies the person is an attorney.
(H) A person engaged in providing immigration services who is not exempted under this chapter may not:
(1) accept payment in exchange for providing legal advice or any other assistance that requires legal analysis, legal judgment, or interpretation of the law;
(2) refuse to return documents supplied by, prepared on behalf of, or paid for by the customer upon the request of the customer. These documents must be returned upon request even if there is a fee dispute between the immigration assistant and the customer;
(3) represent or advertise, in connection with providing assistance in immigration matters, other titles or credentials, including, but not limited to, 'notary public' or 'immigration consultant', that could cause a customer to believe that the person possesses special professional skills or is authorized to provide advice on an immigration matter, provided that a certified notary public may use the term ' notary public' if the use is accompanied by the statement that the person is not an attorney. The term 'notary public' may not be translated into another language;
(4) provide legal advice, recommend a specific course of legal action, or provide any other assistance that requires legal analysis, legal judgment, or interpretation of the law; or
(5) make any misrepresentation or false statement, directly or indirectly, to influence, persuade, or induce patronage.
(I) Violations of this chapter may result in a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars per violation and the revocation of the business license of the immigration assistance service. A fine charged pursuant to this chapter shall not preempt or preclude additional appropriate civil or criminal penalties to include disgorgement and restitution.
(J) Any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any document prepared or executed as part of the provision of immigration assistance services in an immigration matter pursuant to this chapter, or anyone who aids or abets a person in knowingly and willfully making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any document prepared or executed as part of the provision of immigration assistance services in an immigration matter pursuant to this chapter, or who solicits or conspires to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any document prepared or executed as part of the provision of immigration assistance services in an immigration matter pursuant to this chapter shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. In addition, a person convicted of this subsection must disgorge any benefit received or make restitution, or both, to the agency or political subdivision that administered the benefit or entitlement program. It is a separate violation of this subsection each time a person knowingly and willfully makes, aids, or abets in the making of, or solicits or conspires to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in any document prepared or executed pursuant to this subsection. A criminal charge pursuant to this chapter shall not preempt or preclude additional appropriate civil or criminal charges or penalties. A person who suffers any ascertainable loss of money or property, real or personal, as a result of a conviction or plea to a violation of this subsection may bring an action individually, or in a representative capacity, to recover actual damages from any person convicted of the violation of this subsection. If the court finds that a violation has been established, the court shall award three times the actual damages sustained and may provide such other relief as it considers necessary or proper. Upon the finding by the court of a violation, the court shall award to the person bringing such action under this section reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
(K) Persons convicted of a violation of this subsection are jointly and severally liable for any loss suffered by any person or any agency or political subdivision of the State.
(L) The director shall promulgate regulations not inconsistent with this chapter for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of this chapter in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 23 of Title 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
(M) This chapter shall not apply to anyone employed by or working for an educational institution who is registered as a designated school official with the SEVIS program, or a successor program, operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security."
SECTION 14. Section 14-7-1630(A)(8) and (9) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 82 of 2007, is further amended to read:
"(8) a crime involving obscenity including, but not limited to, a crime as provided in Article 3, Chapter 15, Title 16 or any attempt, aiding, abetting, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a crime involving obscenity; and
(9) a crime involving the knowing and willful making of, aiding and abetting in the making of, or soliciting or conspiring to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit regarding an alien's lawful presence in the United States, as defined in Section 43-5-1410, if the number of violations exceeds twenty or if the public benefit received by a person from a violation or combination of violations exceeds twenty thousand dollars;
(10) a crime involving financial identity fraud or identity fraud involving the false, fictitious, or fraudulent creation or use of documents used in an immigration matter as defined in Section 16-13-525, if the number of violations exceeds twenty, or if the value of the ascertainable loss of money or property suffered by a person or persons from a violation or combination of violations exceeds twenty thousand dollars;
(11) a crime involving the knowing and willful making of, aiding or abetting in the making of, or soliciting or conspiring to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in a document prepared or executed as part of the provision of immigration assistance services in an immigration matter, as defined in Section 40-91-40, if the number of violations exceeds twenty, or if a benefit received by a person from a violation or combination of violations exceeds twenty thousand dollars; and
(12) a knowing and willful crime involving actual and substantial harm to the water, ambient air, soil or land, or both soil and land. This crime includes a knowing and willful violation of the Pollution Control Act, the Atomic Energy and Radiation Control Act, the State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank Act, the State Safe Drinking Water Act, the Hazardous Waste Management Act, the Infectious Waste Management Act, the Solid Waste Policy and Management Act, the Erosion and Sediment Control Act, the South Carolina Mining Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act, or a knowing and willful crime arising out of or in connection with environmental laws, or any attempt, aiding, abetting, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a knowing and willful crime involving the environment if the anticipated actual damages including, but not limited to, the cost of remediation, are two million dollars or more, as certified by an independent environmental engineer who must be contracted by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. If the knowing and willful crime is a violation of federal law, then a conviction or an acquittal pursuant to federal law for the same act is a bar to the impaneling of a state grand jury pursuant to this section."
