Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

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

In Joshua we read how the people at long last declared:

" 'We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.' " (Joshua 24:24)

Let us pray:

Holy and Merciful God, we have learned through history how great the blessings are for those citizens whose leaders do all in their power to honor You and to be obedient to Your teachings. We pray, Lord, that each Senator and every staff member will be that sort of dedicated leader: faithfully following Your way, doing those things that are right and just, and working with caring hearts on behalf of Your people here in our State. Bless these servants as only You can, O God, and as always, to You be the glory. Amen.

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

The following was received and referred to the appropriate committee for consideration:

Document No. 4562
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - Board of Long Term Health Care Administrators
Chapter: 93
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 40-1-50, 40-1-70, 40-35-60, and 40-35-70
SUBJECT: Board of Long Term Health Care Administrators
Received by Lieutenant Governor April 22, 2015
Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs

Senator JACKSON introduced of Dr. Patricia Witherspoon of Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

At 12:21 P.M. Senator CAMPBELL requested a leave of absence for Senators GROOMS and VERDIN for the day.

The following co-sponsor was added to the respective Bill:
S. 589 (Word version)     Sen. Leatherman

S. 673 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-9-82(A) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO TRANSFER BY HOSPITAL PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT OF ASSETS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERM "TRANSFER" DOES NOT INCLUDE ENTRY INTO A LEASE OR A MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT BY A HOSPITAL PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT.

Senator LARRY MARTIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Judiciary.

The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Judiciary and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

The following were introduced:

S. 701 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE OUTSTANDING WORK AND SIGNIFICANT IMPACT OF THE NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION AND TO CELEBRATE THEIR MEMBERS DURING PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK FROM MAY 3 THROUGH 9, 2015.
l:\council\bills\gm\24365sd15.docx

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

S. 702 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS FROM CERTAIN PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL, AND ADMISSIONS TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR NONCERTIFIED AND CERTIFIED TEACHERS TO TEACH IN CHARTER SCHOOLS

AND TO PROVIDE THAT NONCERTIFIED TEACHERS MUST UNDERGO THE SAME BACKGROUND CHECKS AS DO CERTIFIED TEACHERS; TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR ENROLLMENT PREFERENCES THAT MAY BE GIVEN BY PARTICULAR CHARTER SCHOOLS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A CHARTER SCHOOL MAY REENROLL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO WERE ENROLLED IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL WITHIN THE TWO PREVIOUS SCHOOL YEARS AND WHO PARTICIPATED IN AN ACADEMIC STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM; AND TO PERMIT MULTISCHOOL CHARTER CONTRACTS AND MULTICHARTER CONTRACT BOARDS AND THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF EACH; AND TO CLARIFY THAT THE CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD GOVERNS THE SCHOOL.
l:\council\bills\nl\13508sd15.docx

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

S. 703 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS FROM CERTAIN PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF A CHARTER SCHOOL, AND ADMISSIONS TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A SCHOOL LEADER TO BE HIRED TO ASSIST WITH THE DAILY OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL, TO PROVIDE THAT EMPLOYEES, BOARD MEMBERS, AND STAFF OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL ARE SUBJECT TO THE ETHICS AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO PUBLIC MEMBERS AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, AND TO REQUIRE A STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE TO BE FILED ANNUALLY WITH THE SCHOOL'S SPONSOR AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
l:\council\bills\nl\13507sd15.docx

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

S. 704 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 28, TITLE 44 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SELF-SUFFICIENCY TRUST FUND; DISABILITY TRUST FUND; AID FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED, MENTALLY ILL, AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS, BY ADDING ARTICLE

5 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISABLED SELF-EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND FOR THE CREATION OF A PROGRAM WHICH WILL ASSIST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PURSUE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, BY PROVIDING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FOR THE STARTUP, EXPANSION, OR ACQUISITION OF A BUSINESS OPERATED WITHIN THE STATE; TO AMEND CHAPTER 6, TITLE 12 OF THE 1976 CODE, TO PROVIDE FOR A TAX CREDIT FOR TAXPAYER CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUND AND TO ADD THE FUND TO THE LIST OF CERTAIN FUNDS THAT A TAXPAYER MAY CONTRIBUTE TO BY DESIGNATING THE CONTRIBUTION ON A STATE INDIVIDUAL TAX RETURN.
l:\s-res\srm\009disa.ls.srm.docx

