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 Pro Tempore.

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

We read in the Book of Romans that:

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."
(Romans 12:6a)

Join me as we bow in prayer, please:

Gracious and loving Lord, we give You praise for the gifts of these leaders. Continue to guide and bless each Senator as he strives to use his particular gifts for the benefit of this State. May the rich variety of gifts represented by the members of this Senate prove to be in themselves a source of incredible good. And as these Senators wrestle this week with issues that might overwhelm others, give them all courage and wisdom to decide and to do those things that are pleasing in Your sight. We pray this in Your name and to Your glory, O Lord. Amen.

The PRESIDENT Pro Tempore 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, South Carolina Board of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, with the term to commence March 17, 2009, and to expire March 17, 2015
5th Congressional District:
Alan D. Gardner, 236 Morningside Dr., Newberry, SC 29108 VICE Joseph Hodges

Referred to the Committee on Corrections and Penology.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs, with the term to commence June 30, 2008, and to expire June 30, 2012.
1st Congressional District:
Nancy L. Banov, 56 Rebellion Rd., Charleston, SC 29407 VICE Edythe Dove

Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs, with the term to commence June 30, 2005, and to expire June 30, 2009
3rd Congressional District:
Susan K. Lait, 308 Turkey Run, Pickens, SC 29671 VICE John Michael Powell

Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

Reappointment, South Carolina Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs, with the term to commence June 30, 2009, and to expire June 30, 2013
3rd Congressional District:
Susan K. Lait, 308 Turkey Run, Pickens, SC 29671

Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs, with the term to commence June 30, 2008, and to expire June 30, 2012
2nd Congressional District:
Deborah C. McPherson, 304 Valley Springs Road, Columbia, SC 29223 VICE William F. Bishop

Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, with the term to commence June 1, 2006, and to expire June 1, 2010
Public:
Walter L. Roark III, 109 St. Andrews Lane, Greenwood, SC 29646 VICE Basil Manly

Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Pharmacy, with the term to commence June 30, 2009, and to expire June 30, 2015
2nd Congressional District:
J. Addison Livingston, 1445 Southbound Road, Swansea, SC 29160 VICE Davis C. Hook

Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

The following were received and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration:
Document No. 4058
Agency: Department of Insurance
SUBJECT: Insurance Holding Company Systems
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 13, 2009
Referred to Banking and Insurance Committee
Legislative Review Expiration March 20, 2010

Document No. 4059
Agency: Department of Insurance
SUBJECT: South Carolina Reinsurance Facility Recoupment
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 13, 2009
Referred to Banking and Insurance Committee
Legislative Review Expiration March 20, 2010

Document No. 4060
Agency: Department of Insurance
SUBJECT: Life Insurance Disclosure
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 13, 2009
Referred to Banking and Insurance Committee
Legislative Review Expiration March 20, 2010

Document No. 4061
Agency: Department of Insurance
SUBJECT: Valuation of Investments
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 13, 2009
Referred to Banking Insurance Committee
Legislative Review Expiration March 20, 2010

Document No. 4062
Agency: Clemson University - State Crop Pest Commission
SUBJECT: Phytophthora ramorum Quarantine
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 14, 2009
Referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
Legislative Review Expiration March 21, 2010

The following was received:
Document No. 4003
Agency: Department of Revenue
SUBJECT: Donors and Goods Given Away for Advertising Purposes
Received by Lieutenant Governor January 13, 2009
Referred to Finance Committee
120 Day Period Tolled
Permanently Withdrawn April 14, 2009

The following was received:
Document No. 4026
Agency: State Board of Education
SUBJECT: Procedures and Standards for Review of Charter School Applications
Received by Lieutenant Governor January 13, 2009
Referred to Education Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 13, 2009
120 Day Period Tolled
Withdrawn and Resubmitted April 9, 2009

Senator COURSON introduced Dr. William Gerard of Chapin, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 435 (Word version)       Sen. Ford
S. 521 (Word version)       Sen. Elliott
S. 450 (Word version)       Sen. O'Dell
S. 630 (Word version)       Sen. Bright
S. 641 (Word version)       Sen. Rose
S. 656 (Word version)       Sen. Rose
S. 668 (Word version)       Sen. Rose
S. 679 (Word version)       Sen. Rose
S. 690 (Word version)       Sen. McConnell

The following co-sponsor was removed from the respective Bill:
S. 630 (Word version)       Sen. Campsen

The following were introduced:

S. 684 (Word version) -- Senators O'Dell and Nicholson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE DYAN WEBB OF GREENWOOD FOR BEING NAMED 2009 SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WOMEN IN BUSINESS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR FOR SOUTH CAROLINA.
l:\council\bills\rm\1215ab09.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 685 (Word version) -- Senators O'Dell and Nicholson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DAVID DOUGHERTY OF GREENWOOD AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR BEING NAMED THE 2009 SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FINANCIAL SERVICES CHAMPION OF THE YEAR FOR SOUTH CAROLINA.
l:\council\bills\gm\24335bh09.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 686 (Word version) -- Senators O'Dell and Nicholson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MATHIS PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR OF GREENWOOD FOR BEING NAMED THE 2009 SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) JEFF BUTLAND FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FOR BOTH SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE EIGHT-STATE SOUTHEAST REGION.
l:\council\bills\rm\1214zw09.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 687 (Word version) -- Senators O'Dell and Nicholson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF R. THORNWELL DUNLAP, JR., OF GREENWOOD, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
l:\council\bills\ggs\22321ab09.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 688 (Word version) -- Senator O'Dell: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE APPRECIATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE FOR THE OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE OF MR. JOHN LESLIE "LES" GRIFFIN OF HONEA PATH.
l:\council\bills\rm\1206htc09.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 689 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE CARL A. WHITE, M.D., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MORE THAN THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
l:\council\bills\rm\1209sd09.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 690 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Shoopman, S. Martin, Mulvaney, L. Martin, Courson, Alexander, Massey, Campbell, Bryant, Fair, Rose, Cromer, Hayes, Anderson, Ryberg, Bright, Setzler, Leatherman, Davis and McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF

SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3760, SO AS TO ALLOW A STATE TAX CREDIT FOR EMPLOYERS HIRING AN UNEMPLOYED INDIVIDUAL RECEIVING UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS, TO PROVIDE THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDIT, THOSE TAXES AGAINST WHICH THE CREDIT IS ALLOWED, AND THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CREDITABLE EMPLOYEES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CREDIT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CREDIT IS ALLOWED FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS HIRED AFTER JUNE 30, 2009, AND BEFORE JULY 1, 2010, AND EXTENDS FOR TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS FOR EACH CREDITABLE EMPLOYEE.
l:\council\bills\bbm\9338htc09.docx

Senator PEELER spoke on the Bill.

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

S. 691 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, Lourie, Malloy, Hutto, Leventis, Reese, Scott, Matthews, Coleman, Williams and Anderson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO APPLY FOR STATE FISCAL STABILIZATION FUNDS AVAILABLE PURSUANT TO THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009, TO MAKE FINDINGS THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STATE FOR THE GOVERNOR TO APPLY FOR THESE FUNDS AND THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS THE AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO MAKE THE APPLICATION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNOR MUST APPLY FOR THE FUNDS WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE JOINT RESOLUTION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ASSURANCES THAT MUST BE MADE TO OBTAIN THE FUNDS ARE THE POLICY OF THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE FOR BASELINE DATA ON THESE ASSURANCES, AND TO DESCRIBE HOW THE STATE WILL UTILIZE THE FUNDS.
l:\s-res\jl\002stim.mrh.jl.docx

Senator SHEHEEN spoke on the Resolution.

Senator SHEHEEN asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Resolution be placed on the Calendar without reference.

Senator L. MARTIN objected.

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

S. 692 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, McConnell and Hutto: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE REQUIRING ALL CIRCUIT SOLICITORS TO HAVE A TRAFFIC EDUCATION PROGRAM IN EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 2009, AS PROVIDED IN ACT 176 OF 2008, TO JULY 1, 2010.
l:\council\bills\ms\7331ahb09.docx

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

S. 693 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 61-4-960 SO AS TO ALLOW HOLDERS OF RETAIL PERMITS AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF BEER FOR OFF-PREMISES CONSUMPTION TO HOLD A LIMITED NUMBER OF BEER TASTINGS AT THE RETAIL LOCATION EACH YEAR UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
l:\council\bills\ms\7333ahb09.docx

Senator HUTTO spoke on the Bill.

Senator HUTTO asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Bill be placed on the Calendar without reference.

Senator LEVENTIS objected.

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

S. 694 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS FOR REVIEW OF CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4026, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
l:\council\bills\bbm\9340ac09.docx

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 695 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHARTER SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL DISTRIBUTE TWO HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE CURRENT YEAR'S BASE STUDENT COST TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
l:\council\bills\ms\7325ahb09.docx

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

S. 696 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-930 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED ADVERTISEMENT OF THE RESULTS OF A SCHOOL'S REPORT CARD IN A LOCAL NEWSPAPER, TO ALLOW REQUIRED ADVERTISEMENT TO BE WAIVED IF AN AUDITED NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN A SCHOOL DISTRICT'S GEOGRAPHIC AREA HAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED THE ENTIRE SCHOOL REPORT CARD RESULTS AS A NEWS ITEM.
l:\s-resmin\drafting\jm\004news.tcm.jm.docx

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

S. 697 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 35, TITLE 11 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT WHERE A PROCUREMENT INVOLVES THE EXPENDITURE OF A FEDERAL GRANT, THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY SHALL ALSO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL LAW AND AUTHORIZED REGULATIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT WHERE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE, GRANT, OR CONTRACT FUNDS ARE USED IN A PROCUREMENT BY A GOVERNMENTAL BODY, THE PROCUREMENT CODE INCLUDING ANY REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE FOLLOWED, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE ACTION WOULD RENDER THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY INELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDS WHOSE RECEIPT IS CONDITIONED ON COMPLIANCE

WITH MANDATORILY APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW, TO PROVIDE FOR BID PROCEDURES FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, TO PROVIDE FOR CONFIDENTIALITY IN THE PROCUREMENT REVIEW PANEL PROCESS, AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 11-35-3025 AND 11-35-3310.
l:\s-financ\drafting\hkl\011purc.dag.hkl.docx

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

S. 698 (Word version) -- Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, STATE CROP PEST COMMISSION, RELATING TO LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH QUARANTINE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4052, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
l:\council\bills\gjk\20276ac09.docx

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 699 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 6 OF THE 1976 CODE, BY ADDING ARTICLE 2 ENACTING THE "FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT" TO REQUIRE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS OF THIS STATE TO HAVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL AUDITS AND PROVIDE COPIES OF THESE AUDITS TO THE STATE TREASURER WHERE NOT ALREADY REQUIRED BY LAW, TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THIS REQUIREMENT BY MEANS OF WITHHOLDING A PORTION OF STATE FUNDS OTHERWISE DUE THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION UNTIL COMPLIANCE IS ACHIEVED, TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TREASURER TO DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR AND REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL HEALTH OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS AND MAKE AUDITS PUBLIC ELECTRONICALLY, AND TO DIRECT THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO ASSIST IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT.
l:\s-financ\drafting\hkl\009fina.dag.hkl.docx