SECTION 15. Article 6, Chapter 23, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 16-23-530. (A) It is unlawful for an alien unlawfully present in the United States to possess, purchase, offer to purchase, sell, lease, rent, barter, exchange, or transport into this State a firearm.
(B) It is unlawful for an alien unlawfully present in the United States to knowingly sell, offer to sell, deliver, lease, rent, barter, exchange, or transport for sale into this State a firearm to a person knowing that such person is not lawfully present in the United States.
(C) A person violating the provisions of subsection (A) of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(D) A person violating the provisions of subsection (B) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years, or both."
SECTION 16. Section 17-15-30 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 106 of 2005, is further amended to read:
"Section 17-15-30. (A) In determining conditions of release that will reasonably assure appearance, or if release would constitute an unreasonable danger to the community, the court may, on the basis of available information, consider the nature and circumstances of the offense charged, and the accused's:
(1) family ties,;
(2) employment,;
(3) financial resources,;
(4) character and mental condition,;
(5) the length of his residence in the community,;
(6) his record of convictions,; and
(7) his record of flight to avoid prosecution or failure to appear at other court proceedings.
(B) The court shall consider:
(1) the accused's criminal record, if any. The court shall consider, if available,;
(2) all incident reports generated as a result of the offense charged, if available; and
(3) whether the accused is an alien unlawfully present in the United States, and poses a substantial flight risk due to this status."
SECTION 17. Chapter 101, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-101-430. (A) A alien unlawfully present in the United States is not eligible to attend a public institution of higher learning in this State, as defined in Section 59-103-5. The trustees of a public institution of higher learning in this State shall develop and institute a process by which lawful presence in the United States is verified. In doing so, institution personnel shall not attempt to independently verify the immigration status of any alien, but shall verify any alien's immigration status with the federal government pursuant to 8 U.S.C. Section 1373(c).
(B) A person not lawfully present in the United States is not eligible on the basis of residence for a public higher education benefit including, but not limited to, scholarships, financial aid, grants, or resident tuition."
SECTION 18. Chapter 1, Title 6 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 6-1-170. (A) For purposes of this section, 'political subdivision' includes, but is not limited to, a municipality, county, school district, special purpose district, or public service district.
(B) A political subdivision of this State may not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from seeking to enforce a state law with regard to immigration.
(C) A political subdivision of this State may not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from communicating to appropriate federal or state officials with regard to the immigration status of any person within this State.
(D) A city, county, municipality, or other local government or political subdivision may not enact any ordinance, regulation, or other legislation pertaining to the employment, licensing, permitting, or otherwise doing business with a person based upon that person's authorization to work in the United States that exceeds or otherwise conflicts with federal law or that is in conflict with state law. An enactment found to be in conflict with federal or state law is void."
SECTION 19. Title 41 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
Illegal Aliens and Private Employment
Section 41-8-10. (A) On and after July 1, 2009, all private employers of one hundred or more employees must:
(1) register and participate in the federal work authorization program to verify information of all new employees; or
(2) employ only workers who:
(a) possess a valid South Carolina driver's license or identification card issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles; or
(b) are eligible to obtain a South Carolina driver's license or identification card in that they meet the requirements set forth in S.C. Code Ann. Section 56-1-40 through 56-1-90; or
(c) possess a valid driver's license or identification card from another state where the license requirements are at least as strict as those in South Carolina, as determined by the Attorney General.
(B) The provisions of subsection (A) apply to all private employers of less than one hundred employees on and after January 1, 2010.
(C) The Employment Security Commission may provide private employers with technical advice and electronic access to the federal work authorization program's website for the sole purpose of registering and participating in the program.
