HOUSE JOURNAL April 11, 2013 - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
120th Session, 2013-2014
Journal of the House of Representatives

Thursday, April 11, 2013
(Statewide Session)

~~Indicates Matter Stricken~~
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr., as follows:

Our thought for today is from Jeremiah 31:3b: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

Let us pray. We give thanks to You, Lord God, for the blessings You so graciously have bestowed upon us. Be our light in the darkness of this world that we may shine forth all that is good and right. Shower Your blessings upon our Nation, State, and her leaders. Continue Your care of our Speaker, this Assembly, staff, and all who labor with them. Protect our defenders of freedom, at home and abroad, as they protect us. Heal the wounds, those seen and those hidden, of our brave warriors. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. DOUGLAS moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Carnell Murphy of Ridgeway, which was agreed to.

REPORT RECEIVED

The following was received:

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
April 11, 2013

Members of the South Carolina General Assembly
Columbia, South Carolina

Dear Fellow Members:

Enclosed is the State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee's Report as to Qualifications of Candidates for Seats 1, 3, 5, and 7 of the Public Service Commission (commission). The report is designed to provide you information on the candidates nominated and qualified by the Review Committee. The Review Committee is charged with nominating up to three candidates for each seat on the commission. In accordance with this mandate, the Review Committee thoroughly investigated each candidate with respect to his or her suitability for service on the commission.

The PSC Screening Subcommittee of the Review Committee held public hearings on February 11 and 12, 2013, to question the candidates. A transcript of the oral examination of the candidates is appended to this report by reference. You can access the transcript on the General Assembly's website: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/ committeeinfo/PublicUtilitiesReviewComm/PublicUtilitiesReviewComm.php.

The Review Committee met March 19, 2013, to consider the qualifications of the candidates. The Review Committee also met on April 10, 2013, to consider a potential violation of Section 8-13-935. No action was taken at this meeting and the transcript, once it is available, will be posted at http://www.scstatehouse.gov/committeeinfo/PublicUtilitiesReviewComm/PublicUtilitiesReviewComm.php.

The Review Committee's finding that a candidate is qualified and nominated means that the candidate satisfies the constitutional and statutory criteria for service on the commission and the Review Committee's evaluative criteria. The enclosed report explains the Review Committee's evaluative criteria and details each candidate's qualifications as they relate to the evaluative criteria.

Candidates are prohibited from asking for your commitment until 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 13, 2013. Members of the General Assembly are not permitted to issue letters of introduction, announcements of candidacy, or statements detailing a candidate's qualifications on behalf of a candidate, and are not permitted to offer a pledge to vote for a candidate until 12:00 noon on April 13, 2013. If you find a candidate violating the pledging prohibitions or if you have questions about this report, please contact Heather Anderson at (803) 212-6208 or Andy Fiffick at (803) 734-3019. Pursuant to Canon 5 of the Judicial Code of Conduct, candidates must not attend political gatherings, including legislative caucus meetings.
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Alexander

PSC SCREENING SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT AS TO THE QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR SEATS 1, 3, 5, AND 7

INTRODUCTION

Act No. 175 of 2004 created the State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee (Review Committee) and charged the Review Committee with, among other duties, the duty to nominate candidates for the members of the South Carolina Public Service Commission (commission). The terms for Seats 1, 3, 5 and the At-Large seat expired June 30, 2012. Due to redistricting, South Carolina received a seventh congressional district, and the At-Large seat has now become the 7th District seat. The Review Committee issued a press release announcing the vacancies on September 21, 2012. The Review Committee received applications from 22 persons. Eight applicants withdrew their names from consideration prior to the public hearing, and two withdrew after the public hearing.

The PSC Screening Subcommittee (subcommittee) conducted background investigations of each candidate, including credit, driver's license, and law enforcement checks. It gave a written examination to determine the level of knowledge each candidate has with respect to substantive public utility issues, ethical constraints applicable to the commission, and the operations of the commission. The subcommittee also obtained attendance records at commission meetings and hearings for the commissioners. The subcommittee held a public hearing at which all candidates were questioned and given an opportunity to make statements as to their qualifications and desire to serve as a commissioner.

LEGAL QUALIFICATIONS

Act 175 requires that for terms beginning after June 30, 2006, members of the commission must have the following qualifications:

(1) a baccalaureate or more advanced degree; and

(2) a background of substantial duration and an expertise in at least one of the following areas:

(a) energy;

(b) telecommunications;

(d) water and wastewater;

(e) finance, economics, and statistics;

(f) accounting;

(g) engineering; or

(h) law.

S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-3-530. The Review Committee may find a candidate qualified even though he or she does not have a background of substantial duration and expertise in at least one of the above areas if three-fourths of the Review Committee vote to qualify the candidate.

The Review Committee is also required to consider: "(1) the ability, dedication, compassion, common sense, and integrity of the candidates; and (2) the race and gender of the candidates and other demographic factors to assure nondiscrimination to the greatest extent possible of all segments of the population of the State." S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-3-560. The determination of legal qualifications includes a determination of the candidate's residence in the appropriate Public Service Commission district as established by Section 58-3-20, the candidate's eligibility for election as determined by Section 58-3-24, and the candidate's compliance with constitutional provisions limiting election to those persons eligible to be electors of this State.

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-3-530, the annual performance review of commissioners seeking reelection must be made a part of the commissioner's record for consideration if the commissioner seeks reelection. The incumbent commissioners' evaluations for the periods from July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2012, are included after each commissioner's summary of qualifications.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

To determine fitness beyond mere legal qualifications, the subcommittee considered each candidate's experience, temperament, compliance with and knowledge of legal and ethical constraints on public service, knowledge of commission operations, demonstrated or potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service at the commission, and demonstrated integrity, including the handling of personal financial affairs. The subcommittee then considered each candidate as a whole and formulated an overall recommendation.

Experience

Act 175 requires that commissioners have a background of substantial duration and an expertise in energy; telecommunications; consumer protection and advocacy; water and wastewate; finance, economics, and statistics; accounting; engineering; or law. The subcommittee considered not only whether a candidate has succeeded in one of these fields but also whether the candidate has the capability of transferring this success and knowledge to the operations of the commission. Although incumbent commissioners are exempted from this requirement, the subcommittee focused on each incumbent commissioner's success as a commissioner and his or her initiative in gaining experience in a variety of ways, including attendance at public utility seminars and workshops, judicial training, and committee work with national and regional organizations. The transcript appended to this report contains each applicant's background and employment history.

Temperament

The subcommittee sought to determine whether a candidate's sense of the role he is to fill on the commission is such that his work will be productive, proactive, and protective of the interests of all South Carolinians.

Compliance with and Knowledge of Legal and Ethical Constraints

Act 175 requires that commissioners adhere to the State Ethics Act and the Judicial Code of Conduct. The subcommittee believes that not only must the candidates be aware of the legal and ethical constraints, they must have conducted and comported themselves with the highest regard for ethics in their actions.

Potential Aptitude for Meaningful Leadership and/or
Service at the Public Service Commission

Given the history that led to the enactment of Act 175, the subcommittee considered whether a candidate showed an aptitude for service as a commissioner, whether as a leader, or a follower, or both. In its May 2002 report on the candidates, the 2002 Screening Committee found that an absence of leadership at the commission led to problems such as prohibited ex parte communications, tension between commissioners and staff, and the lack of a coherent agency vision. The subcommittee believes that the commission should have strong leadership, work toward common goals, have a positive influence on employees, and ensure that parties and persons appearing before the commission are treated fairly and impartially. The subcommittee therefore sought to gauge each candidate's potential aptitude to serve as a leader and/or as a commissioner supporting the goals and mission of the agency.

Integrity

Candidates must assure the Review Committee that their word is their bond. Particular attention is given to the way candidates have managed their financial affairs.

Substantive Knowledge of Commission Operations

The subcommittee believes that every candidate, whether incumbent or non-incumbent, must demonstrate some basic understanding of the role of the commission and its operations. It would be unfair, however, to require non-incumbents to have accumulated a wealth of knowledge about commission operations specifically, or regulated utilities generally. Unlike incumbent commissioners, challengers have not had the benefit of a compensated opportunity to educate themselves in hearings or through conversations with commission staff. The subcommittee expects incumbents and others who have substantial experience appearing before the commission to be able to discuss these matters with a greater fluency than those persons who have, to date, committed themselves to other employment. The subcommittee emphasizes that the substantive knowledge findings contained in this report are a measure of a candidate's knowledge at the time of his candidacy. The findings are not necessarily indicative of a candidate's ability to subsequently master commission operations and the multitude of issues relating thereto.

FINDINGS AS TO QUALIFICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

The Review Committee finds the following candidates qualified and nominates them for election to the South Carolina Public Service Commission:
Seat 1: David Cannon

John E. "Butch" Howard

Carolynn "Carolee" Williams
Seat 3: Comer H. "Randy" Randall
Seat 5: Sarah B. Nuckles

Headen B. Thomas

Swain E. Whitfield
Seat 7: Gordon "O'Neal" Hamilton

Dale K. Surrett

CANDIDATES FOR SEAT 1

DAVID CANNON

Address: 2808 Point Street

Edisto Island, SC 29438

Overall Recommendation:

Mr. Cannon was evaluated as AVERAGE qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.

Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Mr. Cannon obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson College in 1959, and a Master of Science in Instrumentation Engineering in 1964 from Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Cannon also attended the University of North Carolina as a graduate student but left prior to earning an advanced degree. In 1959, Mr. Cannon became a junior engineer at Sonoco Products Company in Hartsville, S.C. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1960-1968. From 1962-1964, he was a graduate teaching assistant and graduate student at Case Institute. From 1965-1986, Mr. Cannon was Senior Project Engineer at Sonoco. From 1987-2001, Mr. Cannon was President and CEO of Edisto Seafarms, Inc., which, at the time, was the largest shrimp farm east of the Mississippi. The farm operated with increasing profitability for four years until a series of alien viruses caused successive crop failures and bankruptcy. From 2002-2004, Mr. Cannon was a contract engineer with Sonoco Products Company. Finally, from 2005-2012, he has been President of Production Engineering, LLC. This LLC does residential design and engineering including earthquake and hurricane resistance on Edisto Island.

Test Score:

Mr. Cannon received an overall score of 71.

General Qualifications:
* Mr. Cannon was evaluated to be of AVERAGE experience to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Cannon was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Cannon was evaluated to have ABOVE AVERAGE knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Mr. Cannon was evaluated as having AVERAGE demonstrated or potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Mr. Cannon was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrated integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Mr. Cannon was evaluated to have AVERAGE substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

JOHN E. "BUTCH" HOWARD

Address: 1908 Bowens Island Road

Charleston, SC 29412

Overall Recommendation:

Mr. Howard was evaluated as being of OUTSTANDING qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.

Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Mr. Howard received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in 1973.

Mr. Howard was elected to the Public Service Commission, Seat 1 in March 2004. He is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. He is on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) where he chairs the Committee on Water, is on the Public Council Advisory Board of the Water Research Foundation, is on the Advisory Council of the New Mexico State University Center of Public Utilities, and the Water Sector of the Government Coordinating Council with the Department of Homeland Security and the Environmental Protection Agency. Prior to being elected to the commission, Mr. Howard was employed in various sales positions and was part owner of Williams & Howard. Mr. Howard served in the United States Army from 1963 until honorably discharged in 1966.

