Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

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

In Jeremiah the Lord declares:

"Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand."

(Jeremiah 18:6b)

Join me as we pray:

Truly, Lord God, we pray today that You will mold and shape these servants of Yours here in the South Carolina Senate into the leaders You would have them to be: Senators and staff members who are thoughtful, caring, wise and determined. Make them, O God, genuinely thoughtful as they make decisions that will impact thousands. Mold them into caring and wise women and men. By Your Spirit's grace allow each of these leaders to be determined, determined to do their very best for all of the citizens of our State. We humbly pray this in Your loving name, dear Lord. Amen.

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

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

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, with the term to commence April 6, 2015, and to expire April 6, 2021
1st Congressional District:
Janet I. McKim, 1651 Folly Creek Way, Charleston, SC 29412 VICE Bryan K. Cribb

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Reappointment, South Carolina Commission on Archives and History, with term coterminous with Governor
At-Large:
William L. Kinney, Jr., Post Office Box 656, Bennettsville, SC 29512

Referred to the Committee on Education.

Reappointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2016, and to expire June 30, 2018
Chairman:
Thomas S. Beck, 422 Gold Nugget Point, Prosperity, SC 29127

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Residential Builders Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2012, and to expire June 30, 2016
At-Large Builder:
Monte A. Lemmon, 117 Lake Dogwood Circle South, Eastover, SC 29044 VICE Harry Dill (resigned)

Referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

Reappointment, South Carolina Residential Builders Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2016, and to expire June 30, 2020
At-Large Builder:
Monte A. Lemmon, 117 Lake Dogwood Circle South, Eastover, SC 29044

Referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology, with the term to commence March 20, 2015, and to expire March 20, 2019
Esthetician:
Marcia R. Delaney, 220 North Hook Avenue, West Columbia, SC 29169 VICE Janice Curtis

Referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

Reappointment, Hampton County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2014, and to expire April 30, 2018
Carolyn A. Williams, 257 Isiah Henry Loop, Brunson, SC 29911

Initial Appointment, Kershaw County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2015, and to expire April 30, 2019
Donnie A. Trapp, 2211 Antioch Rd., Bishopville, SC 29010 VICE New Seat

Initial Appointment, Williamsburg County Part-Time Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2014, and to expire April 30, 2018
Doward K. Harvin, 54 Cade Road, Lake City, SC 29560 VICE Curtis Keels

Initial Appointment, Clarendon County Master-in-Equity, with the term to commence June 30, 2016, and to expire June 30, 2022
Joseph K. Coffey, 1742 Bethlehem Rd., Manning, SC 29102 VICE William Coffey

Initial Appointment, Richland County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2015, and to expire April 30, 2019
Barbara J. Wofford-Kanwat, 108 King Charles Rd., Columbia, SC 29209 VICE Michael Davis

At 12:32 P.M., Senator GROOMS requested a leave of absence for Senator CAMPSEN for the day.

Senator MALLOY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Senator DAVIS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Senator ALEXANDER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 1015 (Word version)     Sen. Johnson

S. 1206 (Word version) -- Senator S. Martin: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO RENAME THE DONALDSON BUS CENTER IN GREENVILLE COUNTY TO BE THE "JOE MADDEN BUS CENTER".

Senator COURSON asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Joint Resolution from the Committee on Education.

The Joint Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Education and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

The following were introduced:

S. 1219 (Word version) -- Senators Setzler, Courson, Cromer, Shealy and Massey: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. KAREN C. WOODWARD, SUPERINTENDENT FOR LEXINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER A DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF FIFTY-ONE YEARS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1220 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Setzler, J. Matthews, Courson, Malloy, Alexander, Nicholson, Campbell, Williams, Johnson, Cromer, Hutto, Kimpson and McElveen: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONING OF A PORTRAIT OF THE HONORABLE HUGH K. LEATHERMAN, SR. OF FLORENCE TO BE PLACED IN THE SENATE CHAMBER, LONGTIME AND BELOVED SENATOR FROM THE THIRTY-FIRST SENATORIAL DISTRICT, A LOYAL AND COMPASSIONATE PUBLIC SERVANT AND A DISTINGUISHED STATESMAN.
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The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Operations and Management.

S. 1221 (Word version) -- Senators Davis and Massey: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RIGHT TO SHOP FOR HEALTH INSURANCE ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 16 TO CHAPTER 71, TITLE 38 SO AS TO PROVIDE A CITATION; TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS; TO PROVIDE ALL HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIERS SHALL OFFER SHARED SAVINGS INCENTIVE PROGRAMS AS COMPONENTS OF ALL HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THESE PROGRAMS, THE OFFERING OF INCENTIVES TO HEALTH PLAN ENROLLEES CONCERNING CERTAIN COVERED SHOPPABLE HEALTH CARE SERVICES; TO PROVIDE SHARED SAVINGS INCENTIVE PAYMENTS ARE NOT ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES OF THE CARRIER WHO PAID THEM FOR RATE DEVELOPMENT OR RATE FILING PURPOSES; TO PROVIDE WAIVERS FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ACT; TO REQUIRE CARRIERS TO ANNUALLY FILE REPORTS OF CERTAIN RELATED INFORMATION TO THE DEPARTMENT; AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT MAY ADOPT RULES TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