Section 41-8-20. The provisions of this chapter are enforceable without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or national origin.
Section 41-8-30. A private employer shall not knowingly or intentionally employ an alien unlawfully present in the United States.
Section 41-8-40. A private employer who in good faith complies with the requirements of this chapter may not be sanctioned or subjected to any civil or administrative action for employing an alien unlawfully present in the United States and not authorized to work.
Section 41-8-60. A person who knowingly makes or files any false, fictitious, or fraudulent document, statement, or report pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, must be fined within the discretion of the court or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.
Section 41-8-70. A local government must not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from seeking to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
Section 41-8-80. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the director shall prescribe all forms and promulgate regulations deemed necessary for the application of this article to contracts or agreements and may publish these regulations on the Budget and Control Board's website in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 23 of Title 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Section 41-8-90. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to abrogate a private employer's obligation to comply with federal immigration law, to include the proper completing and maintaining of federal Employee Eligibility Verification Forms I-9."
SECTION 20. All requirements of this act concerning immigration or the classification of immigration status must be construed in conformity with federal immigration law.
SECTION 21. If any subsection, item, subitem, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of Section 19 is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of the Section, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every subsection, item, subitem, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other subsections, items, subitems, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION 22. If any section, subsection, item, subitem, 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, item, subitem, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, items, subitems, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION 23. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
With Senator RITCHIE retaining the floor, Senator McCONNELL asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Bill be placed in the status of Interrupted Debate, carrying over consideration of H. 3032 until tomorrow;
when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned to meet at 11:00 A.M. tomorrow; and,
the Senate would proceed to a Call of the Uncontested Local and Statewide Calendar and upon conclusion, the Senate would stand adjourned.
There was no objection and the motion was adopted.
On motion of Senator McCONNELL, with unanimous consent, debate was interrupted, with Senator RITCHIE retaining the floor.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
The following Bills were read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the titles be changed to that of Acts and enrolled for Ratification:
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.
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.
The following House Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:
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.
The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:
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 ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 16, TITLE 9 OF THE 1976 CODE, BY ADDING SECTION 9-16-55, TO REQUIRE THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION, ACTING CONSISTENTLY WITH ITS FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY, TO DIVEST ITS PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS IN CERTAIN COMPANIES THAT IN THEIR OPERATIONS ARE COMPLICIT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN IN THE DARFUR GENOCIDE AND TO PROHIBIT FUTURE INVESTMENTS BY THE COMMISSION IN SUCH COMPANIES.
S. 401 (Word version) -- Senators Setzler and Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO DELETE THE DEFINITION FOR "OFFICE"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-1524, RELATING TO VENDOR PREFERENCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PREFERENCES FOR END PRODUCTS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA AND FROM THE UNITED STATES AND FOR CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS WHO EMPLOY INDIVIDUALS DOMICILED IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, PROVIDE FOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PREFERENCES, PROVIDE FOR APPLICATION FOR THE PREFERENCES AND PENALTIES FOR FALSE APPLICATION, AND TO MAKE EXCEPTIONS TO THE PREFERENCES.
S. 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.
S. 808 (Word version) -- Senators Hawkins, Hayes, Thomas, Ceips, Knotts, Leventis, Ritchie, Fair and Bryant: 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.
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.
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.
S. 1010 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie, Williams, Leventis, Hutto, Malloy, Ford, Land, Jackson, Reese, Patterson, Matthews, Sheheen and Knotts: 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.
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.
Senators ANDERSON and VERDIN desired to be recorded as voting against the third reading of the Bill.
S. 1076 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Alexander, Peeler, Rankin, Hutto, Martin, Land, Leventis, Hayes, Setzler, Ceips, Ford, Williams, Malloy and Knotts: 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.
S. 1140 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Peeler, Rankin, Martin, Leventis, Alexander, Hayes, Hutto, Setzler, Ceips, Knotts and Malloy: 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.
S. 1141 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Rankin, Martin, Leventis, Peeler, Alexander, Hayes, Setzler, Hutto, Ceips, Knotts and Malloy: 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.
S. 1143 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Martin, Alexander, Hayes, Hutto, Ceips, Peeler, Leventis, Rankin, Setzler, Knotts and Malloy: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
S. 1260 (Word version) -- Senators Lourie, Elliott, Short, Reese, Drummond, Thomas and Knotts: 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.
