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

Wednesday, April 29, 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:

We're reminded in I Samuel that:

" '...the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart'. "     (I Samuel 16:7b)

Bow with me as we pray, please:

Holy God, how often it is that people today are judged in ways that stereotype or pigeonhole or otherwise unfairly characterize them. A part of the richness of South Carolina -- and frequently one of our true gifts -- is the diversity of our population, the incredible variety of people who are called "South Carolinians." We give You thanks for that diversity -- one that is even reflected in the marvelous variety of servants here in this Senate Chamber. We pray, O God, that You will guide each of these Senators and their aides as they rise above those differences which are petty and focus together on the things which truly matter. Enfold them in Your love as they likewise embrace one another while working for the good of all. In Your glorious name we pray this, Lord. Amen.

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

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

The following appointment was transmitted by the Honorable Nikki Randhawa Haley:

Local Appointment

Reappointment, Darlington County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2015, and to expire April 30, 2019
Joshua R. Edwards, 907 Cypress Court, Hartsville, SC 29550

Doctor of the Day

Senator BRIGHT introduced Dr. Brice Dille of Spartanburg, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator CAMPBELL, at 4:16 P.M., Senator VERDIN was granted a leave of absence until 4:45 P.M.

Leave of Absence

At 4:56 P.M., Senator GREGORY requested a leave of absence for Thursday, April 30, 2015 and Monday, May 4, 2015.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator CLEARY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator HUTTO rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 429 (Word version)     Sen. Allen
S. 720 (Word version)     Sen. Larry Martin
S. 40 (Word version)     Sen. Young

CO-SPONSORS REMOVED

The following co-sponsors were removed from the respective Bill:
S. 722 (Word version)     Sens. Bryant, Shane Martin

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 726 (Word version) -- Senators Cromer, Setzler, Shealy, Massey and Courson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 1, CHARTER OAK ROAD, AND PISGAH CHURCH ROAD IN LEXINGTON COUNTY "SERGEANT JOHN DAVID MEADOR II INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERSECTION THAT CONTAIN THIS DESIGNATION.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 727 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 57-5-1655 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTOR OR CONTRACTING FIRM SHALL NOT BE QUALIFIED TO PARTICIPATE IN DEPARTMENT CONTRACTS AS A PRIME CONTRACTOR OR SUBCONTRACTOR UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 728 (Word version) -- Senator Allen: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR GREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM MANAGER ADAM SHERIFF FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO HIS BELOVED TEAM AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR THROWING OUT THE FIRST PITCH OF THE GAME.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 729 (Word version) -- Senators McElveen and Johnson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND SUZANNE KOTY, ENGLISH TEACHER AT SUMTER HIGH SCHOOL, FOR HER COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION FOR THE CHILDREN OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO CONGRATULATE HER UPON BEING NAMED THE 2015-2016 SOUTH CAROLINA TEACHER OF THE YEAR.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 730 (Word version) -- Senators Cromer, Massey, Setzler, Courson and Shealy: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE INTERACTIVE DATA VISUALIZATION, INC., OF LEXINGTON, ON ITS DEVELOPMENT OF SPEEDTREE(r) SOFTWARE AND TO CONGRATULATE THE COMPANY ON RECEIVING A 2015 ACADEMY AWARD(r) FOR SPEEDTREE'S OUTSTANDING ENRICHMENT OF THE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

H. 3002 (Word version) -- Reps. Pitts, G. R. Smith and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 4 TO TITLE 2 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE, WHICH CONSISTS OF THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE, THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE SENATE, THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND THE MARSHAL OF THE SUPREME COURT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE FUNCTIONS, POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES EXERCISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE BUREAU OF PROTECTIVE SERVICES AT THE STATE HOUSE AND CAPITOL GROUNDS AND THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING, ITS GROUNDS AND PARKING LOT, INCLUDING ALL CLASSIFIED AND UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES WHOSE DUTIES INVOLVE THE PROVISION OF SECURITY SERVICES AT THESE AREAS, BUT EXCLUDING THOSE AREAS OF THE STATE HOUSE THAT ARE RESERVED FOR THE EXECUTIVE CHAMBER AND THE GOVERNOR'S STAFF, ARE DEVOLVED UPON AND TRANSFERRED TO THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE SENATE AND THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAVE EXCLUSIVE CARE AND CHARGE OVER SPECIFIC AREAS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE MARSHAL OF THE SUPREME COURT HAS PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OVER THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING, ITS GROUNDS AND PARKING LOT, AND OTHER SPECIFIED AREAS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE COMMITTEE, CONSISTING OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE SENATE, THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND THE MARSHAL OF THE SUPREME COURT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL SERVICES SHALL SERVE AS A NONVOTING MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES OF THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE COMMITTEE, TO PERMIT THE CHIEF OF THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE TO EMPLOY DEPUTY OFFICERS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES AS NECESSARY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHIEF OF THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE, THE SERGEANTS AT ARMS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE MARSHAL OF THE SUPREME COURT, AND ALL THEIR DEPUTIES HAVE THE SAME POLICE POWERS AS OFFICERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (SLED), TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHIEF OF THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE MAY ENTER INTO RECIPROCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGREEMENTS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHIEF OF THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE, AND HIS DEPUTIES SHALL DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OR UNDERGO TRAINING REQUIRED OF OFFICERS OF SLED, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES OF THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE OFFICERS; BY ADDING SECTION 14-3-135 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A MARSHAL OF THE SUPREME COURT AND TO DEFINE HIS DUTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 10-1-30, RELATING TO THE USE OF THE STATE HOUSE LOBBIES, STATE HOUSE STEPS, AND OTHER PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF THESE FACILITIES AND HOW THIS USE IS REGULATED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE SHALL PROVIDE SECURITY SERVICES FOR ALL USES OF THE STATE HOUSE LOBBIES, STATE HOUSE STEPS AND GROUNDS, AND ALL PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS IN THE CAPITOL COMPLEX; TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 10, RELATING TO TRESPASSES AND OFFENSES ON THE CAPITOL GROUNDS AND IN CAPITOL BUILDINGS, AND RELATED MATTERS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THESE TRESPASSES AND OFFENSES, FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OVER THEM, AND THE RELATED JURISDICTION OF SPECIFIED COURTS, INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PARKING LOTS ON THE CAPITOL GROUNDS AND AT THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING MUST BE POLICED BY THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE, TO DELETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO NIGHT WATCHMEN AND POLICEMEN EMPLOYED BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CAPITOL POLICE FORCE HAS THE RIGHT TO ISSUE PARKING TICKETS, TO DELETE REFERENCES TO THE CITY OF COLUMBIA RECORDER, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE JURISDICTION OF CERTAIN COURTS IN CRIMINAL MATTERS ARISING IN THESE LOCATIONS, TO DELETE REFERENCES TO THE STATE HOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT, AND TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "CAPITOL GROUNDS" SO AS TO INCLUDE THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING, ITS GROUNDS AND PARKING LOT.

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

H. 3025 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Yow, Hixon, Kennedy, Loftis, Huggins, Rivers, Hill, Gagnon, Stringer, Bedingfield, Burns, Hicks and Chumley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-215, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE CONDITIONS THAT ALLOW A HOLDER OF AN OUT-OF-STATE CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT TO CARRY A WEAPON IN THIS STATE.

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

H. 3083 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins, Kennedy, Clary, Corley, Weeks, Whipper and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA OVERDOSE PREVENTION ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 130 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PROFESSIONALS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS PROTECTION FROM CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY AND PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE FOR PRESCRIBING, DISPENSING, OR ADMINISTERING AN OPIOID ANTIDOTE TO INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF AN OPIOID OVERDOSE, TO REQUIRE PROVISION OF INSTRUCTIONAL INFORMATION TO NONHEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS ADMINISTERING OPIOID ANTIDOTES AND DOCUMENTATION OF RECEIPT OF THE INSTRUCTION, TO PROVIDE FOR FUNDING AND FOR GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT OPIOID OVERDOSE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS PROJECTS, TO CLARIFY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHAPTER DO NOT RELIEVE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS OF THEIR LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO RESPOND TO MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND CRIMINAL CONDUCT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

H. 3113 (Word version) -- Reps. Mitchell and Cobb-Hunter: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 31-7-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT COSTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE PROPERTY ASSEMBLY COSTS ALSO INCLUDE THE COST OF ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION.

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

H. 3147 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, Huggins, Weeks, Taylor, Pope, Collins, Johnson, Stavrinakis, Yow, Clemmons, Goldfinch, Murphy, J. E. Smith and Mitchell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TAXABLE INCOME OF INDIVIDUALS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX ACT, SO AS TO ALLOW THE DEDUCTION OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SERVICE ON ACTIVE DUTY IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT INCOME DEDUCTION, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS DEDUCTION TO THE MILITARY RETIREMENT DEDUCTION ALLOWED BY THIS ACT.

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

H. 3152 (Word version) -- Rep. G. R. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-415 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE LIMIT ON GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS FOR A FISCAL YEAR IS THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE GENERAL FUND REVENUE ESTIMATE AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 2015, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016, INCREASED ANNUALLY AND CUMULATIVELY BY A PERCENTAGE DETERMINED BY POPULATION INCREASES AND INCREASES IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, TO EXCLUDE FROM THIS LIMIT CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE LIMITATION TO BE SUSPENDED FOR A FISCAL YEAR FOR A SPECIFIC AMOUNT UPON A SPECIAL VOTE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND TO DEFINE THIS SPECIAL VOTE, TO ESTABLISH THE SPENDING LIMIT RESERVE FUND TO WHICH ALL SURPLUS GENERAL FUND REVENUES MUST BE CREDITED, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PRIORITY USES OF THE REVENUES OF THIS FUND, TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF FUND REVENUES AFTER THESE PRIORITIES ARE MET, TO REQUIRE THAT APPROPRIATION OF REVENUES OF THIS FUND MUST BE BY A JOINT RESOLUTION ORIGINATING IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS LIMIT FIRST APPLIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017.

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

H. 3154 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Smith, G. M. Smith, Cobb-Hunter, M. S. McLeod, Toole, Weeks, Whipper, Robinson-Simpson, Quinn and Bales: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 15, TITLE 7 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA UNIFORM MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS ACT", TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND PROVIDE REGISTRATION AND ABSENTEE VOTING ALTERNATIVES FOR CERTAIN MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS.

