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

Wednesday, March 25, 2015
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 2:00 P.M., 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 Book of Proverbs reminds us that:

"Wealth brings many friends, but the poor are left friendless."

(Proverbs 19:4)

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we are so very aware in this day and time that not everyone is as richly blessed in South Carolina as we all might want. Around us -- in every city and town and county -- are those individuals who struggle to make it to the end of the month, those who are disadvantaged and challenged, those who long to do better but who haven't the skills to do so. O Lord, we pray that You will lead the members of this Senate to labor conscientiously and unfailingly to help many of our poorer, needier and undereducated citizens improve their lot in life. For we all know that South Carolina herself will be richer if we do so. In Your hopeful name we ask this, Lord. Amen.

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

Motion to Ratify Adopted

At 2:20 P.M., Senator LEATHERMAN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to invite the House of Representatives to attend the Senate Chamber for the purpose of ratifying Acts at 3:00 P.M.

There was no objection and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

REGULATIONS RECEIVED

The following were received and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration:

Document No. 4540
Agency: Department of Health and Environmental Control
Chapter: 61
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 44-61-30 and 44-78-65
SUBJECT: Emergency Medical Services
Received by Lieutenant Governor March 24, 2015
Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs

Document No. 4543
Agency: Department of Health and Environmental Control
Chapter: 61
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 44-7-260
SUBJECT: Standards for Licensing Nursing Homes
Received by Lieutenant Governor March 24, 2015
Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, Senators SHANE MARTIN, BRIGHT, REESE and PEELER were granted leave to attend a local delegation meeting and were granted leave to vote from the balcony.

Doctor of the Day

Senator FAIR introduced Dr. C. Wendell James III, MD of Greenville, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator RANKIN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator CLEARY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator YOUNG rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator HUTTO rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator LARRY MARTIN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator SHEHEEN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator MALLOY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 591 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE STROM THURMOND HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2015 SOUTH CAROLINA BAR HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

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.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

S. 593 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, RELATING TO COMMISSIONERS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4454, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 594 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, Davis, Malloy and Thurmond: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE JOB TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO ADD A REQUIREMENT THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE PROVIDE A REPORT OF THE NEW JOBS CREATED, THE AVERAGE CASH COMPENSATION OF THE NEW JOBS CREATED, AND THE RESIDENCY STATUS OF THE EMPLOYEES, AND TO PROVIDE TO WHOM THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SEND THE REPORT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 595 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Peeler and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-735, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STAMP TAX ON CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE AND PROVIDE FOR THE PROPER AFFIXING OF STAMPS, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR EXEMPT PACKAGES, UNIQUE SERIAL NUMBERING OF STAMPS, REVOCATION OF THE LICENSE OF A PERSON VIOLATING THESE PROVISIONS, LIMITATIONS ON THE RECEIPT AND SALE OF UNTAXED CIGARETTES, TO PROVIDE FOR RETURN AND PAYMENT OF THE TAX, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH, IMPLEMENT, AND ENFORCE THESE PROVISIONS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 596 (Word version) -- Senators Jackson, Lourie and Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-5-320, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER'S LICENSE AND VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD APPLICATION OR MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER'S LICENSE APPLICATION, INCLUDING RENEWAL APPLICATIONS, SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL SERVE AS AN APPLICATION FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, TO ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE APPLICANT SIGN A SEPARATE VOTER REGISTRATION PORTION OF THE APPLICATION IN ORDER TO REGISTER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE APPLICANT SHALL CONSENT TO THE USE OF HIS SIGNATURE FROM HIS STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES FOR VOTER REGISTRATION PURPOSES, AND TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO DECLINE REGISTRATION.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 597 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNING BODY OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT MAY WAIVE THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT THAT SCHOOLS MAKE UP FULL DAYS MISSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER OR OTHER DISRUPTIONS FOR THREE OR FEWER FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, THREE OR FEWER SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO DISRUPTIONS CREATED BY MALFUNCTIONING HVAC OR OTHER BUILDING SYSTEMS, OR ANY COMBINATION OF THE TWO, TO PROVIDE A DISTRICT MAY NOT EXERCISE THESE WAIVERS UNTIL IT HAS EXHAUSTED ALL STATUTORILY REQUIRED MAKE-UP DAYS REMAINING ON THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL CALENDAR, AND TO PROVIDE THE EXERCISE OF THESE WAIVERS BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT ALSO WAIVES THE REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVED HOME SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.

