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 Psalm 23:3: "He restores my soul."
Let us pray. Direct us, Lord God, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor and extend to us Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You, we may glorify Your holy name. Walk with these Representatives and staff through the complexity of this day and refresh them for another day of work. Bless our Nation, President, State, Governor, Speaker, staff, and all who give of their time and talents to make this Session meaningful. 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.
Rep. HORNE moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Charles "Charlie" Rowe Miller of Summerville, which was agreed to.
State of South Carolina
Office of the Governor
Columbia, S.C., February 26, 2014
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:
I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with advice and consent of the appointee's Congressional Delegation and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.
Statewide Appointment
South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education
Term Commencing: July 1, 2011
Term Expiring: July 1, 2017
Seat: 3rd Congressional District
Vice: Mr. Bettis Rainsford
Appointment
Mr. Charles Gilliam Wilson
116 Calhoun Road East
Greenwood, South Carolina 29646
My very best,
Nikki R. Haley
Governor
The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.
The following was introduced:
H. 4933 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, M. S. McLeod, Spires, 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, 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, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton,
Norman, Norrell, R. L. Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, 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, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THAT ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF CHILDREN IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM AND TO DECLARE TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014, AS "CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4934 (Word version) -- Rep. Herbkersman: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE GREENVILLE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION TO USE THE HOUSE CHAMBER AND ANY AVAILABLE COMMITTEE HEARING ROOMS IN THE BLATT BUILDING ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014, AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2014, TO CONDUCT THE YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT PROGRAM.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The following was introduced:
H. 4936 (Word version) -- Reps. H. A. Crawford, 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, 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, Norrell, R. L. Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, 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 CONGRATULATE DONNA HOOKS, PRINCIPAL OF BURGESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN MYRTLE BEACH, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR HER MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS AN EDUCATOR, AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4937 (Word version) -- Rep. Funderburk: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE CAMDEN'S DR. CATHY MOSS, DMD, ON HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, AND TO WISH HER MUCH FULFILLMENT IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4938 (Word version) -- Rep. W. J. McLeod: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE NEWBERRY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR CAPTURING THE 2014 CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE TEAM'S EXCEPTIONAL PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4939 (Word version) -- Rep. W. J. McLeod: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE NEWBERRY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND COMMENDED ON THEIR IMPRESSIVE SEASON AND FOR CAPTURING THE 2014 CLASS AA 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 Newberry High School boys basketball team, coaches, and school officials, at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker, for the purpose of being recognized and commended on their impressive season and for capturing the 2014 Class AA State Championship title.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4940 (Word version) -- Reps. Hayes, 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, 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, Norrell, R. L. Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, 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 CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF HARNETHEA BETHEA MANNING (1915-2004) AND TO HONOR THE STRONG COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION HELD BY THIS DILLON COUNTY MATRIARCH THAT LED HER FAMILY TO ESTABLISH A SCHOLARSHIP IN HER MEMORY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4935 (Word version) -- Reps. Govan, Jefferson, Williams, Clyburn, Stavrinakis, McCoy, Sabb, Mitchell, Burns, Hosey, Cobb-Hunter, Neal, Anderson, Alexander, Branham, George, Hodges, Kennedy, Mack, Norrell, Pitts, Ridgeway, Rivers, Ryhal, Wells, Allison, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Chumley, Clemmons, Cole, H. A. Crawford, K. R. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Horne, Howard, Huggins, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Newton, Norman, R. L. Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pope, Putnam, Quinn, Riley, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Willis and Wood: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO INCREASE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF WISE FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP AND TO DECLARE APRIL 2014 AS FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The Senate sent to the House the following:
S. 1097 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM THE DEDICATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S YOUNG PEOPLE AND TO THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT AND TO DECLARE THE MONTH OF APRIL AS "CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.
The Senate sent to the House the following:
S. 1126 (Word version) -- Senator Bennett: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE RACHEL REYNOLDS ON HER GRADUATION FROM SUMMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, TO COMMEND HER FOR HER COURAGE, AND TO WISH HER THE RICHEST BLESSINGS OF GOD IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.
