Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by the SPEAKER, as follows:
Our thought for today is from Isaiah 49:23: "And he said to me, you are my servant."
Let us pray. Servants of God, Your Lord proclaims you as His own. May His Holy Spirit flow through these Representatives and Staff as they work through the agenda today. Direct them to do for the people of this State what You desire them to achieve. Give these men and women the courage they need to accomplish great things. Continue to bless our defenders of freedom and first responders as they keep us safe. Invoke divine care upon our Nation, President, State, Governor, Speaker, Staff, and all who contribute to this Assembly. Heal the wounds, those seen and those hidden, of our brave warriors who suffer and sacrifice for our freedom. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers. Amen.
Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.
After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.
Rep. G. R. SMITH moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Marian J. Kittredge, which was agreed to.
The House stood in silent prayer for Representative Brandon Newton.
The following was received:
April 28, 2022
The Honorable Charles F. Reid
Clerk of the House of Representatives
Room 213, Blatt Building
P. O. Box 11867
Columbia, SC 29211
Dear Mr. Reid:
Please accept this letter resigning both my membership in the House Ways & Means Committee and as Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee effective 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2022. I submit this resignation with great thoughtfulness, appreciation, and humility as I look back upon my service with this committee.
I believed it is in the best interest of both the committee and this Body that I submit this resignation to assist in an orderly transition of responsibilities and to help with continued committee operations during this legislative session.
Through the years, I have been privileged to serve in many roles in the South Carolina House. However, the most interesting and personally challenging role has been as both a member and Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. It has been a blessing and honor to serve on this committee and as its chairman, and I thank everyone who has provided support, assistance, and wisdom to me during this time.
I resign from this office knowing with great confidence that the Ways & Means Committee will exercise great wisdom and care selecting their new chairman.
Sincerely,
G. Murrell Smith, Jr.
Received as information.
Rep. D. C. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 5285 (Word version) -- Reps. Dabney, J. L. Johnson and Wheeler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES NAME ITS FACILITY LOCATED AT 1056 EHRENCLOU DRIVE IN THE CITY OF CAMDEN IN KERSHAW COUNTY IN HONOR OF CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT SERGEANT MAJOR AND MRS. THOMAS PATRICK PAYNE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. D. C. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 787 (Word version) -- Senator Stephens: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME ST. MARK BOWMAN ROAD IN DORCHESTER COUNTY "CAPTAIN JEROME JONES ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. D. C. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 1280 (Word version) -- Senators Martin and Talley: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE NORTH TYGER RIVER BRIDGE ON HWY 296, ALSO KNOWN AS REIDVILLE ROAD, BETWEEN SHENANDOAH DRIVE AND NICHOLS DRIVE IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY "KEEGAN ISAIAH JOHNSON BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THIS DESIGNATION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. D. C. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 1230 (Word version) -- Senator Fanning: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 9 IN CHESTER COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH PILGRIM ROAD TO THE CHESTER/UNION COUNTY LINE "MAJOR GENERAL GARY T. MCCOY ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THIS DESIGNATION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 5252 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and G. M. Smith: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SOUTH CAROLINA THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPETITIVE ELECTRIC RATES, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN QUALIFYING COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS SEEKING TO LOCATE IN SOUTH CAROLINA; TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO CONSIDER QUANTIFIABLE NET BENEFITS TO UTILITY CUSTOMERS DUE TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHEN SETTING JUST AND REASONABLE RATES; AND TO PROVIDE AN EXPEDITIOUS PROCESS FOR AN ELECTRICAL UTILITY TO OFFER PRICING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR POTENTIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 908 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-4445 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE RESTRICTION OF ELEVATING OR LOWERING A MOTOR VEHICLE, TO PROHIBIT MOTOR VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS THAT RESULT IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE'S FRONT FENDER BEING RAISED FOUR OR MORE INCHES ABOVE THE HEIGHT OF THE REAR FENDER.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 158 (Word version) -- Senator Scott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-57-340, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALESPERSONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXEMPTION TO THE BIENNIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR BROKERS AND SALESPERSONS WHO HAVE TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF LICENSURE AND ARE SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 460 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION AND THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, TO DELETE CERTAIN OBSOLETE LANGUAGE, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE THE DIVISION OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY'S PROGRAM AREAS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-20 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, TO REVISE HIS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-25(F)(2) AND (5) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE VOLUNTEER STRATEGIC ASSISTANCE AND FIRE EQUIPMENT PROGRAM, TO REVISE GRANT APPLICATION AND FUNDING PROCEDURES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-30 