Senator CAMPSEN asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
Senator CAMPSEN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take up further amendments pursuant to the provisions of Rule 26B.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.
Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
Senator CAMPSEN proposed the following amendment (1260R002.GEC), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding appropriately numbered new SECTIONS to read:
/ SECTION ___. Section 47-1-130 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 47-1-130. (A) Any person violating the laws in relation to cruelty to animals may be arrested and held, without warrant, in the same manner as in the case of persons found breaking the peace.
(B) A person acting as an agent of the South Carolina Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or any society duly incorporated for that purpose, may only arrest a person for a violation of this chapter if he has been vested with the power to arrest by a sheriff or the governing body of a county or municipality, but he may assist with a lawful investigation of alleged violations of this chapter, accompany law enforcement officers making arrests for a violation of this chapter, participate with law enforcement officers in the seizure of animals pursuant to a lawful arrest, and take custody of animals pursuant to Section 47-1-120."
SECTION ___. Section 47-1-140 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:
"Section 47-1-140. The person making the arrest, with or without warrant, shall use reasonable diligence to give notice to the owner of the animals found in the charge or custody of the person arrested, if the person is not the owner, and shall care and provide properly for the animals. The person making such arrest shall have a lien on the animals for the expense of such care and provision. But if such person making the arrest be an agent of the South Carolina Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or other society incorporated for that purpose, the provisions of Section 47-1-120 shall apply in lieu of the provisions of this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an animal may be seized preceding an arrest and pursuant to Section 47-1-150."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
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.
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.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.
Committee on Transportation proposed the following amendment (997R002.GEC), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, page 2, by striking item (6) on lines 1-4 and inserting:
/ (6) after December 31, 2008, successfully completed a teen defensive driving course that has been approved by the Department of Public Safety. A teen defensive driving course taught by an entity subject to licensing under Chapter 23 of Title 56 must be separate and distinct from the defensive driving courses described in Sections 56-1-770 and 56-23-60. Entities exempted from Chapter 23 of Title 56 by Section 56-23-20 may incorporate the teen defensive driving course into their overall instructional classes." /
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, page 2, by striking item (6) on lines 23-26 and inserting:
/ (6) after December 31, 2008, successfully completed a teen defensive driving course that has been approved by the Department of Public Safety. A teen defensive driving course taught by an entity subject to licensing under Chapter 23 of Title 56 must be separate and distinct from the defensive driving courses described in Sections 56-1-770 and 56-23-60. Entities exempted from Chapter 23 of Title 56 by Section 56-23-20 may incorporate the teen defensive driving course into their overall instructional classes." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
The committee amendment was adopted.
Senator RYBERG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take up further amendments pursuant to the provisions of Rule 26B.
There was no objection.
Senator RYBERG proposed the following amendment (997R006.WGR), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by adding an unnumbered paragraph at the end of subsection (A) to read:
/ A defensive driving course, as required by item (6), may only be taught in a public school if the course is taught after regular school hours and is available to the public. /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by adding an unnumbered paragraph at the end of subsection (A) to read:
/ A defensive driving course, as required by item (6), may only be taught in a public school if the course is taught after regular school hours and is available to the public. /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 3 and inserting:
/ SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and upon the Department of Public Safety certifying that the defensive driving course has been implemented in every county in this State. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator RYBERG 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.
