Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 2:00 P.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

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

The Psalmist pleaded:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me."     (Psalm 51:10)

Bow in prayer with me, please:

All-loving and compassionate God, we come to you on this Ash Wednesday so very conscious of our shortcomings, aware of the many, many times we have failed to be the women and men you urge us to be, in truth, sinners all. Have mercy upon us and forgive us as You alone can do, Lord. May these Senators, may all of us, strive more determinedly than ever to live as Your obedient servants, honoring You in all that we say and do, and at every juncture bringing glory to You and to this State. In Your hopeful name do we pray this, O Lord. Amen.

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

At 2:05 P.M., Senator LEATHERMAN made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Senator LEATHERMAN moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:

Alexander                 Bennett                   Bright
Campbell                  Cleary                    Coleman
Courson                   Cromer                    Davis
Fair                      Hayes                     Hutto
Kimpson                   Leatherman                Martin, Larry
Martin, Shane             Massey                    McElveen
Nicholson                 Peeler                    Rankin
Reese                     Sabb                      Scott

Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Thurmond                  Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Young

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Senator COURSON introduced Dr. David Garr of Mount Pleasant, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Senator CAMPSEN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Senator CLEARY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 1077 (Word version)     Sen. Young
S. 155 (Word version)       Sen. Bright

At 2:35 P.M., Senator LEATHERMAN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to invite the House of Representatives to attend the Senate Chamber for the purpose of ratifying Acts at 11:30 A.M.

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

The following were introduced:

S. 1072 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Cleary, Campbell, Grooms, Thurmond and Bennett: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MRS. ANN DARLINGTON EDWARDS FOR HER MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITIZENS OF THE PALMETTO STATE.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

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

S. 1074 (Word version) -- Senator Nicholson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE SARAH MAE POPE OF GREENWOOD COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MANY YEARS OF CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1075 (Word version) -- Senator Campbell: 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.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1076 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO PERMIT MAINTENANCE DREDGING BY INDIVIDUALS OF CERTAIN EXISTING NAVIGATIONAL CANAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS AUTHORIZED BY A PERMIT FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL CLEAN WATER ACT, AS AMENDED, OR THE RIVERS AND HARBORS ACT.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

S. 1077 (Word version) -- Senators Bryant, Massey and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO THANK THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC DIVISION FOR RECONSIDERING THEIR DECISION REGARDING PRIVATE USE OF THE SAVANNAH RIVER BASIN FOR LAWN AND GARDEN IRRIGATION AND TO RECOGNIZE THE LAKE HARTWELL ASSOCIATION ON THEIR EFFORTS TO MONITOR AND COMMUNICATE ON BEHALF OF THE CITIZENS AFFECTED BY THESE DECISIONS.
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Senator BRYANT spoke on the Resolution.

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3420 (Word version) -- Reps. Crosby, Daning, Sottile, Mack, Gilliard, Yow, Williams, Stavrinakis, Whipper, Jefferson, R. L. Brown, Goldfinch and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-39-115, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS TO CERTAIN VETERANS OF THE

UNITED STATES MILITARY, SO AS TO INCLUDE VETERANS OF THE ERAS ENCOMPASSING THE KOREAN WAR AND VIETNAM WAR.

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

H. 3657 (Word version) -- Reps. Yow, Henegan and Lucas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-19-315, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MANDATORY COMMENCEMENT OF ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES' TERMS ONE WEEK FOLLOWING CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS REQUIREMENT APPLIES EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY LAW.

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

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.

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

H. 4447 (Word version) -- Reps. Henegan and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-7-355 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS TO ISSUE MOBILE BARBERSHOP PERMITS, TO ESTABLISH PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF MOBILE BARBERSHOPS.

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

H. 4457 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins and W. J. McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-3-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CIVIL JURISDICTION OF THE MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE CIVIL JURISDICTION FROM SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.