Test Score:

Mr. Howard received an overall score of 87.

General Qualifications:
* Mr. Howard was evaluated to be of OUTSTANDING experience to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Howard was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Howard was evaluated to have OUTSTANDING knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Mr. Howard was evaluated as having OUTSTANDING demonstrated or potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Mr. Howard was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrated integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Mr. Howard was evaluated to have OUTSTANDING substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

John E. "Butch" Howard
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: First Congressional District
Review Period: July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012

Commissioner Howard was initially elected to the commission on March 3, 2004, and was re-elected on May 21, 2008. He was elected Chairman of the Public Service Commission in July 2010. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues. Commissioner Howard is an active member of NARUC and SEARUC; he is the chairman of the NARUC Committee on Water and serves on the NARUC Board of Directors.

Commissioner Howard exhibits a desire to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs and seminars. He attended the following educational programs and events:
* NARUC meetings (annual, winter and summer), for which he is responsible for all of the Committee on Water programs;
* National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) Commissioner Policy Forum;
* NAWC Water Summit;
* NARUC Water Rate Schools, for which he is in charge of two schools a year due to his position as Chairman of the NARUC Water Committee;
* SEARUC Commissioners Only meeting;
* Bonbright Institute on Electric and Gas, on which he participated in a panel regarding resource planning;
* Emerging Issues Policy Forum, during which he participated in a panel;
* Macquarie Capital, AUS, EEI and Commissioners Chat;
* Critical Consumer Issues Forum; and
* Numerous ex parte briefings, workshops and seminars, including ethics, held in Columbia.

Commissioner Howard serves on the Department of Homeland Security's Government Coordinating Council on Water and on the Water Research Foundation's Public Advisory Committee. He also participates in the New Mexico State University's Institute on Public Utilities and has participated in various energy forums.

Based on surveys of persons appearing before the commission and commission employees, Commissioner Howard is courteous to all persons appearing before him, is impartial in his treatment of persons appearing before him, has a positive effect on employee morale, and is respected by attorneys and persons appearing before the commission. The Review Committee's review revealed no evidence of unethical behavior by Commissioner Howard.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

John E. "Butch" Howard
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: First Congressional District
Review Period: July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011

Chairman Howard was initially elected to the commission on March 3, 2004, and was re-elected on May 21, 2008. He was elected Chairman of the Public Service Commission in July 2010. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues. Chairman Howard is an active member of NARUC and SEARUC; he is the chairman of the NARUC Committee on Water; and serves on the NARUC Board of Directors.

Chairman Howard exhibits a desire to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs and seminars. He attended the following educational programs and events:
* NARUC meetings (annual, winter and summer);
* NAWC Commissioner Policy Forum;
* NAWC Staff Water Policy Forum;
* NARUC Water Rate Schools, for which he is in charge of two schools a year due to his position as Chairman of the NARUC Water Committee;
* National Association of Water Companies Annual meeting;
* Public Utility Research Center, Emerging Issues.

Chairman Howard represents NARUC on the Department of Homeland Security's Government Coordinating Council on Water and has been appointed to the Water Research Foundation - Public Council on Drinking Water. He also participates in the New Mexico State University's Institute on Public Utilities.

Based on surveys of persons appearing before the commission and commission employees, Chairman Howard is courteous to all persons appearing before him, is impartial in his treatment of persons appearing before him, has a positive effect on employee morale, and is respected by attorneys and persons appearing before the commission. The Review Committee's review revealed no evidence of unethical behavior by Chairman Howard.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

John E. "Butch" Howard
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: First Congressional District
Review Period: September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010

Chairman Howard was initially elected to the commission on March 3, 2004, and was reelected on May 21, 2008. He was elected Chairman of the Public Service Commission in July 2010. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues. Chairman Howard is an active member of NARUC and SEARUC; he is the chairman of the NARUC Committee on Water and serves on the NARUC Board of Directors.

Chairman Howard exhibits a desire to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs and seminars. He attended the following educational programs and events:
* NARUC Rate School, sponsored by the Committee on Water, for which he is in charge of two schools per year;
* Drinking Water Symposium;
* Water Policy Forum;
* South Carolina State - Environmental Policy Institute;
* Ethics Seminar;
* Fundamentals of Electricity Regulation in South Carolina;
* Emerging and Foundational Issues in the Electric Utility Sector;
* "Commissioner's Chat" sponsored by Barclay Capital;
* NARUC Subcommittee on Finance and Accounting, in which he gave the welcome address and updated the subcommittee on state and federal accounting issues that may come before the South Carolina Public Service Commission;
* Presenter at the Charleston Rotary Club, Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club and Summerville Kiwanis Club in which he addressed the commission's history and purpose;
* South Carolina Energy Users Association annual meeting; and
* National Association of Water Company's Drinking Water Symposium, at which he was panelist.

Chairman Howard represents NARUC on the Department of Homeland Security's Water Sector Coordinating Council and has been appointed to the Water Research Foundation - Public Council on Drinking Water. He also participates in the New Mexico State University's Institute on Public Utilities.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

John E. "Butch" Howard
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: First Congressional District
Review Period: July 1, 2008 - September 30, 2009

Commissioner Howard was initially elected to the commission on March 3, 2004, and was reelected on May 21, 2008. He was elected Vice Chairman of the Public Service Commission in July 2008. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues. Commissioner Howard seeks to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs and seminars. He has also reads professional and trade publications and books related to water, telecommunications and energy issues.

Commissioner Howard is an active member of NARUC and SEARUC and is the co-vice chairman of the NARUC Committee on Water. He attended the following educational programs and events:
* NARUC Rate School, sponsored by the Committee on Water (faculty member);
* Ethics Seminar;
* National Association of Water Companies Water Policy Forum, where he provided a commissioner's point of view in a discussion of issues faced by water and wastewater utilities;
* "Securing Our Future: the Nuclear Alternative," sponsored by MUSC;
* FERC/NERC Collaborative on Demand Response;
* FERC/NERC Collaborative Smart Grid;
* Lehman Brothers "Chat with Commissioners" where he was a panelist to discuss issues regarding economic viability of regulated utilities with members of the Wall Street community; and
* S.C. Energy Users Committee Conference.

Commissioner Howard was recently asked to participate on the Department of Homeland Security's Water Sector Coordinating Council, comprised of 50 members throughout the United States.

CAROLYNN "CAROLEE" WILLIAMS

Address: 7 Beverly Road

Charleston, SC 29407

Overall Recommendation:

Ms. Williams was evaluated as being of ABOVE AVERAGE qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.

Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Ms. Williams attended Columbia College in 1974 and graduated from Wake Forest University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Ms. Williams then obtained a Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia in 1982. From 1982-1985, Ms. Williams served as a planner for the Department of Planning and Urban Development in the City of Charleston, S.C., where she performed planning research and completed analytical projects concerning downtown Charleston. She then served as a planner for the City Planning Department for the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1985-1986. During this time, she also staffed Cincinnati's Riverfront Advisory Committee. Ms. Williams then returned to Charleston where she served as Planning Administrator for the Department of Planning and Urban Development for the city of Charleston from 1986-1992, and as an instructor in urban planning for the College of Charleston from 1989-1992. From 1992 to the present, she has been Project Manager for Department of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability for the City of Charleston. In her capacity as Project Manager, she manages Charleston's "Green Business Challenge," which supports businesses as they work to reduce their use of energy and water and reduce their waste.

Test Score:

Ms. Williams received an overall score of 68.

General Qualifications:
* Ms. Williams was evaluated as having ABOVE AVERAGE experience to serve on the commission.
* Ms. Williams was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Ms. Williams was evaluated to have ABOVE AVERAGE knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Ms. Williams was evaluated as having ABOVE AVERAGE potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Ms. Williams was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrating integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Ms. Williams was evaluated to have AVERAGE substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

CANDIDATES FOR SEAT 3

COMER H. "RANDY" RANDALL

Address: 306 West Maple Street

Clinton, SC 29325

Overall Recommendation:

Mr. Randall was evaluated as being ABOVE AVERAGE qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.

Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Mr. Randall obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Presbyterian College in 1975 and a Master of Education degree from the University of Georgia in 1979.

Mr. Randall has served as the mayor of Clinton since 2003 and previously served as a Clinton City Council member from 1996-2003. He has been employed by Presbyterian College since 1992, where he has held a number of administrative-level positions and is currently the Executive Director of Alumni and Community Relations. He was a sales representative with Jacobs Press from 1990-1992. From 1977-1989, he served in a number of positions at Presbyterian College.

Mr. Randall has served on the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency Board since 2004 and has been its chairman for the past three years. He has served on the American Public Power Association Policy Makers Council since 2006, and was its National Chair for 2011-2012. Mr. Randall has also served as Chair of the Clinton Newberry Natural Gas Authority since 2003.

Test Score:

Mr. Randall received an overall score of 70.

General Qualifications:
* Mr. Randall was evaluated as having ABOVE AVERAGE experience to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Randall was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Randall was evaluated to have ABOVE AVERAGE knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Mr. Randall was evaluated as having ABOVE AVERAGE potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Mr. Randall was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrating integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Mr. Randall was evaluated to have ABOVE AVERAGE substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

CANDIDATES FOR SEAT 5

BARBARA A. BROWN

Address: 20 Naomi Court

Sumter, SC 29154

Overall Recommendation:

Ms. Brown was evaluated as being of BELOW AVERAGE qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.

Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Ms. Brown obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Rollins University in 1979. In 1985 she obtained a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Energy Studies with a Political Economy Specialty from the University of Southern California, UK Branch. Ms. Brown obtained a Graduate Certificate in International Family and Community Studies from Clemson University in 2011. Ms. Brown chaired the Florida League of Women Voters State Board on Natural Resources from 1977-1980. Ms. Brown then worked for two years with Florida's Solar Energy Center and the Florida Governor's Energy Office and spent 1981-84 as a recreation program director and foreign media liaison on a United States Air Force Base. From 1985-89, Ms. Brown worked for H & S Beer Wholesalers as public relations and research director. Beginning in 1985 to the present, Ms. Brown has had a series of contracts with the Kettering Foundation performing research. She worked for the Manpower Office at Shaw Air Force Base for another part of 1989, analyzing government resource allocation. From 1989 to the present, Ms. Brown has worked for Clemson University and Alma Harris as a youth program advisor, and more recently, as Director of the Laboratory for Deliberative Democracy.

Test Score:

Ms. Brown received an overall score of 75.
General Qualifications:
* Ms. Brown was evaluated as having AVERAGE experience to serve on the commission.
* Ms. Brown was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Ms. Brown was evaluated to have AVERAGE knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Ms. Brown was evaluated as having BELOW AVERAGE potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Ms. Brown was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrating integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Ms. Brown was evaluated to have BELOW AVERAGE substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

SARAH B. NUCKLES

Address: 1335 Quiet Acres Circle

Rock Hill, SC 29732

Overall Recommendation:

Ms. Nuckles was evaluated as being of AVERAGE qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.

Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Ms. Nuckles attended Columbus Junior College, Indian River Community College and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Atlantic University in 1989. She subsequently enrolled in coursework toward obtaining a Masters in Business Administration at both Florida Atlantic University and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Business Administration program at Winthrop University.

Ms. Nuckles held positions as Accounting Clerk, Budget Officer, and Internal Auditor with the Fort Pierce Public Utilities Authority in Fort Pierce, Florida, during the 1970's. From 1980-1985, she was employed by Truck and Trailer Center, where she served as business manager, general manager and ultimately executive vice-president. From 1986-1988, she worked as a controller for car dealerships. She worked at Palm Beach Community College from 1990-1992. From 1992-2003, she was co-owner and executive vice-president of Nuckles Flooring Company. From 2004-2005, she was a planning intern with the City of Rock Hill. From 2005-2008, she was an administrative director for Capital Management and Engineering. In 2008, she established Pencilheads, LLC, which provided accounting and financial services to small businesses.

Ms. Nuckles served as a city commissioner with West Palm Beach from 1993-1995. She also served on the South Carolina Department Transportation Commission for the Fifth Congressional district from 2008-2012. She had previously served as a member of the policy committee for the Metropolitan Transit Commission for the Charlotte Area Transit Service.

Test Score:

Ms. Nuckles received an overall score of 75.
General Qualifications:
* Ms. Nuckles was evaluated as having AVERAGE experience to serve on the commission.
* Ms. Nuckles was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Ms. Nuckles was evaluated to have ABOVE AVERAGE knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Ms. Nuckles was evaluated as having AVERAGE potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Ms. Nuckles was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrating integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Ms. Nuckles was evaluated to have AVERAGE substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

HEADEN B.THOMAS

Address: 116 Creekside Drive

Fort Mill, SC 29715

Overall Recommendation:

Mr. Thomas was evaluated as AVERAGE qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.

Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Mr. Thomas graduated from Wofford College in January 1973, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He received a Masters in Business Administration from Winthrop College in May 1979. Mr. Thomas reports that he has completed several hours of continuing education in tax preparation over the preceding five years.

Mr. Thomas worked at Manufacturer's Supply Company in Rock Hill, S.C., from February 1973 until January 1977. Mr. Thomas worked for Piedmont Natural Gas Company in Charlotte, N.C., from January 1983 until October 2006. He served in a variety of roles including Tax Staff Accountant, Corporate Tax Manager, Director of Investor Relations and Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications. As Tax Manager, he managed all aspects of the Tax Department including planning, compliance, accounting and preparation of tax-related aspects of rate case filings. As Director of Investor Relations, he managed equity financing and developed rating agency packages among many other duties. As a Director of Corporate Communications, he acted as a corporate spokesperson, making various media appearances and preparing press releases. Mr. Thomas has held various part-time positions since 2006. He has worked at Heritage Bluff Preserve, LLC, since 2006, at Moore & Moore CPA's, P.A. since 2009, and at Edisto Heritage Development, Inc., since 2010.

Test Score:

Mr. Thomas received an overall score of 79.

General Qualifications:
* Mr. Thomas was evaluated as having ABOVE AVERAGE experience to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Thomas was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Thomas was evaluated to have ABOVE AVERAGE knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Mr. Thomas was evaluated as having AVERAGE potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Mr. Thomas was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrating integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Mr. Thomas was evaluated to have AVERAGE substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

*Rep. FORRESTER excused and recused himself from discussion regarding Mr. Thomas.

SWAIN E. WHITFIELD

Address: 111 Heritage Road

Blackstock, SC 29014

Overall Recommendation:

Mr. Whitfield was evaluated as being of OUTSTANDING qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.

Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Mr. Whitfield received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from the University of Georgia in 1986, focusing on economic and industrial geography. Following graduation, Mr. Whitfield began working for Laidlaw Carriers in Atlanta, GA. From 1987-1990, he was employed by Youmans Transportation, Inc., in West Columbia as operations manager for transportation brokerage operation. Mr. Whitfield handled operations and customer service for Senn Trucking Co. in Newberry from 1990-1991. Mr. Whitfield served on the Winnsboro City Council between 1995 and 1999, during which time the city took over wastewater service from a private firm and expanded gas and electric service. Mr. Whitfield founded Whitfield Transportation, Inc. in Blythewood, S.C., in 1991, and ran the business successfully until selling it in 2008. Mr. Whitfield was elected to the Public Service Commission in 2008, and he has served continuously until the present. He is a member of both the National Association of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (NARUC) and the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (SEARUC).

Test Score:

Mr. Whitfield received an overall score of 90.

General Qualifications:
* Mr. Whitfield was evaluated as having ABOVE AVERAGE experience to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Whitfield was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Whitfield was evaluated to have OUTSTANDING knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Mr. Whitfield was evaluated as having OUTSTANDING potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Mr. Whitfield was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrating integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Mr. Whitfield was evaluated to have OUTSTANDING substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

Swain E. Whitfield
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: At-Large
Review Period: July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012

Commissioner Whitfield was elected to the commission for a term beginning July 1, 2008. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues. He is an active member of NARUC and SEARUC. He is member of the NARUC Committee on Gas and the NARUC Committee on Critical Infrastructure. He is also a member of the NARUC Pipeline Safety Task Force. He was recently appointed to the Washington Action Committee and the NARUC Nuclear Waste Committee.

Commissioner Whitfield exhibits a desire to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs. He attended the following educational programs:
* NARUC meetings (winter, summer and annual);
* SEARUC summit;
* Emerging Issues Policy Forum;
* Educational workshop at Duke University concerning the implementation of the new EPA regulations;
* Current Issues Conference, at which he participated on a panel;
* Wall Street Dialogue, at which he participated on a panel; and
* Various ex parte briefings, forums and seminars, including ethics.

Based on surveys of persons appearing before the commission and commission employees, Commissioner Whitfield is courteous to all persons appearing before him, is impartial in his treatment of persons appearing before him, has a positive influence on employee morale, and is respected by attorneys and persons appearing before the commission. The Review Committee's review revealed no evidence of unethical behavior by Commissioner Whitfield.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

Swain E. Whitfield
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: At-Large
Review Period: July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011

Commissioner Whitfield was elected to the commission for a term beginning July 1, 2008. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues. He is an active member of NARUC and SEARUC. He is member of the NARUC Committee on Gas and the NARUC Committee on Critical Infrastructure; he is the liaison for the Committee on Gas to the Critical Infrastructure Committee. He is also a member of the NARUC Pipeline Safety Task Force.

Commissioner Whitfield exhibits a desire to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs. He attended the following educational programs:
* Seminar on vulnerabilities to critical infrastructure, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy;
* NARUC Utility Rate School, at which he received a certificate of completion;
* Camp NARUC, week 2, at which he received a certificate of completion;
* NARUC meetings (winter, summer and annual);
* SEARUC annual meeting;
* National Pipeline Safety Forum;
* Telecommunications Association fall meeting;
* Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott's Community Forum where he explained the roles of the PSC and ORS as well as procedures involving utility matters;
* Speaker at the Winnsboro Rotary Club and Blythewood Rotary Club;
* Wall Street Dialogue, at which he participated on a panel concerning pending EPA regulations; and
* Various ex parte briefings and seminars held in Columbia, S.C.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

Swain E. Whitfield
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: At-Large
Review Period: September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010

Commissioner Whitfield exhibits a desire to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs. He attended the following educational programs:
* Electricity Law seminar;
* Emerging Issues in Electricity;
* Energy and Foundational Issues in the Electric Utility Sector;
* Camp NARUC at the Institute of Public Utilities at Michigan State University, where he completed the program and received a Certificate of Completion of the Annual Regulatory Studies Program;
* NARUC meetings (winter, summer and annual);
* SEARUC meetings;
* Conquering Climate Change seminar; and
* Bonbright Utilities Center annual conference, at which he served as a presenter and panelist.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

Swain E. Whitfield
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: At-Large
Review Period: July 1, 2008 - September 30, 2009

Commissioner Whitfield was elected to the commission for a term beginning July 1, 2008. During his short tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues. He is member of the NARUC Energy Resources and Environment Committee. Commissioner Whitfield seeks to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs.

Commissioner Whitfield attended the following educational programs:
* PSC in-house training and ethics sessions;
* NARUC Boot Camp and new commissioner training;
* NARUC Annual, Winter, and Summer meetings;
* Nuclear Energy Summit, sponsored by MUSC;
* SEARUC Commissioners Only Summit and other SEARUC meetings;
* Bonbright Conference; and
* Conquering Climate Change seminar.

CANDIDATES FOR SEAT 7

GORDON O'NEAL HAMILTON

Address: 706 Lakeshore Drive

Bennettsville, SC 29512

Overall Recommendation:

Mr. Hamilton was evaluated as being of ABOVE AVERAGE qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.

Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Mr. Hamilton obtained an Associate's Degree from North Greenville Jr. College in 1953. Mr. Hamilton has served as the Public Service Commissioner for the Fifth District since 2004. From 1953-1957, Mr. Hamilton was the Agency Manager for the Life Insurance Company of Georgia. From 1977-2003, he served as the Agency Manager of Farm Bureau Insurance. Mr. Hamilton was elected to the Bennettsville City Council from 1978-1990, where he was Chairman of the Utility Committee with oversight of city electric, gas, water and wastewater departments. He was unsuccessful in his bid for re-election to City Council in 1990. In 1990, he was elected to the S.C. Highway Commission, and served until 1992. From 1992-2004, Mr. Hamilton served on the Marlboro County Council. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the following professional organizations: (1) National Association of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (NARUC); (2) Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners; and (3) NARUC Committee on Gas (chairman).

Test Score:

Mr. Hamilton received an overall score of 74.

General Qualifications:
* Mr. Hamilton was evaluated as having ABOVE AVERAGE experience to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Hamilton was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Hamilton was evaluated to have ABOVE AVERAGE knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Mr. Hamilton was evaluated as having OUTSTANDING potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Mr. Hamilton was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrating integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Mr. Hamilton was evaluated to have OUTSTANDING substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

STATE REGULATION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE
Performance Evaluation

G. O'Neal Hamilton
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: Fifth Congressional District
Review Period: July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012

Commissioner Hamilton was initially elected on March 3, 2004, and was re-elected on May 21, 2008. He is an active member of NARUC and SEARUC. He is an advisory to NARUC's Committee on Gas and is a member of the National Petroleum Council Advisory Committee (NPC) and the Gas Technology Institute Advisory Board. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues.

Commissioner Hamilton exhibits a desire to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs. He attended the following educational programs and events:
* NARUC meetings (annual, summer and winter);
* SEARUC meeting;
* Fifth World Forum on Energy Regulation;
* NPC Public Interest Advisory Committee meetings;
* Emerging Issues Policy Forum, during which he spoke on shale gas; and
* Various ex parte briefings and seminars, including ethics.