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

H. 3156 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Smith, Cobb-Hunter, Whipper, Weeks and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 15, TITLE 63 ENACTING THE "UNIFORM DEPLOYED PARENTS CUSTODY AND VISITATION ACT" SO AS TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF CUSTODIAL RESPONSIBILITY WHEN A PARENT IN THE UNIFORMED SERVICE IS BEING DEPLOYED; TO PROVIDE THAT A COURT MUST HAVE JURISDICTION PURSUANT TO THE UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT TO ISSUE AN ORDER UNDER THIS ARTICLE; TO REQUIRE PROMPT NOTICE OF DEPLOYMENT TO THE OTHER PARENT; TO PROVIDE THAT THE CUSTODIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A DEPLOYING PARENT MAY BE ASSIGNED FOR THE DURATION OF THE DEPLOYMENT BY A TEMPORARY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BY THE PARENTS OR WITH THE DEPLOYING PARENT'S CONSENT, BY A COURT ISSUING A TEMPORARY ORDER GRANTING CUSTODIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS OF AN AGREEMENT OR COURT ORDER; TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMINATION OF A TEMPORARY AGREEMENT OR A TEMPORARY ORDER; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ARTICLE SUPERSEDES THE FEDERAL ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN GLOBAL AND NATIONAL COMMERCE ACT, EXCEPT CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THAT ACT; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OF A TEMPORARY COURT ORDER CONCERNING CUSTODIAL RESPONSIBILITY DURING DEPLOYMENT ENTERED BEFORE THIS ARTICLE'S EFFECTIVE DATE.

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

H. 3215 (Word version) -- Reps. Govan, Robinson-Simpson and Willis: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO REFORM ALIMONY, TO PROVIDE FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE AND THE METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS, TO REQUIRE THE STUDY COMMITTEE TO PREPARE A REPORT WITH FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND TO INCLUDE A SUNSET PROVISION FOR THE STUDY COMMITTEE.

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

H. 3248 (Word version) -- Reps. Ryhal, Hardwick, Long, M. S. McLeod, Felder and Hardee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 28 TO TITLE 27 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE GOVERNANCE OF HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMINOLOGY, TO PROVIDE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS MUST REGISTER WITH THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION AND FILE COPIES OF ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS WITH THE CLERK OF COURT, REGISTER OF DEEDS, AND THE COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS OTHERWISE ALSO MUST MAKE ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND PROSPECTIVE BUYERS IN A CERTAIN MANNER, TO PROVIDE MECHANISMS FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF PROPERTY GOVERNED BY A HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION FROM THE DECLARANT TO AN ELECTED BOARD OF THE HOMEOWNERS, TO PROVIDE RELATED NOTICE REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS, TO PROVIDE HOMEOWNERS MAY INSPECT CERTAIN ASSOCIATION DOCUMENTS, TO PROVIDE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS MUST PROVIDE CERTAIN NOTICE FOR BOARD MEETINGS, TO PROVIDE THAT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS MAY NOT PLACE A LIEN AGAINST THE PROPERTY OF A HOMEOWNER OR OTHERWISE FINE OR ASSESS COSTS AGAINST A HOMEOWNER WITHOUT FIRST GIVING THE HOMEOWNER A HEARING BEFORE THE BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE HOMEOWNERS OR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS MAY SEEK FROM MAGISTRATES COURT EQUITABLE RELIEF TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PREVAILING PARTY IN SUCH AN ACTION MAY RECOVER REASONABLE ATTORNEY'S FEES AND RELATED COSTS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 40-57-63 SO AS TO IMPOSE RELATED POWERS AND DUTIES ON THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMINOLOGY.

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

H. 3259 (Word version) -- Rep. Stavrinakis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-34-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETAIL FACILITIES REVITALIZATION ACT, SO AS TO REDUCE THE MINIMUM SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIREMENT CONTAINED IN THE DEFINITION OF "ELIGIBLE SITE".

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

H. 3343 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins, Toole, Long, McCoy, Knight, R. L. Brown, Pope, Collins, Bingham, Stavrinakis, Yow and Erickson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-3-420, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO METHODS OF EUTHANASIA THAT MAY BE USED TO KILL ANIMALS IMPOUNDED OR QUARANTINED IN ANIMAL SHELTERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE USE OF BARBITURIC ACID DERIVATIVES, AND CARBON MONOXIDE GAS ARE NOT ALLOWABLE METHODS OF EUTHANASIA AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE USE OF SODIUM PENTOBARBITAL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES OR PROCEDURES THAT ARE HUMANE MAY BE USED TO PERFORM EUTHANASIA.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

H. 3548 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Smith, Yow and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-320, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO NOTIFICATION AND TRANSFER OF REPORTS OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE ALLEGED ABUSED OR NEGLECTED CHILD IS A MEMBER OF AN ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY FAMILY, THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES SHALL NOTIFY CERTAIN DESIGNATED MILITARY OFFICIALS AT THE INSTALLATION WHERE THE ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBER, WHO IS THE SPONSOR OF THE ALLEGED ABUSED OR NEGLECTED CHILD, IS ASSIGNED; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-920, RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS AND CASE DETERMINATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OR LAW ENFORCEMENT, OR BOTH, MAY COLLECT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE MILITARY AFFILIATION OF THE PERSON HAVING CUSTODY OR CONTROL OF THE CHILD SUBJECT TO AN INVESTIGATION AND MAY SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH THE APPROPRIATE MILITARY AUTHORITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-1990, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CONFIDENTIALITY AND RELEASE OF RECORDS AND INFORMATION, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO GRANT ACCESS TO THE RECORDS OF AN INDICATED CASE TO CERTAIN DESIGNATED MILITARY OFFICIALS AT THE INSTALLATION WHERE THE ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBER, WHO IS THE SPONSOR OF THE ALLEGED ABUSED OR NEGLECTED CHILD, IS ASSIGNED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 63-11-80, RELATING TO CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION WITHIN CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN OFFICER, AGENT OR EMPLOYEE OF THE DEPARTMENT OR A CHILD WELFARE AGENCY SHALL NOT DISCLOSE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, INFORMATION LEARNED ABOUT A CHILD, THE CHILD'S PARENTS OR RELATIVES, OR OTHER PERSONS HAVING CUSTODY OR CONTROL OF THE CHILD, EXCEPT IN CASES INVOLVING A CHILD IN THE CUSTODY OR CONTROL OF PERSONS WHO HAVE MILITARY AFFILIATION.

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

H. 3549 (Word version) -- Reps. Ott, Finlay, Johnson and Clemmons: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 137 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ISSUE "DELTA WATERFOWL" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

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

H. 3560 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse, Sottile, McCoy and Spires: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-25-460, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED NOTICE AND HEARINGS FOR DISMISSAL OF A TEACHER, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD MAY DESIGNATE A HEARING OFFICER TO CONDUCT A DISMISSAL HEARING AND ISSUE A REPORT WITH RECOMMENDATIONS, TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF A HEARING OFFICER, TO PROVIDE A HEARING MUST BE PRIVATE UNLESS THE TEACHER REQUESTS IN WRITING THAT THE HEARING BE PUBLIC, TO PROVIDE THAT A NOTICE OF DISMISSAL MUST BE GIVEN BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OR HIS DESIGNEE INSTEAD OF THE SCHOOL BOARD, TO SPECIFY USE OF A COURT REPORTER TO RECORD THE PROCEEDINGS, AND TO PROVIDE AN APPEALS PROCESS.

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

H. 3562 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Newton, Erickson and Bradley: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 10, TITLE 4 ENACTING THE "LOCAL OPTION SCHOOL OPERATING MILLAGE PROPERTY TAX CREDIT ACT" SO AS TO ALLOW A COUNTY GOVERNING BODY WITH REFERENDUM APPROVAL TO IMPOSE A ONE PERCENT SALES TAX THE REVENUE OF WHICH IS USED TO PROVIDE A CREDIT AGAINST PROPERTY TAX LEVIED IN THE COUNTY FOR SCHOOL OPERATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REFERENDUM, THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE REVENUE, THE CALCULATION AND APPLICATION OF THE CREDIT AND THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE MILLAGE INCREASE CAP TO REFLECT ANNUAL GROWTH IN THIS REVENUE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE TAX MAY BE RESCINDED BY REFERENDUM INITIATED BY A PETITION OF FIFTEEN PERCENT OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OR BY ORDINANCE IF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE COUNTY DETERMINES THAT CHANGES IN STATE LAW PROVIDING FOR THE FINANCING OF SCHOOL OPERATIONS MAKE THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF THE TAX IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCOMPLISH UNDER THE EXISTING LAW.

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

H. 3682 (Word version) -- Reps. Finlay, Bannister, Newton, Cole, Delleney, Weeks, Whipper, Robinson-Simpson and Bingham: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 4 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO ENACT THE "BAD FAITH ASSERTION OF PATENT INFRINGEMENT ACT", TO PROVIDE THAT BAD FAITH ASSERTIONS OF PATENT INFRINGEMENTS ARE PROHIBITED, TO DEFINE TERMS, TO PROVIDE FOR A PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION IN STATE COURTS BY A RECIPIENT OF A BAD FAITH ASSERTION TO PATENT INFRINGEMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS MAY BE BROUGHT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND WILFUL AND KNOWING VIOLATIONS MAY RESULT IN CIVIL PENALTIES OF NOT MORE THAN FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH VIOLATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE FACTORS THAT A COURT MAY CONSIDER WHEN MAKING A BAD FAITH DETERMINATION, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

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

H. 3710 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Norman, Taylor, Wells, Hamilton, Atwater, Brannon, Gagnon, Corley, Ballentine, Southard, Clemmons, Delleney, Gambrell, Huggins, Kennedy, Kirby, Loftis, D. C. Moss, Pitts, Riley, Rivers, Simrill, Toole and Bedingfield: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-225, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MULTIPLE LOT DISCOUNT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FIVE ADDITIONAL YEARS OF ELIGIBILITY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

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

H. 3725 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Smith, Quinn, Lowe, Jordan and W. J. McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-67-120, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA ABANDONED BUILDINGS REVITALIZATION ACT, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITION OF "STATE-OWNED ABANDONED BUILDINGS"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-67-140, RELATING TO THE ELIGIBILITY OF A TAXPAYER TO RECEIVE A TAX CREDIT FOR REHABILITATING AN ABANDONED BUILDING, SO AS TO PROVIDE IF A TAX CREDIT IS EARNED BY A TAXPAYER WHO REHABILITATES A STATE-OWNED ABANDONED BUILDING THE CREDIT MUST BE CLAIMED OVER A TWO-YEAR PERIOD AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR A TAXPAYER WHO SELLS A BUILDING SITE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3535, RELATING TO INCOME TAX CREDITS FOR MAKING QUALIFIED REHABILITATION EXPENDITURES FOR A CERTIFIED HISTORIC STRUCTURE, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL INCOME TAX CREDIT OPTION FOR TAXPAYERS, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WHEN A TAX CREDIT MAY BE TAKEN WHEN A TAXPAYER REHABILITATES A STATE-OWNED ABANDONED BUILDING, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR TAX CREDITS EARNED BY A PASS-THROUGH ENTITY; BY ADDING SECTION 12-67-160 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CERTIFICATION OF THE ABANDONED BUILDING SITE; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3586 SO AS TO ALLOW A TAX CREDIT TO A TAXPAYER WHO CONSTRUCTS, PURCHASES, OR LEASES A NONRESIDENTIAL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3587, RELATING TO THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR HEATING WATER, SPACE HEATING, AIR COOLING, OR GENERATING ELECTRICITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CREDIT IS ALLOWED WITHOUT REGARD TO WHETHER THE TAXPAYER OCCUPIES THE INSTALLATION SITE.