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

H. 4532 (Word version) -- Rep. Fry: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-23-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BOUNDARIES OF THE MURRELL'S INLET-GARDEN CITY FIRE DISTRICT, SO AS TO REVISE THE BOUNDARIES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 4-23-15 RELATING TO THE BOUNDARIES OF THE SAME DISTRICT.

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

H. 4639 (Word version) -- Reps. Allison and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-47 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION MAY ENTER INTERSTATE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS THAT AUTHORIZE ACCREDITED DEGREE-GRANTING INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THIS STATE TO OFFER POSTSECONDARY DISTANCE EDUCATION IN A CERTAIN MANNER, TO PROVIDE RELATED POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE PARTICIPATION IN THE AGREEMENTS IS VOLUNTARY TO ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THIS STATE THAT DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY INTERSTATE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BY THE COMMISSION ARE NOT PROHIBITED FROM OFFERING POSTSECONDARY DISTANCE EDUCATION, AND TO CLARIFY THAT NO PROVISION OF THIS ACT PROHIBITS OR REDUCES THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION TO LICENSE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION OFFERING DISTANCE EDUCATION IN THIS STATE IF THE INSTITUTION IS NOT A PARTICIPANT IN THE INTERSTATE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT IN WHICH THE COMMISSION PARTICIPATES.

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

H. 4748 (Word version) -- Rep. R. L. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES SIMMONS CREEK ALONG OLD POND ROAD IN CHARLESTON COUNTY "JERRY AND HANNAH BLAKE MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS BRIDGE THAT CONTAIN THIS DESIGNATION.

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

H. 4854 (Word version) -- Rep. Huggins: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE FEBRUARY 9, 2016, AS "MS AWARENESS DAY" IN THE PALMETTO STATE AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND WHAT THEY CAN DO TO SUPPORT MS PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

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

H. 4856 (Word version) -- Reps. Hardee and Johnson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR HELEN STEPHENS FOR HER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO AND PARTICIPATION IN THE HORRY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., AND TO CONGRATULATE HER UPON BEING NAMED THE COOPERATIVE'S 2016 RURAL LADY OF THE YEAR.

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

H. 4858 (Word version) -- Reps. Allison, Forrester, 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, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, 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 DR. ELIZABETH A. FLEMING, PRESIDENT OF CONVERSE COLLEGE, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR HER MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS AN EDUCATOR, AND TO WISH HER MUCH

HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

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

H. 4861 (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, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, 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 THE THIRTY-FIVE SOUTH CAROLINA TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS NAMED TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2016 ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM BY THE PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SCHOLARLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.

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

H. 4865 (Word version) -- Reps. Ballentine, Jefferson, Funderburk, Norman, Hiott, Hodges, Goldfinch, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, 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, Fry, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hicks, Hill, Hixon, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins,

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, 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 REQUEST THAT THE GEORGETOWN COUNTY COUNCIL NAME THE COUNTY JUDICIAL CENTER LOCATED ON CLELAND STREET IN THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN THE "AIRMAN FIRST CLASS CARL ANDERSON, JR. COURTHOUSE" IN HONOR OF A BRAVE SON OF SOUTH CAROLINA WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WHILE DEFENDING HIS COUNTRY IN IRAQ.

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

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

S. 72 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-39-112 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ELECTIVE CREDIT FOR RELEASED TIME CLASSES IN RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MAY, AS A MEANS TO ENSURE EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION ON THE BASIS OF PURELY SECULAR CRITERIA, ACCEPT TIME RELEASED CREDITS AS TRANSFER CREDITS FROM AN ACCREDITED PRIVATE SCHOOL THAT HAS AWARDED PRIVATE SCHOOL CREDITS FOR A RELEASED TIME PROGRAM OPERATED BY AN UNACCREDITED ENTITY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 868 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Massey, Setzler and Nicholson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 7, TITLE 58 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE EXERCISE OF EMINENT DOMAIN BY PIPELINE COMPANIES, TO PROVIDE NECESSARY

DEFINITIONS, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN RELATED CERTIFICATION OR PERMITTING FUNCTIONS AT THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, AND TO PROVIDE PROPERTY OWNER RIGHTS AND A CAUSE OF ACTION FOR DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY CERTAIN ADJACENT PROPERTY OF THE OWNER OF PROPERTY CONDEMNED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND TO DESIGNATE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS IN THE CHAPTER AS ARTICLE 1 ENTITLED "GAS AND WATER COMPANIES".