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

S. 700 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO

DEVELOP AND CONSTRUCT A NEW FACILITY FOR THE MOORE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IN THE INNOVISTA DISTRICT ON THE COLUMBIA CAMPUS.
l:\s-financ\drafting\hkl\010uscb.dag.hkl.docx

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

S. 701 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE LORIS CIVITAN CLUB OF HORRY COUNTY FOR SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE THE MEMBERS UPON THE OCCASION OF THEIR SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY.
l:\council\bills\gm\24334zw09.docx

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

S. 702 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Ford and Knotts: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX NOON WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009, AS THE TIME TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, SEAT 4, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JULY 31, 2012; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SEAT 1, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JULY 30, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2013; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SEAT 3, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2015; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE FAMILY COURT FOR THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SEAT 2, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2013; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE FAMILY COURT FOR THE FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SEAT 3, WHOSE TERMS EXPIRES JULY 31, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2014; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN CHIEF JUDGE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SEAT 1, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2014; AND TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR

TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SEAT 5, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2013.
l:\s-jud\bills\mcconnell\jud0073.js.docx

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

S. 703 (Word version) -- Senators S. Martin, Bright, Reese and Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 612 OF 1984, RELATING TO THE METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARDS OF TRUSTEES IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED ELECTORS THAT MUST SIGN A PETITION FOR A PERSON TO PLACE HIS NAME AS AN AT-LARGE CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEE CANDIDATE FROM A SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT IN ONE OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY'S SCHOOL DISTRICTS MAY PLACE HIS NAME ON THE BALLOT.
l:\s-res\srm\004scho.kmm.srm.docx

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

S. 704 (Word version) -- Senators McGill and Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-270, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND TO CORRECT ARCHAIC REFERENCES.
l:\council\bills\dka\3708dw09.docx

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

S. 705 (Word version) -- Senators Leventis and Land: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-501, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN SUMTER COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS OF SUMTER COUNTY AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED

AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.
l:\council\bills\dka\3713dw09.docx

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

S. 706 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-5-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ENTITIES IN WHICH LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS ARE ALLOWED TO INVEST, TO ALLOW LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO INVEST IN OBLIGATIONS OF A CORPORATION, STATE, OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION DENOMINATED IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS, IF THE OBLIGATIONS BEAR AN INVESTMENT GRADE RATING OF AT LEAST TWO NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED RATING SERVICES.
l:\s-resmin\drafting\jl\012muni.tcm.jl.docx

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

S. 707 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MOST REVEREND ROBERT E. GUGLIELMONE UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION AS THE THIRTEENTH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLESTON ON MARCH 25, 2009, AND TO WELCOME HIM TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
l:\council\bills\rm\1197ab09.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 708 (Word version) -- Senators Bright, Alexander, Anderson, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Grooms, Hayes, Hutto, Jackson, Knotts, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, Mulvaney, Nicholson, O'Dell, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Rose, Ryberg, Scott, Setzler, Sheheen, Shoopman, Thomas, Verdin and Williams: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND GREEN HORNETS BOYS VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2008 EIGHT-MAN DEAF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, AND THE LADY HORNETS

GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2009 MASON-DIXON CHAMPIONSHIP.
l:\s-res\lb\024deaf.mrh.lb.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 709 (Word version) -- Senator Bright: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS OF FIRE CONTROL OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY.
l:\s-res\lb\023fire.kmm.lb.docx

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

S. 710 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes and Matthews: A BILL TO ENACT THE "FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL TAX-CREDIT BOND IMPLEMENTATION ACT", INCLUDING PROVISIONS; TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-3-100 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA SHALL ALLOCATE QUALIFIED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BONDS AUTHORIZED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009 AMONG THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THIS STATE SEEKING CAPITAL FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS IN REGARD TO QUALIFIED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BONDS AND QUALIFIED ZONE ACADEMY BONDS AUTHORIZED BY THE FEDERAL ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 11-15-460, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE INTEREST RATE ON REFUNDING BOND OBLIGATIONS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT QUALIFIED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BONDS AND QUALIFIED ZONE ACADEMY BONDS FROM THIS PROVISION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-27-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE X OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE ON BONDS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT QUALIFIED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BONDS AND QUALIFIED ZONE ACADEMY BONDS MAY BE SOLD AT

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SALE AT SUCH PRICE AS DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE ISSUER.
l:\council\bills\gjk\20271sd09.docx

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

S. 711 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY REGULATORY AND PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS DIVISION TO ESTABLISH A QUARANTINE FOR CITRUS GREENING, ALSO KNOWN AS HUANGLONGBING (CANDIDATUS LIBERIBACTER ASIATICUS) A DISEASE OF CITRUS PLANTS, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR AND THE DURATION OF THE QUARANTINE AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.
l:\council\bills\gjk\20278sd09.docx

Read the first time and, on motion of Senator GROOMS, with unanimous consent, S. 711 was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3018 (Word version) -- Reps. E. H. Pitts, Huggins, Gunn, Bales, Limehouse, Barfield, Hardwick, Hearn, Edge, Gambrell, Thompson, Bowen, Harrison, Umphlett, Sandifer, Herbkersman, G. M. Smith, Lowe, Vick, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Viers, Clemmons, Ballentine, Mitchell and M. A. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT FROM PROPERTY TAX THE VALUE OF IMPROVEMENTS TO REAL PROPERTY CONSISTING OF A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY HOME THROUGH THE EARLIER OF THE PROPERTY TAX IN WHICH THE HOME IS OCCUPIED, OR THE SECOND PROPERTY TAX YEAR ENDING DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST AFTER THE HOME IS COMPLETED AND A CERTIFICATE FOR OCCUPANCY ISSUED THEREON IF REQUIRED.

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

H. 3148 (Word version) -- Reps. Clyburn, G. M. Smith, H. B. Brown, Branham, Ott, Agnew, R. L. Brown, Hayes, Battle, Miller, Weeks, J. R. Smith, D. C. Smith, Parks, Rice, Littlejohn, Hosey, Jefferson, Cobb-Hunter, Howard, Cooper, Gunn, McLeod, T. R. Young, Kennedy, Vick, Edge, J. E. Smith, Harrell, A. D. Young, Alexander, Neilson, Lucas, Merrill,

Barfield, Bales, Allen, Hodges, Knight and Funderburk: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 50 TO TITLE 11 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE ACT", TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE AUTHORITY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS GOVERNANCE, POWERS, AND DUTIES; TO AUTHORIZE THE AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE LOANS AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO A MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, SPECIAL PURPOSE OR PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT, AND A PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION TO FINANCE RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES; TO ALLOW STATE APPROPRIATIONS, GRANTS, LOAN REPAYMENTS, AND OTHER AVAILABLE AMOUNTS TO BE CREDITED TO THE FUND OF THE AUTHORITY; TO AUTHORIZE LENDING TO AND BORROWING BY ELIGIBLE ENTITIES THROUGH THE AUTHORITY.

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

H. 3203 (Word version) -- Reps. Brady, Harrison, J. E. Smith, Battle and Simrill: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, CHAPTER 56, TITLE 44 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DRYCLEANING FACILITY RESTORATION TRUST FUND, SO AS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO FURTHER SPECIFY THAT WHOLESALE DRYCLEANING FACILITIES ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE AND ARE ELIGIBLE TO SEEK RESTORATION ASSISTANCE UNDER THIS ARTICLE; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO USE FUNDS, OTHER THAN FUNDS FROM THE DRYCLEANING FACILITY RESTORATION TRUST FUND, IF AN EMERGENCY EXISTS AND FUNDS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE TRUST FUND AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT THESE FUNDS MUST BE REPAID FROM THE TRUST FUND; TO PROVIDE EXEMPTIONS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL SURCHARGE IMPOSED ON THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES OF RETAIL DRYCLEANING FACILITIES, INCLUDING AN EXEMPTION FOR WHOLESALE SALES OF DRYCLEANING SERVICES; TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND DETERMINATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING AND ISSUING

RESTORATION ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING OBTAINING SECONDARY ASSESSMENTS AND THE AMOUNT OF DEDUCTIBLES; TO PROVIDE INITIAL AND ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEES FOR DRYCLEANING FACILITIES ESTABLISHED AFTER OCTOBER 1, 1995 AND TO AUTHORIZE THE PROPERTY OWNER TO REGISTER A FACILITY IF THE OWNER OR OPERATOR OF THE FACILITY DOES NOT; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION, TO REQUIRE PRESENTATION OF SUCH CERTIFICATES IN ORDER TO PURCHASE DRYCLEANING SOLVENTS, TO PROHIBIT A SUPPLY FACILITY, OR OTHER DRYCLEANING FACILITY, FROM SELLING DRYCLEANING SOLVENT TO A DRYCLEANING FACILITY IF THE FACILITY DOES NOT POSSESS A CERTIFICATE, AND TO PROVIDE CIVIL PENALTIES; TO SPECIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR A DRYCLEANING FACILITY EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE; AND TO REVISE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE DRYCLEANING ADVISORY COUNCIL.

Senator LEVENTIS spoke on the Bill.

Read the first time and, on motion of Senator LEVENTIS, with unanimous consent, H. 3203 was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3268 (Word version) -- Rep. Cooper: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2920, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF TOLL ROADS, SO AS TO REVISE THE METHOD OF DISBURSAL OF FUNDS DERIVED FROM TOLLS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISBURSAL OF FUNDS DERIVED FROM QUALIFIED TOLL PROJECTS, TO PROVIDE WHEN TOLLS COLLECTED FROM QUALIFIED TOLL PROJECTS SHALL CEASE, AND TO DEFINE THE TERM "QUALIFIED TOLL PROJECT"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 57-3-200, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO FINANCE, CONSTRUCT, AND MAINTAIN HIGHWAYS, ROADS, STREETS, AND BRIDGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE DEPARTMENT'S EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ON QUALIFIED TOLL PROJECTS

AND THE SETTING OF TOLLS ALONG TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES.

