South Carolina General Assembly
121st Session, 2015-2016
Journal of the Senate

Tuesday, February 17, 2015
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

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

The Psalmist reminds us that:

"The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic."

(Psalm 29:4)

Join me as we bow in prayer, please:

Another Presidents' Day has passed, O God, and we remember the many voices that continue to echo in our land as well as here in this Statehouse: voices of past presidents, of governors of this State, of previous -- and present -- Senators, the voices of many, many constituents. Those voices often inspire, encourage, inform, and even occasionally chide all who serve here in this place. Dear Lord, may the Senators currently serving unhesitatingly learn from what they hear. May they themselves speak in ways that are genuinely meaningful and helpful. But most of all may these leaders unfailingly listen to Your voice, O God, as you guide them day by day. In Your wondrous name we pray, Lord. Amen.

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

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Nikki Randhawa Haley:

Statewide Appointments

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2010, and to expire June 30, 2015
At-Large:
Brian M. Barnwell, 1992 Congaree Road, Eastover, SC 29044 VICE Mr. Thomas Galardi

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Reappointment, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2015, and to expire June 30, 2020
At-Large:
Brian M. Barnwell, 1992 Congaree Road, Eastover, SC 29044

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator CROMER, at 12:15 P.M., Senator HAYES was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator THURMOND, at 12:15 P.M., Senator GROOMS was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, at 12:16 P.M., Senator CAMPBELL was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, at 1:20 P.M., Senator O'DELL was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator SETZLER, at 1:42 P.M., Senator REESE was granted a leave of absence for today.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator PEELER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator CORBIN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Remarks by Senator CORBIN

Thank you, Mr. PRESIDENT. Lady and gentlemen of the Senate:
Last Tuesday evening, at our Judiciary Committee dinner, I sat at a table with several fellow Senators and others. At the time we were all talking and laughing about a myriad of topics. During the course of the conversation, in jest, I repeated an old joke I had heard. I realize now that it offended one of our members. So I would like to publicly stand before this body and apologize to Senator SHEALY, the Senator from Lexington, for those remarks. Thank you.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator SHEALY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Remarks by Senator SHEALY

I appreciate Senator CORBIN'S comments. We have also talked privately. We had a frank conversation. He apologized for what he said last week. I believe he was sincere in offering that apology, and I accept his apology.
  But as I speak for myself and all women -- these type remarks are never acceptable in public or in private. They never have been and they never should be whether the person speaking them thinks they are in jest or not. These words are hurtful and disrespectful. We are all created equal and as such deserve respect.
  I am proud to represent this State as a Senator. You all know what I went through to get here. I worked my tail off to win my election, and I work extremely hard every day to represent my constituents.
  I am proud that we have a female representing us as Governor. I am proud of each and every one of the twenty-one female House members across the hall. We need more. I am proud of every staff member, most of whom are women, who show up everyday and keep this State moving forward.
  Each of us works hard every day to set an example for the girls and young women of this State that will come behind us to fill these positions and hopefully many more. Many of them could very well be your daughters or your granddaughters! We should not expect an easier path than our male counterparts, but we cannot accept any less than our male counterparts when it comes to responsibility or respect.
  To the women and young ladies in the chamber today -- and all those who may be listening -- you will experience roadblocks and challenges. Don't be discouraged. Don't give up. Don't you dare let anyone tell you that you are less than what you are. We need you to help solve the problems we face. South Carolina needs you to step up and lead.
  I accept Senator CORBIN'S apology. I look forward to working with him -- and each of you -- as we move forward today and accomplish great things for the State of South Carolina!

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator COURSON rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 351 (Word version)     Sens. Shane Martin, Bryant
S. 405 (Word version)     Sens. Hutto, Fair, Jackson, Cromer
S. 332 (Word version)     Sen. Cromer
S. 137 (Word version)     Sen. Thurmond

RECALLED AND ADOPTED

H. 3472 (Word version) -- Reps. Lucas, Pope, Delleney, White, Sandifer, Howard, Allison, Hiott and Clemmons: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO INVITE THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT, THE HONORABLE JEAN HOEFER TOAL, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION ON THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY AT 12:00 NOON ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015.

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

The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Judiciary.