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

S. 705 (Word version) -- Senators Cromer, Young, Courson, Sheheen and Lourie: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE MARION AND JO STEPHENSON UPON THE OCCASION OF THEIR FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, AND TO WISH THEM MANY MORE YEARS OF CONTINUED HAPPINESS.
l:\s-res\try\011step.kmm.try.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 706 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Pinckney, Campsen, Cleary, Campbell, Bennett, Thurmond, Kimpson, L. Martin, Shealy, Alexander, Allen, Bright, Bryant, Coleman, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fair, Gregory, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McElveen, Nicholson, O'Dell, Peeler, Rankin, Reese, Sabb, Scott, Setzler, Sheheen, Turner, Verdin, Williams and Young: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE POST AND COURIER NEWSPAPER OF CHARLESTON ON WINNING THE 2015 PULITZER PRIZE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND TO HONOR THEM FOR THEIR WORK TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE ISSUE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
l:\s-res\lam\004post.kmm.lam.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 3924 (Word version) -- Reps. Hayes, George and McEachern: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF E. REAVES

AVENUE FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH FOREST DRIVE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH JOAN DRIVE, THE PORTION OF JOAN DRIVE FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH E. REAVES AVENUE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH STAFFORD COURT, AND THE PORTION OF STAFFORD COURT FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH JOAN DRIVE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 301 "SUPERINTENDENT D. RAY ROGERS II WAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF FOREST DRIVE AND E. REAVES AVENUE AND AT THE INTERSECTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 301 AND STAFFORD COURT THAT CONTAIN THIS DESIGNATION.

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

H. 3929 (Word version) -- Rep. W. J. McLeod: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE CARRYING BOUNDARY STREET OVER THE CSX AND NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD TRACKS IN THE CITY OF NEWBERRY AS THE "COUNTY COUNCILMAN JOHN E. CALDWELL BRIDGE" IN HONOR OF FORMER NEWBERRY COUNTY COUNCILMAN JOHN E. CALDWELL AND TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS AND MARKERS REFLECTING THIS DESIGNATION.

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

H. 4024 (Word version) -- Reps. Howard, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowers, Bradley, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Collins, Corley, H. A. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hicks, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, Kennedy, King, Kirby, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, McKnight, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Quinn,

Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Tinkler, Toole, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THEIR WONDERFUL EFFORTS IN HELPING SOUTH CAROLINA'S YOUTH PREPARE FOR A PRODUCTIVE LIFE AND TO RECOGNIZE THE TWELVE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS THROUGHOUT THE STATE WHO HAVE BEEN NAMED 2015 YOUTH OF THE YEAR BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA ALLIANCE OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS.

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

H. 4026 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Collins, M. S. McLeod, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowers, Bradley, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Corley, H. A. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hicks, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, Kennedy, King, Kirby, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, McKnight, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Tinkler, Toole, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THAT ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF CHILDREN ARE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS AND TO DECLARE TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015, AS "CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the General Committee.

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

S. 47 (Word version) -- Senators Malloy, Kimpson, Johnson, Pinckney, Thurmond, Setzler, Grooms, Lourie, McElveen, Allen, Shealy, Coleman, Campsen and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-1-240, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH BODY-WORN CAMERAS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 55 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-180 SO AS TO REQUIRE EACH POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE WHOSE GOVERNING BOARD, COMMISSION, OR COUNCIL IS POPULARLY ELECTED FROM SINGLE-MEMBER ELECTION DISTRICTS, RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS, OR A COMBINATION OF AT-LARGE AND SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS TO BE REAPPORTIONED TO A POPULATION VARIANCE OF LESS THAN TEN PERCENT WITHIN THREE YEARS OF THE DATE ON WHICH THE LATEST OFFICIAL UNITED STATES DECENNIAL CENSUS IS ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR CONTINUITY OF REPRESENTATION WHEN REAPPORTIONMENT LOCATES TWO OR MORE ELECTED MEMBERS IN THE SAME ELECTION DISTRICT, AND TO CLARIFY CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE REGARDING REAPPORTIONMENT.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 215 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS, BY AMENDING SECTIONS 7-13-35 AND 7-13-190, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ELECTION SHALL BE POSTPONED IF THE GOVERNOR DECLARES A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR AN ENTIRE JURISDICTION HOLDING AN