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

H. 3788 (Word version) -- Reps. Funderburk, Taylor, McKnight, Simrill, Burns, Gilliard, Corley, Douglas, Kirby, McCoy, Bales, Atwater, Alexander, McEachern, Jefferson, Spires, Anthony, G. A. Brown, Henegan, Anderson, Bernstein, Bingham, Clemmons, Clyburn, Goldfinch, Hardwick, Hixon, Hodges, Hosey, Limehouse, Long, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Norrell, Quinn, Ridgeway, Sandifer, Stringer, Toole, Weeks, Wells, G. M. Smith and Ballentine: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-28-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CERTAIN TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS REGARDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE EXPRESS WARRANTIES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS "MOTOR VEHICLE" AND A "NEW MOTOR VEHICLE".

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

H. 3799 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Simrill, Taylor, Loftis, Burns, Brannon, Spires, Yow, Clemmons, Riley, Corley, Collins, Clary, Hosey, Clyburn, King, Hicks, Knight, Bradley, Jefferson, Kirby, Huggins, Duckworth, Kennedy, Hamilton, Hardee, Johnson, Murphy, Felder, Alexander, Atwater, Ballentine, Bedingfield, Bowers, Cobb-Hunter, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, Hiott, Howard, Lowe, W. J. McLeod, V. S. Moss, Nanney, Norman, Ott, Pitts, Pope, Ridgeway, Ryhal, G. R. Smith, Tallon, Thayer, Toole, Weeks, Wells, White, Willis, Chumley and Rivers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-215, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CONCEALED WEAPON PERMITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SOUTH CAROLINA SHALL RECOGNIZE CONCEALED WEAPON PERMITS ISSUED BY GEORGIA AND NORTH CAROLINA UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

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

H. 3880 (Word version) -- Reps. Ott, Hixon, Pitts, Riley and Johnson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CERTAIN TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS THAT RELATE TO THE MIGRATORY WATERFOWL COMMITTEE, THE CREATION OF THE COMMITTEE, ITS MEMBERSHIP, AND RESPONSIBILITIES, SO AS TO INCREASE ITS MEMBERSHIP BY ONE WHO SHALL BE A DESIGNEE OF DELTA WATERFOWL OF SOUTH CAROLINA WHO IS NOT A PAID EMPLOYEE.

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

H. 3882 (Word version) -- Reps. Gambrell, Gagnon, Putnam and Thayer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-67-160, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OF SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PHYSICAL MUST BE A DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PHYSICAL THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CERTAIN FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS IN ADDITION TO EXISTING STATE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

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

H. 3910 (Word version) -- Reps. Duckworth, Hardee, Hixon, Hiott, Loftis, Collins, Johnson, H. A. Crawford, Hardwick, Goldfinch, Burns, Clemmons, Gagnon, Lowe and Ryhal: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-39-170, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TIDELANDS AND WETLANDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A THREE-YEAR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON ENFORCEMENT VIOLATIONS RELATING TO MINOR DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS WHEN THE ALLEGED VIOLATOR KNOWINGLY OR INTENTIONALLY WITHHELD INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED VIOLATION.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

H. 3911 (Word version) -- Reps. Willis and Allison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1230, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE, CONTENT, AND PRODUCTION COSTS OF MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO REVISE THE INTERVAL IN WHICH THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MUST REISSUE A LICENSE PLATE FROM SIX YEARS TO TEN YEARS.

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

H. 3917 (Word version) -- Reps. Atwater, Long, Horne and Erickson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-10, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "COMPANION ANIMAL"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 47-1-45 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE TATTOOING OR PIERCING OF A COMPANION ANIMAL EXCEPT FOR SPECIFIED REASONS AND TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR A VIOLATION WHICH IS A MISDEMEANOR.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

H. 3927 (Word version) -- Reps. Willis and Allison: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 137 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ISSUE SPECIAL PERSONALIZED MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-2250, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SAMPLE LICENSE PLATES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROVIDES THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISPLAY A SAMPLE LICENSE PLATE ON A MOTOR VEHICLE AND THE PENALTY ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CRIME, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY RETAIN THE FEE THAT IS CHARGED FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THIS LICENSE PLATE, TO PROVIDE THAT THIS DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE SOUVENIR LICENSE PLATES FOR ANY SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONAL LICENSE PLATE THAT IT PRODUCES, AND PERSONALIZED SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONAL SOUVENIR LICENSE PLATES FOR A FEE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE FEES, TO PROVIDE THAT THESE LICENSE PLATES MAY BE DISPLAYED ONLY ON THE FRONT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS PROVISION.

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

H. 3979 (Word version) -- Reps. Tallon, Bannister, Clary, Quinn, Loftis, Mitchell, Sottile, Collins, Burns, M. S. McLeod, Kennedy, Yow, Hamilton, Duckworth, Johnson, Corley, King, Kirby, McEachern, Brannon, Horne, Southard, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Bamberg, Bernstein, Bingham, Bradley, Chumley, Cole, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Hardee, Hardwick, Hart, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hicks, Hill, Hixon, Howard, Huggins, Limehouse, Long, Lowe, Lucas, McCoy, Merrill, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Nanney, Newton, Norman, Norrell, Ott, Pope, Putnam, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sandifer, Simrill, G. R. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Taylor, Thayer, Tinkler, Toole, Weeks, Wells, White, Whitmire, Willis, G. M. Smith, Pitts, Robinson-Simpson and Ballentine: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 2-19-10, 2-19-20, 2-19-35, 2-19-70, 2-19-80, AND 2-19-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO CHANGE THE COMMISSION'S PROCESS FOR NOMINATING JUDICIAL CANDIDATES FROM THE NOMINATION OF THREE QUALIFIED CANDIDATES TO THE RELEASE OF A LIST OF ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

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

H. 4008 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION LOCATED AT THE JUNCTURE OF CALHOUN STREET AND MCARTHUR AVENUE IN THE TOWN OF DILLON "MAJOR BETHEA INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERSECTION THAT CONTAIN THIS DESIGNATION.

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

H. 4023 (Word version) -- Rep. Bales: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ERECT SIGNS THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "QUAIL POINTE COMMUNITY" ON THE CORNER OF STARLING GOODSON ROAD AND BITTERNUT DRIVE, AND AT THE INTERSECTION OF GOODSON ROAD AND GOOSE BRANCH, BOTH IN LOWER RICHLAND COUNTY.

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

H. 4052 (Word version) -- Reps. Hardwick, H. A. Crawford, Clemmons and Duckworth: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE WAIVER OF ONE DAY THAT SCHOOLS IN HORRY COUNTY CLOSED IN THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR 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. 4055 (Word version) -- Reps. Cole and Mitchell: A BILL TO REAPPORTION THE SPECIFIC ELECTION DISTRICTS FROM WHICH MEMBERS OF THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 7 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MUST BE ELECTED BEGINNING WITH THE 2015 SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTIONS, TO DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE ELECTION DISTRICTS ARE DELINEATED, AND TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE REAPPORTIONED ELECTION DISTRICTS.

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

H. 4059 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins, 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, 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 RECOGNIZE THE FORMATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SACRAL AGENESIS CAUDAL REGRESSION ASSOCIATION AND TO PROCLAIM MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2015, AS "SACRAL AGENISIS CAUDAL REGRESSION SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

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

H. 4061 (Word version) -- Reps. D. C. Moss, Horne, 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, Hosey, Howard, 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, 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 CELEBRATE THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA FISHING TEAM FOR ITS EXCEPTIONAL ANGLING SKILL AND TO CONGRATULATE TEAM MEMBERS PATRICK WALTERS AND GETTYS BRANNON ON WINNING THE 2015 FISHING LEAGUE WORLDWIDE COLLEGE FISHING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

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

H. 4073 (Word version) -- Reps. Tallon, Allison, Brannon, Chumley, Cole, Forrester, Hicks and Mitchell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPSTATE BASKETBALL PLAYER TY GREENE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BEING NAMED 2015 LOU HENSON NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND 2015 ATLANTIC SUN CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

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

H. 4074 (Word version) -- Reps. Allison, Alexander, 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, 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 RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTORS GENERAL OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY UPON THEIR ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY.

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

H. 4075 (Word version) -- Reps. Finlay, 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, 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, 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 CONGRATULATE CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL AND ITS DEDICATED STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE ANNUAL DANCE MARATHON THAT RAISED OVER FIFTY-FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS TO BENEFIT PALMETTO HEALTH CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.