Based on surveys of persons appearing before the commission and commission employees, Commissioner Hamilton is courteous to all persons appearing before him, is impartial in his treatment of persons appearing before him, has a positive influence on employee morale, and is respected by attorneys and persons appearing before the commission. The Review Committee's review revealed no evidence of unethical behavior by Commissioner Hamilton.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

G. O'Neal Hamilton
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: Fifth Congressional District
Review Period: July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011

Commissioner Hamilton was initially elected on March 3, 2004, and was reelected on May 21, 2008. He is an active member of NARUC and SEARUC. He is the immediate past chairman of and a current advisory to NARUC's Committee on Gas. He is a member of the National Petroleum Council (NPC) and the Gas Technology Institute Advisory Board. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues.

Commissioner Hamilton exhibits a desire to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs. He attended the following educational programs and events:
* NARUC meetings (summer and winter);
* Emerging Issues Policy Forum;
* Public Interest Advisory Committee; and
* Various ex parte briefings and seminars held in Columbia.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

G. O'Neal Hamilton
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: Fifth Congressional District
Review Period: September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010

Commissioner Hamilton was initially elected on March 3, 2004, and was reelected on May 21, 2008. He is an active member of NARUC and SEARUC. He is the chairman of NARUC's Committee on Gas and serves on NARUC's Board of Directors. He is a member of the National Petroleum Council (NPC) and serves as a member of its Public Interest Advisory Committee and as a board member on NPC's Gas Technology Institute. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues.

Commissioner Hamilton exhibits a desire to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs. He attended the following educational programs and events:
* NARUC meetings (annual, winter, and summer);
* SEARUC annual meeting, where he served as moderator of a natural gas panel;
* Ethics seminar;
* Fundamentals of Electricity Regulation in South Carolina;
* Various ex parte briefings; and
* Served as a panelist at the Emerging Issues Policy Forum.

State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
Performance Evaluation

G. O'Neal Hamilton
South Carolina Public Service Commission
Seat: Fifth Congressional District
Review Period: June 30, 2008 - September 30, 2009

Commissioner Hamilton was initially elected on March 3, 2004, and was reelected on May 21, 2008. He was elected vice-chairman by the commissioners for a term beginning July 1, 2004, and chairman, July 1, 2006. He is the chairman of NARUC's Committee on Gas and serves on NARUC's Board of Directors. He is a member of the National Petroleum Council and the Moratoria Study Group, formed by NARUC and the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. During his tenure, he has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his understanding of public utilities issues. Commissioner Hamilton seeks to increase his knowledge and skills by attending educational programs.

Commissioner Hamilton attended the following educational programs and events:
* NARUC Annual, Winter and Summer meetings;
* SEARUC Annual meeting;
* Ethics seminar;
* National Petroleum Council Meeting;
* Instructor at the NARUC New Commissioner Training;
* SEARUC Commissioners Only meeting;
* Bonbright Electric & Natural Gas Conference;
* Panelist for the New Mexico State University Center for Public Utilities Current Issues;
* Public Interest Advisory Committee Meeting, Gas Technology Institute; and
* Presentation at the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency.

DALE K. SURRETT

Address: 323 Thoroughbred Trail

Hartsville, SC 29550

Overall Recommendation:

Mr. Surrett was evaluated as being of ABOVE AVERAGE qualification to serve on the Public Service Commission.
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:

Mr. Surrett obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina-Aiken in 1985. Mr. Surrett is a graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. He also earned his Masters in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina in 1993. From 1985-1986, Mr. Surrett was employed by the City of Aiken Department of Public Safety as a public safety officer charged with routine law enforcement and uniformed patrol duties. From 1986-1988, he served as a security inspector with Wackenhut Services, Inc., responsible for protecting the nuclear facility at the Savannah River Site. From 1988-1990, Mr. Surrett was a deputy sheriff with the Richland County Sheriff's Office. He continued his employment with the Richland County Sheriff's Office as a Criminal Investigator from 1990-1993. From 1993-1999, Mr. Surrett was an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with the County of Greenville. From 1999-2004, Mr. Surrett served as the County Administrator for McCormick County and was responsible for supervising the management of county government operations including the county-operated water and sewer utilities. From 1994-1997, he was employed by the Town of Moncks Corner as a Town Administrator. From 2007-2009, Mr. Surrett was employed by Oconee County as County. From 2011 to the present, Mr. Surrett has served as the County Administrator for Darlington County.

Test Score:

Mr. Surrett received an overall score of 76.

General Qualifications:
* Mr. Surrett was evaluated as having ABOVE AVERAGE experience to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Surrett was evaluated to be of APPROPRIATE temperament to serve on the commission.
* Mr. Surrett was evaluated to have AVERAGE knowledge of and compliance with legal and ethical constraints regarding service on the commission.
* Mr. Surrett was evaluated as having ABOVE AVERAGE potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service on the commission.
* Mr. Surrett was evaluated as being ADEQUATE in demonstrating integrity (including the maintenance of personal financial affairs) for service on the commission.
* Mr. Surrett was evaluated to have AVERAGE substantive knowledge of the operations of the commission.

Respectfully submitted:

/s/ Sen. Thomas C. Alexander /s/ Rep. William E. Sandifer

Elizabeth H. Atwater, Esq. /s/ Erik Ebersole
/s/ Sen. C. Bradley Hutto /s/ Rep. Harry L. Ott, Jr.
/s/ Sen. Luke A. Rankin, Sr. /s/ Rep. P. Michael Forrester *
/s/ John Steven Simmons, Esq. /s/ Helen T. Zeigler, Esq.

*Rep. FORRESTER excused and recused himself from consideration of Headen B. Thomas for election to Seat 5 of the Public Service Commission.

Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., April 10, 2013
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators Matthews, Hayes and S. Martin of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate on H. 3453:

H. 3453 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham, Allison, Anthony, Hayes and Atwater: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DECIDE AND NOTIFY TEACHERS OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR BY MAY 15, 2013; TO PROVIDE THAT A CONTINUING-CONTRACT TEACHER WHO IS BEING RECOMMENDED FOR FORMAL EVALUATION THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR MUST BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ISSUES THE WRITTEN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT OR REEMPLOYMENT; TO REQUIRE TEACHERS WHO ARE REEMPLOYED BY WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO NOTIFY THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT; AND TO ALLOW DISTRICTS TO UNIFORMLY NEGOTIATE SALARIES OF CERTAIN RETIRED TEACHERS BELOW THE DISTRICT SALARY SCHEDULE.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3592 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and Loftis: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 52, TITLE 48, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE "ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION ACT OF 2007", SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS, TO CHANGE CERTIFICATION STANDARDS WITH WHICH MAJOR FACILITY PROJECTS MUST COMPLY, TO ELIMINATE REFERENCE TO THE LEED AND GREEN GLOBES CERTIFICATION RATING SYSTEMS, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3609 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield, Clemmons and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 77 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE SALE, POSSESSION, AND USE OF CERTAIN LASER POINTING DEVICES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, EXEMPTIONS, AND REMEDIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3869 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and Gambrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-59-230, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE RENEWAL OF LICENSES ISSUED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS COMMISSION, SO AS TO MAKE THE RENEWAL PERIOD BIENNIAL, TO REQUIRE A LICENSEE SEEKING RENEWAL TO SUBMIT A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONTINUING EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIRED OF A LICENSEE, AND TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION MAY ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS FOR LICENSES TO RECOGNIZE ENHANCED PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-59-240, RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS, SO AS TO REQUIRE LICENSEES COMPLETE CERTAIN CONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION, AND TO PROVIDE A RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR WHO HAS COMPLETED CONTINUING EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO OTHER EXISTING REQUIREMENTS IS EXEMPT FROM RELATED ADDITIONAL EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED BY A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3818 (Word version) -- Reps. K. R. Crawford, Sandifer, Erickson, Simrill, G. M. Smith, Gambrell and Bannister: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-1730, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CLOSED PANEL HEALTH PLANS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT CERTAIN EMPLOYERS THAT OFFER ONLY CLOSED PANEL HEALTH PLANS TO ITS EMPLOYEES ALSO OFFER A POINT-OF-SERVICE OPTION TO ITS EMPLOYEES, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES, AND TO INCREASE THE ALLOWABLE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COINSURANCE PERCENTAGES FOR IN-NETWORK AND OUT-OF-NETWORK COVERED SERVICES AND SUPPLIES UNDER A POINT-OF-SERVICE OPTION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3224 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Smith and Bernstein: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "MILITARY SERVICE OCCUPATION, EDUCATION, AND CREDENTIALING ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-400 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC, POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THIS STATE MAY AWARD EDUCATIONAL CREDIT TO AN HONORABLY DISCHARGED MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES FOR A COURSE THAT IS PART OF HIS MILITARY TRAINING OR SERVICE, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AND TO REQUIRE THE INSTITUTION TO IMPLEMENT RELATED POLICIES AND REGULATIONS WITHIN A SPECIFIED TIME FRAME; BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE MISCELLANEOUS LICENSURE PROVISIONS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL, TO PROVIDE A PERSON LICENSED BY BOARD OR COMMISSION UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION IS EXEMPT FROM CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND FEE ASSESSMENTS DURING ACTIVE DUTY IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES, TO PROVIDE A BOARD OR COMMISSION MAY ISSUE A TEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL LICENSE TO THE SPOUSE OF AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE A BOARD OR COMMISSION SHALL ACCEPT CERTAIN COURSEWORK OR EXPERIENCE OBTAINED DURING THE COURSE OF MILITARY SERVICE TO SATISFY RELATED PROFESSIONAL OR OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION OR TRAINING LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 40-1-75 RELATING TO EXEMPTING ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL FROM CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS, AND 40-1-77 RELATING TO TEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL OR OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES FOR MILITARY SPOUSES, THE SUBSTANCE OF WHICH ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW ARTICLE ADDED BY THIS ACT.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3782 (Word version) -- Rep. Delleney: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 8-11-87 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PUBLIC EMPLOYER PAYROLL DEDUCTION POLICY ACT", TO PROHIBIT DEDUCTIONS FROM THE COMPENSATION OF A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE FOR DUES, FEES, AND ASSESSMENTS FOR TRANSMISSION TO ANY PUBLIC EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, ANY INTERMEDIARY, OR PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL, UNLESS THE DEDUCTION IS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3870 (Word version) -- Reps. Gambrell, Bowen, D. C. Moss, Gagnon, Putnam, Sandifer and White: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-49-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE IN THE "FIREFIGHTER MOBILIZATION ACT OF 2000" THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (SLED) HAS SPECIFIC AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION ON BEHALF OF THE STATE IN MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE RESPONSE TO AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT OF ACTS OF TERRORISM AND EMERGENCY EVENT MANAGEMENT OF EXPLOSIVE DEVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-49-20, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIREFIGHTER MOBILIZATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, SO AS TO ADD THE CHIEF OF SLED TO THE COMMITTEE AND TO CORRECT OBSOLETE REFERENCES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-49-50, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIREFIGHTER MOBILIZATION PLAN, SO AS TO RENAME THE COMMITTEE AS THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIREFIGHTER MOBILIZATION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE TASK FORCE PLAN, TO ADD THE TASK FORCE TO THOSE RESOURCES THAT THE PLAN IS INTENDED TO OFFER, AND TO PROVIDE THE PLAN IS OPERATIONAL WHEN THE CHIEF OF SLED DIRECTS A RESPONSE TO A TERRORIST OR EXPLOSIVE DEVICE EVENT; TO AMEND SECTION 23-49-60, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE COMMITTEE SHALL DEVELOP GUIDELINES FOR USING RESOURCES ALLOCATED TO THE TASK FORCE AT THE STATE AND REGIONAL LEVEL; TO AMEND SECTION 23-49-70, RELATING TO STATE AND REGIONAL COORDINATORS APPOINTED BY THE COMMITTEE TO EXECUTE THE PLAN, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE TO THE NAME OF THE PLAN, TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT AS REQUIRED BY THE COMMITTEE TO PERFORM ITS PRESCRIBED FUNCTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE COORDINATOR APPOINTED BY THE COMMITTEE SHALL REPORT TO THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE COMMITTEE; TO AMEND SECTION 23-49-80, RELATING TO INFORMATION REQUIRED OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION, SO AS TO CORRECT OBSOLETE LANGUAGE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-49-110, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE ADDITIONAL TERMS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3771 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Bales, Putnam and Goldfinch: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-57-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, SO AS TO DETAIL PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING THE SEVEN COMMISSIONERS WHO REPRESENT THE SEVEN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS, AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION SHALL DESIGNATE CERTAIN PERSONNEL FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE COMMISSION, TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT FROM ASSIGNING OTHER WORK TO THESE PERSONNEL WITHOUT APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSION, AND TO PROVIDE THESE PERSONNEL ONLY MAY BE TERMINATED BY THE DIRECTOR.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3815 (Word version) -- Rep. Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-6-50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AN ANNUAL LICENSE FEE FOR AUCTIONEERS, SO AS TO MAKE THE FEE BIENNIAL; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-6-240, RELATING TO THE LICENSING PERIOD FOR AN AUCTIONEER LICENSE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR RENEWAL OF THE LICENSE, SO AS TO EXTEND THE PERIOD TO TWO YEARS AND MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES, AND TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION THAT A LICENSEE MUST EARN DURING THE LICENSING PERIOD PRECEDING RENEWAL FROM FOUR HOURS TO EIGHT HOURS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3797 (Word version) -- Rep. Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-165 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE MAY DECLARE A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY INACTIVE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND THAT THE DIRECTOR MAY MODIFY THE MINIMUM TAX PREMIUM APPLICABLE TO THE COMPANY DURING INACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-215 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROTECTED CELL MAY BE EITHER INCORPORATED OR UNINCORPORATED, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH; BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-250 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT MUST CONSIDER A LICENSED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF AN INSURER FOR ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO ACT AS AN INSURER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND REVISE DEFINITIONS OF CERTAIN EXISTING TERMS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR LICENSING CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT OF A CERTIFICATE OF GENERAL GOOD ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-35, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION CONCERNING CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS FOR MAKING THE INFORMATION SUBJECT TO DISCOVERY IN A CIVIL ACTION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CAPITALIZATION REQUIREMENTS, SECURITY REQUIREMENTS, AND RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDEND PAYMENTS FOR CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO REVISE THE FORM OF CAPITAL REQUIRED FOR A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT IS NOT A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT ASSUMES RISK, AND TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY INCORPORATED AS A NONPROFIT, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FREE SURPLUS REQUIREMENTS OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO REVISE THE FORM OF CAPITAL REQUIRED FOR A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT IS NOT A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT ASSUMES RISK; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-55, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE INCORPORATION OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE MINIMUM NUMBER AND STATUS OF INCORPORATORS, PREREQUISITES TO TRANSMITTING ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE, AND THE ISSUANCE OF CAPITAL STOCK AT PAR VALUE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INCORPORATION OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO REVISE THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES BY THE DEPARTMENT, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO PURE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES AND SPECIAL PURPOSE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF A CAPTIVE INSURANCE LICENSE, SO AS TO MAKE A GRAMMATICAL CHANGE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE LOANS BY CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY MAY MAKE LOANS TO ITS PARENT COMPANY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING THE PROHIBITION AGAINST PARTICIPATION IN PLAN, POOL, ASSOCIATION, GUARANTY, OR INSOLVENCY FUNDS BY CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, INCLUDING PURE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, MAY PARTICIPATE IN A POOL FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL RISK SHARING, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-180, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO INSURANCE, SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NAME OF NEW CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY MAY ESTABLISH PROTECTED CELLS, INCLUDING REQUIREMENTS FOR A PLAN OF OPERATION, THE ATTRIBUTIONS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES BETWEEN A PROTECTED CELL AND THE GENERAL ACCOUNT OF THE SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-210, RELATING TO THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTING OF PROTECTED CELLS WHEN ESTABLISHED, SO AS TO REQUIRE THIS ACCOUNTING MUST REFLECT THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE PROTECTED CELL IN ADDITION TO EXISTING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO SPONSORS OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-230, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PARTICIPANTS IN SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PROTECTED CELLS ASSETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO CREDITORS OF THE SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING OBLIGATIONS OF SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES WITH RESPECT TO PROTECTED CELLS AND ITS GENERAL ACCOUNT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-240, RELATING TO THE ELIGIBILITY OF A LICENSED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO ACT AS INSURER, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND TO PROVIDE FOR WHO MAY PARTICIPATE IN A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY AND OBLIGATIONS OF THESE PARTICIPANTS, AND TO PROVIDE SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES MAY NOT BE USED TO FACILITATE INSURANCE SECURITIZATION TRANSACTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-450, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVES, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE MINIMUM NUMBER AND STATUS OF INCORPORATORS, AND PREREQUISITES TO TRANSMITTING ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 38-90-235 RELATING TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PROTECTED CELL INSURANCE COMPANIES TO APPLY TO SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 218 (Word version) -- Senator Johnson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 15 IN CLARENDON COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH JIM ROSS ROAD TO THE SUMMERTON TOWN LIMIT "PATROLMAN JOHN RAY RIDDLE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "PATROLMAN JOHN RAY RIDDLE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 544 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Coleman, Gregory and Peeler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 72 IN YORK COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH RAWLSVILLE ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH CRAIG ROAD "EZRA DEWITT MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "EZRA DEWITT MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 594 (Word version) -- Senator Courson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AMY ROOF HOFFMAN OF LEXINGTON COUNTY FOR HER SEVEN YEARS OF OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE WITH THE CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY REGIONAL TOURISM BOARD AND TO WISH HER MUCH SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

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

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 604 (Word version) -- Senators Allen, Alexander, Bennett, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fair, Ford, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McElveen, McGill, Nicholson, O'Dell, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Scott, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Thurmond, Turner, Verdin, Williams and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE HONORABLE RALPH ANDERSON FOR HIS YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY DURING HIS NOTEWORTHY PUBLIC CAREER.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

H. 3924 (Word version) -- Rep. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA FAMILY LAW ARBITRATION ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 9 TO TITLE 20 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ARBITRATION AS A MEANS OF RESOLVING CERTAIN MATTERS RELATED TO MARITAL SEPARATION AND DIVORCE, CONSISTENT WITH TITLE 20, TITLE 63, AND CHAPTER 48, TITLE 15; TO PROVIDE FOR DEFAULT RULES FOR CONDUCTING ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS; TO ASSURE ACCESS TO THE FAMILY COURTS OF THIS STATE FOR PROCEEDINGS ANCILLARY TO ARBITRATION; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE AWARD OF CERTAIN COSTS AND INTEREST.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 3925 (Word version) -- Rep. Hardwick: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-1-90, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROHIBITING THE DISCHARGE OF POLLUTANTS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT AND REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO CLARIFY PERSONS WHO MAY FILE A PETITION WITH THE DEPARTMENT DO NOT INCLUDE CERTAIN AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE STATE AND TO PROVIDE THAT ANY DECISION OF THE DEPARTMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE TYPE OF REVIEW OBTAINED IS NOT SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW; TO AMEND SECTION 48-1-250, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO WHOM BENEFITS FROM CAUSES OF ACTION RESULTING FROM POLLUTION VIOLATIONS INURE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW NO PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION IS CREATED BY OR EXISTS UNDER THE POLLUTION CONTROL ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 6 OF ACT 198 OF 2012, RELATING TO THE SAVINGS CLAUSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SAVINGS CLAUSE OF ACT 198 OF 2012 APPLIES ONLY TO CASES FILED BEFORE JUNE 6, 2012, AND TO ANY FEDERAL PROJECT FOR WHICH A FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT WAS ISSUED PRIOR TO JUNE 6, 2012, BUT NO RECORD OF DECISION WAS ISSUED PRIOR TO JUNE 6, 2012.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 3926 (Word version) -- Rep. Sellers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA READ TO SUCCEED ACT"; BY ADDING CHAPTER 155 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA READ TO SUCCEED OFFICE AND A READING PROFICIENCY PANEL WITHIN THE OFFICE, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES THAT OFFER CERTAIN RELATED GRADUATE EDUCATION, AND EDUCATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 341 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Reese, Fair, Lourie, Cromer, L. Martin, Campbell, Shealy and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "EMERSON ROSE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 44-37-70 SO AS TO REQUIRE EACH BIRTHING FACILITY LICENSED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO PERFORM A PULSE OXIMETRY SCREENING ON EVERY NEWBORN IN ITS CARE, WHEN THE BABY IS TWENTY-FOUR TO FORTY-EIGHT HOURS OF AGE, OR AS LATE AS POSSIBLE IF THE BABY IS DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL BEFORE REACHING TWENTY-FOUR HOURS OF AGE.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

S. 406 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-190, AS AMENDED, SECTIONS 44-53-210, 44-53-230, 44-53-250, AND 44-53-270, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING, RESPECTIVELY, TO DRUGS DESIGNATED AS SCHEDULE I, II, III, IV, AND V CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND SECTION 44-53-1510, RELATING TO DRUGS DESIGNATED AS ANABOLIC STEROIDS, ALL SO AS TO ALPHABETIZE THESE LISTINGS AND TO ADD DRUGS TO THESE DESIGNATIONS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL DRUG DESIGNATIONS AND DESIGNATIONS OF ADJACENT STATES IN ORDER TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE ILLICIT DRUG ENFORCEMENT.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 438 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin, Campbell and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 8-15-70 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE FAIR AND OPEN COMPETITION IN GOVERNMENTAL CONTRACTS BY STIPULATING THAT STATE OR LOCAL ENTITIES, OFFICIALS, AND EMPLOYEES, IN REGARD TO A PUBLIC BUILDING, MAY NOT REQUIRE OR PROHIBIT A BIDDER, OFFEROR, CONTRACTOR, OR SUBCONTRACTOR FROM ENTERING INTO OR ADHERING TO AN AGREEMENT WITH ONE OR MORE LABOR ORGANIZATIONS IN REGARD TO THE PROJECT AND MAY NOT OTHERWISE DISCRIMINATE AGAINST A BIDDER, OFFEROR, CONTRACTOR, OR SUBCONTRACTOR FOR BECOMING OR REFUSING TO BECOME A SIGNATORY TO AN AGREEMENT WITH ONE OR MORE LABOR ORGANIZATIONS IN REGARD TO THE PROJECT, TO PROVIDE THAT STATE AND LOCAL ENTITIES, OFFICIALS, AND EMPLOYEES SHALL NOT AWARD A GRANT, TAX ABATEMENT, OR TAX CREDIT CONDITIONED UPON THE INCLUSION OF SUCH AGREEMENTS IN THE AWARD, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS TO AND EXEMPTIONS FROM THESE PROVISIONS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 464 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes and Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-150, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MANDATORY UNINSURED MOTORIST PROVISION FOR AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICIES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM COVERAGE TO TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 542 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BUILDING CODES COUNCIL, RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE, AND NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4320, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