ELECTION, THAT THE POSTPONED ELECTION SHALL BE HELD ON THE FIRST TUESDAY FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL ELECTION DATE, AND THAT THIS PROVISION DOES NOT APPLY TO STATEWIDE PRIMARIES OR GENERAL ELECTIONS UNLESS THE DECLARATION COVERS THE ENTIRE STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-350 TO CHANGE THE DATE THAT CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT MUST BE CERTIFIED TO THE FIRST TUESDAY FOLLOWING THE FIRST MONDAY IN SEPTEMBER; TO AMEND SECTION 5-15-100 RELATING TO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT MANAGERS OF AN ELECTION SHALL CERTIFY THE RESULTS WITHIN TWO DAYS OF THE ELECTION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 7-17-10 AND 7-17-20, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION FOR STATEWIDE OFFICERS, SOLICITORS, MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND COUNTY OFFICERS MUST MEET ON THE MONDAY FOLLOWING AN ELECTION TO ORGANIZE AS THE COUNTY BOARD OF CANVASSERS AND TO REQUIRE THAT THEY SUBMIT THEIR RESULTS TO THE STATE BOARD OF CANVASSERS BY NOON ON THE TUESDAY FOLLOWING THE ELECTION; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 17, TITLE 7 BY ADDING SECTION 7-17-25 TO PROVIDE THAT POST ELECTION AUDITS ARE TO BE COMPLETED BY COUNTY BOARDS OF REGISTRATION AND ELECTION PRIOR TO CERTIFICATION AND TO REQUIRE THAT ENABLING REGULATIONS ARE TO PROVIDE THAT THE AUDIT DATA AND RESULTS ARE TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC; TO AMEND SECTION 7-11-15 RELATING TO THE FILING OF THE STATEMENT OF INTENTION OF CANDIDACY AND PARTY PLEDGE, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF SIGNED COPIES THAT MUST BE FILED WITH THE ELECTION COMMISSION FROM THREE TO ONE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 7-11-80 TO PROVIDE FOR AN ALTERNATE PAPER SIZE FOR NOMINATING PETITIONS FOR CANDIDACY OR POLITICAL PARTY CERTIFICATION.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LARRY MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary polled out S. 586 favorable:

S. 586 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin, Sheheen and Massey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-470, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON A

CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER'S USE OF FUNDS APPROPRIATED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO CHANGE REFERENCES FROM THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO THE STATE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AUTHORITY; TO AMEND CHAPTER 30 OF TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE CORRECT REFERENCES TO ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY OR DUTIES FOR EACH DEPARTMENT AND DELETE LANGUAGE CONCERNING GOVERNMENT AGENCY TRANSFERS THAT HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED; TO AMEND SECTION 2-13-240, RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION OF CODE SETS BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AS IT DETERMINES IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE STATE, MAY DISTRIBUTE OR SELL CODE OF LAWS, SUPPLEMENTS, OR REPLACEMENT VOLUMES TO PUBLIC SECTOR ENTITIES EXCEPT THAT IT MUST NOT CHARGE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR CODES PLACED IN THE STATE HOUSE OR GRESSETTE OR BLATT BUILDINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 48-4-10, RELATING TO CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS CONCERNING GOVERNMENT AGENCY TRANSFERS THAT HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED; TO AMEND SECTION 58-3-580, RELATING TO STAFF ORGANIZATION AND ALLOCATION IN THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS THAT HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED AND TO CLARIFY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S AUTHORITY CONCERNING OFFICE PERSONNEL; TO AMEND SECTION 63-19-360, RELATING TO INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES, SO AS TO DELETE LANGUAGE CONCERNING REPORTS THAT ALREADY HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND TO PROVIDE THAT FUTURE REPORTS BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION INSTEAD OF THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, WHICH WILL BE ABOLISHED JULY 1, 2015, AS PROVIDED BY ACT 121 OF 2014; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 1-11-22, RELATING TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD STAFF; SECTION 48-22-20, RELATING TO POWERS DEVOLVED UPON THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BY THE 1993 RESTRUCTURING ACT; AND SECTION 59-150-355, RELATING TO EDUCATION LOTTERY APPROPRIATIONS AND USES, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS CONCERNING

TRANSFERS OF OR ACTIONS BY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES THAT HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.