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

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

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

S. 18 (Word version) -- Senator Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HOMEOWNERS' PROTECTION ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 55 TO TITLE 27, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF THE CHAPTER AND EXEMPTIONS, TO PROVIDE RIGHTS OF PROPERTY OWNERS CONCERNING HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE OBLIGATIONS OF HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATIONS AND RELATED RESTRICTIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 27-50-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY CONDITION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE STATEMENT INCLUDES INFORMATION ABOUT ANY REQUIREMENT OF A PURCHASER TO BECOME A MEMBER OF ONE OR MORE ASSOCIATIONS, RELATED MANDATORY FEES AND ASSESSMENTS, THE MANNER IN WHICH THESE FEES AND ASSESSMENTS MAY BE CHANGED, AND THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILING TO PAY THESE FEES AND ASSESSMENTS, AND TO REQUIRE THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION BIENNIALLY TO REVIEW AND REVISE THESE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 165 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Turner, Bennett and Massey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-600 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO HEARINGS AND PROCEEDINGS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, TO PROVIDE THAT A REQUEST FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING FOR AN AGENCY ORDER STAYS THE ORDER FOR THIRTY DAYS, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT MATTERS NOT AFFECTED BY THE REQUEST MAY NOT BE STAYED BY THE FILING OF THE REQUEST, AND TO DELETE THE PROVISIONS THAT A REQUEST FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING FOR AN ORDER TO REVOKE OR SUSPEND A LICENSE STAYS THE REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION, AND FOR A DECISION TO RENEW A LICENSE FOR AN ONGOING ACTIVITY STAYS THE RENEWED LICENSE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT AFTER A CONTESTED CASE IS INITIATED BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, A PARTY MAY MOVE BEFORE THE PRESIDING ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT THE COURT SHALL LIFT THE STAY FOR GOOD CAUSE SHOWN OR IF NO IRREPARABLE HARM WILL OCCUR, THEN THE STAY SHALL BE LIFTED, AND TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A HEARING MUST BE HELD WITHIN THIRTY DAYS TO LIFT THE AUTOMATIC STAY OR FOR A DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICABILITY OF THE AUTOMATIC STAY, AND TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE JUDGE MUST ISSUE AN ORDER NO LATER THAN FIFTEEN BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE HEARING IS CONCLUDED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ANY INJUNCTION ORDERED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT SHALL REQUIRE THE POSTING OF A BOND OR OTHER SECURITY SUFFICIENT FOR THE COST AND EXPENSE OF THE LITIGATION AND PROJECT DELAY AS DEMONSTRATED BY AN AFFIDAVIT MADE ON A GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE OF SUCH COST AND EXPENSE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 429 (Word version) -- Senators Thurmond, Rankin, Malloy, McElveen, Shealy, Davis, Hembree, Johnson, Coleman, Setzler, Kimpson, Sheheen, Cromer, Campsen and Allen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-1-160, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS OF "INJURY" AND "PERSONAL INJURY" IN WORKERS' COMPENSATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION OF "FIRST RESPONDER" AND TO MODIFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH AN EMPLOYEE SEEKING WORKERS' COMPENSATION FOR PERSONAL INJURY CAUSED BY STRESS, MENTAL INJURY, OR MENTAL ILLNESS, AND TO ADD MENTAL ILLNESS TO RELATED CONDITIONS THAT MAY BE COMPENSABLE IF RESULTING FROM A SIGNIFICANT TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 490 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-280 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY REVIEW COMMITTEE, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS THE DUTY OF THE COMMITTEE TO REQUEST FROM AN AGENCY PROMULGATING A REGULATION BEING REVIEWED BY THE COMMITTEE A RESPONSE TO THE COMMITTEE'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO THE REGULATION AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE AGENCY MUST RESPOND TO THE REQUEST WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMITTEE SHALL HAVE THE ABILITY TO REQUEST INFORMATION AND A REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS ON A PROPOSED REGULATION AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING DATE OR A REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS ON AN EXISTING REGULATION, AND THE ABILITY TO PETITION THE STATE AGENCY OR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, OR BOTH, TO AMEND, REVISE, OR REVOKE A REGULATION IF THE COMMITTEE DETERMINES THERE WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS' TERMS TO ACHIEVE STAGGERED TERMS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN APPOINTED COMMITTEE MEMBER SHALL NOT SERVE CONSECUTIVELY FOR MORE THAN SIX YEARS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 679 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Rankin, Coleman and Johnson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CREATE A "STUDY COMMITTEE ON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS" TO REVIEW LAWS, POLICIES, PRACTICES, AND PROCEDURES FROM THIS STATE AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS REGARDING HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS, AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR SOUTH CAROLINA'S STATUTORY LAW.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 3168 (Word version) -- Reps. Tallon, McCoy and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO CHAPTER 9, TITLE 25 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT", TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND PROVIDE QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS, DUTIES, AND LIMITATIONS OF SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SERVING PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a majority favorable with amendment and Senators BRYANT and DAVIS a minority unfavorable report on:

H. 3579 (Word version) -- Reps. Simrill, White, Lucas, Allison, Henderson, Limehouse, Newton, Ott, Clary, Collins, Delleney, Forrester, Gambrell, Hardwick, Hiott, Horne, Merrill, D.C. Moss, V.S. Moss, Murphy, Pitts, Sandifer, G.M. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Wells, Whitmire, Yow, Jefferson, Erickson, Funderburk, Hosey, Hixon, Clyburn, Knight, Herbkersman, H.A. Crawford, Felder, Willis, McCoy, Bradley, Douglas, Norrell, Long, Bales, Daning, Loftis, Tallon, Anthony, Howard, Gagnon, Riley, Williams, Hayes, G.A. Brown, R.L. Brown, Hart, Weeks, Whipper, Pope, Tinkler, Hicks, Brannon, Corley, Clemmons, Johnson, George, Alexander, Anderson and Duckworth: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE REFORM AND TAX RELIEF ACT"; TO AMEND SECTIONS 57-1-310, 57-1-320, 57-1-325, AND 57-1-330, ALL AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL THE COMMISSIONERS MUST BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR, TO PROVIDE THAT APPOINTEES MUST BE SCREENED BY THE JOINT TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON MAY SERVE AS A COMMISSIONER FOR MORE THAN TWELVE YEARS AND NO COUNTY MAY HAVE A RESIDENT COMMISSIONER FOR MORE THAN TWELVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS; TO AMEND SECTION 57-1-410, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, INSTEAD OF THE GOVERNOR, SHALL APPOINT THE SECRETARY; TO AMEND SECTIONS 57-1-730 AND 57-1-740, AS AMENDED, RELATING RESPECTIVELY TO THE DUTIES OF THE JOINT TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE, BOTH SO AS TO REQUIRE THE COMMITTEE TO SCREEN APPOINTEES TO THE COMMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN A SIMILAR MANNER AS CURRENTLY ELECTED COMMISSIONERS ARE SCREENED; BY ADDING SECTION 57-1-95 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE COMMENCEMENT OF ANY NEW ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THIS STATE UNTIL JULY 1, 2020, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-43-140, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK, SO AS TO INCREASE THE BOARD TO THIRTEEN MEMBERS AND TO SET FORTH THE MEMBERSHIP, AND TO PROVIDE THAT NO MEMBER MAY SERVE MORE THAN TWELVE YEARS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-43-180, RELATING TO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY THE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE BANK FROM PROVIDING ANY LOANS OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ANY PROJECT UNLESS THE ELIGIBLE COSTS OF THE PROJECT ARE AT LEAST TWENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS; BY ADDING SECTION 11-43-265 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK TO PRIORITIZE ALL PROJECTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRIORITIZATION CRITERIA ESTABLISHED IN ACT 114 OF 2007, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION; BY ADDING SECTION 57-1-100 SO AS TO SET FORTH THE OPTIONAL PROCESS BY WHICH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSFERS CERTAIN STATE ROADS TO THE COUNTIES OF THIS STATE, TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT DISTRIBUTED TO THE PARTICIPATING COUNTIES OVER TIME, TO PROVIDE THAT EACH PARTICIPATING COUNTY MUST RECEIVE ONE MILLION DOLLARS BEFORE THE FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED BASED ON A FORMULA, TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2740, RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE GASOLINE USER FEE TO THE COUNTIES OF THIS STATE, TO ABOLISH THE CURRENT COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEES AND THEN RECONSTITUTE THEM WITH THE ADDITION OF MUNICIPAL REPRESENTATION, AND TO SPECIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH "C" FUNDS MUST BE EXPENDED; TO AMEND SECTIONS 56-5-4210 AND 56-5-4220, BOTH RELATING TO ROAD RESTRICTIONS, SO AS TO SPECIFY CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON LOCALITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-310, RELATING TO THE USER FEE ON GASOLINE, SO AS TO REDUCE THE FEE TO TEN CENTS A GALLON; TO AMEND SECTION 56-11-410, RELATING TO THE ROAD TAX, SO AS TO REDUCE THE TAX TO TEN CENTS A GALLON; TO AMEND SECTION 56-11-450, RELATING TO THE CREDIT AGAINST ROAD TAX, SO AS TO REDUCE THE CREDIT TO TEN CENTS A GALLON; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2110, RELATING TO THE MAXIMUM TAX, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM TAX FROM THREE HUNDRED TO FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ON THE SALE OR LEASE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2647, RELATING TO THE TAX REVENUES COLLECTED FROM THE SALE OR LEASE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, SO AS TO CREDIT ALL THE REVENUES TO THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN AMOUNTS THAT ARE USED FOR THE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ACT; BY ADDING ARTICLE 4 TO CHAPTER 28, TITLE 12 SO AS TO IMPOSE AN EXCISE TAX ON THE WHOLESALE PRICE OF MOTOR FUEL EQUAL TO THE CUMULATIVE STATE SALES TAX RATE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVENUE MUST BE CREDITED TO THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND, TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXCISE TAX MAY NOT EXCEED THE EQUIVALENT OF SIXTEEN CENTS A GALLON, AND TO PROVIDE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE EXCISE TAX IS CALCULATED AND ADMINISTERED; BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 11, TITLE 57 SO AS TO IMPOSE AN EXCISE TAX ON MOTOR CARRIERS IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE EXCISE TAX ON MOTOR FUEL; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-510, RELATING TO TAX RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS, ESTATES, AND TRUSTS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE TAX BRACKETS FOR EACH TAX RATE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-520, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT OF INCOME TAX BRACKETS, SO AS PROVIDE THE BRACKETS SHALL NOT BE ADJUSTED IN TAX YEARS 2016 AND 2017.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 3701 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2015, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., April 29, 2015

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has returned the following Bill to the Senate with amendments:

S. 11 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin, Malloy, Peeler, Courson, Campsen, Johnson, Hembree, Setzler, Coleman, Alexander, Scott and Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-80, SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS, 1976, RELATING TO THE NOTICE OF MEETINGS FOR PUBLIC BODIES, TO REQUIRE THAT A PUBLIC BODY MUST PROVIDE AN AGENDA FOR ALL REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND THAT ITEMS SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO THAT AGENDA LATER THAN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS BEFORE THE MEETING, EXCEPT BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE BODY.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., April 28, 2015

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it insists upon the amendments proposed by the House to:

H. 3663 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham and Mitchell: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REMOVE THE CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY AND DEVOLVE THE BOARD'S POWERS UPON THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND DIRECT THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO REMOVE THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY AND EMPLOY AN INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WHO SHALL SERVE AT-WILL AT THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD TO AID IN DIRECTING THE UNIVERSITY IN A NEW DIRECTION WITH AN EMPHASIS ON ADDRESSING AND CORRECTING THE ONGOING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES OF THE UNIVERSITY IN ORDER TO KEEP THE UNIVERSITY FUNCTIONAL AND MAINTAIN ITS ACCREDITATION.
asks for a Committee of Conference, and has appointed Reps. Merrill, Cobb-Hunter and Bingham to the committee on the part of the House.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators HAYES, JACKSON and HUTTO were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 690 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander and Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF MAY 2015 AS "MENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RAISE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE NEED FOR APPROPRIATE AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES FOR ALL PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

S. 722 (Word version) -- Senators Scott, Sabb, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Bright, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fair, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kimpson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McElveen, Nicholson, O'Dell, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Thurmond, Turner, Verdin, Williams and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO WELCOME HIGHLY ACCLAIMED ACTOR AND ACTIVIST DANNY GLOVER TO THE PALMETTO STATE AND TO EXPRESS PROFOUND APPRECIATION FOR HIS ADDRESS AT THE 2015 COMMENCEMENT OF VOORHEES COLLEGE.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

S. 723 (Word version) -- Senators Scott, Jackson, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fair, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Johnson, Kimpson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McElveen, Nicholson, O'Dell, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Sabb, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Thurmond, Turner, Verdin, Williams and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONVEY THE DEEPEST SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE DEATH OF WILLIAM L. BONNER OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, CHIEF APOSTLE OF THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OF THE APOSTOLIC FAITH, AND TO OFFER THEIR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate agreed that, when the Senate adjourns Friday, May 1, 2015, it stand adjourned to meet on Monday, May 4, 2015, at 1:30 P.M.