ROLL CALL

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

Alexander              Allison                Anderson
Anthony                Atwater                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Bedingfield            Bernstein              Bingham
Bowen                  Bowers                 Branham
Brannon                G. A. Brown            R. L. Brown
Burns                  Chumley                Clemmons
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Cole
H. A. Crawford         K. R. Crawford         Crosby
Daning                 Delleney               Dillard
Douglas                Edge                   Erickson
Felder                 Finlay                 Forrester
Funderburk             Gagnon                 Gambrell
George                 Gilliard               Goldfinch
Hardee                 Hardwick               Harrell
Hart                   Hayes                  Henderson
Herbkersman            Hiott                  Hodges
Horne                  Hosey                  Howard
Huggins                Jefferson              Kennedy
King                   Knight                 Loftis
Long                   Lowe                   Lucas
Mack                   McEachern              W. J. McLeod
Merrill                Mitchell               D. C. Moss
V. S. Moss             Munnerlyn              Murphy
Nanney                 Neal                   Newton
Ott                    Owens                  Parks
Patrick                Pitts                  Pope
Powers Norrell         Putnam                 Quinn
Ridgeway               Riley                  Rivers
Robinson-Simpson       Rutherford             Ryhal
Sabb                   Sandifer               Skelton
G. M. Smith            J. E. Smith            J. R. Smith
Sottile                Southard               Spires
Stavrinakis            Stringer               Tallon
Taylor                 Toole                  Vick
Weeks                  Wells                  Whipper
White                  Whitmire               Williams
Willis                 Wood

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Thursday, April 11.

Peter McCoy, Jr.                  Mia S. McLeod
Jerry Govan                       Bakari Sellers
Dan Hamilton

Total Present--118

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. THAYER a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. G. R. SMITH a leave of absence for the day due to the birth of a grandchild.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. HIXON a leave of absence for the day due to a business commitment.

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

Rep. RUTHERFORD signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Wednesday, April 10.

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Todd Warrick of Sumter was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. MCEACHERN and the Richland Delegation presented to the House the Keenan High School "Lady Raiders", the 2013 Class AA Girls Basketball Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. HORNE and the Dorchester Delegation presented to the House the Pinewood Preparatory School "Lady Panthers" Basketball Team, the 2013 South Carolina Independent Schools Association AAA Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2 Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: H. 3372 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/11/13 WOOD

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: H. 3560 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/11/13 M. S. MCLEOD

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: H. 3101 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/11/13 DELLENEY

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

Bill Number: H. 3345 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/11/13 D. C. MOSS and FELDER

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:

H. 3580 (Word version) -- Reps. D. C. Moss, Pitts, Pope, Patrick, McEachern, Bannister, Delleney, Tallon and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-23-140 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF CANINE TEAMS.

H. 3538 (Word version) -- Reps. Bannister, Tallon, Sandifer, Hamilton, Erickson, Gambrell, Brannon, Allison, Felder and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-17-500, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SALE OR PURCHASE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS FOR MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS IN THE PURVIEW OF THE STATUTE; TO AMEND SECTION 16-17-501, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF RELEVANT TOBACCO PRODUCT FOR MINORS OFFENSES, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERMS "ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCT" AND "ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE"; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 16-17-502, 16-17-503, AND 16-17-504, RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCT SAMPLES, ENFORCEMENT AND REPORTING, AND IMPLEMENTATION, RESPECTIVELY, ALL SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES TO INCLUDE ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS.

H. 3444 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and Spires: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-83, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO IN-STATE FACILITIES DEALING WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN A CERTAIN CAPACITY, SO AS TO APPLY NOTICE PROVISIONS TO OUT-OF-STATE FACILITIES THAT SIMILARLY DEAL WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, TO PROVIDE ALL SUCH FACILITIES PERMITTED IN THIS STATE MUST PROVIDE NOTICE OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION TO THE PHARMACY BOARD, TO PROVIDE AN OUT-OF-STATE FACILITY MUST PAY SPECIFIC EXPENSES CONCERNING AN INSPECTION OF ITS FACILITIES BY THE BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE THE BOARD MAY CONTRACT WITH A THIRD-PARTY TO INSPECT FACILITIES OF A LICENSEE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-89, RELATING TO WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR PERMITS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A SURETY BOND OR LETTER OF CREDIT, TO REQUIRE A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK OF THE APPLICANT, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATION AND CONDUCT OF A DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE OF A WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR.

H. 3437 (Word version) -- Reps. Toole, Harrell, Ballentine, Atwater, Hayes, Gambrell, K. R. Crawford, Govan, Alexander, Huggins, Anderson, Kennedy, Skelton, Patrick, Hardee, Erickson, W. J. McLeod, R. L. Brown, Dillard, Edge, George, Hamilton, Hosey, Jefferson, Long, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, Pitts, Powers Norrell, Ridgeway, Spires, Weeks, Whipper, Whitmire, Williams, V. S. Moss, Southard, Henderson, Wood, Cole, Stringer, Loftis, Quinn, Allison, Horne and Forrester: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 24 TO TITLE 2 SO AS TO CREATE A JOINT COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TO CONDUCT A CONTINUING STUDY OF THE LAWS OF THIS STATE AFFECTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TO PROVIDE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE, AND TO PROVIDE THE STAFFING OF THE COMMITTEE.

H. 3398--RECOMMITTED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3398 (Word version) -- Reps. Bales and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 33-56-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOLICITATION OF CHARITABLE FUNDS AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS WHICH SOLICIT FUNDS PAY A FILING FEE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE, SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS FROM THE PAYMENT OF THIS FEE.

Rep. HENDERSON moved to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Judiciary, which was agreed to.

H. 3372--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3372 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Owens, Pitts, Branham, Toole, Sottile, Horne, Willis and Wood: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1960, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF PARKING PLACARDS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO SUBMITS AN APPLICATION FOR A PLACARD TO THE DEPARTMENT MAY SUBMIT A CERTIFICATE FROM A LICENSED ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE OR A LICENSED PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT THAT CERTIFIES HE IS HANDICAPPED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A CERTIFICATE FROM A LICENSED ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE OR A LICENSED PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH AN APPLICATION FOR PLACARDS ISSUED TO AN AGENCY, ORGANIZATION, OR FACILITY.

The Committee on Education and Public Works proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3372 (COUNCIL\SWB\ 3372C006.SWB.CM13), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, and if amended, Section 56-3-1960, as contained in SECTION 1, by deleting Section 1 in its entirety and inserting:
/ "Section 56-3-1960. (A) A person who is 'handicapped' as defined in Section 56-3-1910 may apply to the department for issuance of a temporary or permanent placard. A person may be issued a temporary placard if the condition causing his handicap is expected to last for at least four months. No applicant may be denied a placard if the applicant follows the procedures established by the department and if the application is accompanied by a certificate from a licensed physician, a licensed nurse practitioner pursuant to Chapter 33 of Title 40, or a licensed physician assistant pursuant to Chapter 47 of Title 40. ~~that certifies~~ The certificate must certify that the individual is handicapped and whether the handicap is temporary or permanent. The placards must indicate that the person is qualified to use reserved handicapped parking spaces. Applications for placards must be processed through and issued by the department's headquarters. Only one placard may be issued to an applicant. The certification procedure shall adhere to the requirements set forth in Section 56-3-1910. In conjunction with the issuance of a placard, applicants also must be issued a placard registration certificate that must be carried at all times in the vehicle driven by or transporting the handicapped individual. The certificate will display the name of the individual to which the placard was issued. A placard only can be displayed on a vehicle driven by or transporting the disabled individual whose name appears on the placard registration certificate. The department shall charge a fee of one dollar for a placard. An agency, organization, or facility that transports a disabled or handicapped person may receive a placard for each vehicle registered upon proper application and the payment of the appropriate fees.
(B) The placards authorized by this section also may be issued for a vehicle of special design and equipment designed to transport a disabled person who is certified as meeting the requirements of this section for a vehicle used by an agency, organization, or facility that is designed to transport a handicapped or disabled person if the vehicle is titled in the name of the agency, organization, or facility. Proof that the agency, organization, or facility transports a handicapped or disabled person must be in a manner prescribed by the department. A certificate ~~from a licensed physician~~ is not required to apply for placards issued to an agency, organization, or facility. At the time of qualification, applicants qualifying for a placard under this section also must be issued a placard registration certificate that must be carried at all times in the vehicle transporting handicapped or disabled individuals. The certificate will display the name of the agency, organization, or facility to which the placard was issued." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

Rep. W. J. MCLEOD proposed the following Amendment No. 2 to H. 3372 (COUNCIL\AGM\3372C002.AGM.AB13), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 56-3-1960(A), as contained in SECTION 1, page 2, lines 1-2, by deleting / Only one placard may be issued to an applicant. / and inserting / Only one placard per vehicle, but no more than two placards, may be issued to an applicant. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. W. J. MCLEOD explained the amendment.

Rep. WILLIS moved to table the amendment.

Rep. RUTHERFORD demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 31; Nays 78

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Atwater                Bannister              Barfield
Bowen                  Brannon                Clemmons
H. A. Crawford         Crosby                 Daning
Delleney               Goldfinch              Hardee
Hardwick               Harrell                Lowe
Lucas                  McCoy                  Merrill
V. S. Moss             Owens                  Patrick
Putnam                 Rivers                 Sandifer
G. M. Smith            J. R. Smith            Sottile
Taylor                 Whitmire               Willis
Wood

Total--31

Those who voted in the negative are:

Alexander              Allison                Anderson
Anthony                Bales                  Ballentine
Bedingfield            Bernstein              Bingham
Bowers                 Branham                G. A. Brown
Burns                  Chumley                Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cole                   K. R. Crawford
Dillard                Douglas                Edge
Erickson               Finlay                 Forrester
Funderburk             Gagnon                 Gambrell
Gilliard               Govan                  Hamilton
Hart                   Hayes                  Henderson
Herbkersman            Hiott                  Hodges
Horne                  Hosey                  Howard
Huggins                Jefferson              Kennedy
King                   Knight                 Loftis
Long                   McEachern              M. S. McLeod
W. J. McLeod           Mitchell               D. C. Moss
Munnerlyn              Nanney                 Neal
Ott                    Parks                  Pitts
Pope                   Powers Norrell         Ridgeway
Riley                  Robinson-Simpson       Rutherford
Ryhal                  Sabb                   Skelton
J. E. Smith            Southard               Spires
Stavrinakis            Stringer               Tallon
Toole                  Vick                   Weeks
Whipper                White                  Williams

Total--78

So, the House refused to table the amendment.