S. 1222 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO EMERGENCY PROVISIONS REGARDING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT INDIVIDUALS CLASSIFIED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS ENEMY COMBATANTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY, OR WERE PREVIOUSLY, DETAINED AT GUANTANAMO BAY ARE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES OF THIS STATE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1223 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO PROCLAIM MAY 2016 AS "MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH" THROUGHOUT THE STATE, TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO BE AWARE OF MOTORCYCLISTS WHO SHARE OUR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS, AND TO URGE ALL CITIZENS TO WORK TOGETHER TO REDUCE MOTORCYCLE-RELATED CRASHES, INJURIES, AND FATALITIES.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 1224 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-10-470, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COUNTIES IN WHICH THE EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS SALES AND USE TAX MAY BE IMPOSED, SO AS TO REVISE THE CRITERIA APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN COUNTIES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO PLACE THE QUESTION OF IMPOSING THIS SALES AND USE TAX ON A REFERENDUM BALLOT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1225 (Word version) -- Senators Corbin, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fair, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kimpson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, J. Matthews, M. B. Matthews, McElveen, Nicholson, Peeler, Rankin, Reese, Sabb, Scott, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Thurmond, Turner, Verdin, Williams and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE APRIL 2016 AS "HOMESCHOOL RECOGNITION MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO RECOGNIZE THE DILIGENT EFFORTS OF HOMESCHOOLING PARENTS AND THE ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF THEIR STUDENTS, AND TO EXPRESS SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR THEIR FOCUS ON THE WELL-BEING AND OVERALL ACHIEVEMENTS OF THEIR CHILDREN.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 1226 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fair, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kimpson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, J. Matthews, M. B. Matthews, McElveen, Nicholson, Peeler, Rankin, Reese, Sabb, Scott, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Thurmond, Turner, Verdin and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE THIRD FULL WEEK IN APRIL 2016 AS "SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AWARENESS WEEK" TO RAISE AWARENESS REGARDING SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND TO COMMEND THE HOSPITALS, CHILD CARE COUNCILS, SCHOOLS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT EDUCATE PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS ON HOW TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ABUSE.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

S. 1227 (Word version) -- Senators Scott, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fair, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kimpson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, J. Matthews, M. B. Matthews, McElveen, Nicholson, Peeler, Rankin, Reese, Sabb, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Thurmond, Turner, Verdin, Williams and Young: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE REVEREND DR. TOMMY L. BROWN, PASTOR OF NEW FREE HOPE INDEPENDENT CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF HIS THIRTY-FIFTH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED HAPPINESS IN HIS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW FREE HOPE COMMUNITY.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1016 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary, Jackson, J. Matthews, Campbell, Davis, Scott, Turner, Rankin and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 45 TO TITLE 44 TO ENACT THE "EYE CARE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW" SO AS TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR A PERSON WHO SELLS SPECTACLES OR CONTACT

LENSES USING REFRACTIVE DATA OR INFORMATION GENERATED BY AN AUTOMATED TESTING DEVICE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

The following Bills were read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3706 (Word version) -- Reps. Putnam, Gagnon, Yow, Thayer, Gambrell, Ridgeway, Norrell, Henderson, Fry and Bedingfield: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 99, TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EMERGENCY TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL HAZARDS CAUSED BY INSECT STINGS, SO AS TO RENAME THE CHAPTER THE "EMERGENCY ANAPHYLAXIS TREATMENT ACT", TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR "EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR", TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO DEVELOP A TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ADMINISTER EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTORS, TO ALLOW CERTAIN ENTITIES TO OBTAIN A PRESCRIPTION FOR AN EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR FROM PHYSICIANS, PHARMACISTS, AND OTHER AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS, TO ALLOW PHYSICIANS, PHARMACISTS, AND OTHER AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS TO PRESCRIBE OR SELL A PRESCRIPTION FOR AN EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR TO CERTAIN ENTITIES, TO ALLOW APPROPRIATELY CERTIFIED EMPLOYEES OF CERTAIN ENTITIES TO USE AN EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR, TO PROVIDE LIABILITY LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES WHEN ADMINISTERING AN EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

H. 4141 (Word version) -- Reps. Gambrell, Sandifer and Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "LIMITED LINES TRAVEL INSURANCE ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO CHAPTER 43, TITLE 38 SO AS TO PROVIDE A CITATION, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS ONLY UNDER WHICH TRAVEL RETAILERS

MAY OFFER AND DISSEMINATE TRAVEL INSURANCE UNDER A LIMITED LINES TRAVEL INSURANCE PRODUCER BUSINESS ENTITY LICENSE FOR COMPENSATION, TO PROVIDE THAT TRAVEL INSURANCE MAY BE PROVIDED UNDER AN INDIVIDUAL POLICY OR UNDER A GROUP OR MASTER POLICY, TO PROVIDE THAT LIMITED LINES TRAVEL INSURANCE PRODUCERS ACTING AS AN INSURANCE DESIGNEE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTS OF THE TRAVEL RETAILER AND SHALL USE REASONABLE MEANS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE BY THE TRAVEL RETAILER WITH THIS ARTICLE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

H. 4662 (Word version) -- Rep. Gambrell: A BILL TO REENACT THE INTERSTATE INSURANCE PRODUCT REGULATION COMPACT AND RELATED PROVISIONS, ENACTED BY SECTIONS 1, 2, 3, AND 5, ACT 339 OF 2008, WHICH EXPIRED ON JUNE 1, 2014, AND TO MAKE THESE REENACTED PROVISIONS RETROACTIVE TO THIS EXPIRATION DATE, AND TO SPECIFICALLY NOT REENACT CERTAIN OBSOLETE PROVISIONS.