Martin, Larry             Hutto                     Malloy
Campsen                   Massey                    Coleman
Gregory                   Allen                     Bennett
Corbin                    Hembree                   Johnson
McElveen                  Shealy                    Turner
Young                     Kimpson

Bright                    Martin, Shane             Thurmond
Sabb

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator COURSON from the Committee on Education submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 629 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-1-425, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MANDATE THAT SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS OR OTHER DISRUPTIONS BE MADE UP, SO AS TO PROVIDE A LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD MAY WAIVE UP TO THREE SUCH MISSED DAYS, TO PROVIDE THIS WAIVER ONLY MAY BE GRANTED BY MAJORITY VOTE OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD, TO PROVIDE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY WAIVE THREE OR FEWER SUCH MISSED DAYS IN ADDITION TO THOSE WAIVED BY THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE THESE WAIVERS ONLY

MAY BE GRANTED BY MAJORITY VOTE OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD AND ONLY MAY BE GRANTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

S. 696 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin and Alexander: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE UPON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE UPSTATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND OFFER BEST WISHES FOR MANY MORE YEARS OF EFFECTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL SERVICE.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

S. 677 (Word version) -- Senator Sabb: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS SYMPATHY AND COMMEMORATE THE LIFE OF PATROLMAN ARNOLD REO "BUCK" CARTER WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME DOUGLAS ROAD IN WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY "PATROLMAN ARNOLD CARTER MEMORIAL ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS ROAD THAT CONTAIN THIS DESIGNATION AS A LASTING TRIBUTE TO THIS SON OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

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

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

S. 276 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-59-135 SO AS TO REQUIRE APPLICANTS APPLYING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION FOR LICENSURE AS A RESIDENTIAL BUILDER OR REGISTRATION

AS A RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE ANY CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS, EXCEPT FOR MINOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS, ON HIS APPLICATION, TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION SHALL REQUIRE AN APPLICANT FOR INITIAL LICENSURE TO SUBMIT TO A FINGERPRINT-BASED CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK IN THIS STATE AND IN ANY STATE WHERE HE DISCLOSES HAVING A CONVICTION, TO PROVIDE SIMILAR REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS SEEKING RENEWALS, TO IMPOSE RELATED ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS ON THE COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY FOR FAILING TO DISCLOSE CONVICTIONS REQUIRING REGISTRATION AS A SEX OFFENDER.

S. 211 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-2-105(E) OF THE 1976 CODE, SO AS TO ALLOW POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO CREATE SEPARATE GOLF CART PATHS ON STREETS AND ROADS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION.

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

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Campsen                   Cleary                    Coleman
Corbin                    Courson                   Cromer
Davis                     Fair                      Gregory
Hayes                     Hembree                   Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Lourie                    Malloy                    Martin, Larry
Martin, Shane             Massey                    Matthews
McElveen                  Nicholson                 O'Dell
Peeler                    Reese                     Sabb
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen

Thurmond                  Turner                    Williams
Young

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

S. 592 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-710(A) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE HUNTING OF FERAL HOGS, COYOTES, AND ARMADILLOS, TO PROVIDE THAT FERAL HOGS, COYOTES, AND ARMADILLOS MAY BE HUNTED AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR UNDER AUTHORITY OF AND PURSUANT TO THE CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN A DEPREDATION PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND FROM THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY TO THE FIRST DAY OF JULY OF THAT SAME YEAR WITH ANY LEGAL FIREARM, BOW AND ARROW, OR CROSSBOW WHEN NOTICE IS GIVEN TO THE DEPARTMENT, AND TO PROVIDE CONDITIONS FOR HUNTING THESE ANIMALS AT NIGHT.

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

Senator CAMPSEN explained the Bill.

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

Alexander                 Bennett                   Bright
Bryant                    Campbell                  Campsen
Coleman                   Corbin                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Gregory                   Hayes                     Hembree
Hutto                     Johnson                   Kimpson
Leatherman                Lourie                    Malloy

Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane             Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  Nicholson
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Pinckney
Reese                     Sabb                      Setzler
Shealy                    Sheheen                   Thurmond
Turner                    Williams                  Young

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

H. 3393 (Word version) -- Rep. Lowe: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-630 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON SHALL OBTAIN A FEDERAL MIGRATORY HUNTING AND CONSERVATION STAMP IN ADDITION TO OBTAINING REQUIRED STATE HUNTING LICENSES AND PERMITS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MAY CONTRACT WITH THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO MAKE THE FEDERAL MIGRATORY HUNTING AND CONSERVATION STAMP AVAILABLE THROUGH THE LICENSE SALES SYSTEM OF THE DEPARTMENT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE STAMP ON STATE HUNTING LICENSES BY THE DEPARTMENT, AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED FEES, AMONG OTHER THINGS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-920, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REVENUE GENERATED FROM THE SALE OF HUNTING LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FEES REMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR EACH FEDERAL MIGRATORY HUNTING AND CONSERVATION STAMP MUST BE CREDITED TO THE FISH AND WILDLIFE PROTECTION FUND, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THESE FEES.