Rep. SKELTON spoke upon the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The question then recurred to the passage of the Bill.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 111; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Alexander              Allison                Anderson
Anthony                Atwater                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Bedingfield            Bernstein              Bingham
Bowen                  Bowers                 Branham
Brannon                G. A. Brown            R. L. Brown
Burns                  Chumley                Clemmons
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Cole
H. A. Crawford         K. R. Crawford         Crosby
Daning                 Delleney               Dillard
Douglas                Edge                   Erickson
Finlay                 Forrester              Funderburk
Gagnon                 Gambrell               George
Gilliard               Goldfinch              Govan
Hamilton               Hardee                 Hardwick
Harrell                Hart                   Henderson
Herbkersman            Hiott                  Hodges
Horne                  Hosey                  Howard
Huggins                Jefferson              Kennedy
King                   Knight                 Loftis
Long                   Lowe                   Lucas
McCoy                  McEachern              M. S. McLeod
W. J. McLeod           Merrill                Mitchell
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Munnerlyn
Murphy                 Nanney                 Neal
Ott                    Owens                  Parks
Patrick                Pope                   Powers Norrell
Putnam                 Quinn                  Ridgeway
Riley                  Rivers                 Robinson-Simpson
Rutherford             Ryhal                  Sabb
Sandifer               Sellers                Skelton
G. M. Smith            J. E. Smith            J. R. Smith
Sottile                Southard               Spires
Stringer               Tallon                 Taylor
Toole                  Vick                   Weeks
Whipper                White                  Whitmire
Williams               Willis                 Wood

Total--111

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

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

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. KNIGHT a leave of absence for the remainder of the day due to a dental appointment.

H. 3372--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. WILLIS, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 3372 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

H. 3623--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3623 (Word version) -- Reps. Atwater and Toole: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-127 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN AUTOMOBILE INSURER MUST VERIFY THE COVERAGE OF AN INSURED BY ELECTRONIC FORMAT TO A MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE UPON REQUEST OF THE INSURED, AND TO PROVIDE A NECESSARY DEFINITION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-10-225, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN AN AUTOMOBILE, SO AS TO PERMIT THE USE OF A MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE TO SATISFY THESE REQUIREMENTS.

The Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3623 (COUNCIL\AGM\ 3623C003.AGM.AB13), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. Article 3, Chapter 77, Title 38 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 38-77-127. (A) An automobile insurer may issue verification concerning the existence of coverage it provides an insured in an electronic format to a mobile electronic device upon request of the insured.

(B) For purposes of this section, 'mobile electronic device' means a portable computing and communication device that has a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard and is capable of receiving information transmitted in an electronic format."
SECTION 2. Section 56-10-225(B) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(B) The owner of a motor vehicle must maintain proof of financial responsibility in the motor vehicle at all times, and it must be displayed upon demand of a police officer or any other person duly authorized by law. Evidence of financial responsibility may be provided by use of a mobile electronic device in a format issued by an automobile insurer. This section does not require that an automobile insurer issue verification concerning the existence of coverage it provides an insured in an electronic format. Information contained or stored in a mobile electronic device presented pursuant to this subsection is not subject to a search by a law enforcement officer except pursuant to the provisions of Section 17-13-140 providing for the issuance, execution, and return of a search warrant or pursuant to the express written consent of the lawful owner of the device."
SECTION 3. The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

The question then recurred to the passage of the Bill.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 109; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Alexander              Allison                Anderson
Anthony                Atwater                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Bedingfield            Bernstein              Bingham
Bowen                  Bowers                 Branham
Brannon                R. L. Brown            Burns
Chumley                Clemmons               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cole                   H. A. Crawford
K. R. Crawford         Crosby                 Daning
Delleney               Dillard                Douglas
Edge                   Erickson               Finlay
Forrester              Funderburk             Gagnon
Gambrell               George                 Gilliard
Goldfinch              Govan                  Hardee
Hardwick               Harrell                Hart
Henderson              Herbkersman            Hodges
Horne                  Hosey                  Howard
Huggins                Jefferson              Kennedy
King                   Loftis                 Long
Lowe                   Lucas                  McCoy
McEachern              M. S. McLeod           W. J. McLeod
Merrill                Mitchell               D. C. Moss
V. S. Moss             Munnerlyn              Murphy
Nanney                 Neal                   Newton
Ott                    Owens                  Parks
Patrick                Pitts                  Pope
Powers Norrell         Putnam                 Quinn
Ridgeway               Riley                  Rivers
Robinson-Simpson       Rutherford             Ryhal
Sabb                   Sandifer               Sellers
Skelton                G. M. Smith            J. R. Smith
Sottile                Southard               Spires
Stavrinakis            Stringer               Tallon
Taylor                 Toole                  Vick
Weeks                  Whipper                White
Whitmire               Williams               Willis
Wood

Total--109

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

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

H. 3623--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. ATWATER, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 3623 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

H. 3504--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3504 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, Bedingfield, Toole, Loftis, Hamilton, Norman, Pitts and G. R. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 18 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT GOLD AND SILVER COINS MINTED FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC SHALL BE LEGAL TENDER IN THIS STATE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON MAY COMPEL ANOTHER PERSON TO TENDER OR ACCEPT GOLD OR SILVER COIN UNLESS AGREED UPON BY THE PARTIES.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3504 (COUNCIL\MS\3504C001.MS.AHB13), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. Chapter 1, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 18
Gold and Silver as Legal Tender

Section 1-1-1110. To the full extent allowed by Article 1, Section 10, Clause 1 of the Constitution of the United States, gold and silver coins minted foreign or domestic shall be legal tender in the State of South Carolina under the laws of this State.

Section 1-1-1120. No person or other entity may compel another person or other entity to tender or accept gold or silver coin unless agreed upon by the parties."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

The question then recurred to the passage of the Bill.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 79; Nays 25

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Atwater                Ballentine
Bannister              Barfield               Bedingfield
Bernstein              Bingham                Bowen
Branham                Brannon                Burns
Chumley                Cole                   H. A. Crawford
K. R. Crawford         Crosby                 Daning
Delleney               Douglas                Edge
Erickson               Felder                 Finlay
Forrester              Gagnon                 Gambrell
Goldfinch              Hamilton               Hardee
Hardwick               Harrell                Henderson
Herbkersman            Hodges                 Horne
Huggins                Jefferson              Kennedy
Loftis                 Long                   Lowe
Lucas                  McCoy                  McEachern
W. J. McLeod           Merrill                D. C. Moss
V. S. Moss             Munnerlyn              Murphy
Nanney                 Newton                 Ott
Owens                  Patrick                Pitts
Pope                   Putnam                 Quinn
Riley                  Rivers                 Ryhal
Sandifer               G. M. Smith            J. R. Smith
Sottile                Southard               Spires
Stavrinakis            Stringer               Tallon
Taylor                 Toole                  Vick
White                  Whitmire               Willis
Wood

Total--79

Those who voted in the negative are:

Anthony                Bales                  Bowers
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Dillard
Gilliard               Govan                  Hart
Hosey                  Howard                 King
M. S. McLeod           Mitchell               Neal
Parks                  Powers Norrell         Ridgeway
Robinson-Simpson       Rutherford             Sabb
Sellers                Skelton                J. E. Smith
Williams

Total--25

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

H. 3504--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. DELLENEY, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 3504 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. DOUGLAS moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

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

S. 479 (Word version) -- Senator Courson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PALMETTO GIRLS STATE TO USE THE CHAMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3927 (Word version) -- Reps. Parks, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, H. A. Crawford, K. R. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Ott, Owens, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Powers Norrell, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE REVEREND JAMES FOSTER MARSHALL AND TO COMMEMORATE THE REVEREND JAMES FOSTER MARSHALL CELEBRATION AT BETHANY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF MCCORMICK.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3928 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliard, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, H. A. Crawford, K. R. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Powers Norrell, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF KENNETH ALFRED GILLIARD OF CHARLESTON COUNTY, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3929 (Word version) -- Rep. G. A. Brown: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MEMBERS OF NEW ZION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM UPON THE COMPLETION OF THEIR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED WORSHIP CENTER.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3930 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE PASTOR AND CONGREGATION OF GOLD HILL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH FOR ITS LONG HISTORY OF WORSHIP AND SERVICE IN THE FORT MILL COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM UPON THE OCCASION OF THE CHURCH'S ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3931 (Word version) -- Reps. Bales, Ballentine, Bernstein, Douglas, Finlay, Hart, Howard, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, Neal, Rutherford and J. E. Smith: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LOWER RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM OF RICHLAND COUNTY WITH THE TEAM COACHES AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND COMMENDED FOR CAPTURING THE 2013 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the privilege of the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives be extended to the Lower Richland High School girls basketball team of Richland County with the team coaches and school officials, at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker, for the purpose of being recognized and commended for capturing the 2013 South Carolina Class AAA State Championship title.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3932 (Word version) -- Reps. Bales, Ballentine, Bernstein, Douglas, Finlay, Hart, Howard, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, Neal, Rutherford and J. E. Smith: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE LOWER RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR CAPTURING THE 2013 CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO HONOR THE TEAM'S EXCEPTIONAL PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3933 (Word version) -- Reps. Putnam, Bowen, Gagnon, Gambrell and White: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE POWDERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND FOR A SPECTACULAR PERFORMING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE DIRECTOR LESLIE PHILLIPS, HER FINE STAFF, AND THE BAND FOR CAPTURING THE 2012 CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3934 (Word version) -- Reps. Putnam, Gambrell, Bowen, Gagnon and White: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE POWDERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND, DIRECTORS, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND COMMENDED FOR WINNING THE 2012 CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the privilege of the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives be extended to the Powdersville High School marching band, directors, and school officials, at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker, for the purpose of being recognized and commended for winning the 2012 Class A State Championship title.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3935 (Word version) -- Reps. Govan, Ott, Hosey and Cobb-Hunter: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ORANGEBURG ALLIANCE OF MINISTERS' WIVES AND MINISTERS' WIDOWS AND TO CELEBRATE WITH THEM ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2ND ANNUAL BENEFIT BANQUET.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3946 (Word version) -- Reps. Kennedy, Bingham, Quinn, Atwater, Ballentine, Huggins, Ott, Spires and Toole: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR OLD LEXINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH FOR A MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON ITS COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE THE CONGREGATION UPON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3936 (Word version) -- Rep. Brannon: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 221 IN THE CITY OF CHESNEE FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 11 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH OCONEE STREET "MAYOR C. E. 'CLIFF' EDWARDS HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "MAYOR C. E. 'CLIFF' EDWARDS HIGHWAY".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 3937 (Word version) -- Rep. Funderburk: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013, AS "CITY OF CAMDEN DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, founded by King George III, the City of Camden was originally laid out in 1732 as the Town of Fredricksburg; and

Whereas, Camden is South Carolina's oldest inland city and the steeplechase capital of the world; and

Whereas, Camden's families and residents enjoy a top-notch school system, more than three hundred acres of beautiful parks and green spaces, and a variety of community activities; and

Whereas, thousands of tourists visit Camden each year for cultural events, horse races, music festivals, historic events, and reenactments; and
Whereas, the dedicated employees of the City of Camden provide services for its citizens and contribute to Camden's quality of life and the success of local businesses; and