The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
S. 985 (Word version) -- Senator Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 6, TO ENACT THE "FAIRNESS IN LODGING ACT" SO AS TO ALLOW MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES BY ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT ADDITIONAL ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS FOR THE BUSINESS LICENSE TAX AND THE LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS TAX AS THOSE PROVISIONS APPLY TO THE OWNERS OF RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY WHO RENT THE PROPERTY TO TOURISTS, INCLUDING DATA SHARING WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SPECIFIC NOTICE TO
PROPERTY OWNERS INCLUDED IN PROPERTY TAX BILLS, AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY THAT MAY BE IMPOSED FOR NONCOMPLIANCE AFTER THE RECEIPT OF SUCH A NOTICE, AND DIRECTIONS TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO IDENTIFY "RENTAL BY OWNER" WEBSITES ADVERTISING TOURISTS RENTALS AND REQUEST THEM TO POST ON THE WEBSITES A STATEMENT REGARDING THE LEGAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE OWNERS OF PROPERTY IN THIS STATE LISTED ON THE WEBSITE, TO PAY ALL APPLICABLE LOCAL AND STATE TAXES AND FEES WITH RESPECT TO SUCH RENTALS; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 6-1-120, 12-54-240, AS AMENDED, AND 12-4-310, RELATING RESPECTIVELY TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF LOCAL AND STATE TAX DATA AND EXCEPTIONS THERETO, AND THE DUTIES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO CONFORM THEM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
S. 1007 (Word version) -- Senators Campbell and O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 29-3-625 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCESS FOR EXPEDITING MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMINOLOGY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
S. 1075 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, RELATING TO OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4378, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 4932 (Word version) -- Reps. Anderson and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-310, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING RISK-BASED CAPITAL, SO AS TO REVISE EXISTING DEFINITIONS AND DEFINE ADDITIONAL TERMS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-320, RELATING TO PREPARING AND SUBMITTING A RISK-BASED
CAPITAL REPORT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DETERMINING A HEALTH ORGANIZATION'S RISK-BASED CAPITAL REPORT AND TO PROVIDE THAT EACH RISK FOR A LIFE AND HEALTH INSURER, PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURER, AND A HEALTH ORGANIZATION MUST BE DETERMINED IN A CERTAIN MANNER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-330, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO COMPANY ACTION LEVEL EVENTS, SO AS TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL EVENT CONCERNING A HEALTH ORGANIZATION, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-360, RELATING TO THE ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE WHEN A MANDATORY CONTROL LEVEL EVENT OCCURS, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS CONCERNING HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-370, RELATING TO HEARINGS AVAILABLE TO A LICENSEE TO CHALLENGE A DETERMINATION OR ACTION BY THE DIRECTOR IN RESPONSE TO A MANDATORY CONTROL LEVEL EVENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE A LICENSEE MAY HAVE THE HEARING CONFIDENTIALLY, ON THE RECORD, AND BEFORE THE DIRECTOR UPON PROVISION OF CERTAIN NOTICE, AND TO PROVIDE THE DIRECTOR SHALL SET A DATE FOR THE HEARING IN A CERTAIN MANNER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-380, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF RISK-BASED CAPITAL REPORTS AND ADJUSTED RISK-BASED CAPITAL REPORTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE DIRECTOR MAY SHARE, RECEIVE, AND USE CERTAIN RELATED INFORMATION THAT IS CONFIDENTIAL AND PRIVILEGED; TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-430, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS CONCERNING DOMESTIC HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-340, SECTION 38-9-350, SECTION 38-9-365, SECTION 38-9-390, SECTION 38-9-400, SECTION 38-9-440, AND SECTION 38-9-460, ALL RELATING TO CAPITAL, SURPLUS, RESERVES, AND OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Allison Anderson Anthony Atwater Bales Ballentine Bannister Barfield Bedingfield Bernstein Bowen Bowers Branham Brannon R. L. Brown Burns Chumley Clyburn H. A. Crawford Crosby Daning Delleney Dillard Douglas Erickson Felder Finlay Forrester Funderburk Gagnon George Gilliard Goldfinch Govan Hamilton Hardee Hardwick Harrell Hayes Henderson Herbkersman Hiott Hixon Hodges Horne Hosey Huggins Jefferson Kennedy King Limehouse Loftis Long Lowe Lucas Mack McCoy McEachern W. J. McLeod Mitchell D. C. Moss V. S. Moss Munnerlyn Murphy Nanney Neal Newton Norman Norrell R. L. Ott Owens Parks Patrick Pitts Pope Putnam Quinn Ridgeway Riley Rivers Robinson-Simpson Ryhal Sabb Sandifer Sellers Simrill Skelton G. M. Smith G. R. Smith J. E. Smith J. R. Smith Sottile Southard Spires Stringer Tallon Taylor Thayer Toole Vick Weeks Wells Whipper White
Whitmire Williams Willis Wood
I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, March 19.