Senator HAYES explained the Bill.

The following Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:

H. 4328 (Word version) -- Rep. White: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-8-1530, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE QUARTERLY INCOME TAX WITHHOLDINGS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DUE DATE OF THE FOURTH QUARTER RETURN FROM THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY TO THE LAST DAY OF JANUARY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-8-1550, RELATING TO THE DUE DATE FOR FILING STATEMENTS REGARDING INCOME TAX WITHHOLDINGS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DUE DATE FROM THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY TO THE LAST DAY OF JANUARY.

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

S. 267 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Campsen, Hembree, Bennett, Turner, Thurmond, Davis, Bright, Bryant, L. Martin, S. Martin, Hayes, Campbell and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-1-180 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ADJOURNMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TO CHANGE THE DATE FOR THE MANDATORY ADJOURNMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM THE FIRST THURSDAY IN JUNE TO THE FIRST THURSDAY IN MAY, AND PROVIDE THAT IN ANY YEAR THAT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FAILS TO GIVE THIRD READING TO THE APPROPRIATIONS BILL BY MARCH FIRST, RATHER THAN MARCH THIRTY-FIRST, THE DATE OF ADJOURNMENT IS EXTENDED BY ONE STATEWIDE DAY FOR EACH STATEWIDE DAY AFTER MARCH FIRST, THAT THE HOUSE FAILS TO GIVE THE BILL THIRD READING.

Senator THURMOND desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Bill.

S. 1178 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO SPECIFIC PROPERTIES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4634, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 1179 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA REGULATIONS; AND TURKEY HUNTING RULES AND SEASONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4635, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 1180 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR FORESTERS, RELATING TO FEES FOR REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4627, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 689 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree and McElveen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-50(B)(2) AND (C) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE BEGINNER'S PERMIT AND VEHICLE OPERATION, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERMITTEE MAY NOT OPERATE A MOTORCYCLE, MOTOR SCOOTER, OR LIGHT MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE AT ANY UNPERMITTED TIME UNLESS SUPERVISED BY A LICENSED MOTORCYCLE, MOTOR SCOOTER, OR LIGHT MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE OPERATOR AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE ACCOMPANYING DRIVER MUST BE WITHIN A SAFE VIEWING DISTANCE OF THE PERMITTEE WHEN THE PERMITTEE IS OPERATING A MOTORCYCLE OR A THREE-WHEEL VEHICLE.

S. 1073 (Word version) -- Senators Setzler and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO STATE INCOME TAX LAWS, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO THE YEAR 2015 AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTIONS ADOPTED BY THIS STATE ARE EXTENDED, THEN THESE SECTIONS ALSO ARE EXTENDED FOR SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX PURPOSES.

S. 1075 (Word version) -- Senators Campbell, Hayes and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-110 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO MOTOR FUELS, TO AMEND CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-4160 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO VEHICLE WEIGHTS AND LOADS, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT ALLOWANCES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FUELED BY ALTERNATIVE FUEL; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-2820, RELATING TO THE ASSESSMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, TO CLARIFY A DEFINITION AS IT

RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLES FUELED BY ALTERNATIVE FUEL; TO ADD SECTION 12-6-3695, RELATING TO INCOME TAX CREDITS, TO ALLOW AN INCOME TAX CREDIT TO A TAXPAYER WHO PURCHASES OR CONSTRUCTS AND INSTALLS AND PLACES IN SERVICE IN THIS STATE ELIGIBLE PROPERTY THAT IS USED FOR DISTRIBUTION, DISPENSING, OR STORING ALTERNATIVE FUEL AT A NEW OR EXISTING FUEL DISTRIBUTION OR DISPENSING FACILITY, AND TO SPECIFY THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDIT AND THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CREDIT; AND TO ADD SECTION 12-6-3697, RELATING TO INCOME TAX CREDITS, TO ALLOW FOR AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR THE INCREMENTAL COSTS OR CONVERSION COSTS OF THE AMOUNT EXPENDED TO PURCHASE OR CONVERT AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLE, ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE, AND A BI-FUEL ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE, AND TO SPECIFY THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS AND THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CREDIT.

Senator CROMER explained the Bill.

S. 1125 (Word version) -- Senator Reese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-65-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TEXTILES COMMUNITIES REVITALIZATION INCOME TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO DELETE A PROVISION THAT LIMITS THE CREDIT TO FIFTY PERCENT OF CERTAIN LIABILITY.

S. 1136 (Word version) -- Senators Malloy and Campsen: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 3, ARTICLE XII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROVIDE FOR THE SEPARATE CONFINEMENT OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS FROM OLDER CONFINED PERSONS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE AGE FOR WHICH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE SEPARATE CONFINEMENT OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS FROM "UNDER THE AGE OF SEVENTEEN" TO "UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN".

S. 1064 (Word version) -- Senators Young and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-525 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN INSURER WRITING A WORKERS' COMPENSATION POLICY SHALL FILE CERTAIN INFORMATION ON WHICH IT RELIES TO SUPPORT ITS RATE REQUEST, TO PROVIDE THAT THE INSURER MUST ADOPT THE MOST RECENT LOSS COST WITHIN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS OF APPROVAL OF THE LOSS COSTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-1210, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT ITS OBLIGATION TO MAKE CERTAIN FILINGS MAY BE SATISFIED BY MAKING FILINGS AS A MEMBER OF, OR SUBSCRIBER TO, A LICENSED RATING ORGANIZATION THAT MAKES FILINGS, TO REQUIRE THE FILINGS BE RULE AND FORM FILINGS AND NOT LOSS COST ADOPTION FILINGS, AND REQUIRE THE INSURER TO FILE FOR CERTAIN APPROVAL IF THE RATING ORGANIZATION TO WHICH IT SUBSCRIBES HAS A RATE INCREASE WITHIN TWELVE MONTHS AFTER THE INSURER BECOMES A MEMBER.