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 1065 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Massey, Setzler and Nicholson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CLARIFY THAT SECTION 58-7-10 OF THE 1976 CODE OF LAWS DOES NOT APPLY TO A PRIVATE, FOR-PROFIT PIPELINE COMPANY, INCLUDING A PUBLICLY-TRADED FOR-PROFIT COMPANY, THAT IS NOT A PUBLIC UTILITY AS DEFINED BY TITLE 58 OF THE 1976 SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS; AND TO CREATE THE PETROLEUM PIPELINE STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY MATTERS RELATED TO THE PRESENCE OF PETROLEUM PIPELINES IN SOUTH CAROLINA, AND FOR THE STUDY COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY JANUARY 31, 2017, AND TO CONTINUE ITS WORK UNTIL JUNE 30, 2017 IF THE JANUARY REPORT DETERMINES FURTHER WORK IS NEEDED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

Reappointment, Director of Department of Public Safety, with the term to commence February 1, 2016, and to expire February 1, 2020
Leroy Smith, 1308 Ashland Dr., Columbia, SC 29229

Received as information.

Columbia, S.C., February 10, 2016

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 4633 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham and Limehouse: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE DATE BY WHICH AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL MUST APPLY TO BECOME AN ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION FOR PURPOSES OF THE EDUCATIONAL TAX CREDIT FOR EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS CHILDREN UNTIL FEBRUARY 15, 2016.
and has ordered the Joint Resolution enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

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

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

S. 933 (Word version) -- Senator Johnson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-310(B)(2) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENTS, TO PROVIDE A TWO YEAR EXTENSION FOR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PETITIONS FOR A PERSON WHO IS NO LONGER ENROLLED IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL AND WHO PREVIOUSLY FAILED TO RECEIVE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR WAS DENIED GRADUATION SOLELY FOR FAILING TO MEET THE EXIT EXAM REQUIREMENTS.

S. 1043 (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.

S. 978 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-9-330, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RISK-BASED CAPITAL PLANS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MULTIPLIER FOR A COMPANY ACTION LEVEL EVENT FOR A LIFE AND HEALTH INSURER FROM 2.5 TO 3.0; TO AMEND SECTION 38-87-30, RELATING TO THE CHARTERING OF A RISK RETENTION GROUP, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS, TO PROVIDE THAT A MAJORITY OF A RISK RETENTION GROUPS' DIRECTORS MUST BE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS, TO ESTABLISH THE MAXIMUM TERM OF ANY MATERIAL SERVICE PROVIDER CONTRACT, TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO ADOPT A WRITTEN POLICY, TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO ADOPT AND DISCLOSE ITS GOVERNANCE STANDARDS, TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO ADOPT AND DISCLOSE A CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS, TO REQUIRE A RISK RETENTION GROUP TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE REGULATIONS, TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, AND TO SET ESTABLISHED DATES FOR COMPLIANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-87-40, RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE RISK RETENTION GROUPS, SO AS TO ALLOW AN OUT-OF-STATE RISK RETENTION GROUP TO SUBMIT REVISIONS TO ITS PLAN OF OPERATION WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF APPROVAL BY THE STATE INSURANCE COMMISSION OR WITHIN THIRTY DAYS IF NO APPROVAL IS REQUIRED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-160, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO EXTEND THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 38-87-30 TO A RISK RETENTION GROUP LICENSED AS A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator CROMER explained the Bill.

The question being the second reading of the Bill.