Kenny Bingham Grady Brown Alan D. Clemmons Gilda Cobb-Hunter Kris Crawford Chris Hart Mia S. McLeod James Merrill Todd Rutherford Leon Howard Leon Stavrinakis
The SPEAKER granted Rep. KNIGHT a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. COLE a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. GAMBRELL a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. EDGE a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. MERRILL a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. ANTHONY a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. BINGHAM a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. COBB-HUNTER a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. LIMEHOUSE a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. G. M. SMITH a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. STAVRINAKIS a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. CLEMMONS a temporary leave of absence.
Rep. HAYES signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Tuesday, March 18.
Announcement was made that Dr. Lori Carnsew of Easley was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
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."
Bill Number: H. 3361 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 WEEKS
Bill Number: H. 3400 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 WEEKS
Bill Number: H. 3626 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 WEEKS
Bill Number: H. 4408 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 WEEKS
Bill Number: H. 4630 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 WEEKS
Bill Number: H. 4670 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 WEEKS
Bill Number: H. 4803 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 WEEKS
Bill Number: H. 3905 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 W. J. MCLEOD
Bill Number: H. 4223 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 GOLDFINCH
Bill Number: H. 3198 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 FINLAY
Bill Number: H. 4501 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 SANDIFER
Bill Number: H. 4607 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 SKELTON
Bill Number: H. 4624 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/19/14 TAYLOR
The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments:
S. 657 (Word version) -- Senator L. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-2-190, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MAGISTRATE JURY AREAS IN EACH COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND UPDATE THE TERRITORIAL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE JURY AREAS AND PROVIDE REFERENCES TO PUBLIC MAPS SHOWING THE JURY AREAS.
The following Bill were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:
H. 4922 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Rutherford, Cobb-Hunter, Sandifer, Weeks, Delleney, White, Gilliard, Anderson and Hosey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-13-80, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AND EXCEPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS NOT AN UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE FOR A PRIVATE EMPLOYER TO GIVE HIRING PREFERENCES TO A VETERAN, AND TO EXTEND THE PREFERENCE TO THE VETERAN'S SPOUSE IF THE VETERAN HAS A SERVICE-CONNECTED PERMANENT AND TOTAL DISABILITY.
Rep. DELLENEY moved to adjourn debate upon the following Joint Resolution until Thursday, March 20, which was adopted:
H. 4920 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham, Allison, Anthony and Hayes: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO TRANSFER ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL OF THE JOHN DE LA HOWE SCHOOL FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SCHOOL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015, TO TRANSFER THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD TO THE DEPARTMENT DURING FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015; TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SHALL SERVE IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY TO THE DEPARTMENT DURING FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TERMS OF THIS JOINT RESOLUTION.
Rep. DELLENEY moved to adjourn debate upon the following Joint Resolution until Thursday, March 20, which was adopted:
H. 4921 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham, Allison, Anthony and Hayes: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT NOTWITHSTANDING ANOTHER PROVISION OF LAW, SCHOOL DISTRICTS UNIFORMLY MAY NEGOTIATE SALARIES BELOW THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SALARY SCHEDULE FOR THE 2014-2015
SCHOOL YEAR FOR RETIRED TEACHERS WHO ARE NOT PARTICIPANTS IN THE TEACHER AND EMPLOYEE RETENTION INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
The Senate Amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
H. 3945 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Harrell, Lucas, Bannister, Toole, Stringer, Hamilton, Sottile, Barfield, Bingham, Spires, Hardwick, Owens, Hiott, Long, Erickson, Murphy, Horne, Willis, Gagnon, Simrill, Funderburk and Henderson: 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.
Rep. DELLENEY moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Thursday, March 20, which was agreed to.
The Senate Amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
S. 405 (Word version) -- Senator L. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-560, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT TO ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES AND THE ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THESE RULES BY THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE INSTEAD THAT THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT SHALL HANDLE COMPLAINTS AGAINST ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES FOR POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT IN THE SAME MANNER AS COMPLAINTS AGAINST OTHER JUDGES.
Rep. DELLENEY moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Thursday, March 20, which was agreed to.
The Senate Amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
H. 3410 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrester, Allison, Loftis, V. S. Moss, Cole, Tallon, Mitchell, Cobb-Hunter and Whipper: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 13 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 13 SO AS TO TRANSFER THE REGIONAL EDUCATION CENTERS ESTABLISHED BY THE EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE; TO AMEND SECTION 59-59-170, RELATING TO THE EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL, AND SECTION 59-59-190, RELATING TO ASSISTANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE, THE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION, AND THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION SHALL PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN PROGRAMS UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACT, SO AS TO MAKE
CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-59-180 RELATING TO REGIONAL EDUCATION CENTERS.
Rep. DELLENEY moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Thursday, March 20, which was agreed to.