S. 1090 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas, Ford, Anderson and Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA MORTGAGE LENDING ACT", BY ADDING CHAPTER 22 TO TITLE 37 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE LICENSING OF A MORTGAGE LENDER, LOAN OFFICER, LIMITED LOAN OFFICER, OR SOMEONE ACTING AS A MORTGAGE LENDER; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO ESTABLISH QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE AND GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION, SUSPENSION, RENEWAL, AND TERMINATION; TO DESCRIBE PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR RECORD-KEEPING, TRUST AND ESCROW ACCOUNTS, AND ANNUAL REPORTS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE FELONY OFFENSE OF MORTGAGE FRAUD AND PENALTIES; TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT OTHERWISE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THROUGH CRIMINAL PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-1-301, 37-3-501, AND 37-23-20, ALL RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN CONNECTION WITH MORTGAGE LENDING AND BROKERING AND HIGH-COST AND CONSUMER HOME LOANS, SO AS TO CONFORM DEFINITIONS, AND TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR "ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE"; TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-23-40, 37-23-45, AND 37-23-75, ALL RELATING TO PROTECTIONS FOR THE BORROWER IN A HIGH-COST OR CONSUMER HOME LOAN TRANSACTION, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN DISCLOSURES IN CONNECTION WITH AN ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 58 OF TITLE 40, RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF MORTGAGE LOAN BROKERS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS TO LICENSING REQUIREMENTS, TO REDEFINE "MORTGAGE BROKER", "EXEMPT ORGANIZATION", "RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY", INTER ALIA, AND TO ADD NEW DEFINITIONS, INCLUDING "BRANCH OFFICE", "PATTERN OF RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE FRAUD", "TABLEFUNDING", AND OTHERS; TO REQUIRE CERTAIN PROFESSIONAL COURSES, AN ADDITIONAL YEAR OF EXPERIENCE, AND A FINGERPRINT CHECK FOR MORTGAGE BROKERS AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATORS; TO REQUIRE CERTAIN RECORDS BE KEPT AND MADE ACCESSIBLE; TO ADD CERTAIN PROHIBITIONS IN CONNECTION WITH A REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL; TO REQUIRE AND PRESCRIBE MORTGAGE BROKER AGREEMENTS; TO AUTHORIZE ENFORCEMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, AND PRESCRIBE ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES INCLUDING FINES AND INJUNCTIONS AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES; TO REQUIRE CERTAIN REPORTS AND FILINGS; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE FELONY OFFENSE OF MORTGAGE FRAUD AND PENALTIES.
Senator THOMAS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take up further amendments pursuant to the provisions of Rule 26B.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.
Senators MARTIN and ALEXANDER proposed the following amendment (1090R003.LAM), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 3, by striking lines 9 - 13 and inserting:
/ (3) 'Administrator' means the administrator of the Department of Consumer Affairs (department) or the administrator's designees; except that, for purposes of licensing, investigation, examination, and regulation of a person who is also licensed as a supervised lender, including any persons engaged by a licensed supervised lender to engage in the solicitation and acceptance of applications for mortgage loans, the term 'administrator' as used in this chapter means the State Board of Financial Institutions (board). /
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 22, by striking lines 31 - 43 and on page 23, by striking lines 1 - 5 and inserting:
/ (2) Beginning on January 1, 2010, in addition to the records required to be maintained by licensees pursuant to Subsection(C)(1), each licensee shall maintain a mortgage log that at a minimum identifies the borrower, including his credit score, the property, the loan terms, the loan officer, the appraiser, the closing agent, the broker, and the lender. To assist the Department of Consumer Affairs administrator in identifying possible discriminatory mortgage lending patterns, each licensee shall submit to the administrator by March thirty-first of each year his mortgage log data and the data identified in 12 CFR Part 203 et seq., in a form determined by the administrator. The licensee shall pay a fine of one hundred dollars a day for late or incomplete data submissions, after notification and right to cure. Data collected by the administrator pursuant to this section is confidential and may be released only in composite form. The board annually shall submit to the department, in a form prescribed by the department and no later than April thirtieth, the data that it collected. The department shall prepare and make available to the public a report based on the above referenced data. The report must be available by June thirtieth each year. /
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 read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House of Representatives with amendments.
On motion of Senator MALLOY, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator MALLOY was added as a co-sponsor of S. 1090.
S. 429 (Word version) -- Senator Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 17, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 28, THE "ACCESS TO JUSTICE POST-CONVICTION DNA TESTING ACT", SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR POST-CONVICTION DNA TESTING, AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 28, THE "PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE ACT", SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE.
Senator MALLOY asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take up further amendments pursuant to the provisions of Rule 26B.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.
Senator MALLOY proposed the following amendment (429R002.GM), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 10, by striking line 13 and inserting:
/ information at a subsequent hearing or trial.
Section 17-28-120. No more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars may be expended from the general fund in any fiscal year to administer the provisions of this article." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MALLOY 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. 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.
Senator RYBERG explained the Bill.
Senator RYBERG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to waive the provisions of Rule 26B, carrying over consideration of the committee amendment.
There was no objection and the provisions of Rule 26B were waived, carrying over consideration of the committee amendment.