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

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT AMENDED AND ADOPTED
AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME
SENT TO THE HOUSE

S. 47 (Word version) -- Senators Malloy, Kimpson, Johnson, Pinckney, Thurmond, Setzler, Grooms, Lourie, McElveen, Allen, Shealy, Coleman, Campsen, Scott and Nicholson: 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.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator MALLOY proposed the following amendment (JUD0047.007), which was adopted:

Amend the committee report, as and if amended, page [47-1], by striking lines 40-42, and page [47-2], by striking lines 1-8, and inserting:

/     (C)   The Law Enforcement Training Council shall develop guidelines for the use of body-worn cameras by State and local law enforcement agencies within one hundred and eighty days of the effective date of this act. The guidelines must include, but are not limited to, specifying which law enforcement officers must wear body-worn cameras, when body-worn cameras must be worn and activated, restrictions on the use of body-worn cameras, the retention and release of data recorded by body-worn cameras, and access to the data recorded by body-worn cameras by prosecutors' offices. The Law Enforcement Training Council shall provide the guidelines to State and local law enforcement agencies. The General Assembly may terminate all or part of the guidelines by concurrent resolution.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MALLOY explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0047.003), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/     SECTION   1.   Chapter 1, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-1-240.   (A)   For purposes of this section:

(1)   'Body-worn camera' means an electronic device worn on a person's body that records both audio and video data.

(2)   'Private place' means a place where a person may reasonably expect to be safe from casual or hostile intrusion or surveillance, but does not include a place to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access.

(B)   State and local law enforcement agencies shall implement the use of body-worn cameras pursuant to guidelines established by the Law Enforcement Training Council.

(C)   The Law Enforcement Training Council shall develop guidelines for the use of body-worn cameras by state and local law enforcement agencies within one hundred eighty days of the effective date of this act. The guidelines must include, but are not limited to, specifying which law enforcement officers must wear body-worn cameras, when body-worn cameras must be worn and activated, restrictions on the use of body-worn cameras, the retention and release of data recorded by body-worn cameras, and access to the data recorded by body-worn cameras by solicitors' offices. The Law Enforcement Training Council shall provide the guidelines to state and local law enforcement agencies.

(D)   State and local law enforcement agencies shall develop policies and procedures for the use of body-worn cameras pursuant to the guidelines established by the Law Enforcement Training Council. The agencies shall submit the policies and procedures to the Law Enforcement Training Council within two hundred seventy days of the effective date of this act. The Law Enforcement Training Council shall review and approve or disapprove of the policies and procedures. If the Law Enforcement Training Council disapproves of the policies and procedures, the law enforcement agency shall modify and resubmit the policies and procedures.

(E)(1)   A 'Body-Worn Cameras Fund' is established within the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of assisting state and local law enforcement agencies, the Attorney General's office, solicitors' offices, and public defenders' offices in implementing the provisions of this section, including, but not limited to, the initial purchase, maintenance, and replacement of body-worn cameras and ongoing costs related to the maintenance and storage of data recorded by body-worn cameras. The Public Safety Coordinating Council shall oversee the fund, and shall, within one hundred eighty days of the effective date of this act, establish a process for the application for and disbursement of monies to State and local law enforcement agencies, the Attorney General's office, solicitors' offices, and public defenders' offices. The Public Safety Coordinating Council shall disburse the funds in a fair and equitable manner, taking into consideration priorities in funding.

(2)   Upon approval of a state or local law enforcement agency's policies and procedures by the Law Enforcement Training Council, the agency may apply to the Public Safety Coordinating Council for funding to implement the agency's use of body-worn cameras pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, the initial purchase, maintenance, and replacement of body-worn cameras and ongoing costs related to the maintenance and storage of data recorded by body-worn cameras. A state or local law enforcement agency is not required to implement the use of body-worn cameras pursuant to this section until the agency has received full funding.

(F)   Nothing in this section prohibits a state or local law enforcement agency's use of body-worn cameras pursuant to the agency's existing policies and procedures and funding while the agency is awaiting receipt of the Law Enforcement Training Council's guidelines, approval of the agency's policies and procedures by the Law Enforcement Training Council, and funding from the Public Safety Coordinating Council. Such an agency is eligible to apply to the Public Safety Coordinating Council for reimbursement, including, but not limited to, the initial purchase, maintenance, and replacement of body-worn cameras and ongoing costs related to maintenance and storage of data recorded by body-worn cameras.

(G)(1)   Data recorded by a body-worn camera in a public place is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

(2)(a)   Except as provided in item (b), data recorded by a body-worn camera in a private place is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

(b)   The following persons may, under the Freedom of Information Act, request data recorded by a body-worn camera in a private place, if the recording is relevant to the criminal prosecution of the person or a civil action brought by the person:

(i)   a person who is the subject of the recording;

(ii)   a person whose property has been seized or damaged in relation to, or is otherwise involved with, a crime to which the recording is related;

(iii)   a parent or legal guardian of a minor or incapacitated person described in item (i) or (ii); and

(iv)   an attorney for a person described in item (i) or (ii).

(c)   Data recorded by a body-worn camera that is retained by a law enforcement agency in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation or internal investigation is not a public record and is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act."

SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator HEMBREE proposed the following amendment (JUD0047.005), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/     SECTION   1.   Chapter 1, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-1-240.   (A)   For purposes of this section:

(1)   'Body-worn camera' means an electronic device worn on a person's body that records both audio and video data.

(2)   'Private place' means a place where a person may reasonably expect to be safe from casual or hostile intrusion or audio or video surveillance.

(B)   State and local law enforcement agencies shall implement the use of body-worn cameras pursuant to guidelines established by the Law Enforcement Training Council.

(C)   The Law Enforcement Training Council shall develop guidelines for the use of body-worn cameras by state and local law enforcement agencies within one hundred eighty days of the effective date of this act. The guidelines must include, but are not limited to, specifying which law enforcement officers must wear body-worn cameras, when body-worn cameras must be worn and activated, restrictions on the use of body-worn cameras, the retention and release of data recorded by body-worn cameras, and access to the data recorded by body-worn cameras by prosecutors' offices. The Law Enforcement Training Council shall provide the guidelines to state and local law enforcement agencies.

(D)   State and local law enforcement agencies shall develop policies and procedures for the use of body-worn cameras pursuant to the guidelines established by the Law Enforcement Training Council. The agencies shall submit the policies and procedures to the Law Enforcement Training Council within two hundred seventy days of the effective date of this act. The Law Enforcement Training Council shall review and approve or disapprove of the policies and procedures. If the Law Enforcement Training Council disapproves of the policies and procedures, the law enforcement agency shall modify and resubmit the policies and procedures.

(E)(1)   A 'Body-Worn Cameras Fund' is established within the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of assisting state and local law enforcement agencies, the Attorney General's office, solicitors' offices, and public defenders' offices in implementing the provisions of this section, including, but not limited to, the initial purchase, maintenance, and replacement of body-worn cameras and ongoing costs related to the maintenance and storage of data recorded by body-worn cameras. The Public Safety Coordinating Council shall oversee the fund, and shall, within one hundred eighty days of the effective date of this act, establish a process for the application for and disbursement of monies to state and local law enforcement agencies, the Attorney General's office, solicitors' offices, and public defenders' offices. The Public Safety Coordinating Council shall disburse the funds in a fair and equitable manner, taking into consideration priorities in funding.

(2)   Upon approval of a state or local law enforcement agency's policies and procedures by the Law Enforcement Training Council, the agency may apply to the Public Safety Coordinating Council for funding to implement the agency's use of body-worn cameras pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, the initial purchase, maintenance, and replacement of body-worn cameras and ongoing costs related to the maintenance and storage of data recorded by body-worn cameras. A state or local law enforcement agency is not required to implement the use of body-worn cameras pursuant to this section until the agency has received full funding.

(F)   Nothing in this section prohibits a state or local law enforcement agency's use of body-worn cameras pursuant to the agency's existing policies and procedures and funding while the agency is awaiting receipt of the Law Enforcement Training Council's guidelines, approval of the agency's policies and procedures by the Law Enforcement Training Council, and funding from the Public Safety Coordinating Council. Such an agency is eligible to apply to the Public Safety Coordinating Council for reimbursement, including, but not limited to, the initial purchase, maintenance, and replacement of body-worn cameras and ongoing costs related to maintenance and storage of data recorded by body-worn cameras.

(G)(1)   Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a law enforcement agency or prosecutor shall not release data recorded by a body-worn camera in a private place.

(2)   A law enforcement agency or prosecutor shall release data recorded by a body-worn camera in a private place pursuant to the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, the South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure, or a court order.

(3)   A law enforcement agency or prosecutor shall release data recorded by a body-worn camera in a private place pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act if a request is made to release the data pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act by:

(a)   a person who is the subject of the recording and the person has not been charged with a criminal offense related to the recording;

(b)   a person who is the victim of a criminal act related to the recording;

(c)   a person who has brought or is contemplating bringing a civil action with standing to bring such an action and the recording is relevant;

(d)   a parent or legal guardian of a minor or incapacitated person described in item (a), (b), or (c); or

(e)   an attorney for a person described in item (a), (b), or (c).