S. 1166 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Setzler, Allen, J. Matthews, Jackson, M.B. Matthews, Malloy, Lourie, Williams, Sheheen, Nicholson, Johnson, Scott, Sabb, Hutto and Kimpson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR ANNUAL INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS BY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ON OUTSTANDING LOANS MADE TO THE UNIVERSITY BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND LIABILITIES INCURRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-65-70, TO PROVIDE FOR WHEN THE INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS ARE DUE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS, TO PROVIDE FOR A PROCESS THROUGH WHICH THE DEBT INCURRED MAY BE RELIEVED, AND TO EXTEND FLEXIBILITY RELATED TO FURLOUGHS AS PROVIDED IN ACT 120 OF 2015.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Resolution.

Senator COURSON explained the Resolution.

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Campbell
Cleary                    Coleman                   Courson
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson
Kimpson                   Leatherman                Lourie
Malloy                    Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie
McElveen                  Nicholson                 Rankin
Reese                     Sabb                      Scott
Setzler                   Sheheen                   Verdin
Williams

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

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

Senator YOUNG desired to be recorded as voting in opposition to second reading of the Bill on Thursday, April 7, 2016.

On motion of Senator FAIR, with unanimous consent, the Chaplain was recognized to present Bibles to the newest member of the Senate, Senator M. B. MATTHEWS.

H. 4712 (Word version) -- Reps. White, Bannister, Rutherford, G.R. Smith, Lowe, Pitts, Hiott, Erickson, Clemmons, Loftis, G.M. Smith, Hayes, Sandifer, Whitmire, Cole, Simrill, Allison, Cobb-Hunter, Long, Huggins, Delleney, Pope and Bales: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-230, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TREATMENT OF AGRICULTURAL REAL PROPERTY, MOBILE HOME, AND LESSEE IMPROVEMENTS TO REAL PROPERTY, SO AS TO CLASSIFY OFF-PREMISES OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNS AS PERSONAL PROPERTY AND TO PROVIDE THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AN OFF-PREMISES SIGN SITE MUST BE TAXED AT ITS VALUE WHICH EXISTED BEFORE THE ERECTION OF THE SIGN.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

The question being the second reading of the Bill.

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

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

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

S. 1028 -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 46 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SO AS TO ADD SECTION 46-3-280 TO PROVIDE FOR THE VETERANS AND WARRIORS TO AGRICULTURE PROGRAM AND FUND.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator YOUNG proposed the following amendment (1028R001.EB.TRY), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, pages 1-2, by striking lines 42-2 and inserting:

/   to Agriculture Program and Fund'. The fund shall consist of gifts, grants and donations, and legislative appropriations     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

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

H. 4548 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Forrester, Toole, Bales, Chumley, Burns, Hardee, Allison, Tallon, Henderson, Clemmons, Sottile, Crosby, V.S. Moss, Jefferson, Yow, Duckworth, H.A. Crawford, Jordan, Fry, Herbkersman, Lowe, Goldfinch, Hixon, Norman, Hiott, Taylor, McCoy, D.C. Moss, Collins, Rutherford, Anderson, Kirby, Pitts, Corley, Ballentine, Hamilton, Finlay, Huggins, Ott, Govan, Riley, Willis, Thayer, Felder, Hicks, Simrill, G.A. Brown, Bedingfield, Stringer, Ryhal, King, Loftis, Hayes, Mack, Rivers, Ridgeway, Clary, Brannon, Atwater, Daning, Bannister, Anthony, McEachern, Mitchell, Erickson, Weeks, Knight, Cole, George, Horne, G.R. Smith, G.M. Smith, Williams, Limehouse, Pope, Gambrell, Alexander, Stavrinakis, Newton, White, Spires, R.L. Brown, Gilliard, Dillard and Gagnon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 37-2-307, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CLOSING FEES ASSESSED ON

MOTOR VEHICLES SALES CONTRACTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER WHO MEETS CERTAIN STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS MAY CHARGE A CLOSING FEE, TO ESTABLISH DEFENSES FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER CLOSING FEES.

Senator HUTTO proposed the following amendment (JUD4548.003), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 beginning on page 2, line 11 and inserting:

/     SECTION   1.   Section 37-2-307 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 37-2-307.   (A)(1)   Every motor vehicle dealer charging closing fees on a motor vehicle sales contract shall pay a one-time registration fee of ten dollars during each state fiscal year before January 31st to the Department of Consumer Affairs. The department shall set the fee annually in an amount not to exceed twenty-five dollars.

(2)   The closing fee must be included in the advertised price of the motor vehicle, disclosed on the sales contract, and displayed in a conspicuous location in the motor vehicle dealership.

(B)   A closing fee is defined as a fee charged for all administrative and financial work needed to transfer the motor vehicle to the consumer, person, or entity including, but not limited to, compliance with all state, federal, and lender requirements, preparation and retrieval of documents, protection of the private personal information of the consumer, records retention and storage costs.