S. 1329 (Word version) -- Senators McGill and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING BY ADDING ARTICLE 101 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF "I BELIEVE" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
On motion of Senator LAND, S. 1329 was ordered to receive a third reading on Wednesday, April 30, 2008.
S. 881 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary, O'Dell and Knotts: 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.
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 (JUD0881.003), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting language and inserting therein the following:
/ SECTION 1. Subarticle 3, Article 9, Chapter 7, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 20-7-865. (A) If a court order requires a parent to provide monetary support for a child, including, but not limited to, payment of health, medical, or educational expenses, but excluding periodic payment of funds for the support of the child, and the parent fails to do so, the other parent or the child's custodial guardian may petition the court for relief using an authorized affidavit and supporting documents setting forth the existence of the expense and the failure of the parent to pay the required support.
(1) Within sixty days of approval by the Governor of this act, Court Administration shall prepare the authorized affidavit form and make it available to petitioners seeking relief under the provisions of this section. The authorized affidavit form must contain the following information:
(a) the names and addresses of the petitioner and the parent alleged to have failed to make the support payment;
(b) the amount and nature of the support payment the parent allegedly failed to make;
(c) the date and manner in which the petitioner notified the alleged non-paying parent and requested payment;
(d) the response, if any, of the alleged non-paying parent upon receiving the petitioner's request for payment; and
(e) if the matter relates to an expense covered by an insurance policy, whether an insurance claim has been filed, and if so, the insurance carrier's response.
(2) The authorized affidavit must be accompanied by the following documents:
(a) a copy of the court order requiring the parent to provide monetary support for a child excluding periodic payments of funds for support;
(b) a certified copy of any bill, invoice, or other written document, dated within sixty days of the filing of the petition, substantiating the expense the petitioner claims the parent is required to pay;
(c) a copy of any written request for payment of the support by the petitioner to the alleged non-paying parent;
(d) a copy of any written reply from the alleged non-paying parent to the parent responding to the petitioner's request for payment;
(e) if the matter relates to an expense covered by an insurance policy, a copy of all correspondence to and from the insurance carrier pertaining to payment of the claim; and
(f) the current mailing address of the alleged non-paying parent.
(3) Upon receipt of a petition accompanied by an authorized affidavit, the court shall issue a rule to show cause to the alleged non-paying parent for nonpayment of the required support. The parent must be served in accordance with the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. The court also shall provide notice of the hearing to the petitioner.
(B)(1) At the hearing on the rule to show cause, the order requiring the monetary support, the authorized affidavit, and the supporting documentation required in subsection (A)(2), constitute prima facie evidence, without further proof or foundation, that the parent is in violation of the court order requiring the support.
(2) Once a prima facie case is established, the burden is on the parent asserting a defense to establish the defense.
(C) If the family court determines that the petitioner's claim for support is frivolous, or that the petitioner knowingly or intentionally made or filed a false authorized affidavit, or knowingly or intentionally submitted false documents in support of the petition, the court may award the parent reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in the defense of the petition."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect ninety days after approval by the Governor. /
Amend title to conform.
Senator RITCHIE 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.
H. 3279 (Word version) -- Rep. Scott: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 1, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE MOBILITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AS A DIVISION WITHIN THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE ITS POWERS AND DUTIES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 57-1-20, 57-3-10, AND 57-3-20, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND ITS DIVISIONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE MASS TRANSIT DIVISION; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-3-40, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MASS TRANSIT DIVISION'S POWERS AND DUTIES; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 25, TITLE 58, RELATING TO REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITIES.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Transportation.
The Committee on Transportation proposed the following amendment (3279R001.LKG), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, on page 2, by striking lines 6 - 41 and inserting:
/ (B) The committee shall be composed of the following members:
(1) one member appointed by the Governor, who must represent the transportation community;
(2) one member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, who must represent the transportation community;
(3) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who must represent the transportation community;
(4) the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, or his designee;
(5) the Chairman of the House of Representatives Education and Public Works Committee, or his designee;
(6) the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, or his designee;
(7) the President of the Transportation Association of South Carolina, or his designee;
(8) the Executive Director of the South Carolina Budget and Control Board, or his designee;
(9) one member representing the Council of Governments;
(10) the State Director of the Department of Social Services, or his designee;
(11) the State Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, or his designee;
(12) the Secretary of Commerce, or his designee;
(13) the Director of the Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging, or his designee;
(14) the State Director of the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, or his designee; and
(15) the State Director of the Vocational Rehabilitation Department, or his designee.