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

Senator CAMPSEN explained the Bill.

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bryant                    Campbell                  Campsen
Coleman                   Corbin                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Gregory                   Hayes                     Hembree
Hutto                     Johnson                   Kimpson
Leatherman                Lourie                    Malloy
Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane             Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  Nicholson
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Pinckney
Reese                     Sabb                      Setzler
Shealy                    Sheheen                   Thurmond
Turner                    Williams

Bright                    Young

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

H. 3668 (Word version) -- Reps. Pitts and Goldfinch: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-365, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL PERSONS MUST WEAR A HAT, COAT, OR VEST OF SOLID VISIBLE INTERNATIONAL ORANGE WHILE ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LANDS DURING DEER HUNTING SEASON.

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

Senator CAMPSEN explained the Bill.

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

Allen                     Bennett                   Campbell
Campsen                   Coleman                   Corbin
Courson                   Cromer                    Davis
Fair                      Gregory                   Hayes
Hembree                   Hutto                     Johnson
Kimpson                   Leatherman                Lourie
Malloy                    Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane
Massey                    Matthews                  McElveen
Nicholson                 O'Dell                    Peeler
Pinckney                  Reese                     Sabb
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Thurmond                  Turner                    Young

Bright                    Bryant

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

H. 3762 (Word version) -- Reps. Hayes and Hiott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2460, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ANIMAL TRAPS THAT ARE ALLOWED FOR TRAPPING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A TRAP MAY BEAR ITS OWNER'S DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES-ISSUED CUSTOMER NUMBER.

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

Senator CAMPSEN explained the Bill.

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Campsen                   Corbin                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Gregory                   Hayes                     Hembree
Hutto                     Johnson                   Kimpson
Leatherman                Lourie                    Malloy
Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane             Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  Nicholson
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Pinckney
Reese                     Sabb                      Setzler
Shealy                    Thurmond                  Turner
Young

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

H. 3443 (Word version) -- Reps. Long, Erickson, Daning, Atwater, Bradley, Hixon, Newton, Ridgeway, Simrill, Spires, G.M. Smith, Weeks and Johnson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-37-290, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PURCHASING, POSSESSING, ADMINISTERING, SUPPLYING, AND PRESCRIBING OF CERTAIN PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS BY OPTOMETRISTS AND THE PROHIBITION ON SCHEDULE I AND II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES THAT HAVE BEEN RECLASSIFIED FROM SCHEDULE III TO SCHEDULE II ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 6, 2014, MAY CONTINUE TO BE PURCHASED, POSSESSED, ADMINISTERED, SUPPLIED, AND PRESCRIBED BY AN OPTOMETRIST.

On motion Senator CLEARY, the Bill was carried over.

S. 654 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION, RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL BOXING, WRESTLING, KICK BOXING, OFF THE STREET BOXING, AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4536, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

On motion Senator MASSEY, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

S. 665 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, RELATING TO SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATION DUE TO CRIMINAL CHARGES AND/OR INDICTMENT, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4524, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

On motion Senator MASSEY, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

H. 3266 (Word version) -- Reps. Hiott, Bannister, Brannon, Erickson, Henderson, Collins, Sandifer, Corley, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Wells, Felder, Kirby, Hixon, Hodges, Riley, Ott, Goldfinch, Hardee, Gagnon, Pitts, Finlay, Southard, D.C. Moss, Chumley, Yow, Huggins, Kennedy, Rivers and White: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 82 TO TITLE 15 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "TRESPASSER RESPONSIBILITY ACT" WHICH PROVIDES A LIMITATION ON LIABILITY BY LAND POSSESSORS TO TRESPASSERS, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

Senator SHEHEEN objected to the Bill.