(C)(1)   Prior to charging a closing fee, a motor vehicle dealer shall provide written notice to the Department of Consumer Affairs of the maximum amount of a closing fee the dealer intends to charge on an annual basis. The department may review the amount of the closing fee for reasonableness using the criteria in item (2) if the maximum amount of the closing fee intended to be charged by a dealer in a vehicle transaction exceeds two hundred twenty-five dollars per vehicle. The department shall not conduct a review of the amount of the closing fee for reasonableness when the maximum amount the dealer intends to charge in a vehicle transaction is not more than two hundred twenty-five dollars per vehicle. If the department intends to conduct a formal review of a proposed closing fee, the department shall provide written notice to the motor vehicle dealer of the department's intention to review the

proposed closing fee within thirty days of receiving the proposed closing fee notice. If the department does not provide a motor vehicle dealer with written notice of the department's intention to review the proposed closing fee within thirty days, the motor vehicle dealer is authorized to charge the proposed closing fee. If the department determines that a proposed closing fee is not reasonable, the department shall issue a written order detailing the department's findings. The department may require the fee to be reduced or require the motor vehicle dealer to submit a new fee for review. The dealer is at all times authorized to submit a new closing fee that is equal to or less than two hundred twenty-five dollars per vehicle which is not subject to review. During the pendency of the review period, a motor vehicle dealer is authorized to charge a closing fee at an amount not to exceed the amount most recently on file and permitted to be charged by the department. If the department finds that a closing fee is not reasonable, the motor vehicle dealer may request a hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

(2)   If the maximum amount of the closing fee that the dealer intends to charge is not more than two hundred twenty-five dollars per vehicle, the closing fee is deemed approved by the department and the dealer does meet and fulfill all reasonableness requirements and criteria in compliance with the law and this section.

(3)   In determining the reasonableness of a closing fee, the department shall allow the following items to be included in a reasonable closing fee:

(a)   all administrative expenses, costs, staff, supplies, materials, and financial work needed to transfer the motor vehicle to the consumer and to procure the closing of the motor vehicle transaction;

(b)   all costs for administrative expenses, costs, staff, supplies, and materials necessary by dealer to comply with all state, federal, and lender requirements;

(c)   all costs for administrative costs, staff, and materials needed for the preparation and retrieval of documents;

(d)   all costs for administrative costs, staff, supplies, and materials necessary for the protection of the private personal information of the consumer; and

(e)   all costs for administrative costs, staff, supplies, and materials necessary for records retention and storage costs.

(D)   Whether the vehicle transaction is a credit sale, consumer lease, or cash transaction:

(1)   notwithstanding another provision of law, a motor vehicle dealer who complies with this section and any regulation promulgated

under it and who charges a closing fee is not engaging in any action which is arbitrary, in bad faith, unconscionable, an unfair or deceptive practice, or an unfair method of competition for purposes of Section 56-15-30 and 56-15-40 with regard to the charging of a closing fee and may lawfully charge a closing fee;

(2)   a motor vehicle dealer may assert any defenses provided to a creditor pursuant to the provisions of this title; and

(3)   a purchaser injured or damaged by an action of a motor vehicle dealer in violation of this section or any regulation promulgated thereunder, may assert the remedies available pursuant to the provisions of this title.

(E)(1)   The Department of Consumer Affairs shall administer and enforce the subject of motor vehicle dealer closing fees including, but not limited to, this section. The department shall make and promulgate such rules and regulations relating to motor vehicle dealer closing fees to administer and enforce this section. The department shall have access to a motor vehicle dealer's books, accounts, and records to determine if the dealer is complying with the provisions of this section, and this financial information must be kept confidential and privileged from disclosure, except as provided by law.

(2)   If the department determines that a closing fee is not reasonable, the department shall issue a written order detailing the department's findings. The department may require the fee to be reduced or require the motor vehicle dealer to submit a new fee for review. If the department finds that a closing fee is not reasonable, the motor vehicle dealer may request a hearing in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

(F)   It is the intent of the General Assembly to authorize a motor vehicle dealer to charge a closing fee in compliance with this section and to protect a motor vehicle dealer from civil liability for charging a closing fee if the fee is charged in compliance with this title and any Department of Consumer Affairs regulation or administrative interpretation. It is further the intent to protect consumers by the disclosure and notice provisions established in this section and with the remedies provided by this title."   /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, by striking beginning on page 1, line 21 and ending on page 2, line 6.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HUTTO explained the Bill.

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

S. 687 (Word version) -- Senators McElveen, Johnson, Hembree, Verdin, Shealy, Williams and Campbell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-69-295 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO MOBILE VETERINARY FACILITIES, TO PROVIDE THAT A MOBILE VETERINARY PRACTICE OR FACILITY MUST IDENTIFY THE CLOSEST LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES FACILITY AND POST THE CONTACT INFORMATION OF THAT FACILITY, AND TO DEFINE "MOBILE VETERINARY PRACTICE" AND "PET" FOR PURPOSES OF THAT SECTION; TO AMEND CHAPTER 69, TITLE 40 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO VETERINARIANS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEFINITION OF "ANIMAL SHELTER" AND "VETERINARY SERVICES", TO PROVIDE THAT ANIMAL SHELTERS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, TO PROVIDE THAT VETERINARIANS AND ANIMAL SHELTERS SHALL PREPARE MEDICAL RECORDS FOR ANIMALS IN THEIR CARE AND MAINTAIN THOSE RECORDS FOR A MINIMUM OF THREE YEARS, TO PROVIDE THAT ANIMAL SHELTERS SHALL MAINTAIN RECORDS THAT DOCUMENT THE NUMBER OF ANIMALS ADMITTED AND THE METHOD BY WHICH THEY EXIT THE FACILITY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR ANIMAL SHELTERS; TO AMEND CHAPTER 69, TITLE 40 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO VETERINARIANS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DISPENSING OF A PRESCRIPTION DRUG TO THE OWNER OF AN END USER FOR THE TREATMENT OF A BODILY INJURY OR DISEASE OF AN ANIMAL SHALL BE UNLAWFUL, UNLESS PROPERLY LABELED AND PRESCRIBED BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.