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO RESIDENT FIRE MARSHALS, TO REVISE THEIR DUTIES AND WHO MAY EXERCISE THESE DUTIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS REGARDING A FIRE MARSHAL'S TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-45 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A CLASS D FIRE EQUIPMENT DEALER LICENSE OR A FIRE EQUIPMENT PERMIT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL CLASSES OF LICENSES AND QUALIFICATIONS TO OBTAIN THESE LICENSES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-50 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S AUTHORITY TO INSPECT CERTAIN BUILDINGS OR PREMISES, TO REVISE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH HE MAY ENTER A BUILDING OR PREMISES; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 9, TITLE 23 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, BY ADDING SECTION 23-9-125, TO PROVIDE THAT THESE PROVISIONS MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE BOARD OF PYROTECHNIC SAFETY OR THE REGULATION OF FIREWORKS; TO AMEND CHAPTER 10, TITLE 23 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIRE ACADEMY, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-49-120(B) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FORESTRY COMMISSION'S ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS OF FIRE EQUIPMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, DIVISION OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY, MAY ALSO ACCEPT DONATIONS OF FIRE EQUIPMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-80-30(D) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO A FIREFIGHTER REGISTERING WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, TO REVISE THE COST AND PROCESS OF OBTAINING CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL FIGHTER RECORDS; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 23-9-35, 23-9-40, 23-9-60, 23-9-110, AND 23-9-130 OF THE 1976 CODE, ALL RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
S. 533 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Gambrell, Allen, Williams, Jackson, Gustafson, Stephens, Malloy and McElveen: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF SECTION 14(c) OF THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT OF 1938 TO PAY SUBMINIMUM WAGES TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 812 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 2, TITLE 40 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ACCOUNTANTS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PRACTICE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 637 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 37-22-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE MORTGAGE LENDING LAWS OF THIS STATE SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN CRITERIA A RETAILER OF MANUFACTURED OR MODULAR HOMES MUST MEET TO QUALIFY AS AN "EXEMPT PERSON"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-58-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE LICENSING OF MORTGAGE BROKERS ACT, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN CRITERIA A RETAILER OF MANUFACTURED OR MODULAR HOMES MUST MEET TO QUALIFY AS AN "EXEMPT PERSON".
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 1178 (Word version) -- Senator Climer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 39-20-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITIES WRITTEN RENTAL AGREEMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY OCCUPANT MAY CHOOSE WHERE TO PUBLISH AN ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE INCLUDING CERTAIN PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE WEBSITES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 39-20-45, RELATING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF LIENS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLISHING AN ADVERTISEMENT OF A PUBLIC SALE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. SANDIFER, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 934 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-9-63, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODES COUNCIL, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE MEMBER WHO IS AN ARCHITECT LICENSED IN SOUTH CAROLINA MUST BE SELECTED FROM A LIST OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. G. M. SMITH, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
S. 935 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Loftis, Goldfinch, Verdin, Rice, Cash, Adams, Climer, Peeler, Garrett, Kimbrell, Davis, Campsen, Hembree, Turner, Corbin, Bennett, Massey, Gambrell, Rankin, Senn and Gustafson: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 59 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO EDUCATION, BY ADDING CHAPTER 8, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNTS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ACCOUNTS, TO CREATE AN EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNT FUND TO FUND THE SCHOLARSHIPS, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF THE EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. G. M. SMITH, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
S. 1106 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Scott and Campsen: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 36, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND AND THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM FIVE TO SEVEN PERCENT IN INCREMENTS OF ONE-HALF OF ONE PERCENT OVER FOUR FISCAL YEARS THE AMOUNT OF STATE GENERAL FUND REVENUE IN THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND AND THE MANNER THE SEVEN PERCENT REQUIREMENT MUST BE MAINTAINED; AND PROPOSING ANOTHER AMENDMENT TO SECTION 36, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND AND THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM TWO TO THREE PERCENT THE AMOUNT OF STATE GENERAL FUND REVENUE IN THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE FIRST USE OF THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND MUST BE TO OFFSET MIDYEAR BUDGET REDUCTIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. G. M. SMITH, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
S. 901 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin, Cromer, McElveen and Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3775, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INCOME TAX CREDITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCOME TAX CREDIT TO AN INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS THAT CONSTRUCTS, PURCHASES, OR LEASES CERTAIN SOLAR ENERGY PROPERTY AND THAT PLACES IT IN SERVICE IN THIS STATE, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 4 B OF ACT 77 OF 2019 RELATING TO THE REPEAL OF SECTION 12-6-3775.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. G. M. SMITH, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