The Senate Amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
H. 3978 (Word version) -- Reps. White and G. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MEDICAID NURSING HOME PERMITS, TO DEFINE "MEDICAID PERMIT DAY", TO SPECIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH ADDITIONAL MEDICAID PERMIT DAYS ARE ALLOCATED, TO SET FORTH COMPLIANCE STANDARDS AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Rep. DELLENEY moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Thursday, March 20, which was agreed to.
The Senate Amendments to the following Concurrent Resolution were taken up for consideration:
H. 4395 (Word version) -- Rep. Bales: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION LOCATED AT THE JUNCTURE OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 601 AND REYNOLDS ROAD IN THE TOWN OF EASTOVER IN HONOR OF ELIZABETH WORKMAN DEVEAUX, AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS INTERSECTION THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "ELIZABETH WORKMAN DEVEAUX INTERSECTION".
Rep. DELLENEY moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Thursday, March 20, which was agreed to.
The Senate Amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
H. 4467 (Word version) -- Reps. Daning, Rivers, Crosby, Southard, Jefferson and Merrill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN BERKELEY COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE VARIOUS EXISTING PRECINCTS, TO ADD TEN PRECINCTS, AND TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE NAMES OF THESE PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.
Rep. DELLENEY moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Thursday, March 20, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments:
S. 148 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Bryant, Gregory and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 20, TITLE 37 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CONSUMER IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION, BY ADDING SECTION 37-20-161, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD A CLASS OF "PROTECTED CONSUMERS" FROM BECOMING VICTIMS OF IDENTITY THEFT, TO ALLOW REPRESENTATIVES, PROVIDING SUFFICIENT PROOF OF AUTHORITY, TO PLACE A PREEMPTIVE SECURITY FREEZE ON PROTECTED CONSUMER'S CREDIT REPORTS, TO PROVIDE THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS SECTION, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS TO IMPLEMENT A SECURITY FREEZE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DURATION AND EXTENT OF A SECURITY FREEZE, AND TO PROVIDE TERMS FOR REMOVAL OF A SECURITY FREEZE ON A PROTECTED CONSUMER'S CREDIT REPORT OR RECORD.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 4851 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliard, Whipper, Limehouse, Merrill, Crosby, Mack, Goldfinch, Horne, McCoy, Rivers and Sottile: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF MALL DRIVE AND LACROSS ROAD IN CHARLESTON COUNTY "MICHAEL 'MICKEY' S. WHATLEY INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "MICHAEL 'MICKEY' S. WHATLEY INTERSECTION".
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 4833 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Limehouse, Southard and Hixon: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO DEFEAT H.R. 1518 AND S. 1406 WHICH WOULD ENACT EXCESSIVE GUIDELINES RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF SORING THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE, AND ADOPT ALTERNATIVE LEGISLATION PROPOSED BY THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY THAT ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE AND PROTECTS THE INDUSTRY.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. DELLENEY.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3983 (Word version) -- Reps. Sellers, G. M. Smith, White and Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 29 TO CHAPTER 7, TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROVIDE RURAL COUNTIES WITH ACCESS TO FREE
EMERGENCY HOSPITAL CARE AND ALLOW RELICENSURE OF CLOSED RURAL HOSPITALS AS FREESTANDING EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE FACILITIES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Rep. DELLENEY moved to adjourn debate until Thursday, March 20, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4223 (Word version) -- Reps. Nanney, Delleney, Lucas, Simrill, G. M. Smith, Stringer, Bedingfield, Wood, Clemmons, H. A. Crawford, Gagnon, Atwater, Huggins, Owens, Limehouse, Norman, Erickson, Willis, Rivers, Allison, Ballentine, Bannister, Burns, Chumley, Henderson, Long, Merrill, D. C. Moss, Pitts, Pope, G. R. Smith, Tallon, Thayer, Hamilton, Harrell, Toole, Forrester, Felder, Hiott, Taylor, Bowen, Loftis, Hixon, J. R. Smith, Putnam, Daning, Crosby, Barfield and Goldfinch: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 41, TITLE 44 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PAIN-CAPABLE UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT", TO PROVIDE FINDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TO PROVIDE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE A PHYSICIAN OR ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SHALL CALCULATE THE PROBABLE POST-FERTILIZATION AGE OF AN EMBRYO OR FETUS BEFORE PERFORMING OR INDUCING AN ABORTION, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ABORTION MAY NOT BE PERFORMED IF THE PROBABLE POST-FERTILIZATION AGE OF THE EMBRYO OR FETUS IS TWENTY OR MORE WEEKS, TO PROVIDE FOR EXCEPTIONS, TO REQUIRE CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS BE PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED, AND TO PROVIDE THE ACT DOES NOT IMPLICITLY OR OTHERWISE REPEAL ANOTHER PROVISION OF LAW.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 4223 (COUNCIL\MS\4223C001.MS.AHB14), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. Chapter 41, Title 44 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
Section 44-41-410. This article may be cited as the 'South Carolina Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act'.