(4)   A law enforcement agency or prosecutor shall release data recorded by a body-worn camera in a private place pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act if a request is made to release the data pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and the following conditions are all met:

(a)   the data is retained by the law enforcement agency or prosecutor in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation, internal investigation, or prosecution;

(b)   the recorded interaction involved the unlawful use of force by a law enforcement officer or resulted in a formal complaint for unlawful conduct by a law enforcement officer; and

(c)   the heightened public interest requires disclosure of the data.

(5)   A law enforcement agency or prosecutor may release data recorded by a body-worn camera in a private place if the recorded interaction involved the use of force by a law enforcement officer or resulted in a formal complaint against a law enforcement officer.

(6)   Nothing in this subsection is intended to abrogate any constitutional or statutory exemption, restriction, or prohibition concerning the release of otherwise protected information."

SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator BRIGHT proposed the following amendment (47R001.EB.LB), which was withdrawn:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking item (C) in its entirety and inserting:

/     (C)   The Law Enforcement Training Council shall develop guidelines for the use of body-worn cameras by state and local law enforcement agencies within one hundred eighty days of the effective date of this act. The guidelines must include, but are not limited to, specifying which law enforcement officers must wear body-worn cameras, when body-worn cameras must be worn and activated, restrictions on the use of body-worn cameras, the retention and release of data recorded by body-worn cameras, and access to the data recorded by body-worn cameras by solicitors' offices. The Law Enforcement Training Council shall provide the guidelines to state and local law enforcement agencies. The Law Enforcement Training Council shall provide its proposed guidelines to the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee and the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and the guidelines must receive approval from the General Assembly by concurrent resolution before the Law Enforcement Training Council can implement the guidelines.       /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator BRIGHT explained the amendment.

On motion of Senator BRIGHT, the amendment was withdrawn.

Senators MASSEY, SETZLER, HEMBREE, MALLOY and BRIGHT proposed the following amendment (47R003.EB.ASM), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking item (G) and inserting:

/     (G)(1)   Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a law enforcement agency or prosecutor shall not release data recorded by a body-worn camera.

(2)   A law enforcement agency or prosecutor shall release data recorded by a body-worn camera pursuant to the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, the South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure, or a court order.

(3)   A law enforcement agency or prosecutor shall release data recorded by a body-worn camera pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act if a request is made to release the data pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act by:

(a)   a person who is the subject of the recording and the person has not been charged with a criminal offense related to the recording;

(b)   a person who is the victim of a criminal act related to the recording;

(c)   a person who has brought or is contemplating bringing a civil action with standing to bring such an action and the recording is relevant;

(d)   a parent or legal guardian of a minor or incapacitated person described in item (a), (b), or (c); or

(e)   an attorney for a person described in item (a), (b), or (c).

(4)   A law enforcement agency or prosecutor shall release data recorded by a body-worn camera pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act if a request is made to release the data pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and the following conditions are all met:

(a)   the data is retained by the law enforcement agency or prosecutor in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation, internal investigation, or prosecution;

(b)   the recorded interaction involved the unlawful use of force by a law enforcement officer or resulted in a formal complaint for unlawful conduct by a law enforcement officer; and

(c)   the heightened public interest requires disclosure of the data.

(5)   A law enforcement agency or prosecutor may release data recorded by a body-worn camera if the recorded interaction involved the use of force by a law enforcement officer or resulted in a formal complaint against a law enforcement officer.

(6)   Nothing in this subsection is intended to abrogate any constitutional or statutory exemption, restriction, or prohibition concerning the release of otherwise protected information.   /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking item (A) and inserting:

/     (A)   For purposes of this section 'body-worn camera' means an electronic device worn on a person's body that records both audio and video data.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MASSEY explained the amendment.

Senator MALLOY spoke on the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator JACKSON proposed the following amendment (47DJ2), which was ruled out of order:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered new SECTION to read:

/       Section________.   Nothing in Section 16-5-50 prohibits a person from photographing or recording a law enforcement officer while being temporarily detained. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Point of Order

Senator HEMBREE raised a Point of Order under Rule 24A that the amendment was out of order inasmuch as it was not germane to the Bill.

The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

The amendment was ruled out of order.

The question then was the third reading of the Bill, as amended.

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

Ayes 41; Nays 3

AYES

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

Total--41

NAYS

Bright                    Corbin                    Martin, Shane

Total--3

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House.

READ THE THIRD TIME
SENT TO THE HOUSE

The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S. 268 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-1630, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF STATE GRAND JURIES, TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-1650, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL REGARDING THE STATE GRAND JURY SYSTEM, TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-1660, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SELECTION OF GRAND JURORS, TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-1690, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE GRAND JURY'S AREAS OF INQUIRY AND RELATED PROCEDURES, TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-1720, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SECRECY OF GRAND JURY PROCEEDINGS, AND TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-1730, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF PRESIDING JUDGES OF STATE GRAND JURIES, ALL SO AS TO REVISE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE STATE GRAND JURY SYSTEM RELATING TO NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES WHEN A STATE GRAND JURY IS IMPANELED, COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE PRESIDING JUDGE AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INCLUDING APPELLATE REVIEW OF A JUDGE'S REFUSAL TO IMPANEL A STATE GRAND JURY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE WHEN A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ARISES INVOLVING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RELATED TO THE GRAND JURY PROCESS, TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES RELATED TO SECRECY OF CERTAIN GRAND JURY PROCEEDINGS, AND TO MAKE OTHER NECESSARY TECHNICAL CHANGES.

S. 588 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Setzler and Massey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN AIKEN COUNTY, SO AS TO ADD FIVE PRECINCTS, AND TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE NAMES OF THESE PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND AND MAINTAINED BY THE REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE.

S. 666 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-39-70, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MATTERS THAT MAY BE INCLUDED IN PREMIUM SERVICE AGREEMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THESE AGREEMENTS ALSO MAY INCLUDE INTEREST ON MITIGATION LOANS AS APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE OR HIS DESIGNEE AND TO PROVIDE INTEREST CHARGES RELATED TO MITIGATION PROJECTS OR LOANS MUST BE LIMITED TO THE STATUTORY LEGAL RATE OF INTEREST; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-39-80, RELATING TO ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED OF INSURANCE PREMIUM SERVICE COMPANIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE INSURANCE PREMIUM SERVICE COMPANIES MAY NOT WRITE INSURANCE OR SELL OTHER SERVICES OR COMMODITIES IN CONNECTION WITH A PREMIUM SERVICE CONTRACT EXCEPT AS APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OR HIS DESIGNEE FOR MITIGATION PURPOSES.

READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 76 (Word version) -- Senators Massey, Matthews, Setzler and Nicholson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-85 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND GRANTS, TO PROVIDE THAT GRANTS MAY ALSO BE AWARDED TO COUNTIES WITH A POPULATION OF LESS THAN FORTY THOUSAND RESIDENTS AND MUNICIPALITIES LOCATED IN COUNTIES WITH A POPULATION OF LESS THAN FORTY THOUSAND RESIDENTS.

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:

Ayes 39; Nays 4

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Campsen                   Cleary                    Coleman
Corbin                    Courson                   Cromer
Davis                     Fair                      Gregory
Grooms                    Hayes                     Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Lourie                    Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane
Massey                    Matthews                  Nicholson
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Rankin
Reese                     Sabb                      Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Thurmond
Turner                    Verdin                    Young

Total--39

NAYS

Malloy                    McElveen                  Sheheen
Williams

Total--4

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

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED
READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 277 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "STATE TELECOM EQUITY IN FUNDING ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 58-9-2515 SO AS TO CLARIFY THE JURISDICTION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OVER CERTAIN PROVIDERS REGARDING TELEPHONE SERVICE FOR HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRED PEOPLE; BY ADDING SECTION 58-9-2535 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER OF ASSESSING AND COLLECTING DUAL PARTY RELAY CHARGES BY LOCAL EXCHANGE PROVIDERS, COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL SERVICE PROVIDERS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF TELEPHONE SERVICE, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "BASIC LOCAL EXCHANGE TELEPHONE SERVICE" AND "CARRIER OF LAST RESORT"; TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-280, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND FOR CARRIERS OF LAST RESORT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSITION OF THE INTERIM LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER FUND INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND, TO LIMIT THE SIZE OF THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND, AND TO REQUIRE VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL PROVIDERS, COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND PREPAID WIRELESS SERVICE PROVIDERS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-576, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CERTAIN STAND-ALONE BASIC RESIDENTIAL LINE RATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMINATION OF THE RATES FIVE YEARS AFTER THEY BECOME EFFECTIVE; TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-2510, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE TELEPHONE SERVICE FOR HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRED PEOPLE, SO AS TO REVISE THESE DEFINITIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL NECESSARY DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 58-9-2530, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE OPERATING FUND FOR A SYSTEM OF DUAL PARTY RELAY DEVICES AND RELATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES, SO AS TO IMPOSE CERTAIN UNIFORM-RELATED SURCHARGES ON LOCAL EXCHANGE PROVIDERS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 58-9-2540 RELATING TO AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONCERNING STATEWIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY ACCESS SERVICE.

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

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0277.003), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking item (10) on page 6, lines 19-29 and inserting:

/     (10)   The term 'carrier of last resort' means a facilities-based local exchange carrier, as determined by the commission, not inconsistent with the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, which has the obligation to provide basic local exchange telephone service, upon reasonable request, to all residential and single-line business customers within a defined service or geographic area. A carrier of last resort may meet its obligation by using any available technology of equal or greater service quality than is required by applicable commission regulations as of the effective date of this act, including, but not limited to, the provision of a broadband connection that allows the customer to access the voice provider of the customer's choice. Initially, the incumbent LEC must be a carrier of last resort within its existing service area."     /

To further amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding appropriately numbered items after item (7) in SECTION 5 on page 10 to read:

/     ( )   A carrier of last resort authorized to receive funds from the USF is subject to random compliance audits and other investigations by the Office of Regulatory Staff, in accordance with Section 58-4-55.

( )   All carriers of last resort shall retain all records of operations within the jurisdiction of the Office of Regulatory Staff required to demonstrate that the support received was used to support the programs for which it was intended. This documentation must be maintained for at least 10 years from the receipt of the funding. All such documents shall be made available upon request to the Office of Regulatory Staff.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MALLOY spoke on the Bill.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator MALLOY, with unanimous consent, the Bill was read the second time, carrying over all amendments, and the provisions of Rule 26B were waived in order to allow amendments to be considered on third reading.