S. 152 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Campsen, Goldfinch, Senn, M. Johnson, Hutto, Malloy, Harpootlian, Cromer, Matthews, K. Johnson, Rice, Hembree, Scott, Climer and Kimpson: A BILL TO ENACT THE "COUNTY GREEN SPACE SALES TAX ACT"; TO AMEND CHAPTER 10, TITLE 4 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO COUNTY LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 10, TO CREATE THE COUNTY GREEN SPACE SALES TAX, TO IMPOSE THE TAX, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTENTS OF THE BALLOT AND THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH TAX PROCEEDS MAY BE USED, TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPOSITION AND TERMINATION OF THE TAX, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SHALL ADMINISTER AND COLLECT THE TAX, TO PROVIDE FOR DISTRIBUTIONS TO COUNTIES AND CONFIDENTIALITY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR UNIDENTIFIED FUNDS, TRANSFERS, AND SUPPLEMENTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. G. M. SMITH, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 635 (Word version) -- Senators Setzler and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 13-17-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD CONSISTS OF CERTAIN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS OR THEIR DESIGNEES, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNEES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHALL ELECT TWO ADDITIONAL MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE TRUSTEES AT THE TIME OF THEIR ELECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 13-17-70, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD MAY INVEST IN CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF PRIVATE ENTITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 13-17-87, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESEARCH INNOVATION CENTERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY MAY ALLOW A COMPANY TO REMAIN IN AN INNOVATION CENTER FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS OR UNTIL EXCEEDING FIVE MILLION DOLLARS BUT DOES NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE SQUARE FEET IN AN INNOVATION CENTER; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3585, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP FUND TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE AGGREGATE CREDIT AMOUNT IS NOT MET IN A CERTAIN TIMEFRAME THEN THE SINGLE TAXPAYER MAXIMUM CREDIT IS INCREASED TO ONE MILLION DOLLARS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. G. M. SMITH, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
S. 233 (Word version) -- Senator Turner: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220(B)(1)(b) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PROPERTY EXEMPTED FROM AD VALOREM TAXATION, TO PROVIDE THAT A QUALIFIED SURVIVING SPOUSE MAY QUALIFY FOR AN EXEMPTION IF THE QUALIFIED SURVIVING SPOUSE OWNS THE HOUSE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. G. M. SMITH, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
S. 984 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Massey, Gustafson and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-1-300, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO THE AUTHORITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO ASSESS TAXES AND FEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SERVICE OR USER FEE MUST BE USED TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF THE PAYERS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 6-1-330, RELATING TO A SERVICE OR USER FEE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PROVISION APPLIES TO AN ENTIRE ARTICLE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. G. M. SMITH, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 17 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin and Loftis: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND CERTAIN GOVERNMENT APPROVALS AFFECTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE STATE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced: H. 5300 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brittain, Bryant, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Collins, B. Cox, W. Cox, Crawford, Dabney, Daning, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Fry, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gilliam, Gilliard, Govan, Haddon, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, K. O. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, King, Kirby, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Magnuson, Matthews, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGarry, McGinnis, McKnight, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Murray, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, Oremus, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robinson, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Tedder, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, R. Williams, S. Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT LEGISLATURE TO USE THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR ITS ANNUAL STATE HOUSE MEETING IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 2022 AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, AND THE CHAMBER MAY NOT BE USED IF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS IN SESSION OR THE CHAMBERS ARE OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5301 (Word version) -- Reps. Garvin, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brittain, Bryant, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Collins, B. Cox, W. Cox, Crawford, Dabney, Daning, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Fry, Gagnon, Gatch, Gilliam, Gilliard, Govan, Haddon, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, K. O. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, King, Kirby, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Magnuson, Matthews, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGarry, McGinnis, McKnight, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Murray, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, Oremus, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robinson, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Tedder, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, R. Williams, S. Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE KEENAN HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO
CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2022 CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5302 (Word version) -- Reps. Willis, G. R. Smith, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brittain, Bryant, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Collins, B. Cox, W. Cox, Crawford, Dabney, Daning, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Fry, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gilliam, Gilliard, Govan, Haddon, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, K. O. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, King, Kirby, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Magnuson, Matthews, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGarry, McGinnis, McKnight, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Murray, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, Oremus, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robinson, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Tedder, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, R. Williams, S. Williams, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE GEORGE P. MCLEER OF FOUNTAIN INN UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS AN EDUCATOR, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5303 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith, Hiott, Yow, Elliott, Trantham, Long, McCravy, Gilliam, Nutt, Magnuson, Haddon, Burns, Chumley, Dabney, W. Cox, Daning, Morgan and Willis: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE JANUARY 22, 2023, AS THE "DAY OF TEARS" IN SOUTH CAROLINA; AND TO ENCOURAGE SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO LOWER THEIR FLAGS TO HALF-STAFF TO MOURN THE LIVES LOST TO ABORTION.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5304 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brittain, Bryant, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Collins, B. Cox, W. Cox, Crawford, Dabney, Daning, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Fry, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gilliam, Gilliard, Govan, Haddon, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, K. O. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, King, Kirby, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Magnuson, Matthews, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGarry, McGinnis, McKnight, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Murray, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, Oremus, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robinson, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Tedder, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, R. Williams, S. Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DENNIS RAINES, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREENVILLE COUNTY, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT ON MAY 28, 2022, AFTER MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5305 (Word version) -- Reps. Atkinson, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brittain, Bryant, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Collins, B. Cox, W. Cox, Crawford, Dabney, Daning, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Fry, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gilliam, Gilliard, Govan, Haddon, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, K. O. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, King, Kirby, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Magnuson, Matthews, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGarry, McGinnis, McKnight, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Murray, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, Oremus, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robinson, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Tedder, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, R. Williams, S. Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE MONTH OF MAY 2022 AS "BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO LEND THEIR TALENTS TO SUPPORT THE LIFESAVING RESEARCH OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5306 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brittain, Bryant, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Collins, B. Cox, W. Cox, Crawford, Dabney, Daning, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Fry, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gilliam, Gilliard, Govan, Haddon, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, K. O. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, King, Kirby, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Magnuson, Matthews, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGarry, McGinnis, McKnight, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, Murray, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, Oremus, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Rivers, Robinson, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Tedder, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, R. Williams, S. Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE CLOVER HIGH SCHOOL PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THESE FINE MUSICIANS ON CAPTURING FIRST PLACE AT THE 2022 WGI SPORT OF THE ARTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5307 (Word version) -- Reps. Jones, Gilliam, Willis, McCravy and Gagnon: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JOSEPH SAMUEL "JOEY" AVERY, JR., EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR OF LAURENS COUNTY, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5308 (Word version) -- Reps. Daning, M. M. Smith, Davis, J. Moore and Jefferson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SANGAREE PARKWAY IN BERKELEY COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 17A/NORTH MAIN STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH EASEMENT LANE "WADE ARNETT HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The following was introduced:
S. 1293 (Word version) -- Senator K. Johnson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR TALAYSIA COOPER FOR HER OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL CAREER IN BASKETBALL AND TO CONGRATULATE HER UPON SIGNING TO PLAY FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE FALL OF 2022.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.