Section 44-41-420. The General Assembly makes the following findings:
(1) Pain receptors (nociceptors) are present throughout the unborn child's entire body and nerves link these receptors to the brain's thalamus and subcortical plate by no later than twenty weeks.
(2) By eight weeks after fertilization, the unborn child reacts to touch. After twenty weeks, the unborn child reacts to stimuli that would be recognized as painful if applied to an adult human, for example, by recoiling.
(3) In the unborn child, application of such painful stimuli is associated with significant increases in stress hormones known as the stress response.
(4) Subjection to such painful stimuli is associated with long-term harmful neurodevelopmental effects, such as altered pain sensitivity and, possibly, emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities later in life.
(5) For the purposes of surgery on unborn children, fetal anesthesia is routinely administered and is associated with a decrease in stress hormones compared to their levels when painful stimuli are applied without such anesthesia.
(6) The position, asserted by some medical experts, that the unborn child is incapable of experiencing pain until a point later in pregnancy than twenty weeks after fertilization predominately rests on the assumption that the ability to experience pain depends on the cerebral cortex and requires nerve connections between the thalamus and the cortex. However, recent medical research and analysis, especially since 2007, provides strong evidence for the conclusion that a functioning cortex is not necessary to experience pain.
(7) Substantial evidence indicates that children born missing the bulk of the cerebral cortex, those with hydranencephaly, nevertheless experience pain.
(8) In adults, stimulation or ablation of the cerebral cortex does not alter pain perception, while stimulation or ablation of the thalamus does.
(9) Substantial evidence indicates that structures used for pain processing in early development differ from those of adults, using different neural elements available at specific times during development, such as the subcortical plate, to fulfill the role of pain processing.
(10) The position, asserted by some medical experts, that the unborn child remains in a coma-like sleep state that precludes the unborn child experiencing pain is inconsistent with the documented reaction of unborn children to painful stimuli and with the experience of fetal surgeons who have found it necessary to sedate the unborn child with anesthesia to prevent the unborn child from thrashing about in reaction to invasive surgery.
(11) Consequently, there is substantial medical evidence that an unborn child is capable of experiencing pain by twenty weeks after fertilization.
(12) It is the purpose of the State to assert a compelling state interest in protecting the lives of unborn children from the stage at which substantial medical evidence indicates that they are capable of feeling pain.
(13) South Carolina's compelling state interest in protecting the lives of unborn children from the stage at which substantial medical evidence indicates that they are capable of feeling pain is intended to be separate from and independent of South Carolina's compelling state interest in protecting the lives of unborn children from the stage of viability, and neither state interest is intended to replace the other.
(14) Mindful of Leavitt v. Jane L., 518 U.S. 137 (1996), in which in the context of determining the severability of a state statute regulating abortion, the United States Supreme Court noted that an explicit statement of legislative intent specifically made applicable to a particular statute is of greater weight than a general savings or severability clause, it is the intent of the State that if any one or more provisions, sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or words of this article or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is found to be unconstitutional, the same is hereby declared to be severable and the balance of this article shall remain effective notwithstanding such unconstitutionality. Moreover, the State declares that it would have passed this article, and each provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more provisions, sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or words, or any of their applications, were to be declared unconstitutional.
Section 44-41-430. For the purposes of this article:
(1) 'Abortion' means the use or prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device:
(a) to intentionally kill the unborn child of a woman known to be pregnant; or
(b) to intentionally prematurely terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant, with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth or of preserving the life or health of the child after live birth.
(2) 'Attempt to perform or induce an abortion' means an act, or an omission of a statutorily required act, that, under the circumstances as the actor believes them to be, constitutes a substantial step in a course of conduct planned to culminate in the performance or induction of an abortion in this State in violation of this article.
(3) 'Department' means the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
(4) 'Fertilization' means the fusion of a human spermatozoon with a human ovum.
(5) 'Medical emergency' means a condition that, in reasonable medical judgment, so complicates the medical condition of the pregnant woman that it necessitates the immediate abortion of her pregnancy without first determining post-fertilization age to avert her death or for which the delay necessary to determine post-fertilization age will create serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, not including psychological or emotional conditions. No condition must be considered a medical emergency if based on a claim or diagnosis that the woman will engage in conduct which she intends to result in her death or in substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.