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

Recorded Vote

Senators BRIGHT, SHANE MARTIN, SHEALY and YOUNG desired to be recorded as voting against the second reading of the Bill.

Recorded Vote

Senator CORBIN desired to be recorded as not voting.

AMENDED, READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 199 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Hembree, Bennett, Campbell, Verdin, Campsen, Gregory, Johnson, Setzler, Sabb, Nicholson and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-1535 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO SPEEDING IN WORK ZONES AND PENALTIES ASSOCIATED WITH SPEEDING IN WORK ZONES, TO DELETE THIS PROVISION AND CREATE "PEANUT'S LAW", TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR THE TERMS "HIGHWAY WORK ZONE" AND "HIGHWAY WORKER", TO CREATE THE OFFENSES OF "ENDANGERMENT OF A HIGHWAY WORKER", AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR THESE OFFENSES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-720, RELATING TO THE POINT SYSTEM ESTABLISHED FOR THE EVALUATION OF THE DRIVING RECORD OF PERSONS OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES, TO PROVIDE THAT "ENDANGERMENT OF A HIGHWAY WORKER" VIOLATIONS RANGE BETWEEN TWO AND SIX POINTS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-5-1536 RELATING TO DRIVING IN TEMPORARY WORK ZONES AND PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL DRIVING IN TEMPORARY WORK ZONES.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senators MALLOY and HEMBREE proposed the following amendment (JUD0199.001), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 3, by striking lines 12-31, and inserting:

/     (B)   A 'highway work zone' is the area between the first sign that informs motorists of the existence of the work zone on the highway and the last sign that informs motorists of the end of the work zone. A person commits the offense of endangerment of a highway worker, if the person is operating a motor vehicle within a highway work zone at anytime, and:

(1)   driving through or around a work zone in any lane not clearly designated for use by motor vehicles traveling through or around a work zone; or

(2)   fails to obey traffic control devices erected for purposes of controlling the flow of motor vehicles through the work zone for any reason other than:

(a)   an emergency;

(b)   the avoidance of an obstacle; or

(c)   the protection of the health and safety of another person.   /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 4, by striking lines 3-27, and inserting:

/     (D)(1)   A person who commits the offense of endangerment of a highway worker where the highway worker suffers no physical injury is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars and not less than five hundred dollars, or imprisonment of not more than thirty days, or both.

(2)   A person who commits the offense of endangerment of a highway worker where the highway worker suffers physical injury and the committing of the offense is the proximate cause of the physical injury is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand dollars and not less than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned for not more than sixty days, or both.

(3)   A person who commits the offense of endangerment of a highway worker where the highway worker suffers great bodily injury, as defined in Section 56-5-2945(B), and the committing of the offense is the proximate cause of the great bodily injury is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars and not less than two thousand dollars, or imprisoned for not more than three years, or both.

(4)   A person who commits the offense of endangerment of a highway worker where the death of the highway worker ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury received by the highway worker related to the endangerment of the highway worker is guilty of reckless vehicular homicide pursuant to Section 56-5-2910, and, upon conviction, is subject to the penalties contained in that section, including license reinstatement and related conditions.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MALLOY explained the Bill.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 3

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Bright                    Massey                    Thurmond

Total--3

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

AMENDED, READ THE SECOND TIME

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.

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

Senators SETZLER, BRYANT, MASSEY, LEATHERMAN and PEELER proposed the following amendment (675R006.EB.KLB), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 4, by striking lines 4-23 and inserting:

/     (B)(1)   The board is composed of:

(a)   three nonrepresentative members appointed by the Governor;

(b)   two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, shall appoint one a nonrepresentative member upon the recommendation of the Senate Majority Leader and one a representative member upon the recommendation of the Senate Minority Leader of the largest minority party who is either an active or retired member of SCPORS;

(c)   two members appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, one a nonrepresentative member and one a representative member who is a retired member of SCRS;

(d)   two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one a nonrepresentative member and one a representative member who must be a state employee who is an active contributing member of SCRS;

(e)   two members appointed by the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, one a nonrepresentative member and one a representative member who is an active contributing member of SCRS employed by a public school district;

(f)   the Executive Director of the Retirement System Investment Commission, ex officio.         /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator MASSEY proposed the following amendment (675R007.EB.ASM), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 9, SECTION 8, by striking lines 9-32 and inserting:

/     "Section 9-16-315.   (A)   There is established the 'Retirement System Investment Commission' (RSIC) consisting of seven members as follows:

(1)   one member appointed by the Governor;

(2)   one member appointed by the State Treasurer, ex officio who shall be a retired member of the South Carolina Retirement System;

(3)   one member appointed by the Comptroller General who shall be an active, contributing member of the South Carolina Retirement System;

(4)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee;

(5)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives;

(6)   one member appointed by the Governor who is an active or retired member of the Police Officers Retirement System, the Judges and Solicitors Retirement System, or the National Guard Retirement System a retired member of the retirement system. This representative member must be appointed by unanimous vote of the voting members of the commission; and

(7)   the Executive Director of South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority, ex officio, without voting privileges.     /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered new SECTION at the end to read:

/     SECTION   ( ).   Any person currently serving on the RSIC as of the effective date of this act shall continue to serve for remainder of the term for which he was appointed.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

The question then was the second reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 44; Nays 0; Abstain 1

AYES

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

Total--44

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Thurmond

Total--1

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

Statement by Senator THURMOND

I have a prospective conflict of interest if this Bill passes. Only after I discussed S. 675 with Treasurer Loftis did I realize that I have a potential conflict. Out of an abundance of caution, I am recusing myself from participation in the vote on this Bill.

MINORITY REPORT REMOVED
AMENDED, READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 250 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Lourie and Young: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-380 OF THE 1976 CODE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE RELEASE OF A CHILD'S MEDICAL RECORDS WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT TO A SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM CHILD ABUSE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR EVALUATING THE CHILD FOR SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT; TO ADD SECTION 63-7-1990(B)(24) TO ALLOW A SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM CHILD ABUSE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ACCESS TO RECORDS OF INDICATED CASES OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-1990 BY ADDING SUBSECTION (N) TO ALLOW FOR A SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM CHILD ABUSE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO RECEIVE A SUMMARY OF REFERRALS AND OUTCOMES OF CASES OF SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT SENT TO A CONTRACTED SERVICE AGENCY OR PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-1990 BY ADDING SUBSECTION (O) TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES SHALL SHARE INFORMATION RELATING TO AN INDICATED INVESTIGATION OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT WITH A CHILD'S PRIMARY OR SPECIALTY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-2000 BY ADDING SUBSECTION (F) TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO RELEASE A SUMMARY OF ALLEGATIONS AND THE INVESTIGATION OUTCOME OF UNFOUNDED CASES OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT WITH A SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM CHILD ABUSE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

Senator BRIGHT asked unanimous consent to remove his name from the minority report of the Bill.

There was no objection and proper notation was made on the Bill.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senators SHANE MARTIN and YOUNG proposed the following amendment (JUD0250.002), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 2, by striking lines 7-22 and inserting:

/     "Section 63-7-380.   A person required to report under Section 63-7-310 may take, or cause to be taken, color photographs of the areas of trauma visible on a child who is the subject of a report and, if medically indicated, a physician may cause to be performed a radiological examination or other medical examinations or tests of the child without the consent of the child's parents or guardians. Upon written request and without consent of the child's parent or legal guardian, the primary care physician must release the medical records, radiologic imaging, photos, and all other health information to only the consulting care physician and the hospital facility. The consulting physician and the hospital facility may not release the records to any party other than law enforcement without the consent of the child's parent or legal guardian. Copies of all photographs, negatives, radiological, and other medical reports must be sent to the department at the time a report pursuant to Section 63-7-310 is made, or as soon as reasonably possible after the report is made."     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The question then was the second reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 44; Nays 1

AYES

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

Total--44

NAYS

Bennett

Total--1

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

READ THE SECOND TIME

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.

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

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, with unanimous consent, the Bill was read the second time, carrying over all amendments, and the provisions of Rule 26B were waived in order to allow amendments to be considered on third reading.

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

AMENDED, READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 215 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen and Scott: 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.

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

Senator SCOTT proposed the following amendment (JUD0215.009), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1, Section 7-13-35, lines 18-36 on page 2 and inserting:

/     "Section 7-13-35.   (A)   The authority charged by law with conducting an election must publish two notices of general, municipal, special, and primary elections held in the county in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality, as appropriate. Included in each notice must be a reminder of the last day persons may register to be eligible to vote in the election for which notice is given, notification of the date, time, and location of the hearing on ballots challenged in the election, a list of the precincts involved in the election, the location of the polling places in each of the precincts, and notification that the process of examining the return-addressed envelopes containing absentee ballots may begin at 2:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. on election day at a place designated in the notice by the authority charged with conducting the election. The first notice must appear not later than sixty days before the election and the second notice must appear not later than two weeks after the first notice.

(B)   In the event the election is postponed, the election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the originally scheduled election day."     /

To further amend the bill, as and if amended by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION before SECTION 10 on page 7, and inserting:

/   SECTION   __.   Section 7-15-420 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 284 of 2006, is further amended to read:

"Section 7-15-420.   (A) The county board of voter registration and elections, municipal election commission, or executive committee of each municipal party in the case of municipal primary elections is responsible for the tabulation and reporting of absentee ballots. At 9:00 7:00 a.m. on election day, the managers appointed pursuant to Section 7-5-10, and in the presence of any watchers who have been appointed pursuant to Section 7-13-860, may begin the process of examining the return-addressed envelopes that have been received by the county board of voter registration and elections making certain that each oath has been properly signed and witnessed and includes the address of the witness. All return-addressed envelopes received by the county board of voter registration and elections before the time for closing the polls must be examined in this manner. A ballot may not be counted unless the oath is properly signed and witnessed nor may any ballot be counted which is received by the county board of voter registration and elections after time for closing of the polls. The printed instructions required by Section 7-15-370(2) to be sent each absentee ballot applicant must notify him that his vote will not be counted in either of these events. If a ballot is not challenged, the sealed return-addressed envelope must be opened by the managers, and the enclosed envelope marked "Ballot Herein" removed and placed in a locked box or boxes. After all return-addressed envelopes have been emptied in this manner, the managers shall remove the ballots contained in the envelopes marked "Ballot Herein", placing each one in the ballot box provided for the applicable contest. Beginning at 9:00 7:00 a.m. on election day, the absentee ballots may be tabulated processed, including any absentee ballots received on election day before the polls are closed. Absentee ballots may not be tabulated until after the polls are closed on election day. If any ballot is challenged, the return-addressed envelope must not be opened, but must be put aside and the procedure set forth in Section 7-13-830 must be utilized; but the absentee voter must be given reasonable notice of the challenged ballot. Results of the tabulation must not be publicly reported until after the polls are closed.