The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 5309 (Word version) -- Reps. J. Moore, King, Thigpen, Tedder and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "EMPOWER WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 2-1-255 SO AS TO PROHIBIT MALE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM INTRODUCING LEGISLATION OR AMENDING STATE LAW RELATING TO WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5310 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith, Yow, Trantham, McCravy, Gilliam, Haddon, Magnuson, Burns, Long, Chumley, Nutt, May, Dabney, Hiott, W. Cox, Daning, Elliott, Morgan and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-265 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE TWENTY-SECOND DAY OF JANUARY OF EACH YEAR AS THE "DAY OF TEARS" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Referred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions
S. 1267 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 105 OF 2021, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CONSOLIDATION OF BARNWELL COUNTY (BLACKVILLE) SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 19 AND BARNWELL COUNTY (WILLISTON) SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 29 INTO ONE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO BE KNOWN AS THE BARNWELL COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT, SO AS TO ESTABLISH AND REAPPORTION THE SEVEN SINGLE-MEMBER ELECTION DISTRICTS FROM WHICH THE MEMBERS OF THE BARNWELL COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MUST BE ELECTED BEGINNING WITH THE 2022 SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTIONS, TO DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE ELECTION DISTRICTS ARE DELINEATED, AND TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THESE ELECTION DISTRICTS.
Referred to Barnwell Delegation
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Allison Anderson Atkinson Bailey Bamberg Bannister Bennett Bernstein Blackwell Bradley Brawley Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Carter Caskey Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Cogswell Collins B. Cox W. Cox Crawford Dabney Daning Davis Dillard Elliott Erickson Felder Forrest Fry Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gilliam Gilliard Govan Haddon Hardee Hart Hayes Herbkersman Hewitt Hill Hiott Hixon Hosey Howard Huggins Hyde Jefferson J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson K. O. Johnson Jones Jordan King Kirby Ligon Long Lowe Lucas Magnuson Matthews May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGarry McGinnis McKnight J. Moore T. Moore Morgan D. C. Moss Murphy W. Newton Nutt Oremus Ott Parks Pope Rivers Robinson Rose Rutherford Sandifer Simrill G. M. Smith G. R. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Tedder Thayer Thigpen Trantham Weeks West Wetmore Wheeler White Whitmire R. Williams S. Williams Willis Wooten Yow
The SPEAKER granted Rep. BRYANT a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. BALLENTINE a leave of absence for the day due to a prior work commitment.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. V. S. MOSS a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. HENEGAN a leave of absence for the day due to family medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. B. NEWTON a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. HENDERSON-MYERS a leave of absence for the day due to a prior commitment.
Announcement was made that Dr. McAnto Antony of Anderson was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2 Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."
Bill Number: H. 5085 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/28/22 WHEELER
Bill Number: H. 5299 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/28/22 WHITE, WEST, COLLINS, B. COX, WOOTEN, CASKEY, T. MOORE and HYDE
Rep. TAYLOR moved to adjourn debate on the motion to reconsider on the following Bill, which was agreed to:
S. 449 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2 OF ACT 926 OF 1962, RELATING TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE AIKEN COUNTY COMMISSION FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION, TO ADD TWO NONVOTING MEMBERS.
The following Bills were read the third time, passed and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title of each be changed to that of an Act, and that they be enrolled for ratification:
S. 1180 (Word version) -- Senator Fanning: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 525 OF 1982, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE CHESTER COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE CHESTER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SIX MEMBERS OF THE CHESTER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST BE ELECTED FROM SINGLE-MEMBER ELECTION DISTRICTS, TO DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE SINGLE-MEMBER ELECTION DISTRICTS ARE DELINEATED, TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION IN REGARD TO THESE NEWLY DRAWN ELECTION DISTRICTS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE CHESTER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO BE ELECTED FROM SINGLE-MEMBER ELECTION DISTRICTS DO NOT APPLY TO THE BOARD'S AT-LARGE MEMBER.
S. 1263 (Word version) -- Senators Gambrell and Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 293 OF 2012, RELATING TO THE ELECTION DISTRICTS FOR THE ABBEVILLE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SO AS TO REAPPORTION THE ELECTION DISTRICTS FROM WHICH THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE ABBEVILLE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST BE ELECTED BEGINNING WITH THE 2022 SCHOOL TRUSTEE ELECTIONS, TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION REGARDING THESE REVISED ELECTION DISTRICTS, AND TO UPDATE ARCHAIC LANGUAGE.