(6) 'Physician' means any person licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in this State.
(7) 'Post-fertilization age' means the age of the unborn child as calculated from the fusion of a human spermatozoon with a human ovum.
(8) 'Probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child' means what, in reasonable medical judgment, will with reasonable probability be the post-fertilization age of the unborn child at the time the abortion is planned to be performed or induced.
(9) 'Reasonable medical judgment' means a medical judgment that would be made by a reasonably prudent physician, knowledgeable
about the case and the treatment possibilities with respect to the medical conditions involved.
(10) 'Unborn child' or 'fetus' each means an individual organism of the species homo sapiens from fertilization until live birth.
(11) 'Woman' means a female human being whether or not she has reached the age of majority.
Section 44-41-440. (A) Except in the case of a medical emergency, no abortion must be performed or induced or be attempted to be performed or induced unless the physician performing or inducing it has first made a determination of the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child or relied upon such a determination made by another physician. In making such a determination, the physician shall make such inquiries of the woman and perform or cause to be performed such medical examinations and tests as a reasonably prudent physician, knowledgeable about the case and the medical conditions involved, would consider necessary to perform in making an accurate diagnosis with respect to post-fertilization age.
(B) Failure by any physician to conform to any requirement of this section constitutes 'unprofessional conduct' pursuant to Section 40-47-20(53).
Section 44-41-450. (A) No person shall perform or induce or attempt to perform or induce an abortion upon a woman when it has been determined, by the physician performing or inducing or attempting to perform or induce the abortion or by another physician upon whose determination that physician relies, that the probable post-fertilization age of the woman's unborn child is twenty or more weeks, unless, in reasonable medical judgment, she has a condition which so complicates her medical condition as to necessitate the abortion of her pregnancy to avert her death or to avert serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, not including psychological or emotional conditions. No such greater risk must be considered to exist if it is based on a claim or diagnosis that the woman will engage in conduct which she intends to result in her death or in substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.
(B) When an abortion upon a woman whose unborn child has been determined to have a probable post-fertilization age of twenty or more weeks is not prohibited by subsection (A), the physician shall terminate the pregnancy in the manner which, in reasonable medical judgment, provides the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive,
unless, in reasonable medical judgment, termination of the pregnancy in that manner would pose a greater risk either of the death of the pregnant woman or of the substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, not including psychological or emotional conditions, of the woman than would other available methods. No such greater risk must be considered to exist if it is based on a claim or diagnosis that the woman will engage in conduct which she intends to result in her death or in substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.
Section 44-41-460. (A) Any abortion performed in this State must be reported by the performing physician on the standard form for reporting abortions to the state registrar, Department of Health and Environmental Control, within seven days after the abortion is performed. The names to the patient and physician may not be reported on the form or otherwise disclosed to the state registrar. The form must indicate from whom consent was obtained or circumstances waiving consent and must include:
(1) Post-fertilization age:
(a) if a determination of probable post-fertilization age was made, whether ultrasound was employed in making the determination, and the week of probable post-fertilization age determined; or
(b) if a determination of probable post-fertilization age was not made, the basis of the determination that a medical emergency existed.
(2) Method of abortion, of which the following was employed:
(a) medication abortion such as, but not limited to, mifepristone/misoprostol or methotrexate/misoprostol;
(b) manual vacuum aspiration;
(c) electrical vacuum aspiration;
(d) dilation and evacuation;
(e) combined induction abortion and dilation and evacuation;
(f) induction abortion with prostaglandins;
(g) induction abortion with intra-amniotic instillation such as, but not limited to, saline or urea;
(h) induction abortion; and
(i) intact dilation and extraction (partial-birth).
(3) Whether an intrafetal injection was used in an attempt to induce fetal demise such as, but not limited to, intrafetal potassium chloride or digoxin.
(4) Age of the patient.
(5) If the probable post-fertilization age was determined to be twenty or more weeks, the basis of the determination that the pregnant woman had a condition which so complicated her medical condition as to necessitate the abortion of her pregnancy to avert her death or to avert serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, not including psychological or emotional conditions.
(6) If the probable post-fertilization age was determined to be twenty or more weeks, whether or not the method of abortion used was one that, in reasonable medical judgment, provided the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive and, if such a method was not used, the basis of the determination that termination of the pregnancy in that manner would pose a greater risk either of the death of the pregnant woman or of the substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, not including psychological or emotional conditions, of the woman than would other available methods.