Senator LARRY MARTIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Concurrent Resolution up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

On motion of Senator LARRY MARTIN, the Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered returned to the House.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 457 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15-21, 2015, AS "CRNA WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETISTS AND THEIR ROLE IN PROVIDING QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE.
l:\s-res\hkl\004crna.kmm.hkl.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 458 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-9-55(C) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE ENFORCEMENT DATE OF SECTION 501.3 OF THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ENFORCEMENT DATE IS CHANGED TO JULY 1, 2016, FROM JULY 1, 2015.
l:\s-res\tca\025buil.kmm.tca.docx

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

S. 459 (Word version) -- Senator Turner: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE GRADUATE SC AND ITS GOAL OF INCREASING AWARENESS OF HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS AND OF PREVENTING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM DROPPING OUT IN THE FUTURE AND TO PROCLAIM THE SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 2015 AS "GRADUATION AWARENESS WEEK OF 2015".
l:\s-res\rt\002high.ksg.rt.docx

The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Education.

S. 460 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-43-370 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY IN THIS STATE MAY ALLOW A TAXPAYER THE OPTION TO RECEIVE CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX BILLS AND RECEIPTS IN ELECTRONIC FORM, TO REQUIRE A PARTICIPATING COUNTY TO MAINTAIN PROOF THAT AN EMAIL WAS SENT TO A TAX PAYER, AND TO REQUIRE A PARTICIPATING COUNTY TO CREATE AN APPLICATION PROCESS AND TO PUBLISH THE APPLICATION PROCESS.
l:\council\bills\dka\3066sa15.docx

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

S. 461 (Word version) -- Senator Pinckney: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 17 IN JASPER COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH CROWFIELD ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH HIGHWAY S-27-29 "THOMAS E. MILLER BOULEVARD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "THOMAS E. MILLER BOULEVARD".
l:\council\bills\swb\5264cm15.docx

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

H. 3189 (Word version) -- Reps. Finlay, Cole, Anderson, Bales, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Felder, Funderburk, Hart, Knight, Lucas, Murphy, Newton, Norman, Norrell, Pope, Putnam, Rivers, Southard, Spires, Tallon, Taylor, Wells, Williams, Willis, Long, Henderson, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, McCoy, Clary, J. E. Smith, W. J. McLeod, Weeks, Whipper and Hicks: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 8-13-1313 SO AS TO REQUIRE A PERSON WHO IS NOT A COMMITTEE AND WHO MAKES AN INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT OR VALUE IN EXCESS OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS DURING A CALENDAR YEAR OR MAKES AN ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION TO FILE A REPORT OF SUCH EXPENDITURE OR COMMUNICATION WITH THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1300, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO CAMPAIGN PRACTICES, SO AS TO DEFINE "ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION".

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

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator ALEXANDER from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable report on:

S. 301 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY, TO REVISE THE BOARD COMPOSITION; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-20, TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "ATTEST" TO INCLUDE ANY EXAMINATION, REVIEW, OR AGREED UPON PROCEDURE TO BE PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATEMENTS ON STANDARDS FOR ATTEST ENGAGEMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-30, RELATING TO LICENSING OR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, TO DELETE REFERENCE TO THE TERM "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS"; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-35, RELATING TO CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE SUCH APPLICANTS FOR LICENSURE TO UNDERGO STATE AND FEDERAL CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS AND TO REQUIRE CONTINUING EDUCATION OR ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE, AS APPLICABLE, FOR AN APPLICANT WHO DELAYS SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OF TIME AFTER PASSING THE CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING EXAMINATION OR OBTAINING ACCOUNTING EXPERIENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-40, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF A CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SIMPLE MAJORITY OF THE FIRM OWNERSHIP MUST BE CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, TO PROVIDE QUALIFICATIONS AND CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NONCERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT FIRM OWNERS, AND TO GIVE THE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY THE DISCRETION TO CHARGE REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-80, RELATING TO THE INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS, TO PROVIDE THAT IN CONDUCTING SUCH INVESTIGATIONS AND PROCEEDINGS THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION MAY REQUIRE STATE AND FEDERAL CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-250, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSE RENEWAL, TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY FIRST AND TO PROVIDE THAT LATE FILINGS MAY RESULT IN REINSTATEMENT FEES AND SANCTIONING OF THE LICENSEE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-255, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION RENEWAL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY FIRST AND TO PROVIDE THAT LATE FILINGS MAY RESULT IN SANCTIONING OF THE REGISTRANT.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator BRYANT from the Committee on Invitations polled out S. 385 favorable:

S. 385 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE SUPPORT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR ORGAN, EYE, AND TISSUE DONATION AND TO DESIGNATE THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015, AS "ORGAN DONOR REGISTRATION DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Poll of the Invitations Committee
Polled 10; Ayes 10; Nays 0; Not Voting 0

AYES

Bryant                    Alexander                 Reese
Verdin                    Cromer                    Malloy
Cleary                    Johnson                   Kimpson
McElveen

Total--10

NAYS

Total--0

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator BRYANT from the Committee on Invitations polled out S. 447 favorable:

S. 447 (Word version) -- Senator Campbell: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015, AS "UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DAY" AND IN DOING SO, URGE ALL CITIZENS TO UTILIZE THE OFFICE OF STATE TREASURER'S DATABASE TO SEARCH FOR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY FOR THEMSELVES, THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND THEIR BUSINESSES

Poll of the Invitations Committee
Polled 10; Ayes 10; Nays 0; Not Voting 0

AYES

Bryant                    Alexander                 Reese
Verdin                    Cromer                    Malloy
Cleary                    Johnson                   Kimpson
McElveen

Total--10

NAYS

Total--0

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

READ THE THIRD TIME
SENT TO THE HOUSE

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

S. 382 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews, Hutto, Williams, Courson, Hayes, Nicholson, Malloy, Pinckney, Setzler and Jackson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE AGENCY HEAD OF SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY TO INSTITUTE A MANDATORY FURLOUGH PROGRAM OF UP TO SEVEN DAYS IN FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FURLOUGH PROGRAM.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Joint Resolution. The question being the third reading of the Joint Resolution.

The Joint Resolution was read the third time and ordered sent to the House.

CARRIED OVER

S. 78 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 59, TITLE 12 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO FORFEITED LANDS, BY ADDING SECTION 12-59-140, SO AS TO ENACT THE "FORFEITED LANDS EMERGENCY DEVELOPMENT ACT", AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE AUTHORITY OF COUNTY COUNCILS AND FORFEITED LAND COMMISSIONS TO PETITION LEGISLATIVE DELEGATIONS FOR THE USE OF THE SPECIAL AUTHORITIES PROVIDED IN THIS ACT.

On motion of Senator BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.

S. 350 (Word version) -- Senators Campbell, Malloy, Setzler, Scott, Alexander, Hembree, O'Dell, Hayes, Grooms, Cleary, Williams, Bennett, Johnson, Hutto, L. Martin, Fair, Turner, Allen, Matthews, Peeler, Lourie, Courson, Coleman, Jackson, McElveen, Shealy, Sabb, Kimpson, Nicholson and Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4 OF ACT 314 OF 2000, AS LAST AMENDED BY ACT 248 OF 2010 TO TERMINATE THE PROVISIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACT ON JUNE 30, 2020.

On motion of Senator BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.

ADOPTED

S. 332 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Lourie and Cromer: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR OUR SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAMS, THE SENIORS THEY SERVE, AND THE VOLUNTEERS WHO CARE FOR THEM AND TO DECLARE MARCH 2015 AS "MARCH FOR MEALS MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

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

S. 405 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin, Lourie, Hutto, Fair, Jackson and Cromer: 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 2015 AS "CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

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

H. 3389 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Hardwick, H.A. Crawford, Goldfinch, Duckworth, Johnson, Yow and Hardee: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE GRATITUDE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THOSE WHO STOOD GUARD BOTH IN THE UNIFORMED AND COVERT SERVICES DURING THE COLD WAR ERA, TO RECOGNIZE THE VICTORY OF FREEDOM OVER COMMUNISM IN MANY NATIONS AS A RESULT OF THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE COLD WAR, AND TO JOIN THE STATES OF KANSAS AND MAINE IN OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZING THE FIRST DAY OF MAY AS "COLD WAR VICTORY DAY".

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

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

MOTION ADOPTED

At 12:27 P.M., on motion of Senator CROMER, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator DAVIS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

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

CARRIED OVER

S. 295 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-250 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF PAYMENT IN IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FUNDS, TO CHANGE THE REQUIREMENT FROM FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS TO ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND TO REQUIRE THE SETTLEMENT OF THOSE FUNDS IN THE STATE'S ACCOUNT ON OR BEFORE TWO BANKING DAYS FOLLOWING THE DUE DATE OF THE TAX AS PROVIDED BY LAW.