All appointments shall be made by July 31, 2008. The study committee members shall serve without compensation or any per diem. No two appointees may represent the same state agency. Those individuals making appointments shall notify the Secretary of the Department of Transportation of their appointments, and the Secretary of the Department of Transportation shall call the initial meeting. The Secretary of the Department of Transportation, or his designee, shall preside as chairman. /
Amend the bill further, as and if amended, on page 2, by striking line 5 and inserting:
/ Education and Public Works Committee before March 13, 2010, at /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN 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. 145 (Word version) -- Senators Malloy, Cleary, McConnell, Ford, Rankin, Knotts, Vaughn, Campsen, Mescher and Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-43-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REGULATIONS CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR THE GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (GED) DIPLOMA ALLOW CANDIDATES TO BE SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Education.
The Committee on Education proposed the following amendment (145R005.JEC), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. (A) Subject to funds appropriated by the General Assembly, there is created the General Education Development (GED) Pilot Program to be implemented beginning in the 2008-2009 school year. The program shall be designed to allow students, ages sixteen through nineteen, currently enrolled in a high school and who are one to two years behind in high school graduation requirements, the opportunity to remain a high school student while receiving appropriate instruction to achieve a GED diploma. The program shall consist of developing and implementing a self-paced GED preparation program that includes, but is not limited to, academic course work, computer lab work, career readiness certificate preparation, and vocational training.
(B) The program shall be designed by the State Department of Education and shall be modeled after the American Council on Education's GED Options Program. The goal of the program shall be to provide eligible students with a viable opportunity to achieve a GED diploma in a cost effective manner. The program shall be implemented in a limited number of school districts as determined by the amount of funds appropriated by the General Assembly and resources available to the Department of Education to support the pilot schools. The school district must be able to dedicate a classroom solely for the use of the program. A school district selected for the program shall collaborate with the Adult Education Office of the State Department of Education to develop the program and shall make recommendations for improving and possibly expanding the program. The Department of Education shall establish reasonably acceptable standards, guidelines, and minimum requirements for program qualifications in addition to other requirements prescribed in this section. The Adult Education Office of the State Department of Education shall provide a GED trained teacher for each program classroom, with funds from the pilot program paying the teacher's salary. The target program classroom configuration shall consist of a GED trained teacher leading from ten to fifteen qualified students and one to three personal computers. Students participating in the pilot shall spend a minimum of one-half to a full day in a combination of regular high school classes and GED preparation. The State Department of Education shall incorporate parental involvement and participation into the program, and shall develop and implement a contract between and among the student, parent or guardian, and the pilot school.
(C) A parent may request consideration for their child to participate in the program; however, the pilot school shall have the final decision regarding the student's inclusion. To be eligible for the program, the student must:
(1) be currently enrolled in a public high school and reading at a level commensurate to program requirements established by the Department of Education;
(2) be between sixteen through nineteen years of age and be one or two years behind in high school graduation requirements due to poor attendance, study habits, or failure to complete required assignments;
(3) meet any general, academic, or other qualifications or requirements established by the State Department of Education;
(4) have demonstrated the motivation and commitment to completing the pilot program; and
(5) meet school attendance, performance, and behavioral requirements. A pilot high school shall address any related deficiencies according to its normal policies and procedures.
(D) Participation in the program shall not qualify a student as having met the academic requirements as set forth by the South Carolina High School League for interscholastic athletic activities.
(E) Each pilot school shall receive up to fifty-two thousand six hundred fifty dollars, to implement the program. A pilot school shall receive funds only for the actual costs required for the program.
(F) By May 1, 2009, the State Department of Education shall provide the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Education and Public Works Committee an interim evaluation of the success of the program. The report shall include any recommendations for the continuation of the program beyond the 2008 - 2009 school year and for further expansion of the program.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
The committee amendment was adopted.
Senator HAYES proposed the following amendment (145R004.RWH), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, by striking line 25 and inserting:
/ guardian, and the pilot school.