S. 675 (Word version) -- Finance Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 9-1-1310 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO TRUSTEES OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE THAT THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION IS A COTRUSTEE INSTEAD OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFIT

AUTHORITY TO HOLD THE ASSETS OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM IN A GROUP TRUST; TO AMEND SECTION 9-1-1320, RELATING TO THE CUSTODIAN OF RETIREMENT FUNDS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AUTHORITY SHALL BE THE CUSTODIAN, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION TO SELECT THE CUSTODIAL BANK; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 9-8-170(1), 9-9-160(1), 9-10-80(A), AND 9-11-250(1), ALL RELATING TO THE CUSTODIAN OF RETIREMENT FUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-4-10, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AUTHORITY, TO CHANGE THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TO PROVIDE THAT DIRECTORS SERVE FOR A TERM OF FIVE YEARS AND MAY NOT SERVE MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE TERMS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; TO AMEND SECTION 9-4-40, RELATING TO THE AUDIT OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AUTHORITY, TO REQUIRE THE AUDIT BE PERFORMED EVERY FOUR YEARS; TO REPEAL SECTION 9-1-310 RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; TO REPEAL SECTION 9-4-45 RELATING TO THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AUTHORITY'S POLICY DETERMINATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-16-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO RETIREMENT SYSTEM FUNDS, TO DEFINE "FIDUCIARY" AND "TRUSTEE"; BY ADDING SECTION 9-16-25 TO PROVIDE FOR SIGNATORIES AUTHORIZED TO SIGN VOUCHERS TO EFFECT THE PAYMENT FROM THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM'S FUNDS OR TRANSFERS BETWEEN RETIREMENT SYSTEM ACCOUNTS NECESSARY FOR THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION TO CARRY OUT ITS EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY TO INVEST; TO AMEND SECTION 9-16-315, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION, TO CHANGE THE COMPOSITION OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE THAT COMMISSION MEMBERS SERVE FOR A TERM OF FIVE YEARS AND MAY NOT SERVE MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE TERMS, TO PROVIDE FOR QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS, TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AND TO PROVIDE FOR HIRING LEGAL COUNSEL; TO AMEND SECTION 9-16-320(A), RELATING TO THE ANNUAL INVESTMENT PLAN OF THE RETIREMENT

SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER SHALL DEVELOP THE PLAN SUBJECT TO THE OVERSIGHT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; TO AMEND SECTION 9-16-330(A), RELATING TO INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, TO INCORPORATE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; TO AMEND SECTION 9-16-335, RELATING TO THE ASSUMED RATE OF RETURN, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ASSUMED RATE OF RETURN EXPIRES EVERY FOUR YEARS SUBJECT TO ACTION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO AMEND SECTION 9-16-340, RELATING TO THE INVESTMENT OF RETIREMENT FUNDS, TO INCORPORATE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; AND TO AMEND SECTION 9-16-380, RELATING TO THE AUDIT OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION, TO REQUIRE THE AUDIT BE PERFORMED EVERY FOUR YEARS.

Senator LOURIE explained the Bill.

Senator MASSEY objected to further consideration of the Bill.

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.

On motion of Senator NICHOLSON, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Ansel Curtis Spires of Greenwood, S.C. Mr. Spires was a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He served as personnel manager for Greenwood Mills Sloan, Harris Plants and Plant No. Five. He retired from David McGill State Farm Insurance Agency. Mr. Spires served on the Greenwood County Transportation Committee and served on the Board of Directors of the Greenwood Municipal Federal Credit Union. He was a member of South Main Street Baptist Church and the Richard Carter Sunday School class. Ansel was a member of the Eureka Masonic Lodge and a former member of the Greenwood Lion's Club. He was also a member of American Legion Post No. 20, having formerly served as Legion Commander and Athletic Director of Post 20's baseball team. Ansel was a loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather who will be dearly missed.

On motion of Senator JOHNSON, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Gunter Sweat of Manning, S.C. Coach Sweat was an outstanding educator and a legendary coach. He coached at Manning Training School, Manning High School and Scott's Branch High School where he was a father figure to many of his players. Coach Sweat ran Sweats Driving School for many years. Sweat was recognized for his guidance, leadership, direction and service to the youth of Clarendon County. He was a loving husband and father as well as a devoted community member who will be dearly missed.

At 1:30 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

This web page was last updated on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 10:42 A.M.