Whereas, rich in historic sites, Camden boasts a historic district containing some of the most beautiful antebellum homes in South Carolina; and

Whereas, the City of Camden is home to the two largest sporting events in the State, the Colonial Cup and the Carolina Cup; and

Whereas, Camden has a vision that includes many economic-development and beautification projects, all leading to the same goal: making Camden a great place to live, work, and play. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, declare Thursday, April 11, 2013, as "City of Camden Day" in South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Honorable Tony Scully, Mayor of the City of Camden.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

H. 3938 (Word version) -- Rep. Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 10, TITLE 4 ENACTING THE "LOCAL OPTION SCHOOL OPERATING MILLAGE PROPERTY TAX CREDIT ACT" SO AS TO ALLOW A COUNTY GOVERNING BODY WITH REFERENDUM APPROVAL TO IMPOSE A ONE CENT SALES TAX THE REVENUE OF WHICH IS USED TO PROVIDE A CREDIT AGAINST PROPERTY TAX LEVIED IN THE COUNTY FOR SCHOOL OPERATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFERENDUM, THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE REVENUE, THE CALCULATION AND APPLICATION OF THE CREDIT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE TAX MAY BE RESCINDED BY REFERENDUM INITIATED BY A PETITION OF FIFTEEN PERCENT OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OR BY ORDINANCE IF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE COUNTY DETERMINES THAT CHANGES IN STATE LAW PROVIDING FOR THE FINANCING OF SCHOOL OPERATIONS MAKE THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF THE TAX IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCOMPLISH UNDER THE EXISTING LAW.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 578 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Ford, Setzler, Thurmond, Peeler, Hembree, L. Martin, McElveen, Sheheen, Campbell, Young, Alexander, Cleary, Courson, Johnson, Grooms, Williams, O'Dell, Massey, Bennett, Cromer, Shealy, Turner, Matthews, Fair and Pinckney: A BILL TO AMEND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 41, TITLE 11 OF THE 1976 CODE, THE STATE GENERAL OBLIGATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOND ACT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION DEBT TO SUPPORT AN ENHANCED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, TO MAKE FINDINGS THAT THE ISSUANCE OF THE BONDED INDEBTEDNESS SUPPORTS A PUBLIC PURPOSE AND IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STATE, TO PROVIDE QUALIFYING INVESTMENT AND JOB CREATION CRITERIA, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THE BONDED INDEBTEDNESS.
On motion of Rep. WHITE, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3939 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Patrick, Erickson and Newton: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-27-240, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BEAUFORT COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SERVE UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS ARE APPOINTED AND CERTIFIED AND TO REMOVE THE PROHIBITION ON MEMBERS OF THE
BOARD SERVING MORE THAN TWO TERMS OR EIGHT CONSECUTIVE YEARS.
On motion of Rep. HERBKERSMAN, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3940 (Word version) -- Reps. King and Cobb-Hunter: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-3-555, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR AN ACTION BASED ON SEXUAL ABUSE OR INCEST, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THERE IS NO LIMITATION ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF A CIVIL ACTION BASED ON SEXUAL ABUSE OR INCEST WHEN THE VICTIM IS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 3941 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Harrell, Bannister, Daning, Erickson, Forrester and Gambrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-1-130, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION'S AUTHORITY TO SET A MINIMUM WAGE, SO AS TO ALSO PROHIBIT THE MANDATE OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 3942 (Word version) -- Reps. Goldfinch, H. A. Crawford, Kennedy, Huggins, Burns, Gambrell, Atwater, Ballentine, Barfield, Clemmons, Cole, Gagnon, Hamilton, Lucas, McCoy, Ryhal, Tallon and Wood: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE SALES AND USE TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT FROM THESE TAXES GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES OR SALES PRICE OF CHILDREN'S CLOTHING SOLD TO A PRIVATE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISTRIBUTION AT NO COST TO NEEDY CHILDREN AND TO DEFINE "CLOTHING" AND "NEEDY CHILDREN".
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 3943 (Word version) -- Reps. Rivers, Crosby, Chumley, H. A. Crawford, Burns, Goldfinch, Bedingfield, Willis and Wood: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-490 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY NOT ADOPT AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MAY NOT IMPLEMENT THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS, AND TO PROVIDE ANY ACTIONS TAKEN TO ADOPT OR IMPLEMENT THESE STANDARDS IS VOID.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 3944 (Word version) -- Reps. Goldfinch, Hardwick and H. A. Crawford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-23-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF FIRE CONTROL FOR THE MURRELL'S INLET - GARDEN CITY FIRE DISTRICT IN GEORGETOWN AND HORRY COUNTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEMBERS OF THAT BOARD REPRESENTING GEORGETOWN COUNTY MUST BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF A MAJORITY OF THE GEORGETOWN COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF ACT 515 OF 1996 DEVOLVING THAT APPOINTMENT AUTHORITY ON THE GOVERNING BODY OF GEORGETOWN COUNTY AND TO DELETE OBSOLETE LANGUAGE.
On motion of Rep. GOLDFINCH, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3945 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Harrell, Lucas and Bannister: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 4 TO CHAPTER 13, TITLE 8 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION ON ETHICS ENFORCEMENT AND DISCLOSURE, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS POWERS, DUTIES, PROCEDURES, AND JURISDICTION, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS; TO REPEAL ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 13, TITLE 8 RELATING TO THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION; TO REPEAL ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 13, TITLE 8 RELATING TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATE ETHICS COMMITTEES; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO ETHICS, GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY, AND CAMPAIGN REFORM, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-700, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO USE OF AN OFFICIAL POSITION OR OFFICE FOR FINANCIAL GAIN, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DETERMINES THAT HE HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, HE MUST COMPLY WITH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS BEFORE ABSTAINING FROM ALL VOTES ON THE MATTER, AND TO PROVIDE FOR WHEN A PUBLIC OFFICIAL WHO IS REQUIRED TO RECUSE HIMSELF FROM A MATTER MUST DO SO; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-740, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REPRESENTATION OF ANOTHER PERSON BY A PUBLIC OFFICIAL BEFORE A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY, SO AS TO FURTHER DELINEATE WHAT IS CONSIDERED A CONTESTED CASE WHEN REPRESENTATION BY A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS PERMITTED; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-745, RELATING TO PAID REPRESENTATION OF CLIENTS AND CONTRACTING BY A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR AN ASSOCIATE IN PARTICULAR SITUATIONS, SO AS TO DELETE A PROHIBITION AGAINST CERTAIN CONTRACTS WITH AN ENTITY FUNDED WITH GENERAL FUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CONTENTS OF STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTEREST, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THESE CONTENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1300, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO CAMPAIGN PRACTICES, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1318, RELATING TO ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO RETIRE CAMPAIGN DEBTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE ANY SUCH CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE ONLY; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1338, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO MAY NOT SOLICIT CONTRIBUTIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE HEAD OF ANY STATE AGENCY WHO IS SELECTED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, OR AN APPOINTED OR ELECTED BOARD; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1340, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS BY ONE CANDIDATE TO ANOTHER OR THROUGH COMMITTEES CONTROLLED BY A CANDIDATE, SO AS TO DELETE AN EXCEPTION FOR A COMMITTEE CONTROLLED BY A CANDIDATE IF IT IS THE ONLY SUCH COMMITTEE, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 8-13-1510 AND 8-13-1520, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR ETHICAL AND OTHER VIOLATIONS, AND BY ADDING SECTION 8-13-1530 SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS AND FOR WHERE CERTAIN WILFUL VIOLATIONS MUST BE TRIED; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 8-13-710 AND 8-13-715 RELATING TO REPORTING OF PARTICULAR GIFTS AND AUTHORIZED REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 117 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Courson, O'Dell, Verdin and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-66-75 SO AS TO REQUIRE A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO GIVE A PATIENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION TO DESIGNATED FAMILY MEMBERS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE INVOLVEMENT OF THESE FAMILY MEMBERS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS IN THE TREATMENT OF THE PATIENT; TO SPECIFY THE CONTENTS OF THE AUTHORIZATION; AND TO PROVIDE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL IMMUNITY FOR GOOD FAITH DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-66-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE ADULT HEALTH CARE CONSENT ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE "PATIENT" AND "TREATMENT" AND TO AMEND OTHER DEFINITIONS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 301 (Word version) -- Senators Bennett, Campbell and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF PROPERTY TAX AND THE ASSESSMENT RATIOS APPLICABLE FOR EACH CLASS OF PROPERTY, TO PROVIDE THAT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNED BY AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, WHO IS A LEGAL RESIDENT OF THIS STATE, ELIGIBLE FOR AND RECEIVING THE SPECIAL FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO ALLOWED OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY RETAINS THAT ASSESSMENT RATIO AND EXEMPTIONS BASED ON THAT CLASSIFICATION FOR SO LONG AS THE OWNER REMAINS ON ACTIVE DUTY IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES REGARDLESS OF DUTY STATION AND DOES NOT CLAIM THE SPECIAL FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO ON ANY OTHER RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE SERVICE MEMBER OR A MEMBER OF HIS HOUSEHOLD IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS RETAINING OF THE SPECIAL FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO MUST BE CONSTRUED AS A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

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

RETURNED WITH CONCURRENCE

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 3915 (Word version) -- Reps. Crosby, Gilliard, McCoy, Goldfinch, Sottile, Whipper, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, H. A. Crawford, K. R. Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Powers Norrell, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON, AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR CAPTURING THE 2013 SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

H. 3918 (Word version) -- Reps. Sabb and Dillard: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE HONORABLE RALPH ANDERSON FOR HIS YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY DURING HIS NOTEWORTHY PUBLIC CAREER.

H. 3875 (Word version) -- Reps. Owens, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, H. A. Crawford, K. R. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Ott, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Powers Norrell, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2013 DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR ON BEING SELECTED TO REPRESENT THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TO WISH THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE, AND TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO CHILDREN.

H. 3884 (Word version) -- Reps. Sellers, Hosey, Cobb-Hunter, Govan, Ott, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cole, H. A. Crawford, K. R. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Powers Norrell, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Simrill, Skelton, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE THOMAS NATHANIEL RHOAD, JR., OF BRANCHVILLE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

H. 3891 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, H. A. Crawford, K. R. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Powers Norrell, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR RICHARD LANIER WILLIAMS FOR FOUR DECADES AS AN OUTSTANDING COACH FOR ROYAL AMBASSADOR BOYS BASKETBALL AT ST. ANDREWS BAPTIST CHURCH, WITH MORE WINS THAN ANY OTHER COACH IN THE HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR BOYS BASKETBALL, AND TO DECLARE AND PROCLAIM HIM COACH EMERITUS FOR ALL ROYAL AMBASSADOR BASKETBALL FOR THE ENTIRE GREAT STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

H. 3892 (Word version) -- Rep. Howard: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE OUTSTANDING CHARITABLE WORK OF THE BEAUTY GRAND CHAPTER OF THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR, AND TO CONGRATULATE ITS MEMBERS UPON REACHING THE MILESTONE OF THEIR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVICE IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

ADJOURNMENT

At 12:00 noon the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. DOUGLAS, adjourned in memory of Carnell Murphy of Ridgeway, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

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