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

H. 3311 (Word version) -- Reps. Brady, Harrison, Erickson, Umphlett, A. D. Young, Agnew, Allison, Battle, Bowen, Bowers, Clemmons, Cooper, Duncan, Gambrell, Hardwick, Hearn, Horne, Kirsh, Long, Lowe, McLeod, Parker, Simrill, Whitmire, Willis, Toole, G. M. Smith, Harvin, Hutto, Neilson, Nanney, Miller, G. R. Smith, Hamilton, Jennings, T. R. Young, Limehouse, Sottile, Viers, Williams, White, Weeks, Wylie, Forrester, Sellers, Rice, Hiott, Owens, Bannister and Bedingfield: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SUBARTICLE 8 TO ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 9, TITLE 63 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE RESPONSIBLE FATHER REGISTRY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER OF A CHILD, OR A MALE CLAIMING TO BE THE UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER OF A CHILD, MUST FILE A CLAIM OF PATERNITY WITH THIS REGISTRY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE NOTICE OF A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTION OR AN ADOPTION ACTION PERTAINING TO THIS CHILD, TO PROVIDE THAT FAILURE TO FILE A CLAIM CONSTITUTES IMPLIED IRREVOCABLE CONSENT TO THE TERMINATION OF HIS PARENTAL RIGHTS AND TO THE CHILD'S ADOPTION, TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN CONDUCT BY AN UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER IS DEEMED TO BE NOTICE TO THIS FATHER OF THE BIOLOGICAL MOTHER'S PREGNANCY, AND TO FURTHER ESTABLISH FILING PROCEDURES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE REGISTRY; TO AMEND SECTION 63-9-730, RELATING TO PERSONS AND ENTITIES ENTITLED TO NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTIONS AND ADOPTION ACTIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE A PERSON WHO HAS REGISTERED WITH THE RESPONSIBLE FATHER REGISTRY; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-2530, RELATING TO THE FILING OF A PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTION TO BE HEARD WITHIN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS OF THE DATE THE PETITION IS FILED AND TO PROVIDE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A

CONTINUANCE MAY BE GRANTED; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-2550, RELATING TO PERSONS OR ENTITIES ENTITLED TO BE SERVED WITH A PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO FURTHER SPECIFY THE AGE AS FOURTEEN FOR SERVING A CHILD, TO PROVIDE SERVICE ON THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM OF A CHILD UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND TO SPECIFY THE NOTICE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AN UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER OF A CHILD WHOSE PARENTAL RIGHTS ARE BEING TERMINATED.

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

H. 3365 (Word version) -- Reps. Cooper, T. R. Young and J. R. Smith: A BILL TO ENACT THE "HIGHER EDUCATION EFFICIENCY AND ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES ACT".

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

H. 3395 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A. D. Young, Edge, Bedingfield, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, D. C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Hiott, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Scott, Sottile, Stewart, Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T. R. Young and Wylie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND PURSUANT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE AND THE RATE OF REPLENISHMENT OF THAT AMOUNT.

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

H. 3396 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Scott, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A. D. Young, Edge, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, Bedingfield, Whitmire, Hiott, D. C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Sottile, Stewart, Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T. R. Young and Wylie: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 36, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND AND THE CAPITAL RESERVE

FUND, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THREE TO FIVE PERCENT THE AMOUNT OF STATE GENERAL FUND REVENUE IN THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND.

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

H. 3579 (Word version) -- Reps. Jennings, Cato and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-200 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR QUARTERLY ELECTION DATES FOR CONDUCTING REFERENDA OR OTHER BALLOT QUESTIONS FOR ALL ENTITIES AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT THEM.

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

H. 3584 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Bingham, Cooper, Harrison, Owens, Sandifer, White, Crawford, Bannister, Huggins, Sottile, Spires, Herbkersman, Loftis, Bowen, Erickson, Daning, Hardwick, J. R. Smith, Pinson, Toole, Brady, Clemmons, Edge, Forrester, Frye, Gullick, Hearn, Hiott, Horne, Kelly, Littlejohn, Long, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, Whitmire, Wylie, Gunn, Limehouse, Willis, J. E. Smith and Bales: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-21-625 SO AS TO IMPOSE A SURTAX ON EACH CIGARETTE IN AN AMOUNT OF TWO AND ONE-HALF CENTS, PROVIDE FOR THE CREDITING OF THE REVENUE FROM THE SURTAX TO THE SMOKING PREVENTION AND CESSATION TRUST FUND, THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR MARKETING AND BRANDING STATE-GROWN CROPS AND TO ASSIST IN RELIEF FROM NATURAL DISASTERS AFFECTING STATE-GROWN CROPS, THE SOUTH CAROLINA HEALTHY FAMILIES INSURANCE TRUST FUND, AND THE PALMETTO HEALTH CARE SAFETY NET TRUST FUND, PROVIDE FOR REPORTING, PAYMENT, COLLECTION, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE SURTAX, AND DEFINE "CIGARETTE"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-620, RELATING TO THE ORIGINAL CIGARETTE TAX, SO AS TO CONFORM DEFINITIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-230 SO AS TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH IN THE STATE TREASURY THE SMOKING PREVENTION AND CESSATION TRUST FUND, THE SOUTH CAROLINA HEALTHY FAMILIES INSURANCE TRUST FUND, AND THE PALMETTO HEALTH

CARE SAFETY NET TRUST FUND, ALL SO AS TO RECEIVE DEPOSITS OF THE REVENUES FROM THE CIGARETTE SURTAX AS SPECIFIED; BY ADDING CHAPTER 62 TO TITLE 38 SO AS TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA HEALTHY FAMILIES INSURANCE PLAN, PROVIDING FOR A PREMIUM CREDIT NOT TO EXCEED THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO AN ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL OR EMPLOYER TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A QUALIFYING HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN, DESCRIBING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS, DEFINING THE QUALIFYING INDIVIDUALLY OR EMPLOYER-SPONSORED INSURANCE PLANS, AND PROVIDING FOR ADMINISTRATION AND REPORTING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE; AND BY ADDING SECTION 38-74-75 SO AS TO CREATE THE PALMETTO HEALTH CARE SAFETY NET PROGRAM, ESTABLISHING A SELF-SUSTAINING AND FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT PORTION OF THE PREMIUM ASSISTANCE POOL, AND PROVIDING FOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, ADMINISTRATION, AND REPORTING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND OPERATING GUIDELINES.

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

H. 3589 (Word version) -- Reps. White, Bowen, Thompson, Cooper and Gambrell: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 269 OF 1989, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ANDERSON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGETS AND TAX MILLAGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BUDGET THAT A SCHOOL DISTRICT IN ANDERSON COUNTY MUST PROVIDE TO THE ANDERSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MUST INCLUDE AN ITEMIZED ACCOUNTING OF HOW OPERATING FUNDS OF THE DISTRICT ARE PROPOSED TO BE ALLOCATED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD MAY DELETE ITEMS OR SHIFT FUNDS AMONG BUDGET ITEMS OF DISTRICT BUDGETS.

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

H. 3635 (Word version) -- Rep. Hodges: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-560 SO AS TO SPECIFY APPLICABLE FEES FOR

RECREATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING LICENSES; BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-715 SO AS TO SPECIFY RECREATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING LICENSE EXEMPTIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-925 SO AS TO SPECIFY HOW THE REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF STAMPS, LICENSES, PRINTS, AND RELATED ARTICLES MUST BE DISTRIBUTED; TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-15, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA MARINE RESOURCES ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERMS "DROP NET" AND "FOLD UP TRAP"; TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-955, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC SHELLFISH GROUNDS, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE REFERENCE TO THE RECREATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING LICENSE FOR THE MARINE RECREATIONAL FISHING STAMP; TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-1915, RELATING TO CHARTER FISHING VESSEL LOGS, SO AS TO REQUIRE MONTHLY SUBMISSIONS TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-20, RELATING TO THE DURATION OF HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO RESIDENT AND NONRESIDENT LICENSES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-40, RELATING TO LICENSES FOR FRESHWATER FISHING, SO AS TO SPECIFY RECREATIONAL FRESHWATER FISHING; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-540, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FRESHWATER AND SALTWATER FISHING LICENSES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 50-5-1905, 50-5-1910, 50-5-1920, 50-5-1925, AND 50-5-1945 ALL RELATING TO RECREATIONAL SALTWATER FISHERIES LICENSES AND STAMPS.

Read the first time and, on motion of Senator CROMER, with unanimous consent, H. 3635 was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3721 (Word version) -- Rep. Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO STATE TAX LAWS, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO THE YEAR 2008; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTIONS NOT

ADOPTED BY STATE LAW, SO AS TO MAKE ADDITIONS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT A TAXPAYER WHO FOLLOWS SECTION 3094 OF THE FEDERAL HOUSING ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT OF 2008, FOR SOUTH CAROLINA PURPOSES MUST NOT BE PENALIZED.

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

H. 3722 (Word version) -- Reps. Kirsh and White: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-1145 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DETERMINATION OF TREATMENT OF GAINS AND LOSSES APPORTIONED TO THIS STATE BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE STANDARDS; BY ADDING SECTION 12-36-2575 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR FILING OF A RETURN FOR EACH SALES OR USE TAX LIABILITY PERIOD EVEN IF NO TAX LIABILITY ACCRUES FOR THAT PERIOD; TO AMEND SECTION 12-4-320, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ADOPTION OF FEDERAL RELIEF FOR CERTAIN ADVERSELY AFFECTED TAXPAYERS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-590, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO TREATMENT OF "S" CORPORATIONS FOR TAX PURPOSES, SO AS TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL REFERENCES TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR SIMILAR STATE TREATMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-2250, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPORTIONMENT OF INCOME DERIVED BY A TAXPAYER TO THE TAXPAYER'S CONDUCT OF BUSINESS IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE WORD "ALLOCATED" TO "APPORTIONED"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-2295, RELATING TO INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TERMS "SALES" AND "GROSS RECEIPTS" AS USED IN THE APPORTIONMENT OF INCOME TO THIS STATE FOR STATE INCOME TAX PURPOSES, SO AS TO FURTHER SPECIFY RENTAL AND SALES INCOME FROM TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE, REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF THE TAXPAYER'S TRADE OR BUSINESS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JOB TAX CREDIT AGAINST THE STATE INCOME TAX, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO GENERAL CONTRACTORS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TERM

"CORPORATE OFFICE"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3376, RELATING TO A CREDIT AGAINST THE STATE INCOME TAX FOR THE PURCHASE OR LEASE OF A PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE CREDIT BE THE FIRST CLAIMED FOR THAT VEHICLE, TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE STATE ENERGY OFFICE, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR CLAIMING THE CAPPED CREDIT, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE EFFECT OF A REPEAL OF THE CAPS ON THE CREDIT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3377, RELATING TO THE ALTERNATIVE MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL CREDIT AGAINST THE STATE INCOME TAX, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE CREDIT FOR BUSINESS USE AND TO DELETE A PROVISION DEEMING THE FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF THE ALTERNATIVE FUEL CREDIT TO BE PERMANENT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3535, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A CREDIT AGAINST THE STATE INCOME TAX FOR REHABILITATION OF A HISTORIC STRUCTURE, SO AS TO INCLUDE A CREDIT AGAINST THE CORPORATE LICENSE FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3550, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE VOLUNTARY CLEANUP INCOME TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE CREDIT IS ONE AGAINST THE STATE INCOME TAX; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3585, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP FUND CREDIT AGAINST STATE TAXES, SO AS TO ALLOW THE CREDIT TO BE USED AGAINST THE TAXPAYER'S APPLICABLE STATE INCOME TAX, BANK TAX, INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX, OR LICENSE FEE LIABILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3610, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR PROPERTY USED FOR DISTRIBUTION OR DISPENSING OF RENEWABLE FUEL, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3630, RELATING TO A CREDIT AGAINST CERTAIN STATE TAXES FOR A CONTRIBUTION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA HYDROGEN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR CLAIMING THE CREDIT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-8-1530, RELATING TO QUARTERLY RETURNS OF WITHHELD TAX, SO AS TO REQUIRE RETURNS EVEN IN PERIODS WHEN NO TAX HAS BEEN WITHHELD; TO AMEND SECTION 12-8-1550, RELATING TO STATEMENTS REQUIRED TO BE FILED WITH

THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PRESCRIPTION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EITHER ELECTRONIC OR MAGNETIC MEDIA METHOD FOR SUBMISSION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE JOB DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND ADD A CROSS REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-20-100, RELATING TO LICENSE TAX ON UTILITIES AND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-2575, RELATING TO METHODS OF ACCOUNTING FOR ADMISSIONS OTHER THAN TICKETS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TICKETS BE COLLECTED AND RETAINED TO ACCOUNT FOR ADMISSIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE FIVE PERCENT SALES TAX ON THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY, SO AS TO DELETE A REDUNDANCY AS TO THE TAX ON PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF A WARRANTY, MAINTENANCE, OR SIMILAR CONTRACT FOR TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE'S SALES TAX, SO AS TO SPECIFY NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CLAIMING THE EXEMPTION ON THE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS USED IN CERTAIN SINGLE MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES AND TO PROVIDE FOR ASSESSMENT OF ANY TAX DUE, TO SPECIFY THAT THE EXEMPTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF CURRENCY APPLIES TO CURRENCY THAT IS LEGAL TENDER, AND TO CLARIFY THE EXEMPTION AS TO DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND RELATED SUPPLIES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-90, RELATING TO DUTIES OF A FULL-TIME COUNTY ASSESSOR, SO AS TO DELETE THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO ALTER A VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY AS SET BY THE ASSESSOR; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR EXEMPTION OF THE REAL PROPERTY OF DEFINED TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS AND TO CORRECT A CROSS REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX

SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO CORRECT A CROSS REFERENCE IN THE DEFINITION OF "SPONSOR"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXTENSION OF TIME FOR FILING RETURNS OR PAYING TAX, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE THE LENGTH OF THE EXTENSION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-85, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO TIME LIMITATION FOR ASSESSMENT OF TAXES OR FEES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE INSTANCE OF A TAXPAYER LACKING A VALID BUSINESS PURPOSE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-240, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS AND REPORTS FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE DISCLOSURE MUST BE WILFUL TO GIVE RISE TO THE PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-63-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ENERGY FREEDOM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE "BIODIESEL" FOR THAT PURPOSE; TO AMEND SECTION 30-2-320, RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH PUBLIC RECORDS, AND SECTION 37-20-180, RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH PUBLICATION OF A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, BOTH SO AS TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE BY AND TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-43-1360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION OF DONATE LIFE SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO CORRECT A CROSS REFERENCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 12-20-175, RELATING TO REDUCTION OF LICENSE FEES DUE TO TAX CREDITS AND SECTION 12-36-30, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "PERSON" FOR PURPOSES OF THE SALES AND USE TAX.

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

H. 3730 (Word version) -- Rep. Cooper: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT ALL FUNDS RECEIVED UNDER THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009 (RECOVERY ACT) FOR THE CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND AND DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND MAY BE RECEIVED AND EXPENDED PURSUANT TO PROVISIONS OF

THE RECOVERY ACT FOR SO LONG AS MONIES ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE RECOVERY ACT.

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

H. 3762 (Word version) -- Reps. Duncan, Umphlett, Dillard, Ott, Forrester, Moss, Parker, Stringer, Vick, Hodges and Knight: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 77, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ISSUE "OUR FARMS-OUR FUTURE" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

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

H. 3766 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, Umphlett, Daning, Jefferson, Merrill and Stewart: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF MYERS ROAD IN BERKELEY COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 176 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 17 "FIREFIGHTER BRANDON THOMPSON HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "FIREFIGHTER BRANDON THOMPSON HIGHWAY".

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

H. 3805 (Word version) -- Reps. Millwood, Allison, Cole, Forrester, Kelly and Parker: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES LAKE BOWEN IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY ALONG SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 9 "CORPORAL JAMES E. 'BO' BROWN BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS BRIDGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "CORPORAL JAMES E. 'BO' BROWN BRIDGE".

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

H. 3813 (Word version) -- Rep. Harrison: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES GILLS CREEK ALONG SHADY LANE IN RICHLAND COUNTY "BURWELL D.

MANNING, JR. BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS BRIDGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "BURWELL D. MANNING, JR. BRIDGE".

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

H. 3818 (Word version) -- Reps. Funderburk, Gunn and Lucas: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT, THE NAME OF THE KERSHAW COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER IS HEREBY CHANGED TO KERSHAWHEALTH.

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

H. 3821 (Word version) -- Reps. Parker, Allison, Cole, Forrester, Kelly, Littlejohn and Millwood: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 585 IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY ALONG VALLEY FALLS ROAD "SGT. STEPHEN CORRELL HIGH MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS BRIDGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "SGT. STEPHEN CORRELL HIGH MEMORIAL BRIDGE".

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

H. 3823 (Word version) -- Rep. Knight: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT RESIDENTS OF THE TOWNS OF ST. GEORGE AND HARLEYVILLE, WHO OWN GOLF CARTS THAT MAY BE OPERATED ALONG CERTAIN PRIMARY HIGHWAYS OR STREETS, MAY OPERATE THEM ALONG CERTAIN HIGHWAYS AND STREETS WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS IN A TWO-MILE RADIUS OF THEIR RESIDENCES OR PLACES OF BUSINESS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT DURING NIGHTTIME HOURS, THE GOLF CART MUST BE OPERATED WITH WORKING HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS.

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

H. 3835 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield,

Bingham, Bowen, Brady, Branham, Brantley, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Forrester, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Gullick, Gunn, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Huggins, Hutto, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young and T. R. Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 9, TITLE 23 TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HYDROGEN PERMITTING ACT" SO AS TO CREATE THE STATE HYDROGEN PERMITTING PROGRAM AND TO STATE THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL MAY PERMIT A HYDROGEN FACILITY IN THIS STATE, BUT MAY DELEGATE THIS AUTHORITY TO A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL IN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES; TO PROVIDE THE DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL UNDER THE ACT; TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR A PARTY SEEKING TO RENOVATE OR CONSTRUCT A HYDROGEN FACILITY; TO PROVIDE THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL MAY IMPOSE CERTAIN FEES RELATED TO PERMITTING, LICENSING, AND INSPECTING UNDER THE ACT; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR A PERSON WHO CONVEYS OR ATTEMPTS TO CONVEY HYDROGEN IN VIOLATION OF THE ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-20, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL SHALL SUPERVISE ENFORCEMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HYDROGEN PERMITTING PROGRAM.

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

H. 3856 (Word version) -- Reps. Umphlett, Battle, Hardwick, Clemmons and Knight: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 51-17-85, CODE OF LAWS

OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON DISPOSITION OF HERITAGE TRUST PROPERTY, SO AS TO EXCLUDE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FROM THE LIMITATION.

Read the first time and, on motion of Senator CROMER, with unanimous consent, H. 3856 was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3879 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, Clemmons and Mack: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX NOON ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2009, AS THE TIME TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT, SEAT 4, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JULY 31, 2012; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SEAT 1, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JULY 30, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2013; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SEAT 3, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2015; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE FAMILY COURT FOR THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SEAT 2, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2013; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE FAMILY COURT FOR THE FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SEAT 3, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JULY 31, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2014; TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN CHIEF JUDGE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SEAT 1, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2009, AND THE SUBSEQUENT FULL TERM THAT EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2014; AND TO ELECT A SUCCESSOR TO A CERTAIN JUDGE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SEAT 5, WHOSE TERM EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2013.

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

H. 3880 (Word version) -- Reps. Pinson, Parks and M. A. Pitts: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UPON THE PASSING OF R. THORNWELL DUNLAP, JR., OF GREENWOOD, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

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

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:

S. 286 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary, Rose and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 8 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO IMPLEMENT A TARGETED COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM IN THREE TO FIVE COUNTIES OF NEED FOR DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION, SCREENING, AND TREATMENT REFERRALS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN IN KINDERGARTEN, THIRD, SEVENTH, AND TENTH GRADES OR UPON ENTRY INTO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, TO REQUIRE PROGRAM GUIDELINES TO BE PROMULGATED IN REGULATIONS, TO REQUIRE AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF DENTAL SCREENING TO BE ISSUED UPON COMPLETION OF THE SCREENING AND TO REQUIRE THIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE PRESENTED TO THE CHILD'S SCHOOL, TO REQUIRE NOTIFICATION TO THE CHILD'S PARENT IF PROFESSIONAL ATTENTION IS INDICATED BY THE SCREENING AND IF AUTHORIZED BY THE CHILD'S PARENTS, TO PROVIDE NOTIFICATION TO THE COMMUNITY HEALTH COORDINATOR TO FACILITATE FURTHER ATTENTION IF NEEDED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A SCREENING MUST BE COMPLETED UNLESS A CHILD'S PARENT COMPLETES AN EXEMPTION FORM.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 391 (Word version) -- Senators Ryberg, McConnell, Verdin, Bryant, Cleary, Campsen, Shoopman, Campbell and Rose: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING

SECTION 41-29-300 SO AS CREATE THE WORKFORCE DEPARTMENT APPELLATE PANEL WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE FILLING OF A VACANCY, TO REQUIRE THE PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION MUST CONSTITUTE THE INITIAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE NEW PANEL, TO PROVIDE THE PANEL SHALL DISSOLVE WHEN THE MEMBERS' TERMS EXPIRE IN 2012, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED APPELLATE PROCEDURES; BY ADDING SECTION 41-29-310 SO AS TO TRANSFER THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH; TO AMEND SECTION 41-29-10, RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN CHAPTERS WITHIN TITLE 41 MUST BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE AND TO DELETE REFERENCES TO THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION; TO AMEND SECTION 41-29-20, RELATING TO THE CHAIRMAN, QUORUM, AND FILLING OF A VACANCY ON THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE MUST BE MANAGED AND OPERATED BY A DIRECTOR APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, AND THAT THE DIRECTOR IS SUBJECT TO REMOVAL BY THE GOVERNOR AT HIS DISCRETION BY EXECUTIVE ORDER; TO AMEND SECTION 41-29-30, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A SECRETARY OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND PROVIDE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE OR HIS DESIGNEE MUST RECEIVE ANNUAL COMPENSATION AS PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICIAL EXPENSES AS PROVIDED BY LAW FOR EXECUTING THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 8-17-370, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCESS, SO AS TO INCLUDE EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE AMONG THOSE EXEMPTED; TO AMEND SECTIONS 41-27-10, 41-27-30, 41-27-150, 41-27-160, 41-27-190, 41-27-210, AS AMENDED, 41-27-230, 41-27-235, AS AMENDED, 41-27-260, AS AMENDED, 41-27-360, 41-27-370, AS AMENDED, 41-27-380, 41-27-390, 41-27-510, 41-27-550, 41-27-560, 41-27-570, 41-27-580, 41-27-600, 41-27-610, 41-27-620, 41-27-630, 41-27-670, 41-29-40, 41-29-50, 41-29-60, 41-29-70, 41-29-80, 41-29-90, 41-29-100, 41-29-110, 41-29-120, AS AMENDED, 41-29-130, 41-29-140, 41-29-150, 41-29-170, AS AMENDED, 41-29-180, 41-29-190, 41-29-200, 41-29-210, 41-29-220, 41-29-230, 41-29-240, 41-29-250, 41-29-270, 41-29-280, 41-29-290, 41-33-10, 41-33-20, 41-33-30, 41-33-40, 41-33-45, 41-33-80, AS AMENDED, 41-33-90, 41-33-100, 41-33-110, 41-33-120, 41-33-130, 41-33-170, 41-33-180, 41-33-190, 41-33-200, 41-33-210, 41-33-430, 41-33-460, 41-33-470, 41-33-610, 41-33-710, 41-35-10, 41-35-30, 41-35-100, 41-35-110, AS AMENDED, 41-35-115, AS AMENDED, 41-35-120, AS AMENDED, 41-35-125, 41-35-126, 41-35-130, AS AMENDED, 41-35-140, 41-35-330, 41-35-340, 41-35-410, 41-35-420, AS AMENDED, 41-35-450, 41-35-610, 41-35-630, 41-35-640, AS AMENDED, 41-35-670, 41-35-680, AS AMENDED, 41-35-690, 41-35-700, 41-35-710, AS AMENDED, 41-35-720, 41-35-730, 41-35-740, 41-35-750, AS AMENDED, 41-37-20, 41-37-30, 41-39-30, 41-39-40, 41-41-20, AS AMENDED, 41-41-40, AS AMENDED, 41-41-50, 41-42-10, 41-42-20, 41-42-30, AND 41-42-40, ALL RELATING TO VARIOUS DEPARTMENT PROVISIONS, SO AS TO CONFORM THEM TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 41-29-260 RELATING TO THE ABILITY OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION TO FILE OPINIONS OR OFFICIAL MINUTES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a majority favorable and Senator HUTTO a minority unfavorable report on:

H. 3245 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, Nanney, Simrill, G.R. Smith, G.M. Smith, Lucas, Cooper, Stringer, Parker, Allison, Pinson,

Hamilton, Erickson, J.R. Smith, Clemmons, Bedingfield, E.H. Pitts, Owens, Rice, Hiott, Littlejohn, Stewart, Viers, Willis, Loftis, Toole, Wylie, Vick, Millwood, Haley, Duncan, Ballentine, Frye and Barfield: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-41-330, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO PREREQUISITES TO PERFORMING AN ABORTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF AN ULTRASOUND IS PERFORMED, AN ABORTION MUST NOT BE PERFORMED SOONER THAN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, RATHER THAN SIXTY MINUTES, FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE ULTRASOUND, TO REQUIRE THE WOMAN TO BE INFORMED OF THE PROCEDURE TO BE INVOLVED AND THE PROBABLE GESTATIONAL AGE OF THE EMBRYO OR FETUS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN ABORTION MAY NOT BE PERFORMED SOONER THAN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, RATHER THAN ONE HOUR, AFTER THE WOMAN RECEIVES CERTAIN WRITTEN MATERIALS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Columbia, S.C., April 2, 2009

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the appointment:

Reappointment, Calhoun County Master-in-Equity, with the term to commence August 14, 2009, and to expire August 14, 2015
Martin R. Banks, 312 Tamwood Circle, Cayce, SC 29033
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 659 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts, Alexander, Rose, S. Martin, Elliott, McConnell, Williams, Malloy, Peeler, Leatherman, Grooms, Campbell, Cromer, Cleary, Scott, Shoopman, Bryant, Ryberg, Bright, Davis, Setzler and Ford: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009, AT NOON, AS THE DATE AND TIME FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE

SENATE TO MEET IN JOINT SESSION IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES FOR COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, WIL LOU GRAY OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL, AND WINTHROP UNIVERSITY TO SUCCEED THOSE MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2009, OR WHOSE POSITIONS OTHERWISE MUST BE FILLED; AND TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE REGARDING NOMINATIONS AND SECONDING SPEECHES FOR THE CANDIDATES FOR THESE OFFICES DURING THE JOINT SESSION;. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING ELECTION OF BOARDS OF TRUSTEE MEMBERS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE SHALL ELECT ONE MEMBER AT LARGE TO THE OLD EXCHANGE BUILDING COMMISSION TO SUCCEED THE MEMBER WHOSE TERM IS EXPIRING.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

S. 664 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas, Alexander, Anderson, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Grooms, Hayes, Hutto, Jackson, Knotts, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, Mulvaney, Nicholson, O'Dell, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Rose, Ryberg, Scott, Setzler, Sheheen, Shoopman, Verdin and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS CREDIT UNIONS HAVE MADE TO THE COMMUNITIES IN THIS STATE AND THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY, BOTH TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE, THROUGH THEIR FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

S. 665 (Word version) -- Senator Ford: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE MORNINGSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL IN CHARLESTON COUNTY ON BEING NAMED

WINNER OF THE 2009 DICK AND TUNKY RILEY SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AWARD.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

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

The following Bill was read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3380 (Word version) -- Rep. Funderburk: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-340, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN KERSHAW COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

The following House Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:

H. 3121 (Word version) -- Reps. J.E. Smith, E.H. Pitts, T.R. Young, Hutto, M.A. Pitts, Allison and Parker: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-15-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO REMOVE, OR ATTEMPT TO REMOVE, FROM THIS STATE MORE THAN TEN TURTLES OF CERTAIN NAMED SPECIES, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

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

S. 540 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DAY MISSED BY STUDENTS ATTENDING OCONEE COUNTY SCHOOLS ON MARCH 2, 2009, DUE TO SNOW, IS EXEMPT FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO SNOW, EXTREME WEATHER, OR OTHER DISRUPTIONS BE MADE UP.

S. 537 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DAY MISSED BY STUDENTS RESIDING IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT CLOSED DUE TO SNOW ON MARCH 2, 2009, IS WAIVED FOR STUDENTS IN LEXINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICTS ONE, TWO, THREE, AND FOUR.

Senator SETZLER asked unanimous consent to take up the Joint Resolution for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Joint Resolution was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

S. 323 (Word version) -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LICENSING OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A COMPANY TO WRITE WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE ON A DIRECT BASIS, AND TO AUTHORIZE AN ADDITIONAL PROCESSING FEE FOR AN APPLICATION TO BE CHARGED AS DETERMINED APPROPRIATE BY THE DIRECTOR OR HIS DESIGNEE GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE APPLICATION BEING INVESTIGATED; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CAPITALIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A FRONT COMPANY OF A BRANCH CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY TO POST SECURITY FOR LOSS RESERVES ON BRANCH BUSINESS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-55, RELATING TO INCORPORATION OF A CAPTIVE REINSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO CHANGE MANDATORY

TO PRECATORY CONSIDERATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF FACTORS IN ARRIVING AT A FINDING; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INCORPORATION OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF A PURE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO CHANGE THE CRITERIA FOR MAKING A FINDING BY THE DIRECTOR OR HIS DESIGNEE TO ISSUE A CERTIFICATE TO AN ALIEN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REPORTS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED BY A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY TO THE DIRECTOR, SO AS GRANT THE DIRECTOR THE AUTHORITY TO GRANT OR WAIVE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-75, RELATING TO DISCOUNTING A LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE SECTION APPLIES TO A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY AND NOT A SPONSORED COMPANY, DELETE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE RESERVES WERE DISCOUNTED AND PROVIDE THAT THIS PROCESS MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL BY THE DIRECTOR; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THREE TO FIVE YEARS THE INTERVAL OF THE INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS AND AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR TO WAIVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR A VISIT TO CERTAIN COMPANIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-90, RELATING TO SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF THE LICENSE OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR TO IMPOSE A FINE INSTEAD OF REVOKING OR SUSPENDING A LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-130, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY FROM PARTICIPATING IN A PLAN, POOL, ASSOCIATION, OR GUARANTY OR INSOLVENCY FUND, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A COMPANY TO PARTICIPATE IN A POOL FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL RISK SHARING UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-180, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS TO CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO MAKE THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTERS 26 AND 27

APPLICABLE TO CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-440, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LICENSING OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE BASIS FOR CALCULATING A PROCESSING FEE, AND CLARIFY THAT SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS BASED ON A MINIMUM FEE OF TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IS PAYABLE UPON FILING OF THE APPLICATION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-450, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE, SO AS TO CHANGE FROM MANDATORY TO PRECATORY BY THE DIRECTOR WHEN ISSUING A CERTIFICATE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-560, RELATING TO EXAMINATIONS BY THE DIRECTOR OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THREE TO FIVE YEARS THE INTERVAL THAT A COMPANY MUST BE INSPECTED AND DELETE THE AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR TO ENLARGE THE PERIOD OF INSPECTION UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

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

The Committee on Banking and Insurance proposed the following amendment (DKA\3677DW09), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 38-90-440(G)(1), SECTION 12, page 8, by striking lines 21 and 22 and inserting:

/ reasonable cost of which may be charged against the applicant, or. The director also may use internal resources to examine and investigate/.

Amend further, Section 38-90-560(A), SECTION 14, page 9, by striking / if / on line 8 and inserting / if whenever /.

Amend further by striking the title in its entirety and inserting:

/ TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LICENSING OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO PROHIBIT A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY FROM WRITING WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE ON A DIRECT BASIS, AND TO AUTHORIZE AN ADDITIONAL PROCESSING FEE FOR AN

APPLICATION TO BE CHARGED AS DETERMINED APPROPRIATE BY THE DIRECTOR OR HIS DESIGNEE GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE APPLICATION BEING INVESTIGATED; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CAPITALIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A REDUCTION IN REQUIRED TRUST FUNDS FOR A BRANCH CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT POSTS SECURITY FOR LOSS RESERVES ON BRANCH BUSINESS TO A FRONT COMPANY; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-55, RELATING TO INCORPORATION OF A CAPTIVE REINSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO CHANGE MANDATORY TO PRECATORY CONSIDERATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF FACTORS IN ARRIVING AT A FINDING; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INCORPORATION OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF CERTAIN TYPE OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO CHANGE MANDATORY TO PRECATORY CONSIDERATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF FACTORS IN ARRIVING AT A FINDING; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REPORTS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED BY A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY TO THE DIRECTOR, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR TO GRANT AN EXTENSION OR WAIVE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-75, RELATING TO DISCOUNTING OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE SECTION APPLIES TO A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, DELETE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE RESERVES WERE DISCOUNTED, AND PROVIDE THAT THIS PROCESS MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL BY THE DIRECTOR; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THREE TO FIVE YEARS THE INTERVAL OF THE INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS AND AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR TO WAIVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR A VISIT TO CERTAIN COMPANIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-90, RELATING TO SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF THE LICENSE OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR TO IMPOSE A FINE INSTEAD OF REVOKING OR SUSPENDING A

LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-130, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY FROM PARTICIPATING IN A PLAN, POOL, ASSOCIATION, OR GUARANTY OR INSOLVENCY FUND, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A COMPANY TO PARTICIPATE IN A POOL FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL RISK SHARING UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-180, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS TO CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO MAKE THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTERS 26 AND 27 APPLICABLE TO CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-440, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LICENSING OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE BASIS FOR CALCULATING A PROCESSING FEE, AND CLARIFY THAT SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS BASED ON A MINIMUM FEE OF TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IS PAYABLE UPON FILING OF THE APPLICATION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-450, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE, SO AS TO CHANGE FROM MANDATORY TO PRECATORY CONSIDERATION BY THE DIRECTOR WHEN ISSUING A CERTIFICATE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-560, RELATING TO EXAMINATIONS BY THE DIRECTOR OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THREE TO FIVE YEARS THE INTERVAL THAT A COMPANY MUST BE INSPECTED AND DELETE THE AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR TO ENLARGE THE PERIOD OF INSPECTION UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MALLOY 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. 675 (Word version) -- Senator Ryberg: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE THIRD WEEK IN APRIL 2009 AS "SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AWARENESS WEEK" TO RAISE AWARENESS REGARDING SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND TO COMMEND THE HOSPITALS, CHILD CARE COUNCILS, SCHOOLS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT EDUCATE PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS ON HOW TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ABUSE.