The Department of Education shall establish test schedules and guidelines that provide program participants with a reasonable opportunity to take and to pass the full GED examination within a minimal number of days after withdrawing from school in order to take the examination. The guidelines must allow each student to have appropriate practice test and pre-test opportunities, and for an examination schedule that coincides with the conclusion of the school year. The pilot school may allow a student to take the GED examination at a different date and time if it determines that the student has extenuating circumstances that the pilot program can reasonably accommodate. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator HAYES 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.
S. 1297 (Word version) -- Senator Hawkins: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 890 OF 1976, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE HOLLY SPRINGS VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DISTRICT TO THE "HOLLY SPRINGS FIRE-RESCUE DEPARTMENT".
Senator HAWKINS asked unanimous consent to refer the Bill to the Spartanburg County Delegation.
There was no objection.
The Bill was referred to the local delegation.
H. 4258 (Word version) -- Reps. Witherspoon, Barfield, Clemmons, Edge, Leach and Hardwick: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF THE STATE FARM TO MARKET ROAD #31 IN HORRY COUNTY, FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 905 TO THE TOWN OF LORIS, THE "SERGEANT HENRY ODELL STALVEY, JR. MEMORIAL ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS ROAD THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "SERGEANT HENRY ODELL STALVEY, JR. MEMORIAL ROAD".
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
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, Verdin, Knotts and Malloy: 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.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, with unanimous consent, the Bill was committed to the Committee on Finance.
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.
Senator CLEARY explained the Bill.
Senator RANKIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to waive the provisions of Rule 26B, carrying over consideration of the committee amendment.
There was no objection and the provisions of Rule 26B were waived, carrying over consideration of the committee amendment.
On motion of Senator RANKIN, with unanimous consent, the Bill was carried over.
S. 1132 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-1-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED IN MATTERS RELATING TO INSURANCE, SO AS TO REDEFINE "ADMITTED ASSETS"; TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-10, RELATING TO CAPITAL AND SURPLUS REQUIRED OF STOCK INSURERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE INSURER TO LIST THOSE THAT QUALIFY AS ADMITTED ASSETS ON THE INSURER'S MOST RECENT STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENT FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-20, RELATING TO THE SURPLUS REQUIRED OF MUTUAL INSURERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE INSURER TO LIST THOSE THAT QUALIFY AS ADMITTED ASSETS ON THE INSURER'S MOST RECENT STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENT FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-210, RELATING TO THE REDUCTION FROM LIABILITY FOR REINSURANCE, SO AS TO REQUIRE A SECURITY TO MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS CONSISTENT WITH THE DEFINITION OF "ADMITTED ASSETS" AS DEFINED IN SECTION 38-1-20 AS AMENDED BY THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-10-40, RELATING TO PROTECTED CELL ASSETS, SO AS TO DELETE THE AUTHORIZATION FOR ATTRIBUTABLE ASSET OF A PROTECTED CELL TO BE INVESTED AND REINVESTED WITHOUT REGARD TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTIONS 38-11-40 AND 38-11-50; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-55-80, RELATING TO LOANS BY AN INSURER TO ITS DIRECTORS OR OFFICERS, SO AS TO DELETE THE LIMITATION ON MORTGAGE LOANS OR RESIDENCES ACQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 38-11-50.
Senator CROMER explained the Bill.
On motion of Senator MALLOY, with unanimous consent, the Bill was carried over.
On motion of Senators LOURIE, ALEXANDER, ANDERSON, BRYANT, CAMPBELL, CAMPSEN, CEIPS, CLEARY, COURSON, CROMER, DRUMMOND, ELLIOTT, FAIR, FORD, GREGORY, GROOMS, HAWKINS, HAYES, HUTTO, JACKSON, KNOTTS, LAND, LEATHERMAN, LEVENTIS, MALLOY, MARTIN, MASSEY, MATTHEWS, McCONNELL, McGILL, O'DELL, PATTERSON, PEELER, PINCKNEY, RANKIN, REESE, RITCHIE, RYBERG, SCOTT, SETZLER, SHEHEEN, SHORT, THOMAS, VAUGHN, VERDIN and WILLIAMS, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mrs. Cynthia Wood, beloved wife, devoted mother and doting grandmother. Before her retirement on September 1, 2006, Mrs. Wood had been the Administrative Assistant to our former colleague, Senator J. Verne Smith, for over 25 years. She was a sweet individual with a warm personality who was a friend to many.
At 2:36 P.M., on motion of Senator McCONNELL, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.
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