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

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

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

S. 493 (Word version) -- Senator O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-68-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF TAX CREDITS AND ECONOMIC INCENTIVES BASED ON EMPLOYMENT WITH RESPECT TO CLIENT COMPANIES OF PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-68-55, RELATING TO THE ABILITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO PROVIDE BY REGULATION FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF AFFIDAVIT OR CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL OF QUALIFIED ASSURANCE ORGANIZATIONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THESE FUNCTIONS

BE PROVIDED BY REGULATION; TO AMEND SECTION 40-68-60, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT ORGANIZATION SERVICES AGREEMENTS BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSIGNED EMPLOYEES, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT TERMS MUST BE ESTABLISHED BY WRITTEN CONTRACT, AND INSTEAD TO PROVIDE ORGANIZATIONS ONLY SHALL PROVIDE ASSIGNED EMPLOYEES WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF HOW THE AGREEMENT AFFECTS THEM; TO AMEND SECTION 40-68-70, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT ORGANIZATION SERVICES AGREEMENTS BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS AND CLIENT COMPANIES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT MUST BE ESTABLISHED BY WRITTEN CONTRACT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-68-150, RELATING TO CERTAIN PROHIBITED ACTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN THE SALE OF INSURANCE OR ACT AS THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATORS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE SPONSORING AND MAINTAINING OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ASSIGNED EMPLOYEES DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE SALE OF INSURANCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 40-68-45 RELATING TO CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.

The Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry proposed the following amendment (493R001.KM.TCA), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Chapter 10, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-10-108.   (A)   As used in this section:

(1)   'Assigned employee' means an employee providing services for a client company as affected by a contract between a licensee and a client company in which employment responsibilities are shared.

(2)   'Client company' means a person that contracts with a licensee and that is assigned employees under that contract.

(3)   'Licensee' means a person under Chapter 68, Title 40 as a professional employer organization to provide professional employer

services as that term is defined in Section 40-68-10. The term includes a professional employer services group licensed under Section 40-68-80.

(B)   A client company that is a qualifying business and otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter except that it uses a single licensee to provide assigned employees which perform services at the project, will be eligible for an overpayment of withholding resulting from a job development credit for new jobs filled by assigned employees provided the provisions of this section are met, including the following:

(1)   the benefits package, including health care, for employees described in Section 12-10-50(A)(2) and (B)(2) is sponsored by either the licensee or the client company;

(2)   a revitalization agreement is executed between the qualifying business that is a client company and the council, and an addendum to the revitalization agreement is executed among the qualifying business that is a client company, the council, and the licensee that sets forth the applicable responsibilities of each party and is in a form acceptable to the council;

(3)   the licensee makes all books and records concerning a client company available to the department and the council concerning withholding and the claiming of a job development credit in the manner provided by this title and applicable regulations; and

(4)   the licensee submits the required income tax withholding payments and returns for all assigned employees working at the project and claims any applicable job development credit attributable to the assigned employees.

(C)   On a quarterly basis, the client company shall file with the department and the council information concerning:

(1)   the number of assigned employees at the project attributable to the licensee;

(2)   the amount of South Carolina income tax withholding for assigned employees for the licensee;

(3)   the total amount of job development credits associated with the assigned employees attributable to the licensee; and

(4)   such other information the department or council may require.

If the client company also has employees subject to South Carolina withholding taxes payable by the client company, the client company is eligible to claim a job development credit for any such employee. The client company also shall provide the information set forth in this subsection concerning such employees.

(D)(1)   In lieu of refunding any applicable overpayment of withholding attributable to a job development credit to a licensee, the

department shall pay to the client company any applicable overpayment of withholding attributable to the job development credit for assigned employees. Once payment is made to the client company, the licensee has no further claim to any overpayment of withholding attributable to the job development credit and paid to the client company and shall hold the department and the council harmless for any overpayment of withholding paid to the client company pursuant to this item.

(2)   To the extent that any overpayment of withholding results from an improper claiming of a job development credit, it must be treated as misappropriated withholding with the client company being liable for the amount and the licensee only liable if the licensee commits fraud attributable to the claiming of a job development credit.