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

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.

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

H. 3768 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, Johnson and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 11 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ABLE SAVINGS PROGRAM", TO ALLOW INDIVIDUALS WITH A DISABILITY AND THEIR FAMILIES TO SAVE PRIVATE FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY, TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES TO THE STATE TREASURER FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THESE ACCOUNTS, AND TO ESTABLISH THE SAVINGS PROGRAM TRUST FUND AND SAVINGS EXPENSE TRUST FUND; AND TO DESIGNATE THE EXISTING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 5, TITLE 11 AS ARTICLE 1 AND ENTITLE THEM "GENERAL PROVISIONS".

On motion of Senator SHANE MARTIN, the Bill was carried over.

H. 4717 (Word version) -- Reps. White, Lucas, Hiott, Simrill, G.M. Smith, Lowe, Whitmire, Taylor, George, V.S. Moss, J.E. Smith, M.S. McLeod, Bowers, Corley, Parks, McKnight, Douglas, Knight, Erickson, Sandifer, Willis, Kirby, Clary, Cobb-Hunter, Hardee, Duckworth, Johnson, Limehouse, Clyburn, Bales, Horne, Stavrinakis, Hayes, Yow, Neal, Kennedy, Newton, Tinkler, Riley, Howard, King, Henegan, Williams, Anthony, Clemmons, Crosby, Cole, Daning, Dillard, Forrester, Funderburk, Gambrell, Herbkersman, Hixon, Hosey, Loftis, Long, Pitts, Rivers, Rutherford, Ryhal, G.R. Smith, Wells, W.J. McLeod, Ridgeway, G.A. Brown, Bamberg, Hodges, Alexander, Thayer, McEachern, Gagnon, Whipper, R.L. Brown, Jefferson, Anderson, Spires and Hicks: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 46-1-160 SO AS TO CREATE THE "SOUTH CAROLINA FARM AID FUND" TO ASSIST FARMERS

WHO HAVE SUFFERED AT LEAST A FORTY PERCENT LOSS OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AS A RESULT OF A NATURAL DISASTER, TO CREATE THE FARM AID BOARD TO ADMINISTER THE FUND, AND TO SPECIFY ELIGIBILITY AND GRANT AMOUNTS.

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

S. 650 (Word version) -- Senators Scott, Malloy, Williams and Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-90 SO AS TO GRANT THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION SPECIFIC AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION AND AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION OF ALL OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS THAT RESULT, OR COULD HAVE RESULTED, IN BODILY INJURY OR DEATH, TO ALLOW FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF AN OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING TO BE COMPLETED BY A SEPARATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO ESTABLISH A PROTOCOL FOR EVIDENCE COLLECTION AND PROCESSING IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO GRANT AN INVESTIGATING OFFICER THE SAME AUTHORITY AS HE WOULD HAVE IN HIS HOME JURISDICTION FOR THE DURATION OF THE INVESTIGATION, TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR THE FORWARDING OF THE EVIDENCE TO THE CIRCUIT SOLICITOR UPON COMPLETION OF THE INVESTIGATION, AND TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR THE FAILURE TO COMPLETE AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.

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

S. 1115 (Word version) -- Senators Gregory, Rankin and Shealy: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DIVORCE IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC POLICY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA REGARDING THE AWARD OF ALIMONY.

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

S. 1169 (Word version) -- Senators Gregory and Shealy: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-3-130(B), CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AWARD OF ALIMONY AND OTHER ALLOWANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR TWO NEW FORMS OF ALIMONY AND TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF COHABITATION; TO AMEND SECTION 20-3-150, RELATING TO SEGREGATION OF ALLOWANCE BETWEEN SPOUSE AND CHILDREN AND THE EFFECT OF REMARRIAGE OF A SPOUSE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF COHABITATION.

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

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.

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

H. 3313 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Simrill, Ballentine, Felder, Atwater, Bedingfield, Spires, Clary, Collins, Delleney, Hamilton, Hiott, Hixon, V.S. Moss, Norman, Stringer, Toole, W.J. McLeod and Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-43-222 SO AS TO PROVIDE WHEN CALCULATING ROLL-BACK TAX DUE ON A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY CHANGED FROM AGRICULTURAL TO COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL USE THE VALUE USED FOR PLATTED GREEN SPACE OR OPEN SPACE USE OF THE PARCEL, IF SUCH USE IS TEN PERCENT OR MORE OF THE PARCEL, MUST BE VALUED BASED ON THE GREEN SPACE OR OPEN SPACE USE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CLASSES OF PROPERTY AND APPLICABLE ASSESSMENT RATIOS FOR PURPOSES OF

IMPOSITION OF THE PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING AMENDMENT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT AFTER A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY HAS UNDERGONE AN ASSESSABLE TRANSFER OF INTEREST, DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAX AND PENALTIES ASSESSED BECAUSE THE PROPERTY WAS IMPROPERLY CLASSIFIED AS OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY WHILE OWNED BY THE TRANSFEROR ARE SOLELY A PERSONAL LIABILITY OF THE TRANSFEROR AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AND ARE NOT ENFORCEABLE AGAINST THE PROPERTY AFTER THE ASSESSABLE TRANSFER OF INTEREST IF THE TRANSFEREE IS A BONA FIDE PURCHASER FOR VALUE WITHOUT NOTICE.