S. 598 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fair, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kimpson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McElveen, Nicholson, O'Dell, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Sabb, Scott, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Thurmond, Turner, Verdin and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE THIRD FULL WEEK IN APRIL 2015 AS "SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AWARENESS WEEK" TO RAISE AWARENESS REGARDING SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND TO COMMEND THE HOSPITALS, CHILD CARE COUNCILS, SCHOOLS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT EDUCATE PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS ON HOW TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ABUSE.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 599 (Word version) -- Senator O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 1147 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE G. FRANK RUSSELL CAREER CENTER, SO AS TO RENAME THE CENTER THE G. FRANK RUSSELL TECHNOLOGY CENTER, AND TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION REDUCING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE TECHNOLOGY CENTER'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE FROM SEVEN MEMBERS TO SIX MEMBERS DUE TO THE DISSOLUTION OF THE GREENWOOD COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION PURSUANT TO ACT 175 OF 1997.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

S. 600 (Word version) -- Senator Scott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-6-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO ADMINISTER A DIVISION OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS; BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 6, TITLE 44 SO AS TO CREATE THE DIVISION OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS AS A DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; TO AMEND CHAPTER 20, TITLE 44, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY, RELATED DISABILITIES, HEAD INJURIES, AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES ACT, SO AS TO CREATE THE DIVISION OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; TO ABOLISH THE COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS; TO ABOLISH THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS; TO PROVIDE THE DIVISION OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS THE AUTHORITY OVER THE STATE'S SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR THE TREATMENT AND TRAINING OF INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY, RELATED DISABILITIES, HEAD INJURIES, AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INTAKE AND ASSESSMENT SERVICES, SERVICE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICE STANDARDS, COORDINATION AND DELIVERY OF CLIENT SERVICES, AND JOB-RELATED PLANNING AND PLACEMENT SERVICES; TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE AUTHORITY TO PERFORM OFFICIAL ACTS OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND ITS DIVISIONS, OFFICES, AND PROGRAMS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, TO ENTER INTO LEGAL CONTRACTS, TO ISSUE, DENY, AND REVOKE LICENSES TO OPERATE CERTAIN FACILITIES, TO CONDUCT HEARINGS TO REVIEW CLIENT COMPLAINTS, TO ADMINISTER FEDERAL FUNDS, TO REQUEST APPROPRIATIONS, AND TO RAISE MONIES FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS; TO REDESIGNATE THE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY DIVISION, AUTISM DIVISION, AND HEAD AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES DIVISION AS OFFICES WITHIN THE DIVISION OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS; AND TO SUBSTITUTE THE TERM "INDIVIDUAL" FOR "PERSON" WHEN THE TERM REFERS TO SOMEONE APPLYING FOR OR RECEIVING SERVICES FROM THE DIVISION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-21-10, 44-21-20, AND 44-21-30, ALL AS AMENDED, ALL RELATING TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CHAPTER DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR A PERSON WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY; TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-23-220 AND 44-23-410, BOTH AS AMENDED, BOTH RELATING TO PERSONS WHO HAVE MENTAL ILLNESS AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-26-10, AS AMENDED, 44-26-70, AS AMENDED, 44-26-80, AS AMENDED, 44-26-100, 44-26-140, AS AMENDED, 44-26-180, AS AMENDED, AND 44-26-200, AS AMENDED, ALL RELATING TO RIGHTS OF CLIENTS WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 44-28-15 SO AS TO CREATE THE DIVISION OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-28-20, 44-28-40, 44-28-60, 44-28-80, 44-28-360, AND 44-28-370, ALL RELATING TO THE SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND DISABILITY TRUST FUND, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 44-38-30, 44-38-310, 44-38-320, 44-38-330, 44-38-340, 44-38-610, AND 44-38-630, AS AMENDED, ALL RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA HEAD AND SPINAL CORD INJURY INFORMATION SYSTEM, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-38-380, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA HEAD AND SPINAL CORD INJURY SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM ADVISORY COUNCIL, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 1-30-23 SO AS TO TRANSFER THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS AND ITS DIVISIONS, OFFICES, AND PROGRAMS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEPARTMENTS OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS; TO DIRECT THE CODE COMMISSIONER TO CHANGE CERTAIN REFERENCES IN THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS TO THE DIVISION OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS AND CERTAIN REFERENCES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS AND THE COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 44-20-240 RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

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.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

H. 3545 (Word version) -- Reps. Gambrell, Weeks, Bedingfield, V. S. Moss, Clemmons, Forrester, Gagnon, D. C. Moss, Pitts, Riley, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, White and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-11-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ARSON, SO AS TO RESTRUCTURE THE ELEMENTS OF THE DEGREES OF ARSON.