On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, the Bill was carried over.

DEBATE INTERRUPTED BY ADJOURNMENT

S. 3 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin, Shealy, Malloy, Courson, Fair, Turner, Lourie and Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-25-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 16-25-20 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO RESTRUCTURE THE CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES INTO DEGREES AND PROVIDE PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 16-25-30, RELATING TO THE ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A PERSON CONVICTED OF A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSE, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON CONVICTED OF A CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSE OR A PERSON SUBJECT TO AN ORDER OF PROTECTION FOR DOMESTIC OR FAMILY VIOLENCE TO SHIP, TRANSPORT, OR RECEIVE A FIREARM OR AMMUNITION, AND TO PROVIDE NOTICE TO A PERSON TO WHOM THE STATUTE APPLIES; TO AMEND SECTION 16-25-65, RELATING TO CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OF A HIGH AND AGGRAVATED NATURE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURT MUST ORDER PARTICIPATION IN A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM AND ALLOW A RESTRICTION ON FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION AS A CONDITION OF BOND; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 16, RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON, BY ADDING ARTICLE 18, TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS AND TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMANENT AND EMERGENCY CIVIL NO-CONTACT ORDERS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DURATION OF CIVIL NO-CONTACT ORDERS, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION OF CIVIL NO-CONTACT ORDERS.

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

Senator LARRY MARTIN explained the Bill.

Debate was interrupted by adjournment.

LOCAL APPOINTMENT
Confirmation

Initial Appointment, Clarendon County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2014, and to expire April 30, 2018
Janice L. Coney, 103 Gregory Street, Manning, SC 29102 VICE Judge William Geddings

Motion Adopted

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

Remarks by Senator SHANE MARTIN

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate, I rise today to talk to you about a dear friend who was killed on her way to work this week. She was a nurse who watched me when I was little. We'd get off the school bus and she would stay with me and her little sister until her mother got home. She lived in Spartanburg, not far from me. On the way to work at the hospital in Cherokee County on Highway 150, she lost her life. It's been a terrible tragedy. She was a true friend and would help anyone that asked. She was one of the few real friends that you just don't have many of. She was always there for me and I want this Senate to know what a special person she was. Her name was Mary Lynn Smith. Her funeral is tomorrow at 2 o'clock and I'd like for everyone to say a prayer for the family. Mr. PRESIDENT, with unanimous consent, I'd like to adjourn the Senate in memory of Mary Lynn Smith from Pauline, South Carolina.

On motion of Senator BRYANT, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator SHANE MARTIN were ordered printed in the Journal.

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator SHANE MARTIN, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Ms. Mary Lynn Smith of Pauline, S.C. Ms. Smith was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church. She was a registered nurse employed with Gaffney Medical Center. Mary was a loving mother and devoted friend who will be dearly missed.

and

Remarks by Senator PEELER

Thank you Mr. PRESIDENT and members of the Senate. It has been said if you live a life and at the end of your life, in addition to your family, you have five true friends--you've lived a good life. If you asked me at the end of my life who was one of my five -- one of my five true friends passed away this past Sunday. His name was Jim Sanders, James Robert Sanders, Jr. of Gaffney, South Carolina.

Jim and I grew up together. We graduated from Gaffney High School the same day and from Clemson University the same day. We both came back home to our family businesses. He owned Sanders Brother's Construction in Gaffney, South Carolina.

He was one of my true friends and I ask members of the Senate at the proper time that we adjourn in memory of Jim Sanders.

On motion of Senator SHANE MARTIN, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator PEELER were ordered printed in the Journal.

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. James Robert Sanders, Jr. of Gaffney, S.C. Mr. Sanders was a man of great faith, service and had an unshakeable love for Christ. He graduated from Clemson University and then began work at his father's business, Sanders Brothers, Inc. until retirement in 2000. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Gaffney and served in many organizations including IPTAY, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, Miracle Hill Ministries and Clemson University Foundation. He was a loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather who will be dearly missed.

ADJOURNMENT

At 1:44 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 2:00 P.M.

* * *

This web page was last updated on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 4:24 P.M.