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

S. 655 (Word version) -- Senators Ryberg, Knotts, Hutto, Ford, Peeler, Leventis, Alexander, Setzler, O'Dell, Rose, Massey, Elliott, Davis, Nicholson, Land, L. Martin, Bryant, Campsen, Courson, Campbell, Grooms and Verdin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO URGE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENDORSE YUCCA MOUNTAIN'S SUITABILITY AS A PERMANENT FEDERAL REPOSITORY FOR HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS.

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

S. 284 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, L. Martin, Campbell and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SUBARTICLE 8 TO ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 9, TITLE 63 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE RESPONSIBLE FATHER REGISTRY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE THAT A UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER OF A CHILD, OR A MALE CLAIMING TO BE THE UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER OF A CHILD, MUST FILE A CLAIM OF PATERNITY WITH THIS REGISTRY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE NOTICE OF A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTION OR AN ADOPTION ACTION PERTAINING TO THIS CHILD, TO PROVIDE THAT FAILURE TO FILE A CLAIM CONSTITUTES IMPLIED IRREVOCABLE CONSENT TO THE TERMINATION OF HIS PARENTAL RIGHTS AND TO THE CHILD'S ADOPTION, TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN CONDUCT BY AN UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER IS DEEMED TO BE NOTICE TO THIS FATHER OF THE BIOLOGICAL MOTHER'S PREGNANCY, AND TO FURTHER ESTABLISH FILING

PROCEDURES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE REGISTRY; TO AMEND SECTION 63-9-730, RELATING TO PERSONS AND ENTITIES ENTITLED TO NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTIONS AND ADOPTION ACTIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE A PERSON WHO HAS REGISTERED WITH THE RESPONSIBLE FATHER REGISTRY; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-2530, RELATING TO THE FILING OF A PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTION TO BE HEARD WITHIN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS OF THE DATE THE PETITION IS FILED AND TO PROVIDE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A CONTINUANCE MAY BE GRANTED; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-2550, RELATING TO PERSONS OR ENTITIES ENTITLED TO BE SERVED WITH A PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO FURTHER SPECIFY THE AGE AS FOURTEEN FOR SERVING A CHILD, TO PROVIDE SERVICE ON THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM OF A CHILD UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND TO SPECIFY THE NOTICE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AN UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER OF A CHILD WHOSE PARENTAL RIGHTS ARE BEING TERMINATED.

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 (JUD0284.003), which was adopted:

Amend the bill as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting language and inserting therein the following:

/   SECTION   1.   Article 1, Chapter 9, Title 63 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 63-9-810.     The State has a compelling interest in promptly providing stable and permanent homes for adoptive children and in preventing the disruption of adoptive placements. It is the purpose of the Responsible Father Registry to provide notice to unmarried biological fathers who affirmatively assume responsibility for children

they may have fathered by registering with the Responsible Father Registry.

Section 63-9-820.     (A)   There is established within the Department of Social Services the Responsible Father Registry, which the department shall maintain.

(B)   As used in this section:

(1)   'Department' means the Department of Social Services.

(2)   'Registrant' means an unmarried biological father or a male eighteen years of age or older who claims to be the unmarried biological father of a child.

(3)   'Registry' means the Responsible Father Registry as established by this section.

(4)   'Unmarried biological father' means a male eighteen years of age or older who is not married to the biological mother of a child of whom he is or claims to be the natural father.

(C)   Except as set forth in Section 63-9-730(B), in order to preserve the right to notice of an adoption proceeding or the right to notice of a petition for termination of parental rights, a registrant must file a claim of paternity with the registry. A claim of paternity filed with the registry must not be deemed to be an acknowledgment of paternity, and a claim of paternity filed with the registry is not admissible as evidence in any proceeding except by order of the court for good cause shown.

(D)   Except for a person who is required to receive notice pursuant to Section 63-9-730(B), an unmarried biological father's failure to file a claim of paternity with the registry constitutes an implied irrevocable waiver of the father's right to be notified of any proceedings pertaining to the termination of his parental rights and to the child's adoption. Such waiver includes a waiver of any right of the parent to be named as a party in or served with a summons or any other document prepared in conjunction with a termination of parental rights proceeding or an adoption proceeding.

(E)   A claim of paternity must be signed by the registrant and must include:

(1)   the registrant's name, address, and date of birth;

(2)   the mother's name and, if known, her address and date of birth;

(3)   if known, the child's name, place of birth, and date of birth;

(4)   if known, the date, county, and state of conception of the child; and

(5)   the date the claim is filed.

(F)   The claim of paternity may be filed with the registry before or after the birth of the child; however, a claim of paternity filed with the registry is null and void if it is filed on or after the date a petition for termination of parental rights or a petition for adoption is filed.

(G)   Only the registrant may file the claim of paternity. No other person may file the claim of paternity on behalf of the registrant. The registrant must notify the registry of any change of address in the manner prescribed by the department. Failure to notify the registry of a change of address in the manner prescribed by the department is deemed to be a waiver of a right to notice or to any other right to which the registrant may be entitled as a result of filing a claim of paternity pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, notice by publication.

(H)   The department shall issue a certificate to the registrant verifying that the claim of paternity, revocation, or change of address has been filed.

(I)   No fee may be charged for filing a claim of paternity, a revocation, or a change of address with the registry. The department may charge a fee not to exceed twenty-five dollars for processing searches of the registry.

(J)   A registrant may at any time revoke a claim of paternity and shall file the revocation with the department in the manner prescribed by the department. The filing of a revocation of a claim of paternity with the registry in the manner prescribed by the department makes the prior claim of paternity filed by the registrant null and void.

(K)   Except as set forth in Section 63-9-730(B), no unmarried biological father who fails to file a claim of paternity with the registry is entitled to notification of any adoption proceeding or of any termination of parental rights proceeding concerning the unmarried biological father's child.

(L)   An unmarried biological father's failure to file a claim of paternity with the registry is deemed to be a lack of proper diligence under Section 63-9-770(B). An unmarried biological father's lack of knowledge of the biological mother's pregnancy does not excuse an unmarried biological father's failure to file a claim of paternity pursuant to this chapter. An unmarried biological father's sexual intercourse or his consent to artificial insemination with the biological mother is deemed to be notice to the unmarried biological father of the biological mother's pregnancy.

(M)(1)   The registry is not available for public inspection and is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act pursuant to Chapter 4, Title 30 except that:

(a)   the department shall disclose the contents of the registry upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction for good cause shown;

(b)   the department may file a written request with the registry regarding a child for whom the department has an open case for child welfare services;

(c)   the department shall provide the names and addresses of all registrants who have filed a claim of paternity for the child in question upon written request of a child placing agency or an attorney assisting in the adoption or termination of parental rights of a child. The written request may be filed with the registry before or after the birth of the child and must include:

(i)   the mother's name and, if known, her address and date of birth;

(ii)   if known, the child's date of birth and place of birth; and

(iii)   if known, the date, county, and state of conception of the child.

(2)   If a written request is submitted by or to the department pursuant to item (b) or (c) of subsection (M)(1) and no claim of paternity for the registrant is found, the department shall issue a certificate of diligent search verifying that a search of the registry has been conducted and that no claim of paternity regarding that registrant or child was found.

(N)   A registrant who has filed a claim of paternity must be served with notice of any adoption proceeding and any termination of parental rights proceeding involving any child identified in the registrant's filed claim of paternity within ten days of receipt of the registrant's name and address by the attorney or child placing agency pursuant to item (c) of subsection (M)(1).

(O)   Should the department issue a certificate of diligent search, the attorney for the requesting party in an adoption proceeding or in a termination of parental rights proceeding shall file the certificate of diligent search with the court in which the proceeding is pending within ten days of receipt of the certificate.

(P)   A registrant's claim of paternity shall remain on the registry until nineteen years after the claim of paternity has been filed with the registry, at which time the information may be purged from the registry. A registrant's claim of paternity shall be purged from the

registry if the registrant revokes his claim of paternity pursuant to subsection (J).

(Q)   The department may promulgate regulations and forms necessary to implement the provisions of this section. The department shall produce and distribute a pamphlet or publication informing the public of the Responsible Father Registry. The pamphlet or publication shall indicate the procedure for registering and the consequences for failure to register.

(R)(1)   Any unauthorized use, or attempted unauthorized use, of the registry is expressly prohibited, and any person or organization seeking, receiving, using, or publishing, or attempting to do so, of any information contained in the registry in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(2)   A person who knowingly, maliciously, or in bad faith files a false claim of paternity with the registry is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(S)   The provisions of this section do not apply to military servicemembers on active duty during any period of time that their service falls under the protection of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, currently codified at 50 U.S.C.A. Section 501, et seq."

SECTION   2.   Section 63-9-730(B) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 361 of 2008, is amended to read:

"(B)   The following persons or agencies are entitled to notice as provided in subsection (A) of this section:

(1)   any a person adjudicated by a court in this State to be the father of the child;

(2)   any a person or agency required to give consent or relinquishment pursuant to subsections (A) or (B) of Section 63-9-310(A) or (B) from whom consent or relinquishment cannot be obtained;

(3)   the father of the child whose consent or relinquishment is not required pursuant to items (4) or (5) of subsection (A) of Section 63-9-310 a person who has properly registered with the Responsible Father Registry at the time of the filing of the petition for termination of parental rights or adoption;

(4)   any a person who is recorded on the child's birth certificate as the child's father. The Department of Health and Environmental

Control shall release this information to any attorney representing a party in an adoption or termination of parental rights action pursuant to a subpoena;

(5)   any a person who is openly living with the child or the child's mother, or both, at the time the adoption proceeding is initiated, and who is holding himself out to be the child's father;

(6)   any a person who has been identified as the child's father by the mother in a sworn, written statement; and

(7)   any a person from whom consent or relinquishment is not required pursuant to item (2) of subsection (A) of Section 63-9-320(A)(2)."

SECTION   3.   Section 63-7-2530 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 361 of 2008, is amended to read:

"Section 63-7-2530.   (A)   A petition seeking termination of parental rights may be filed by the Department of Social Services or any interested party.