(3)   Qualifications and calculations of job development credits pursuant to this chapter must be made on a client company basis and not on a licensee basis.

(4)   The department and the council may specify the form and manner of any information to be submitted under this section.

(5)   All notices pertaining to the claiming of the job development credit must be sent to both the licensee and the client company.

(E)   If a contract entered into pursuant to Section 40-68-60 between a client company and a licensee is terminated, the client company shall send notice of termination to the department and the council within thirty business days of the date of termination. If and until a new licensee becomes a party to the addendum, the client company shall be responsible for all of the licensee's responsibilities under the addendum to the revitalization agreement.

(F)   The client company shall be responsible for submitting any reports or fees to the council or the department required by this chapter including itemized sources and uses of funds and paying any penalty imposed for failure to submit a report or fee without an extension.

(G)   Notwithstanding Section 12-10-80(A)(1) and (2), a client company must be considered current with respect to withholding tax if the licensee is current with respect to withholding taxes. If the client company has its own employees that are subject to a job development credit, in addition to assigned employees, the client company also must be current with respect to all withholding taxes.

(H)   The licensee and the client company agree to waive the taxpayer confidentiality provisions of Section 12-54-240 and allow the exchange of information concerning withholding tax and the claiming of job development credit among the licensee, client company, department, and the council.

(I)   Any claim for a retraining credit pursuant to Section 12-10-95 must be treated the same as a job development credit under this section.

(J)   The client company must pay an additional three hundred dollar administrative fee to be split equally between the department and the council to cover the cost of administering the provisions of this section.

(K)   The department and the council may establish such rules and regulations as are necessary to administer this section.

(L)   All the provisions of this chapter remain applicable to a client company and the claiming of the job development credit."     /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 2, line 36 by inserting an appropriately numbered new SECTION to read:

/   SECTION ___.   Chapter 68, Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 40-68-145.   (A)   Except as otherwise provided by law, for purposes of determining an incentive or business preference program based on employment, an assigned employee is considered an employee solely of the client company, not the licensee. Notwithstanding that the licensee is the W-2 reporting employer, the client company is entitled to the benefit of or to continue to qualify for an incentive, business preference program, or other benefit arising from the employment of assigned employees.

(B)   Except as otherwise provided by law, for the purposes of an incentive or business preference program based on the number of employees, assigned employees, and direct employees of the client company are considered employees solely of the client company, but not the licensee.

(C)   On request by the client company, the State, or any governmental entity, a licensee shall provide employment information and applicable books and records required by the State or governmental entity responsible for the administration of the incentive or business preference program and necessary to support a request, claim, application, or other action by a client company seeking an incentive or participation in a business preference program, or an audit of the client company's claiming of the incentive or business preference if based in whole, or in part, on the assigned employees.

(D)   In providing information required pursuant to subsection (C), a licensee may not be required to:

(1)   complete forms on behalf of a client;

(2)   attest, certify, and verify the accuracy of information originally provided by or based on information provided by the client company to the licensee; however, any information submitted to the licensee by the

client company must be signed by a person authorized to sign a return under Section 12-2-75 and shall be treated as though such information were submitted in connection with a return submitted to the Department of Revenue;

(3)   create new information or records; or

(4)   provide employment information beyond the applicable statute of limitation for assessing taxes provided in Section 12-54-85.

(E)   The licensee and the client company agree to waive the taxpayer confidentiality provisions of Section 12-54-240 and allow the exchange of information concerning the applicable incentive or business preference program among the client company, the licensee and any public entity administering the applicable incentive or business preference program."     /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 3, by striking line 33 and inserting:

/   "place of business or the licensee may provide this notice separately, as required by Section 40-68-60(C)."   /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 5, by striking SECTION 6 in its entirety.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator BRYANT explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The question then was the second reading of the Bill.

Senator BRYANT explained the Bill.