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

H. 3583 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Simrill, McCoy, Loftis, Atwater, Kirby, Corley, Bernstein, McEachern, Weeks, Johnson, Goldfinch, Kennedy, H. A. Crawford, Rutherford, Whitmire, Douglas, Burns, Clyburn, Erickson, G. R. Smith, Yow, Spires, Chumley, Allison, Hardee, Anderson, Gagnon, Putnam, Nanney, Williams, Limehouse, Duckworth, Norrell, Anthony, Ballentine, Bannister, Bedingfield, Bingham, Clary, Delleney, Felder, Finlay, Funderburk, Gambrell, Hamilton, Hardwick, Hicks, Hiott, Hixon, Huggins, Long, Lowe, Lucas, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Norman, Pitts, Pope, Quinn, Riley, Rivers, Sandifer, G. M. Smith, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Wells, Willis, Newton, Forrester, Hill and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 23 TO CHAPTER 35, TITLE 11 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE STATE OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE FROM ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM OR PROCURING GOODS OR SERVICES FROM A BUSINESS WHICH ENGAGES IN THE BOYCOTT OF A PERSON OR AN ENTITY BASED ON RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.

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

H. 3662 (Word version) -- Rep. Atwater: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-9-55, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ENFORCEMENT DATE OF SECTION 501.3 OF THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE ENFORCEMENT DATE FROM JULY 1, 2015 TO JULY 1, 2016.

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

H. 3670 (Word version) -- Reps. Lowe, Williams and Kirby: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-23-1005, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ORIGINAL AREA OF THE WEST FLORENCE FIRE DISTRICT IN FLORENCE AND DARLINGTON COUNTIES, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ORIGINAL FLORENCE COUNTY PORTION OF THE DISTRICT WITHOUT CHANGING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT AT ITS CREATION; BY ADDING SECTION 4-23-1006 SO AS TO ADD ADDITIONAL AREAS IN EITHER FLORENCE OR DARLINGTON COUNTIES TO THE ORIGINAL AREA OF THE DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 4-23-1015, RELATING IN PART TO THE MILLAGE LEVY OF THE DISTRICT, SO AS TO STIPULATE WHICH REFERENDUM PROVISIONS CONTROL IN REGARD TO MILLAGE RATE LIMITATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 4-23-1025, RELATING IN PART TO RESTRICTIONS ON DIMINISHING THE AUTHORITY OF THE DISTRICT COMMISSION OR THE AREA OF THE DISTRICT, AND TO THE REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE DISTRICT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LAW IN REGARD TO MUNICIPAL ANNEXATION OF PARTS OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT CONTINUE TO APPLY TO THE WEST FLORENCE FIRE DISTRICT, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TO THE DISTRICT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 4-23-1040, RELATING TO WHICH POLITICAL SUBDIVISION MAY IMPOSE MILLAGE LEVIES OR FIRE SERVICE FEES IN THE DISTRICT, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE BASIS FOR WHICH THE WEST FLORENCE FIRE DISTRICT ONLY MAY LEVY AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXES IN THE DISTRICT FOR THE PROVISION OF FIRE OR FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES.

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

H. 3772 (Word version) -- Reps. Merrill and Delleney: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-79-260, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS TO THE BOARD OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE JOINT UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REAPPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS TO SUCCESSIVE TERMS BY DELETING A RELATED PROHIBITION.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

H. 3843 (Word version) -- Rep. Allison: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR THE OFFICE OF FIRST STEPS STUDY COMMITTEE TO COMPLETE ITS REVIEW AND PRESENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM MARCH 15, 2015, AS PROVIDED IN ACT 287 OF 2014, TO JANUARY 1, 2016.

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

H. 3871 (Word version) -- Rep. Alexander: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF DARGAN STREET IN THE CITY OF FLORENCE FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH LUCAS STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH BAROODY STREET "REVEREND WILLIAM LEVI THOMPSON WAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THIS DESIGNATION.

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

H. 3877 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, D. C. Moss and Douglas: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE WAIVER OF TWO OR FEWER DAYS THAT SCHOOLS IN CHESTER COUNTY CLOSED IN FEBRUARY 2015 DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER FROM THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT THAT SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO SNOW, EXTREME WEATHER, OR OTHER DISRUPTIONS BE MADE UP, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO TIME MISSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER FROM THESE STORMS.