(B)   The department may file an action for termination of parental rights without first seeking the court's approval of a change in the permanency plan pursuant to Section 63-7-1680 and without first seeking an amendment of the placement plan pursuant to Section 63-7-1700.

(C)   The hearing on the petition to terminate parental rights must be held within one hundred twenty days of the date the termination of parental rights petition is filed. A party may request a continuance that would result in the hearing being held more than one hundred twenty days after the petition was filed, and the court may grant a continuance in its discretion. If a continuance is granted, the court must issue a written order scheduling the case for trial on a date and time certain."

SECTION   4.   Section 63-7-2550 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 361 of 2008, is amended to read:

"Section 63-7-2550.     (A)   A summons and petition for termination of parental rights must be filed with the court and served on:

(1)   the child, if the child is fourteen years of age or older;

(2)   the child's guardian ad litem, appointed pursuant to Section 63-7-2560(B), if the child is under fourteen years of age;

(3)   the parents of the child; and

(3)(4)   an agency with placement or custody of the child.

(B)   The right of an unmarried biological father, as defined in Section 63-9-820, to receive notice of a termination of parental rights

action must be governed by the notice provisions of Section 63-9-730(B)(1), (3), (4), (5), and (6), and Subarticle 8, Chapter 9."

SECTION 5.   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   6.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor, except that those provisions of Section 1 of this act pertaining to the establishment of the Responsible Father Registry and the receipt of claims of paternity by the registry take effect six months after approval by the Governor and those provisions of Section 1 of this act and Section 63-9-730 of the 1976 Code, as amended by Section 2 of this act, affecting an unmarried biological father's right to receive notice in a termination of parental rights or an adoption action by filing a claim of paternity and Section 63-7-2550(B) of the 1976 Code, as added by Section 4 of this act, apply to termination of parental rights actions and adoption actions filed one year after approval by the Governor.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator L. MARTIN explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

On motion of Senator MALLOY, the Bill was carried over, as amended.

H. 3299 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Harrell, Cato, Thompson, Bedingfield, Bingham, Brady, Gambrell, Harrison, Jennings, Mack, Mitchell, Cooper, Crawford, Alexander, Allison, Anthony, Bales, Bannister, Barfield, Bowers, G.A. Brown, Clemmons, Cobb-Hunter, Duncan,

Gullick, Haley, Hayes, Herbkersman, Howard, Huggins, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lowe, Miller, Ott, Owens, Pinson, M.A. Pitts, J.R. Smith, J.E. Smith, Spires, Toole, Umphlett, White, Whitmire, Anderson, A.D. Young, T.R. Young, Forrester, H.B. Brown, Weeks, Horne, Parker, Skelton, Wylie and Frye: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-576, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ELECTION BY AND DUTIES OF THE LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER AND ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF REGULATION, SO AS TO ENACT THE "CUSTOMER CHOICE AND TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT ACT OF 2009".

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 (JUD3299.011), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Section 58-9-576 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 318 of 2006, is further amended by adding:

"(C)   Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, upon the effective date of this subsection, a LEC that is operating pursuant to subsection (B) based on having complied with subsection (A)(1) or (A)(2), or a LEC that complies with subsection (A)(1) or (A)(2), may elect to have its rates, terms, and conditions for its services determined pursuant to the plan described in this subsection. If at the time of this election the LEC is operating pursuant to subsection (B) based on having complied with subsection (A)(1) or (A)(2), the election becomes effective five days after the notice of the election is filed with the commission. Otherwise, the election becomes effective in the same manner as provided for in subsection (B)(1).

(1)   As used in this subsection:

(a)   'Single-line basic residential service' means single-line residential flat rate basic voice grade local service with touch tone within a traditional local calling area that provides access to available emergency services and directory assistance, the capability to access interconnecting carriers, relay services, access to operator services, and one annual local directory listing (white pages or equivalent).

(b)   'Stand-alone basic residential line' means single-line basic residential service that is billed on a billing account that does not also

contain another service, feature, or product that is sold by the LEC or an affiliate of the LEC and that is billed on a recurring basis on the LEC's bill.

(c)   'Preelection date' means the date immediately before the effective date of the LEC's election under this subsection.

(d)   'LEC's preelection state USF withdrawal' means the amount of annual distributions or payments the LEC receives from the state USF as of the preelection date.

(e)   'LEC's state USF reduction' means an amount equal to twenty percent of the LEC's preelection state USF withdrawal.

(f)   'LEC's preelection Interim LEC fund withdrawal' means the amount of annual distributions or payments the LEC receives from the Interim LEC Fund as of the preelection date.

(g)   'LEC's Interim LEC fund reduction' means twenty percent of the LEC's preelection Interim LEC fund withdrawal.

(h)   'LEC' has the same meaning as provided for in Section 58-9-10(12).

(2)   Beginning on the date that the LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, becomes effective, the LEC may increase its rates for its stand-alone basic residential lines that were in service on the preelection date on an annual basis by a percentage that does not exceed the percentage increase over the prior year in the Gross Domestic Product Price Index, as reported by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. If the customer of record for a stand-alone basic residential line that was in service on the preelection date dies or moves from the residence, the provisions of this subitem will continue to apply to the stand-alone basic residential line at the residence if a spouse, family member, or co-tenant of that customer of record provides documentation showing that he resided at the location and requests to have the stand-alone basic residential line continued in his name. With the sole exception of ensuring the LEC's compliance with the preceding sentences, the commission must not:

(a)   impose any requirements related to the terms, conditions, rates, or availability of any of the LEC's stand-alone basic residential lines that were in service on the preelection date; or

(b)   otherwise regulate any of the LEC's stand-alone basic residential lines that were in service on the preelection date.

(3)   Except to the extent provided for in item (2), beginning on the date that the LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, becomes effective, the commission must not:

(a)   impose any requirements related to the terms, conditions, rates, or availability of any of the LEC's retail services; or

(b)   otherwise regulate any of the LEC's retail services, including without limitation any stand-alone basic residential lines put into service after the preelection date.

(4)   Beginning on the date that the LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, becomes effective, the commission must not:

(a)   impose any requirements related to the terms, conditions, rates, or availability of any retail interexchange services offered by the LEC or any of its affiliated entities; or

(b)   otherwise regulate any of the retail interexchange services of the LEC or any of its affiliates.

(5)   Beginning on the date that the LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, becomes effective, the LEC is not required to file schedules as required by Section 58-9-230 for any of its billing and collection services. Nothing in this subsection (C) otherwise diminishes, and nothing in this subsection (C) expands the commission's jurisdiction as it exists on the effective date of this subsection (C) over wholesale services, including without limitation switched access services, carrier-to-carrier agreements, and carrier-to-carrier complaints regarding nonretail services.

(6)   A LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, does not affect obligations of an incumbent local exchange carrier, as defined by Section 251(h) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, pursuant to Sections 251 and 252 of the federal act or any Federal Communications Commission regulation relating to Sections 251 and 252 of the federal act.

(7)   A LEC's election, pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, does not affect the commission's jurisdiction to enforce federal requirements on the LEC's marketing activities. The commission must not adopt, impose, or enforce other requirements on the LEC's marketing activities, including without limitation any requirements of Orders No. 2001-1036 and 2002-2 the South Carolina Public Service Commission entered in Docket No. 2000-378C.

(8)   Nothing in this section affects the commission's certification authority pursuant to Section 58-9-280(A) or (B), or the commission's authority under federal or state law to make appropriate determinations with respect to market entry or other matters in areas served by small LEC's.

(9)   Nothing in this subsection affects any obligation of the LEC and its affiliates to provide contributions to the state USF and Interim LEC fund, and the commission must ensure that contributions to the state USF and Interim LEC fund, pursuant to the provisions of Section 58-9-280(E), (L), and (M), are maintained at appropriate levels.

(a)   For the one-year period beginning on the date that the LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, becomes effective, the LEC is entitled to withdraw from the Interim LEC fund an amount equal to the LEC's preelection Interim LEC fund withdrawal less the LEC's Interim LEC fund reduction. For the subsequent one-year period, the amount the LEC is entitled to withdraw from the Interim LEC fund is reduced by the LEC's Interim LEC fund reduction. Beginning at the expiration of the second year after the date that the LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, becomes effective, the LEC is no longer entitled to withdraw any funds from the Interim LEC fund.

(b)   Except as otherwise provided in subitem (c) of this item, for the one-year period beginning on the date that the LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, becomes effective, the LEC is entitled to withdraw from the state USF an amount equal to the LEC's preelection state USF withdrawal less the LEC's state USF reduction. For the subsequent one-year period, the amount the LEC is entitled to withdraw from the state USF is reduced by the LEC's state USF reduction amount. At the end of the second year after the date that the LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, becomes effective, the LEC is no longer entitled to withdraw any funds from the state USF.

(c)   Before the end of the second year after the date that the LEC's election, pursuant to this subsection, becomes effective, the LEC may petition the commission to withdraw from the state USF an amount that differs from the amount determined pursuant to subitem (b) of this item. Upon the filing of this petition, the commission, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, must determine the amount of distributions or payments from the state USF the LEC is entitled to receive, based only on the LEC's stand-alone basic residential lines that were in service on the preelection date and that remain in service as of the date of the LEC's petition. The commission also must establish a process for annually reducing the amount of distributions or payments from the state USF based on the LEC's stand-alone basic residential lines that were in service on the preelection date and that remain in service as of the adjustment date.

(d)   In addition to any amounts the LEC is entitled to withdraw pursuant to subitems (a), (b), and (c) of this item, the LEC also is entitled to withdraw from the state USF all amounts needed to fund any state Lifeline match that is necessary to ensure that persons enrolled in the Lifeline program receive the maximum federally-funded Lifeline credit amounts available, including without limitation, federal baseline credit amounts and federal supplemental credit amounts.

(10)   For those LEC's that have not elected to have rates, terms, and conditions for their services determined pursuant to the plan described in this subsection, the Interim LEC fund and state USF shall continue to operate in accordance with Sections 58-9-280(E), (L), and (M).

(11)   For those LEC's that have not elected to operate under this section, nothing contained in this section or any subsection shall affect the current administration of the state USF nor does any provision thereof constitute a determination or suggestion that only stand-alone basic residential lines should be entitled to support from the state USF.

(12)(a)     In order to transition to the changes effectuated by items (2), (3), and (4), the rates, terms, and conditions for products and services no longer subject to regulation by the commission, which were in effect with a specific term on the preelection date, remain in effect for the duration of the specific term as to customers who subscribed to those products or services on or before the preelection date. If no term applied to the products or services as of the preelection date, then the rates, terms, and conditions governing those products or services remain in effect until a written customer service agreement becomes effective as provided for in subitem (b) of this item.