S. 1271 (Word version) -- Senator Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 587 OF 1992, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1, SO AS TO REAPPORTION THE SPECIFIC ELECTION DISTRICTS FROM WHICH MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 MUST BE ELECTED BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL TRUSTEE ELECTIONS IN 2022, AND TO PROVIDE FOR DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION IN REGARD TO THESE NEWLY DRAWN ELECTION DISTRICTS.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE announced that nominations were in order for a SPEAKER.
Rep. LUCAS nominated Rep. GEORGE MURRELL SMITH, JR., of Sumter, as follows:
Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, distinguished guests; it is a privilege to stand before you today to nominate my friend, George Murrell Smith, Jr., for Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.
The role of House Speaker is a great honor and a great responsibility that carries with it a distinguished history. Today, as we near the end of the 124th session of this General Assembly, we must focus on selecting the best person among our membership to lead this Body and our State into the future.
Let us never forget that the Body we serve in is special. We are the "People's House"; elected by the people we serve as the finest representation among them. The Speaker, therefore, should be elected as the finest among us. A leader elected by their peers - by their equals - is a high accolade in any institution. In the British Parliament, there is a Latin phrase used to describe the constitutional status of the Prime Minister. The literal translation of this phrase is "First Among Equals."
While we are not Parliament, contrary to what our friends across the hall may think, I believe this term applies to the decision before us today.
Our peers include a diverse collection of extraordinary public servants representing all of our state's citizens. And Murrell has truly distinguished himself in this Body as a "First Among Equals."
After twenty-four years in elected office, I have learned that power is not willingly shared in Columbia. Murrell, however, understands that this Body functions best when each member is personally involved. You need look no further than his most recent tenure as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. They say the best evidence of what someone will do, is what they have done. If Murrell's past leadership is the prologue to his future leadership, his Speakership will be one of success.
Personally, I have had the privilege of working closely with Murrell over the past twenty-one years, and I have learned a great deal about his character and skill. I have seen the dedication he gives, not only to our State and to this Body, but to each and every member seated in this Chamber today. Douglas MacArthur notes that, "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others." Murrell does all three. When some of us leave this Chamber and fresh faces arrive, the world will not stop. The issues our State faces will not disappear. I invite this Body to embrace its new chapter. Charles Kettering said, "The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress."
So, while "the pessimist complains about the wind and the optimist expects it to change, the leader adjusts the sails (John Maxwell)."
I know Murrell is the right person to steer our ship and guide it on the best course for our beloved State.
Fellow Members of the 124th General Assembly, it is for these reasons and many others that I am honored to nominate our friend, George Murrell Smith, Jr., for Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.
Thank you and may God continue to guide our decisions and our service to the people of South Carolina.
On motion of Rep. LUCAS, nominations were closed, and with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
I am a supporter of Representative Murrell Smith of Sumter County. I pledged my support to him before the election; however, I was on excused leave when the vote for his election as Speaker of the House was held. Had I been present I would have voted for Representative Murrell Smith as Speaker.
Sincerely,
Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, Esq.
SC House District 31
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE appointed Reps. WEEKS, DILLARD, STAVRINAKIS, SIMRILL, THAYER and MURPHY to escort SPEAKER-ELECT GEORGE MURRELL SMITH, JR., to the desk where the oath of office was administered to him by the CLERK of the House.
SPEAKER-ELECT GEORGE MURRELL SMITH, JR., thereupon took the Chair and addressed the House as follows: As many times as I have stood before this Chamber, I can honestly say I have never had a view like this one. I am awed and humbled by the honor that each of you have just bestowed upon me. It is the honor of a lifetime to be chosen by the women and men I serve with to be Speaker of this House.
I promise you all, I will work tirelessly, every day, to live up to the privilege, to continue to earn your faith and trust and to work for the collective betterment of all of South Carolina.
Twenty-one years ago, when I was elected to the House and joined Jim McGee, Gary Simrill and Jay Lucas in an office in the Blatt Building, I never could have imagined what the future would hold. I know it is hard to believe, but the four of us were not the most serious in those days. We did not know much and we did not have a lot of responsibility so our suite became something of a hangout spot. We would get visits from a lot of other new members, and we had a lot of fun. We will still tell stories and share laughs from that era as long as we live.