(B) Reports required by subsection (A) shall not contain the name or the address of the patient whose pregnancy was terminated, nor shall the report contain any other information identifying the patient, except that each report shall contain a unique medical record identifying number, to enable matching the report to the patient's medical records. Such reports must be maintained in strict confidence by the department, must not be available for public inspection, and must not be made available except:
(1) to the Attorney General or solicitor with appropriate jurisdiction pursuant to a criminal investigation;
(2) to the Attorney General or solicitor pursuant to a civil investigation of the grounds for an action under Section 44-41-480(B); or
(3) pursuant to court order in an action under Section 44-41-480.
(C) By June thirtieth of each year, the department shall issue a public report providing statistics for the previous calendar year compiled from all of the reports covering that year submitted in accordance with this section for each of the items listed in subsection (A). Each such report also shall provide the statistics for all previous calendar years during which this section was in effect, adjusted to reflect any additional information from late or corrected reports. The department shall take care to ensure that none of the information included in the public reports could reasonably lead to the
identification of any pregnant woman upon whom an abortion was performed, induced, or attempted.
(D) Any physician who fails to submit a report by the end of thirty days following the due date must be subject to a late fee of one thousand dollars for each additional thirty-day period or portion of a thirty-day period the report is overdue. Any physician required to report in accordance with this article who has not submitted a report, or has submitted only an incomplete report, more than six months following the due date, may, in an action brought by the department, be directed by a court of competent jurisdiction to submit a complete report within a period stated by court order or be subject to civil contempt. Intentional or reckless failure by any physician to conform to any requirement of this section, other than late filing of a report, constitutes 'unprofessional conduct' pursuant to Section 40-47-20(53). Intentional or reckless failure by any physician to submit a complete report in accordance with a court order constitutes 'unprofessional conduct' pursuant to Section 40-47-20(53). Intentional or reckless falsification of any report required under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by not more than one year in prison.
(E) Within ninety days of the effective date of this article, the Department of Health and Human Services shall adopt and promulgate forms and regulations to assist in compliance with this section. Subsection (A) shall take effect so as to require reports regarding all abortions performed or induced on and after the first day of the first calendar month following the effective date of such rules.
Section 44-41-470. Any person who intentionally or knowingly fails to conform to any requirement in Section 44-41-440 is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than three years, or both. No part of the minimum fine may be suspended. For conviction of a third or subsequent offense, the sentence must be imprisonment for not less than sixty days nor more than three years, no part of which may be suspended.
Section 44-41-480. (A) Any woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or induced in violation of this article, or the father of the unborn child who was the subject of such an abortion, may maintain an action against the person who performed or induced the abortion in intentional or reckless violation of this article for actual and punitive damages. Any woman upon whom an abortion has been attempted in violation of this article may maintain an action against the person who attempted to perform or induce the abortion in an
intentional or reckless violation of this article for actual and punitive damages.
(B) A cause of action for injunctive relief against any person who has intentionally or recklessly violated this article may be maintained by the woman upon whom an abortion was performed or induced or attempted to be performed or induced in violation of this article; by any person who is the spouse, parent, sibling or guardian of, or a current or former licensed health care provider of, the woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or induced or attempted to be performed or induced in violation of this article; by a county attorney with appropriate jurisdiction; or by the Attorney General. The injunction shall prevent the abortion provider from performing or inducing or attempting to perform or induce further abortions in violation of this article in this State.
(C) If judgment is rendered in favor of the plaintiff in an action described in this section, the court also shall render judgment for a reasonable attorney's fee in favor of the plaintiff against the defendant.
(D) No damages or attorney's fee may be assessed against the woman upon whom an abortion was performed or induced or attempted to be performed or induced.
Section 44-41-490. In every civil or criminal proceeding or action brought under this article, the court shall rule whether the anonymity of any woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or induced or attempted to be performed or induced must be preserved from public disclosure if she does not give her consent to such disclosure. The court, upon motion or sua sponte, shall make such a ruling and, upon determining that her anonymity should be preserved, shall issue orders to the parties, witnesses, and counsel and shall direct the sealing of the record and exclusion of individuals from courtrooms or hearing rooms to the extent necessary to safeguard her identity from public disclosure. In the absence of written consent of the woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or induced or attempted to be performed or induced, anyone, other than a public official, who brings an action under Section 44-41-480(A) or (B) shall do so under a pseudonym. This section may not be construed to conceal the identity of the plaintiff or of witnesses from the defendant or from attorneys for the defendant.