(b)   Except as provided in subitem(a) of this item, the LEC and the LEC's affiliates offering interexchange services must offer existing and new customers a written customer service agreement, which in the case of new customers must be delivered no later than thirty days after the initiation of service. The customer service agreement must include a provision advising the customer that he has thirty days from receipt in which to elect to:

(i)     terminate service with the LEC or the LEC's affiliates offering interexchange services by contacting the entity within the thirty-day time period, in which case the customer has the right to pay off the account in the same manner and under the same rates, terms, and conditions as set forth in the written customer service agreement provided to the customer, which written customer service agreement must relate back in its entirety to the date of a new customer's request

for service or the date the agreement was sent to an existing customer, as applicable, and is in effect until termination through pay off. The written customer service agreement must not impose termination charges, transfer charges, or similar charges or limitations that did not apply to the customer's service on the preelection date; or

(ii)   use the services of the LEC or the LEC's affiliates offering interexchange services, or to otherwise continue the account with the LEC or the LEC's affiliates offering interexchange services after the thirty-day time period has elapsed, either of which constitutes the customer's assent to all the rates, terms, and conditions of the written customer service agreement. The written customer service agreement must not impose a term commitment, termination charges, transfer charges, or similar charges or limitations that did not apply to the customer's service on the preelection date. The customer service agreement is deemed received three business days after deposit in the United States mail, first-class delivery.

(13)   The LEC's assessments pursuant to Sections 58-3-100, 58-3-540, and 58-4-60, and the assessments of the LEC's affiliates offering interexchange services pursuant to Sections 58-3-100, 58-3-540, and 58-4-60, continue to be based upon gross income from operation in this State in the same manner as such assessments were calculated before the effective date of this subsection.

(14)   With respect to electing LEC's, the Office of Regulatory Staff must maintain copies of all written complaints it receives regarding the following: (a) allegations regarding the inability of residential and business customers to obtain the functional equivalent of basic local exchange service; (b) allegations of anti-competitive practices; and (c) allegations regarding violations of contract terms and conditions by an electing LEC.

(15)   No later than five years from the effective date of this act and every five years following the submission of the first report, the Office of Regulatory Staff must submit to the General Assembly a report examining the effect of this act on residential and business consumers in areas served by the LEC's that elect to operate under this subitem. These reports shall include details of any pattern or practice by the electing LEC of violating the terms and conditions of its contract with residential or commercial customers or engaging in anticompetitive activities. These reports must be based on all records in the possession of the Office of Regulatory Staff, including without limitation, information obtained by the Office of Regulatory Staff pursuant to

Section 58-4-55. The reports must not disclose any proprietary or confidential information about individual providers.

(16)   When considered in the public interest by the Executive Director of the Office of Regulatory Staff, the Office of Regulatory Staff may file an action, in the name of the State and in any court of competent jurisdiction, against a LEC that elects to have its rates, terms, and conditions for its services determined pursuant to the plan described in Section 58-9-576(C), seeking to restrain by temporary restraining order, temporary injunction or permanent injunction, a pattern or practice by the electing LEC of violating the terms and conditions of its contract with residential or business customers or of engaging in anticompetitive activities."

SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator L. MARTIN explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

On motion of Senator MALLOY, the Bill was carried over, as amended.

S. 23 (Word version) -- Senator Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 47, CHAPTER 5, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "THIS ARTICLE" AND REPLACE IT WITH "SECTION 56-5-6410", AND TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A DRIVER OR OCCUPANT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TO SMOKE A TOBACCO PRODUCT WHILE A CHILD WHO IS LESS THAN TEN YEARS OLD IS ALSO AN OCCUPANT OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY.

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

Senator BRIGHT proposed the following amendment (23R007.LB):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 3, by striking lines 29-32 and inserting:

/   product while a child ten years of age or younger, which includes an unborn baby that the mother knows or should know that she is carrying, is in the motor vehicle. As used in this section, the term 'unborn baby' means a baby in utero, and the term 'baby in utero' or 'baby who is in utero' means a member of the species homo sapiens, at any state of development, who is carried in the womb.       /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator BRIGHT explained the amendment.

Senator MALLOY objected to further consideration of the Bill.

S. 196 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 15, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CIVIL ACTIONS, SO AS TO LIMIT LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS PROVIDERS FOR INJURIES OR DAMAGES PROXIMATELY CAUSED BY ALTERATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, OR REPAIRS OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS EQUIPMENT THE LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS PROVIDER COULD NOT HAVE DISCOVERED, OR WHEN LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS EQUIPMENT IS USED IN A MANNER OR FOR A PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT WHICH THE EQUIPMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE USED, OR COULD REASONABLY HAVE BEEN FORESEEN TO BE USED FOR, AND TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Senator KNOTTS objected to further consideration of the Bill.

S. 424 (Word version) -- Senators Bright, S. Martin, Alexander, Campbell, Fair, Knotts, Cromer, Mulvaney, Verdin, L. Martin, Shoopman, Rose, McConnell, Thomas, Cleary, Courson, Coleman, Davis, Reese, Campsen, Grooms, Ryberg, Peeler, O'Dell, Bryant and Massey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM SOUTH CAROLINA'S SOVEREIGNTY UNDER THE TENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION OVER ALL POWERS NOT ENUMERATED AND GRANTED TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BY THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

Senator HUTTO objected to further consideration of the Concurrent Resolution.

S. 683 (Word version) -- Senator Bryant: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO ALLOW THE STUDENTS, STAFF, AND SPONSORS OF TEENPACT TO USE THE SENATE CHAMBER ON FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2009, FROM 12:00 NOON UNTIL 4:00 P.M., FOR TEENPACT STUDENTS TO CONDUCT THEIR ANNUAL MEETING.
Senator BRYANT asked unanimous consent to commit the Resolution to the Committee on Invitations.
There was no objection.

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

H. 3301 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Cato, Sandifer, Sellers, Neilson, Erickson, Bannister, Bedingfield, Merrill, Mitchell, Anthony, Bingham, Huggins, Vick, Cooper, Chalk, J.R. Smith, Willis, Gilliard, Allison, Anderson, Bales, Battle, Bowers, Brady, G.A. Brown, H.B. Brown, Cole, Daning, Duncan, Edge, Forrester, Gambrell, Gullick, Hamilton, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hiott, Jefferson, Horne, Kirsh, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Miller, Millwood, Nanney, Ott, Owens, Parker, Pinson, E.H. Pitts, M.A. Pitts, Scott, Simrill, Skelton, D.C. Smith, G.R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, White, Whitmire and Wylie: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 34-39-175 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE CONSUMER FINANCE DIVISION OF THE BOARD OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO IMPLEMENT A REAL-TIME INTERNET ACCESSIBLE DATABASE FOR DEFERRED PRESENTMENT PROVIDERS TO VERIFY IF DEFERRED PRESENTMENT TRANSACTIONS ARE OUTSTANDING FOR A PARTICULAR PERSON; BY ADDING SECTION 34-39-270 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A DEFERRED PRESENTMENT PROVIDER FROM ENTERING INTO A DEFERRED PRESENTMENT TRANSACTION WITH A PERSON WHO HAS AN OUTSTANDING DEFERRED PRESENTMENT TRANSACTION OR WHO HAS ENTERED INTO

AN EXTENDED PAYMENT PLAN AGREEMENT AND TO REQUIRE A DEFERRED PRESENTMENT PROVIDER TO VERIFY WHETHER AN INDIVIDUAL IS ELIGIBLE TO ENTER INTO A DEFERRED PRESENTMENT TRANSACTION; BY ADDING SECTION 34-39-280 SO AS TO REQUIRE THOSE APPLYING FOR LICENSES TO ENGAGE IN THE BUSINESS OF DEFERRED PRESENTMENT TO PROVIDE CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING EXTENDED PAYMENT PLANS; TO AMEND SECTION 34-39-130, RELATING TO LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFERRED PRESENTMENT PROVIDERS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT A PERSON FROM ENGAGING IN THE BUSINESS OF DEFERRED PRESENTMENT SERVICES WITH A RESIDENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 39, TITLE 34; TO AMEND SECTION 34-39-180, RELATING TO DEFERRED PRESENTMENT RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT ADVANCED TO A CUSTOMER FOR DEFERRED PRESENTMENT OR DEPOSIT, EXCLUSIVE OF PERMISSIBLE FEES, MAY NOT EXCEED SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS.

Senator L. MARTIN moved to make the Bill a Special Order.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Alexander                 Anderson                  Bright
Bryant                    Campbell                  Campsen
Cleary                    Coleman                   Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Elliott
Fair                      Grooms                    Hayes
Hutto                     Jackson                   Land
Leatherman                Leventis                  Lourie
Martin, L.                Martin, S.                Massey
McConnell                 Mulvaney                  Nicholson
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Reese
Rose                      Ryberg                    Scott

Setzler                   Sheheen                   Shoopman
Thomas                    Williams

Ford                      Malloy                    Matthews
McGill

The Bill was made a Special Order.

S. 424 (Word version) -- Senators Bright, S. Martin, Alexander, Campbell, Fair, Knotts, Cromer, Mulvaney, Verdin, L. Martin, Shoopman, Rose, McConnell, Thomas, Cleary, Courson, Coleman, Davis, Reese, Campsen, Grooms, Ryberg, Peeler, O'Dell, Bryant and Massey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM SOUTH CAROLINA'S SOVEREIGNTY UNDER THE TENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION OVER ALL POWERS NOT ENUMERATED AND GRANTED TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BY THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

Senator L. MARTIN moved that the Resolution be made a Special Order.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Alexander                 Bright                    Bryant
Campbell                  Campsen                   Cleary
Courson                   Cromer                    Davis
Elliott                   Fair                      Grooms
Hayes                     Hutto                     Jackson
Land                      Leatherman                Martin, L.
Martin, S.                Massey                    Matthews
McConnell                 McGill                    Mulvaney
Nicholson                 O'Dell                    Peeler

Reese                     Rose                      Ryberg
Scott                     Setzler                   Shoopman
Thomas                    Williams

Anderson                  Leventis                  Lourie
Malloy                    Sheheen

The Resolution was made a Special Order.

S. 577 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Land, Setzler, Malloy, McGill, O'Dell, Reese, Nicholson, Williams, Elliott and Knotts: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT PURSUANT TO HR-1 OF 2009, THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACCEPTS THE USE OF FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS PROVIDED TO THIS STATE IN THIS ACT IF THE GOVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLINA, WITHIN THE REQUIRED FORTY-FIVE DAY PERIOD, FAILS TO CERTIFY THAT HE WILL REQUEST AND USE THESE FUNDS FOR THIS STATE AND THE AGENCIES AND ENTITIES THEREOF IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN THE FEDERAL ACT, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION OF THESE FUNDS.

Senator L. MARTIN made a motion to place the Concurrent Resolution in the status of Adjourned Debate.

The Concurrent Resolution was placed in the status of Adjourned Debate.

On motion of Senator L. MARTIN, the Senate agreed to dispense with the Motion Period.

Senator MALLOY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

On motion of Senator SHEHEEN, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mrs. Rosella B. Rivers of Bamberg, S.C., beloved mother-in-law of Laddie N. Howard.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mrs. Mary Ann Gardiner of Columbia, S.C. Mrs. Gardiner was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and was affectionately known as "Meme." She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

At 1:35 P.M., on motion of Senator L. MARTIN, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 2:00 P.M.

This web page was last updated on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 4:09 P.M.