(B)   Anyone who prematurely releases information to the public regarding the tabulation of ballots in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined up to one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ninety days."     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator HAYES proposed the following amendment (JUD0215.005), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered new SECTION to read:

/     SECTION __.   Section 7-3-20 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 196 of 2014, is further amended by adding an appropriately lettered subsection at the end to read:

"( )   All State Election Commission directives to the county boards of voter registration and elections must be in writing and sent to both the directors and the chairman of the county boards."     /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered new SECTION to read:

/     SECTION __.   Section 7-3-25 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 196 of 2014, is further amended by adding an appropriately lettered subsection at the end to read:

"( )   A county board of voter registration and elections may appeal to the full State Election Commission a directive from the staff of the State Election Commission made to the county board. The county board shall exercise its appellate rights within forty-five days of receiving the directive to which it objects."     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator CAMPSEN proposed the following amendment (JUD0215.007), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION, before SECTION 10 on page 7, and inserting:

/   SECTION   __.   The provisions of this act are severable. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, item, subitem, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of the act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, item, subitem, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, items, subitems, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.       /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator YOUNG proposed the following amendment (JUD0215.008), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding a new SECTION to read:

/     SECTION   __.   Chapter 5, Title 7 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 7-5-321.   (A)   Any elector registered to vote or submitting an application for voter registration may have the information relating to his residence address, telephone number, and e-mail address appearing on the application, or any list or roster or index prepared therefrom, declared confidential upon presentation of a certified copy of an injunction or a restraining order issued pursuant to Section 16-3-1750 or Section 16-3-1760.

(B)   To declare information confidential pursuant to subsection (A), the elector must submit the certified copy of injunction or restraining order along with an application for confidentiality form as prescribed by the South Carolina Election Commission in person at any voter registration agency listed in Section 7-5-310(B)."     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

The question then was the second reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 42; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--42

NAYS

Total--0

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 135 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary, Campbell, Verdin, Shealy, Fair, Lourie, Young, Corbin and S. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-280, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, SO AS TO REVISE RELATED DEFINITIONS, TO DELETE EXISTING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE A CITATION TO THE SECTION AS BEING "RYAN'S LAW".

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

Senator CLEARY explained the Bill.

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

Ayes 42; Nays 3

AYES

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

Total--42

NAYS

Campsen                   Grooms                    Verdin

Total--3

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

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED
READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 578 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Campbell and Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-39-170(C) OF THE 1976 CODE, TO PROVIDE A THREE-YEAR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON THE ENFORCEMENT VIOLATIONS RELATING TO MINOR DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES EXCEPT IN INSTANCES WHERE THE ALLEGED VIOLATOR KNOWINGLY OR INTENTIONALLY WITHHELD INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED VIOLATION.

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

The Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources proposed the following amendment (578R002.EB.DBV), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, by striking lines 37-41, and page 2, by striking lines 1-2, and inserting:

/     48-39-160. The department shall be required to assert violations of any provision of this chapter relating to minor development activities within three years of the date of the violation, except if the department's failure to assert the alleged violation resulted from a knowing or intentional attempt to withhold or conceal information relating to the alleged violation by the person(s) against whom the violation is alleged. Failure to make application for, and subsequently receive, the required permit, permit modification, or permit amendment before commencing these activities shall be deemed to be an act of concealment. The provisions of this Section apply to all enforcement actions pending as of January 1, 2015 and all future enforcement actions."     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The amendment was adopted.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 1

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Sabb

Total--1

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 712 (Word version) -- Banking and Insurance Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, RELATING TO CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING REQUIREMENTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 45277, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

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

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

Ayes 39; Nays 5

AYES

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

Total--39

NAYS

Bright                    Corbin                    Martin, Shane
Massey                    Young

Total--5

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

CARRIED OVER

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.

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

H. 3305 (Word version) -- Reps. Lowe, Bingham, Horne, Weeks and Bradley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41-35-120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DENIAL OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR AN EMPLOYEE WHO TESTS POSITIVE FOR ILLEGAL DRUG USE OR THE UNLAWFUL USE OF LEGAL DRUGS, SO AS TO REVISE THE RANGE OF SPECIMENS FROM AN EMPLOYEE THAT MAY BE TESTED TO INCLUDE ORAL FLUIDS.

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

H. 3324 (Word version) -- Reps. J.E. Smith, G.M. Smith, Yow, Hardee, Clemmons, Goldfinch, Hardwick, Johnson, Duckworth, W.J. McLeod and Gilliard: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A COMMITTEE TO STUDY STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL VETERANS ISSUES; TO MAKE APPROPRIATE LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE STRUCTURE, DELIVERY, AND COORDINATION OF VETERANS SERVICES IN SOUTH CAROLINA; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMITTEE'S MEMBERSHIP, DURATION, AND STAFFING.

On motion of Senator PEELER, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

H. 3547 (Word version) -- Reps. J.E. Smith and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 25-1-2350, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS GRANTED TO MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD AND SOUTH CAROLINA STATE GUARD WHO SERVE STATE DUTY SHALL APPLY ALSO TO A PERSON WHO IS EMPLOYED IN SOUTH CAROLINA BUT IS A MEMBER OF ANOTHER STATE'S NATIONAL GUARD OR STATE GUARD.

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

H. 3683 (Word version) -- Reps. Williams, Hosey, Gilliard, Mack and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 25-1-350, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE ADJUTANT GENERAL TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

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

S. 708 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO END-OF-COURSE TESTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4530, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

On motion of Senator HAYES, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

S. 709 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO USE AND DISSEMINATION OF TEST RESULTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4532, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

On motion of Senator HAYES, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

S. 710 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO TEST SECURITY, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4531, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

On motion of Senator HAYES, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

S. 711 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO ASSESSMENT PROGRAM, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4529, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

On motion of Senator HAYES, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

H. 3890 (Word version) -- Rep. Norrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-1-425, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT ALL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED FOR SCHOOL CLOSINGS NECESSITATED BY WEATHER CONDITIONS OR OTHER DISRUPTIONS REQUIRING SCHOOLS TO CLOSE MUST BE MADE UP, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN SCHOOLS CLOSE BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR DECLARES A STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO SNOW, EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS, OR OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS, STUDENTS IN THOSE SCHOOLS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE UP ANY DAYS MISSED AS A RESULT.

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

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.

On motion of Senator PEELER, the Concurrent Resolution was carried over.

ADOPTED

S. 40 (Word version) -- Senators Bryant, Grooms, Davis, Campsen, Cleary, Alexander, Kimpson and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO JOIN THE SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA JOINT WATER CAUCUS TO ENCOURAGE STATE AGENCIES, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, TO IMPLEMENT A WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE SAVANNAH RIVER BASIN TO ENSURE CONTINUOUS OPTIMIZATION OF WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY MANAGEMENT OF THE WATER RESOURCES SHARED BY SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA THROUGHOUT THE SAVANNAH RIVER BASIN.

Senator BRYANT explained the Concurrent Resolution.

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

S. 713 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO PROCLAIM MAY 2015 AS "MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH" THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO BE AWARE OF MOTORCYCLISTS WHO SHARE OUR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS AND TO WORK TOGETHER TO REDUCE MOTORCYCLE-RELATED CRASHES, INJURIES, AND FATALITIES.

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

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

MOTION ADOPTED

At 5:43 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

Senator LEATHERMAN moved that the Senate stand adjourned.

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

Ayes 22; Nays 24

AYES

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

Total--22

NAYS

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

Total--24

Having failed to receive the necessary vote, the Senate refused to adjourn.

HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM THE HOUSE.

CARRIED OVER

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.

On motion of Senator HAYES, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

READ THE SECOND TIME
DEBATE INTERRUPTED

S. 229 (Word version) -- Senators Campbell and Turner: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-1-90 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO REMEDIES FOR CAUSING OR PERMITTING POLLUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TO CLARIFY THAT PERSONS WHO MAY FILE A PETITION WITH THE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT INCLUDE A DEPARTMENT, AGENCY, COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT, OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR DEPARTMENT DECISIONS THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW IN A CIVIL PROCEEDING; TO AMEND SECTION 6 OF ACT 198 OF 2012, RELATING TO THE SAVINGS CLAUSE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SAVINGS CLAUSE OF ACT 198 APPLIES ONLY TO CASES FILED BEFORE JUNE 6, 2012, AND ANY FEDERAL PROJECT FOR WHICH A FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT WAS ISSUED PRIOR TO JUNE 6, 2012, BUT NO RECORD OF DECISION WAS ISSUED PRIOR TO JUNE 6, 2012.

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

Objection

Senator SHANE MARTIN moved, with unanimous consent, that the Bill be allowed to be read the second time, carrying over all amendments, and waiving the provisions of Rule 26B in order to allow amendments to be considered on third reading.

Senator SHEHEEN objected.

Amendment No. 1

Senator HUTTO proposed the following amendment (229R003.KM.CBH):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 3, line 13 by adding an appropriately numbered new SECTION to read:

/   SECTION   __.   The changes and amendments set out in this act do not apply to, restrict, or limit suits or actions brought under the South Carolina Pollution Control Act related to the Pinewood landfill near Lake Marion or for pollution, discharges, contamination or other harms related to, originating from, or caused by coal ash, coal combustion waste or residuals, hazardous waste covered by the South Carolina Hazardous Waste Management Act or the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, radioactive or nuclear materials, or toxic pollutants designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 40 C.F.R. Section 401.15. For such suits and actions, Section 6 of Act 198 of 202 remains unchanged.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HUTTO explained the amendment.

RECESS

At 6:13 P.M., on motion of Senator SHEHEEN, the Senate receded from business until 6:20 P.M.

At 6:21 P.M., the Senate resumed.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent, the Bill was read the second time, carrying over all amendments currently on the desk, and the provisions of Rule 26B were waived in order to allow amendments to be considered on third reading, with Senator HUTTO retaining the floor on Amendment No. 1, and that the Senate stand adjourned.

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

Debate was interrupted by adjournment.

LOCAL APPOINTMENT
Confirmation

Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:

Reappointment, Darlington County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2015, and to expire April 30, 2019
Joshua R. Edwards, 907 Cypress Court, Hartsville, SC 29550

Motion Adopted

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

ADJOURNMENT

At 6:22 P.M., on motion of Senator HUTTO, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

* * *

This web page was last updated on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 11:06 A.M.