Section 44-41-500. This article must not be construed to repeal, by implication or otherwise, Section 44-41-20 or any otherwise applicable provision of South Carolina law regulating or restricting abortion. An abortion that complies with this article but violates the provisions of
Section 44-41-20 or any otherwise applicable provision of South Carolina law must be considered unlawful as provided in such provision. An abortion that complies with the provisions of Section 44-41-20 or any otherwise applicable provision of South Carolina law regulating or restricting abortion but violates this article must be considered unlawful as provided in this article. If some or all of the provisions of this article are ever temporarily or permanently restrained or enjoined by judicial order, all other provisions of South Carolina law regulating or restricting abortion must be enforced as though such restrained or enjoined provisions had not been adopted; provided, however, that whenever such temporary or permanent restraining order of injunction is stayed or dissolved, or otherwise ceases to have effect, such provisions shall have full force and effect."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval of the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. NANNEY explained the amendment.
Rep. J. E. SMITH spoke against the amendment.
Rep. J. E. SMITH spoke against the amendment.
Rep. RIDGEWAY spoke upon the amendment.
Rep. RIDGEWAY spoke upon the amendment.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. SANDIFER a temporary leave of absence.
Rep. RUTHERFORD spoke against the amendment.
Rep. WOOD spoke in favor of the amendment.
Rep. COBB-HUNTER spoke against the amendment.
Rep. COBB-HUNTER spoke against the amendment.
The question then recurred to the adoption of the amendment.
Rep. COBB-HUNTER demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Allison Anthony Atwater Ballentine Bannister Barfield Bedingfield Bingham Bowers Brannon G. A. Brown Burns Chumley Clemmons H. A. Crawford K. R. Crawford Crosby Daning Delleney Douglas Erickson Felder Finlay Forrester Funderburk Gagnon George Goldfinch Govan Hamilton Hardee Hardwick Harrell Hayes Henderson Herbkersman Hiott Hixon Horne Huggins Kennedy Limehouse Loftis Long Lowe Lucas McCoy McEachern Merrill D. C. Moss V. S. Moss Murphy Nanney Newton Norman Norrell R. L. Ott Owens Patrick Pitts Pope Putnam Quinn Ridgeway Riley Rivers Ryhal Sandifer Simrill G. M. Smith G. R. Smith J. R. Smith Sottile Spires Stringer Tallon Taylor Vick Weeks Wells White Whitmire Willis Wood
Those who voted in the negative are:
Alexander Anderson Bales Bernstein Branham R. L. Brown Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Dillard Gilliard Hart Hosey
Jefferson King Mack M. S. McLeod W. J. McLeod Mitchell Munnerlyn Neal Parks Robinson-Simpson Rutherford Sabb Sellers J. E. Smith Stavrinakis Williams
So, the amendment was adopted.
The question then recurred to the passage of the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Allison Anthony Atwater Ballentine Bannister Barfield Bedingfield Bingham Bowers Brannon G. A. Brown Burns Chumley Clemmons H. A. Crawford K. R. Crawford Crosby Daning Delleney Douglas Erickson Felder Finlay Forrester Funderburk Gagnon George Goldfinch Govan Hamilton Hardee Hardwick Harrell Hayes Henderson Herbkersman Hiott Hixon Horne Huggins Kennedy Limehouse Loftis Long Lowe Lucas McCoy McEachern Merrill D. C. Moss V. S. Moss Murphy Nanney Newton Norman Norrell R. L. Ott Owens Patrick Pitts Pope Putnam Quinn Ridgeway Riley Rivers Ryhal Sandifer Simrill G. M. Smith G. R. Smith J. R. Smith
Sottile Spires Stringer Tallon Taylor Vick Weeks Wells White Whitmire Willis Wood
Those who voted in the negative are:
Alexander Anderson Bales Bernstein Branham R. L. Brown Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Dillard Gilliard Hart Hosey Jefferson King Mack M. S. McLeod W. J. McLeod Mitchell Munnerlyn Neal Parks Robinson-Simpson Rutherford Sabb Sellers J. E. Smith Stavrinakis Whipper Williams
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
As a co-sponsor of H. 4223, I fully intended to vote for the Bill. I was not feeling well and left the building. When I returned, the Bill had been debated and voted on. If I had been present, I would have voted to adopt Amendment No. 1 and for passage of H. 4223.
Rep. Anne Thayer
I did not vote on H. 4223, the South Carolina Pain-Capable Unborn Protection Act, because I was out of the Chamber to make a speech to a business group. The speech had been scheduled for several weeks.
If I had been present for the vote on the 2nd reading of H. 4223, I would have voted for passage.
Rep. Bill Sandifer
Rep. GILLIARD moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
At 12:54 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. HORNE, adjourned in memory of Charles "Charlie" Rowe Miller of Summerville, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
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