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Campsen                   Cleary                    Coleman
Corbin                    Courson                   Cromer
Davis                     Fair                      Gregory
Hayes                     Hutto                     Jackson
Johnson                   Kimpson                   Leatherman

Malloy                    Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane
Massey                    Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie
McElveen                  Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Sabb
Scott                     Setzler                   Shealy
Sheheen                   Thurmond                  Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

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

S. 937 (Word version) -- Senator Young: 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 REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE NAMES OF THE AIKEN COUNTY VOTING PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND AND MAINTAINED BY THE REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator YOUNG explained the Bill.

The question being the second reading of the Bill.

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Campsen                   Cleary                    Coleman
Corbin                    Courson                   Cromer
Davis                     Fair                      Gregory
Hayes                     Hembree                   Hutto

Jackson                   Johnson                   Kimpson
Leatherman                Malloy                    Martin, Larry
Martin, Shane             Massey                    Matthews, John
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.

H. 4660 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and Gambrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-43-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS EXCLUDED FROM LICENSURE AS AN INSURANCE PRODUCER OR AN INSURANCE AGENCY, SO AS TO EXCEPT FROM THESE EXCLUSIONS A LICENSED PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE PRODUCER WHO PLACES SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE THROUGH A LICENSED INSURANCE BROKER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-43-50, RELATING TO LIMITED LINE AND SPECIAL PRODUCER LICENSURE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A LICENSED PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURANCE PRODUCER MAY PLACE SURPLUS LINES INSURANCE THROUGH A LICENSED INSURANCE BROKER WITHOUT BEING APPOINTED BY THE SURPLUS LINES INSURER; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-1-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE INSURANCE LAW OF THIS STATE, AND SECTION 38-45-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING INSURANCE BROKERS AND SURPLUS PROPERTY LINES INSURANCE, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES TO RELATED TERMS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator CROMER explained 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
Bryant                    Campbell                  Campsen
Cleary                    Coleman                   Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Gregory
Hayes                     Hembree                   Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson                   Kimpson
Leatherman                Malloy                    Martin, Larry
Martin, Shane             Massey                    Matthews, John
Matthews, Margie          McElveen                  Nicholson
Peeler                    Rankin                    Sabb
Scott                     Setzler                   Sheheen
Thurmond                  Verdin                    Williams
Young

Bright                    Courson                  Fair
Shealy                    Turner

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

S. 139 (Word version) -- Senator Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-39-130 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PERMITS REQUIRED FOR COASTAL ZONE CRITICAL AREAS, TO ALLOW FOR CERTAIN

ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGIES, METHODOLOGIES, OR STRUCTURES WITH REGARD TO PROTECTING BEACH AND DUNE CRITICAL AREAS WHEN AN EMERGENCY ORDER IS ISSUED BY APPOINTED OFFICIALS OF COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 48-39-280, TO PROHIBIT THE SEAWARD MOVEMENT OF THE BASELINE AFTER JULY 1, 2015, AND TO ELIMINATE THE RIGHT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND LANDOWNERS TO PETITION THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT TO MOVE THE BASELINE SEAWARD UPON COMPLETION OF A BEACH RENOURISHMENT PROJECT; TO AMEND SECTION 48-39-290, TO NARROW THE EXCEPTION OF GOLF COURSES FROM A PERMIT REQUIREMENT TO REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF EXISTING GOLF COURSES, TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXEMPTION FOR SANDFENCING, REVEGITATION OF DUNES, MINOR BEACH RENOURISHMENT, AND DUNE CONSTRUCTION; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO APPROVE REPAIRS TO CERTAIN EROSION CONTROL DEVICES WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROHIBITED, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH REPAIRS MAY BE MADE; TO AMEND SECTION 48-39-320 BY ADDING A SUBSECTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL MAY APPROVE EROSION CONTROL DEVICES NOT PROVIDED FOR IN THIS CHAPTER IF THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT A DEVICE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL WITH REGARD TO EROSION CONTROL; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 48-39-290(D)(2).