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

H. 3685 (Word version) -- Reps. D.C. Moss and Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 14-1-219 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A FIVE DOLLAR SURCHARGE IS IMPOSED UPON ALL MONETARY PENALTIES IMPOSED BY CERTAIN COURTS FOR OFFENSES IN WHICH AN ELECTRONIC TICKET OR CITATION WAS ISSUED, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE SURCHARGE.

Senator MASSEY explained the Bill.

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

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.

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

H. 3909 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Jefferson, Bernstein, G.A. Brown, Funderburk, Hill, W.J. McLeod, J.E. Smith, Whitmire, Gagnon, Dillard and Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3520

SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BICYCLES WITH HELPER MOTORS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ALL THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF BICYCLES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-1710, RELATING TO THE TERM "MOPED" AND ITS DEFINITION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO MOTORCYCLES OR BICYCLES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-990, RELATING TO CERTAIN PEDESTRIAN CONTROL SIGNALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SECTION ALSO APPLIES TO PEDESTRIAN CONTROL SIGNALS THAT EXHIBIT THE SYMBOLS FOR "WALK" OR "WAIT", AND TO PROVIDE THAT FOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS EQUIPPED WITH COUNTDOWN INDICATORS, A PEDESTRIAN MAY CROSS IF HE CAN COMPLETE THE CROSSING DURING THE REMAINING TIME; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-3130, RELATING TO A PEDESTRIAN'S RIGHT-OF-WAY IN A CROSSWALK, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE SHALL STOP TO YIELD TO A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING A ROADWAY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-3230, RELATING TO A DRIVER'S DUTY TO EXERCISE DUE CARE WHEN OPERATING A VEHICLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SECTION ALSO APPLIES TO A DRIVER'S DUTY TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH AN ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICE, A WHEELCHAIR, A FARM TRACTOR, OR A SIMILAR VEHICLE DESIGNED FOR FARM USE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-3425, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "BICYCLE LANE" AND OPERATIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND BICYCLES ALONG BICYCLE LANES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "BICYCLE LANE" AND TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR THE TERM "SUBSTANDARD-WIDTH LANE"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-16-10, RELATING TO CERTAIN TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS REGARDING THE REGULATION OF MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS, AND WHOLESALERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR THE TERM "BICYCLES WITH HELPER MOTORS".

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

S. 980 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen and McElveen: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 69, TITLE 40 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO VETERINARIANS, BY ADDING SECTION 40-69-305 TO REQUIRE ALL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS DISPENSED TO AN ANIMAL'S OWNER TO BE LABELED IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAW; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THIS SECTION.

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

S. 981 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-9600 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO "NO MORE HOMELESS PETS" LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL ASSOCIATION SHALL COORDINATE THE GRANT PROGRAM, BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT, AND DISTRIBUTE GRANT MONEY; TO REQUIRE AN ANNUAL ACCOUNTING FOR THE PROGRAM; AND REQUIRE CERTAIN INFORMATION BEFORE A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION CAN RECEIVE FUNDING UNDER THE GRANT PROGRAM.

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

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.

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

S. 1192 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO DISTRICT AND SCHOOL PLANNING, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4605, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

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

S. 1193 (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 4606, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

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

S. 1194 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO PROGRAM APPROVAL STANDARDS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA TEACHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4593, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

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

S. 1195 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, RELATING TO SPECIAL EDUCATION, EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4586, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

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

S. 84 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2910 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO RECKLESS VEHICULAR HOMICIDE, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO IS CONVICTED OF, PLEADS GUILTY TO, OR PLEADS NOLO CONTENDERE TO RECKLESS VEHICULAR HOMICIDE IS GUILTY OF A FELONY, AND MUST BE FINED NOT LESS THAN FIVE THOUSAND

DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS OR IMPRISONED NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS, OR BOTH, AND AFTER ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF REVOCATION OF THE PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE, THE PERSON MAY PETITION THE CIRCUIT COURT IN THE COUNTY OF THE PERSON'S CONVICTION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF THE PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE; TO AMEND ARTICLE 23, CHAPTER 5, TITLE 56 RELATING TO RECKLESS HOMICIDE, RECKLESS DRIVING, AND DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR, DRUGS, OR NARCOTICS, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-2925 TO DEFINE "GREAT BODILY INJURY" AS BODILY INJURY WHICH CREATES A SUBSTANTIAL RISK OF DEATH OR WHICH CAUSES SERIOUS, PERMANENT DISFIGUREMENT, OR PROTRACTED LOSS OR IMPAIRMENT OF THE FUNCTION OF ANY BODILY MEMBER OR ORGAN, TO PROVIDE FOR THE OFFENSE OF FELONY RECKLESS DRIVING, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PENALTIES OF FELONY RECKLESS DRIVING, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROCEDURE FOR REINSTATEMENT OF THE DRIVER'S LICENSE OF A PERSON CONVICTED OF FELONY RECKLESS DRIVING, AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE PERSON'S PRIVILEGE TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE IS REINSTATED, A SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS FOR ANY MOVING VIOLATION REQUIRES THE AUTOMATIC CANCELLATION OF THE PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE AND IMPOSITION OF THE FULL PERIOD OF REVOCATION FOR THE FELONY RECKLESS DRIVING VIOLATION.