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

H. 3883 (Word version) -- Reps. Sottile, 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, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, 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, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Tinkler, Toole, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND HONOR CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT'S LAING MIDDLE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON BEING NAMED A FINALIST FOR THE 2015 FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE (FETC) STEM EXCELLENCE AWARDS.

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

H. 3886 (Word version) -- Reps. Lucas, 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, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Kennedy, King, Kirby, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, 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 RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR THEIR SIGNIFICANT PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES OF THE PALMETTO STATE, TO COMMEND THEM FOR A CENTURY OF OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AND PUBLIC-PROTECTION ACTIVITIES, AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM UPON THE STATE ORGANIZATION'S ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY.

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

RATIFICATION OF ACTS

Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on March 25, 2015, at 3:00 P.M. and the following Acts and Joint Resolutions were ratified:

(R6, S. 177 (Word version)) -- Senators L. Martin, Hembree and Campsen: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 19-5-520 SO AS TO ALLOW FOR CERTIFICATION, INSTEAD OF REQUIRING EXTRINSIC EVIDENCE, OF THE AUTHENTICITY OF CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN BUSINESS RECORDS OF REGULARLY CONDUCTED ACTIVITY FOR THE RECORDS TO BE ADMISSIBLE AND TO REQUIRE A CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSE CERTIFICATION.
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(R7, S. 397 (Word version)) -- Senators Leatherman, Setzler and O'Dell: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO STATE INCOME TAX LAWS, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO THE YEAR 2014 AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTIONS ADOPTED BY THIS STATE ARE EXTENDED, THEN THESE SECTIONS ALSO ARE EXTENDED FOR SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
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(R8, S. 411 (Word version)) -- Senator Cleary: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-200 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS "ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
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(R9, S. 534 (Word version)) -- Senator Johnson: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 355 OF 2004, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERCENTAGE OF THE SPECIAL ONE PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX IN CLARENDON COUNTY IMPOSED PURSUANT TO THE ACT MAY BE APPLIED TO SUPPORT SCHOOL OPERATING EXPENSES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A TAX IMPOSED PURSUANT TO THE ACT MAY BE IMPOSED FOR NOT MORE THAN THIRTY YEARS.
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(R10, H. 3752 (Word version)) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF DENTISTRY, RELATING TO FEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4502, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R11, H. 3753 (Word version)) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF LONG TERM HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATORS, RELATING TO FEES [AND FEE SCHEDULE], DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4507, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R12, H. 3754 (Word version)) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, RELATING TO FEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4509, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R13, H. 3756 (Word version)) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN OPTICIANRY, RELATING TO FEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4511, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R14, H. 3758 (Word version)) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF PODIATRY EXAMINERS, RELATING TO FEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4513, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R15, H. 3760 (Word version)) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN PSYCHOLOGY, RELATING TO FEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4515, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator HUTTO from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a majority favorable with amendment and Senator MALLOY a minority unfavorable report on:

S. 156 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy and Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 7 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, BY ADDING SECTION 7-3-80, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A REGISTRATION SYSTEM WITHIN THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION ALLOWING A PERSON WITH MENTAL OR PHYSICAL INFIRMITIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMOVE HIMSELF FROM JURY LISTS, TO PROVIDE FOR A CERTIFICATION PROCESS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION SHALL FURNISH JURY LISTS TO COUNTY JURY COMMISSIONERS ONLY AFTER IT REMOVES THE NAMES OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO VOLUNTARILY REGISTER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 255 (Word version) -- Senator Thurmond: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-1-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESTRUCTION OF ARREST AND BOOKING RECORDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON OR ENTITY WHO PUBLISHES ON THE PERSON OR ENTITY'S WEBSITE THE ARREST AND BOOKING RECORDS OF A PERSON WHOSE CHARGES HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED OR DISMISSED, OR OF A PERSON WHO IS FOUND NOT GUILTY OF A CHARGE, SHALL, WITHOUT FEE OR COMPENSATION, REMOVE THE ARREST AND BOOKING RECORDS WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF A WRITTEN REQUEST, AND TO PROVIDE THE PENALTIES FOR A PERSON OR ENTITY WHO FAILS TO REMOVE THE ARREST AND BOOKING RECORDS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HAYES from the Committee on Banking and Insurance submitted a favorable report on:

S. 389 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 37, TITLE 33, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THESE CORPORATIONS ARE ORGANIZED, REGULATED, AND PERMITTED TO OPERATE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:

S. 427 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Rankin, O'Dell and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE JOBS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO ALLOW A TAXPAYER OPERATING AN AGRICULTURAL PACKAGING OPERATION TO CLAIM THE CREDIT, TO ALLOW CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS TO CLAIM SEASONAL WORKERS AS A CERTAIN FRACTION OF A FULL-TIME JOB, AND TO DEFINE AGRICULTURAL PACKAGING; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE SALES TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT MACHINES USED IN AGRICULTURAL PACKAGING; AND BY ADDING SECTION 13-1-780 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND THE COORDINATING COUNCIL TO CONSIDER AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES IN AWARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator HAYES from the Committee on Banking and Insurance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 441 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 30 TO TITLE 37 SO AS TO ENACT THE "GUARANTEED ASSET PROTECTION ACT", TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH GUARANTEED ASSET PROTECTION WAIVERS ARE DEFINED AND MAY BE OFFERED WITHIN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFERING GUARANTEED ASSET PROTECTION WAIVERS, TO PROVIDE THE DISCLOSURES REQUIRED, TO PROVIDE FOR CANCELLATION OF GUARANTEED ASSET PROTECTION WAIVERS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CHAPTER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 512 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, McElveen, Lourie and L. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-13-90 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO WILFUL DAMAGE TO A WATER SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE DIFFERENT PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE SECTION BASED UPON THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY DAMAGE; AND TO PROVIDE THAT ALL OFFENSES OF THIS NATURE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THIS PENALTY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:

S. 526 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-4-397 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO DESIGNATE A THREE-MONTH AMNESTY PERIOD DURING WHICH THE DEPARTMENT SHALL WAIVE DELINQUENT TAX PENALTIES AND INTEREST AND SHALL NOT INITIATE A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, TO SPECIFY TAXPAYERS THAT MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, AND TO SET FORTH THE MANNER IN WHICH THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 358 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-70(A) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF VEHICULAR REQUIREMENTS DURING A DECLARED STATE OF EMERGENCY, TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE TIME PERIOD FOR UP TO ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS RELATING TO SUSPENSIONS OF REGISTRATION, PERMITTING, LENGTH, WIDTH, WEIGHT, AND LOAD ON NON-INTERSTATE ROUTES, AND TO MAKE SUSPENSIONS OF TIME OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIRTY DAYS UNLESS EXTENDED BY FEDERAL REGULATION FOR BOTH INTERSTATE AND NON-INTERSTATE ROUTES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Appointment Reported

Senator LARRY MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

Statewide Appointment

Reappointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2015, and to expire June 30, 2018
3rd Congressional District:
Ashley P. Case, 1192 Garrett-Patton Road, Fountain Inn, SC 29644

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., March 25, 2015

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 3323 (Word version) -- Reps. V.S. Moss, Ott, Hiott, Hixon and Jefferson: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 23, TITLE 46, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE "SOUTH CAROLINA NOXIOUS WEED ACT" SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "COMMISSIONER" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "COMMISSION", TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERMS "COMMISSION", "AUTHORIZED INSPECTOR", AND "NOXIOUS WEED", TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR THE TERM "DIRECTOR", TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO DELETE THE TERM "SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "DIVISION OF REGULATORY AND PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY"; AND TO ESTABLISH THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE STATE CROP PEST COMMISSION AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE REGULATORY AND PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

MOTION TO VARY THE ORDER OF THE DAY FAILED

Senator MASSEY moved under Rule 32 to vary the order of the day in order to proceed to the Motion Period.

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

Ayes 21; Nays 21

AYES

Alexander                 Bennett                   Bright
Campsen                   Corbin                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Grooms                    Hayes                     Hembree
Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane             Massey
Peeler                    Rankin                    Shealy
Thurmond                  Turner                    Young

Total--21

NAYS

Bryant                    Campbell                  Cleary
Coleman                   Hutto                     Jackson
Johnson                   Kimpson                   Leatherman
Lourie                    Malloy                    McElveen
Nicholson                 O'Dell                    Pinckney
Reese                     Sabb                      Scott
Setzler                   Sheheen                   Williams

Total--21

The motion to vary the order of the day failed.

ADJOURNMENT

At 3:34 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

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This web page was last updated on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 9:54 A.M.