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

S. 315 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms and Campsen: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REPEAL SECTION 6 OF ACT 114, RELATED TO THE TERMINATION OF THE GOVERNOR'S AUTHORITY TO APPOINT THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION; AND TO EXTEND THE GOVERNOR'S AUTHORITY UNTIL FURTHER ACTION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE CONTRARY.

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

S. 267 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Campsen, Hembree, Bennett, Turner, Thurmond, Davis, Bright, Bryant, L. Martin, S. Martin and Hayes: 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.

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

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

At 2:58 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

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

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.

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

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

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.

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

Senators LOURIE and HUTTO proposed the following amendment (3579R007.KM.JL):

Amend the committee amendment, as and if amended, page [3579-2], by striking lines 20-23 and inserting:

/   twelve cents. Fifteen percent of the funds raised by the increase in the motor fuel user fee imposed by this subsection shall be apportioned

among the counties of the State in the manner provided in Section 12-28-2740. The remainder of the funds raised by the increase in     /

Amend the committee amendment further, as and if amended, page [3579-4], by striking lines 1-7 and inserting:

/   (C)   The fees collected pursuant to this section must be credited to the Department of Transportation State Non-Federal Aid Highway Fund. Fifteen percent of the funds raised by the increase in the motor fuel user fee imposed by this subsection shall be apportioned among the counties of the State in the manner provided in Section 12-28-2740. The remaining fees collected pursuant to this section shall be credited to the State Highway Fund."   /

Amend the committee amendment further, as and if amended, page [3579-4], by striking lines 29-32 and inserting:

/   (G)   From each biennial registration and license fee collected, sixteen dollars shall be credited as follows: fifteen percent of the funds raised by the increase in the motor fuel user fee imposed by this subsection shall be apportioned among the counties of the State in the manner provided in Section 12-28-2740 and the remainder credited to the State Highway Fund."   /

Amend the committee amendment further, as and if amended, page [3579-5], by striking lines 3-6 and inserting:

/   (B)   Fifteen percent of the funds raised by the increase in the motor fuel user fee imposed by this subsection shall be apportioned among the counties of the State in the manner provided in Section 12-28-2740 and the remainder of the fees shall be credited to the State Highway Fund.   /

Amend the committee amendment further, as and if amended, page [3579-6], by striking lines 1-2 and inserting:

/   (i)     fifteen percent shall be apportioned among the counties of the State in the manner provided in Section 12-28-2740.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CLEARY explained the amendment.

Senator LOURIE explained the amendment.

Senator CROMER assumed the Chair.

Debate was interrupted by adjournment.

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

On motion of Senator NICHOLSON, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Wayne Quay Justesen, Jr. of Greenwood, S.C. Mr. Justesen served in the U.S. Army and was a respected community leader. He retired in 2012 as general counsel and secretary of Greenwood Mills, was a member of First Presbyterian Church and served as a chair of the Lander University Foundation. Wayne was a loving husband and son, devoted father and doting grandfather who will be dearly missed.

On motion of Senators PEELER, 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, LARRY MARTIN, SHANE MARTIN, MASSEY, JOHN MATTHEWS, MARGIE BRIGHT MATTHEWS, McELVEEN, NICHOLSON, RANKIN, REESE, SABB, SCOTT, SETZLER, SHEALY, SHEHEEN, THURMOND, TURNER, VERDIN, WILLIAMS and YOUNG, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Ms. Carolyn "Callie" Phillips Wienges of St. Matthews, S.C. Ms. Wienges is the mother of our beloved Reading Clerk, John Wienges. She attended Limestone College and the University of South Carolina, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Phi Sorority and a homecoming queen. Ms. Wienges was a member of the William Thomson Chapter of the DAR, St. Matthews Garden Club, Coterie Club and Mother of the Year Committee. She was a board member of the Orangeburg Calhoun Regional Hospital and a member of St. Matthews Presbyterian Church. Ms. Wienges was a loving mother and devoted grandmother who will be dearly missed.

At 4:32 P.M., on motion of Senator LOURIE, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

This web page was last updated on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 10:10 A.M.