Senator MASSEY explained the Bill.

Senator SABB objected to further consideration of the Bill.

S. 991 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MAY 11, 2016, AS "DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA AWARENESS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

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

Senator LEATHERMAN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Mr. PRESIDENT, thank you for having me up here, which is most unusual, on a point of personal interest. Let me tell you something: This thing called "dark money," our US Supreme Court of course spoke to that, and said that you cannot prohibit that because it does allow freedom of speech, and basically that is what they said.

I tell you what, and I will fight as long as I can to make absolutely sure that "dark money," and where it comes from, is reported. I simply cannot understand that anybody who would have "dark money" coming to a PAC would be opposed to telling where that money came from. I mean, I can't even begin to go there -- so why in the world would anybody in this Chamber oppose saying, "OK, we understand that it can come, we're not trying to close that door;" but I tell you what, we're going to know, the people of South Carolina are going to know, where that money is coming from and who's trying to influence the votes of the people of this State and that's what it is, gentlemen. That's exactly what it is because the money pours through a PAC from somebody, somewhere, and we currently do not know who, we do not know where, and I think we don't even know the amount. So what you have is money that's coming from outside sources, flowing into our political process here in South Carolina that says, "We are going to influence the outcome of this election." Ladies, gentlemen, this is just as wrong as it can be. I don't believe that the people of this State want that. I simply don't believe they want that. I can tell you that I'll be doing everything I can this session, and if we get it passed this session that would be my desire, but if we don't, I'll be back next year and if we don't get it next year, I'll be here the year after. We, for the good of our State, have got to put a stop to this rather than let it continue.

Many in this Chamber probably have felt the sting of "dark money." I would hope that we Senators would come to our senses and say no longer, no longer will the State of South Carolina allow outside money to come in here and influence the outcome of our elections. I just simply do not believe that the people of our State like this or want our State to be bought by outside money that no one knows where it comes from, knows how much is given, and what they're doing with it. So I would put you on notice, that if we can get it passed this year, I am going to do everything I can to see that it gets done and if we can't this year, I'll be back next year, and if we can't next year, I'll be here the year after that.

It's wrong, it's wrong, it's wrong for this State to allow money to flow into our political process without the people who are going to cast their votes knowing where that money is coming from to try to influence those voters to put a certain person in office or put a certain person out of office. I just think it's wrong. Thank you, Mr. PRESIDENT.

On motion of Senator NICHOLSON, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator LEATHERMAN were ordered printed in the Journal.

H. 3186 (Word version) -- Reps. Finlay, Cole, Anderson, Bales, G.A. Brown, R.L. Brown, Felder, Funderburk, Hart, Knight, Lucas, Murphy, Newton, Norman, Norrell, Pope, Putnam, Rivers, Southard, Spires, Tallon, Taylor, Wells, Williams, Willis, Long, Henderson, G.R. Smith, G.M. Smith, McCoy, Clary, J.E. Smith, W.J. McLeod, Weeks, Whipper, Hicks, Atwater, Ballentine and Stavrinakis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-100, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO ETHICS AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "BUSINESS WITH WHICH HE IS ASSOCIATED"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CONTENTS OF STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE FORM AND REQUIRED CONTENTS OF STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS.

Senator LARRY MARTIN moved that the Bill be set for Special Order.

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Cleary                    Coleman                   Corbin
Courson                   Cromer                    Davis
Fair                      Gregory                   Grooms
Hayes                     Hembree                   Jackson
Johnson                   Kimpson                   Leatherman
Lourie                    Malloy                    Martin, Larry
Martin, Shane             Massey                    Matthews, John
McElveen                  Nicholson                 Peeler

Rankin                    Reese                     Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Thurmond
Turner                    Verdin                    Young

Hutto                     Matthews, Margie          Sabb
Sheheen

Having received the necessary vote, the Bill was set for Special Order.

At 2:12 P.M., on motion of Senator CROMER, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

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

Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
Reappointment, Hampton County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2014, and to expire April 30, 2018
Carolyn A. Williams, 257 Isiah Henry Loop, Brunson, SC 29911

Initial Appointment, Kershaw County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2015, and to expire April 30, 2019
Donnie A. Trapp, 2211 Antioch Rd., Bishopville, SC 29010 VICE New Seat

Initial Appointment, Williamsburg County Part-Time Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2014, and to expire April 30, 2018
Doward K. Harvin, 54 Cade Road, Lake City, SC 29560 VICE Curtis Keels

Initial Appointment, Clarendon County Master-in-Equity, with the term to commence June 30, 2016, and to expire June 30, 2022
Joseph K. Coffey, 1742 Bethlehem Rd., Manning, SC 29102 VICE William Coffey

Initial Appointment, Richland County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2015, and to expire April 30, 2019
Barbara J. Wofford-Kanwat, 108 King Charles Rd., Columbia, SC 29209 VICE Michael Davis

On motion of Senator NICHOLSON, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Dr. Stuart Alexander Tinkler of Greenwood, S.C. Dr. Tinkler joined the Peace Corps after his graduation from Davidson College and taught at Logoipulotu College in Samoa for two years. He returned to Greenwood to teach chemistry and coach soccer before attending the Medical University of South Carolina. Stuart was a loving husband and devoted father who will be dearly missed.

At 2:12 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 2:00 P.M.

This web page was last updated on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 11:51 A.M.