What I realize now, is that those days were some of the most important in my time here. What made that time so special is that we were getting to know each other as people - not as politicians, not as members of a party, but as friends.
The bonds created then and since with so many of you have endured and have been personally meaningful and indispensable to my service here. Issues and bills will come and go, but the unique experience of serving with our colleagues will last a lifetime.
As I stand here today, I have so many to thank.
I would, first and foremost, like to thank the people of District 67 and Sumter County. But for them, this day would not be possible. I am humbled by their continued and steadfast faith in me.
I would also like to thank our outgoing Speaker and my friend, Jay Lucas. For eight years Speaker Lucas has led with competence, dignity, and kindness. He was always willing to listen to each and every member, whether it was a committee chairman or a freshman. His work ethic is second to none and he has never shied away from tough issues. He is one of the smartest men I know.
He leaves a legacy that is significant to the history of not only this Chamber but this State. He has left South Carolina better than he found it. He is a true public servant.
My most important gratitude and appreciation goes to, of course, my family. Many of them are with us today in the balcony. They have been by my side for the good days and the bad -- the wins and the losses. My father always told me, when I was young, that friends come and go, but your family will always be there for you. The older I become, the more that proves true. We often like to discuss our own sacrifices - time away from home, long hours on the floor, traveling every week - but they pale in comparison to the sacrifices our families make for our service.
My children, Bee and Murrell are two of the most intelligent, accomplished, and resilient kids who take it all in stride. I am so proud of them, and I give the entirety of the credit for the fine people they have grown to be to their mother, my wife, Macaulay.
Macaulay makes it all happen in all of our lives. We all know that I am definitely her most difficult assignment. I do not know how she does it. She marshals the home front and is my chief political advisor. She is my confidant and my motivator. When we met, I was already serving in the House so this is the only life with me she has ever known. I cannot express enough how lucky I am that she has chosen to be by my side all of these years.
Her love and commitment to our family is the only reason I am able to do any of the things I do. Thank you, Macaulay.
Like everyone, I am a product of my background and how I was raised.
While I had a fortunate upbringing, it did not begin that way. I grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood in Charleston. My dad was in medical school and my mom was a teacher. My playmates were the sons of hard-working men from all walks of life. We made our own fun as we roamed the neighborhood without care and learned the hard lessons of life at an early age.
Later we moved to Sumter, a rural county that I dearly love, that is still a blending of populations. I grew up, played ball, and went to church with people of nearly every race and socioeconomic levels. Living in a rural South Carolina means living with everyone.
It humbles and grounds you. It gives you a deeper and more personal perspective on people. You forget your differences and you realize how much you have in common.
As a young lawyer, I was a public defender. I quickly learned that the justice system demands that everyone is entitled to vigorous representation, even those who had done terrible things. I soon began to notice that no matter how hard of an exterior they showed me, whenever they saw "Mama," they cried.
It taught me that there is always a person, and a story, behind the façade. These experiences and lessons have impacted how I live and how I legislate. Ronald Reagan once said, "If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen." No matter how different we all may be, at our core, we are all united. Just as we in this Body all have our differences, we reflect the diversity of the people that we serve, and we must be here to serve all South Carolinians.
I promise you today, I will not be the Speaker for one party, one region, but for the entire House and all the people of South Carolina. I will work to serve all of you and all of our constituents.
As your Speaker, my commitment is that my door is and will always be open to you. Each one of us is elected by the same amount of people of this State and every member deserves a voice in the work we do here. I believe this Body should operate with a spirit of collaboration and collegiality but most importantly with mutual respect for all.
One of my predecessors in the House from Sumter was former Speaker, Ramon Schwartz, some of his family has joined us in the balcony this morning. After considering running for office as a young attorney, I sought out Speaker Schwartz's advice. He encouraged me to run but did not support me in my first campaign because my opponent was his law partner. As soon as the election was over, he was the first person to call me and offer his support. This immediate willingness to work together made a profound impression on me, and he quickly became a mentor.
He gave me excellent advice on how I should conduct myself as a new House member: Learn the rules. Get to know the staff and treat them well. Do your homework. Be forthright. Don't speak unless you have something important to say. Build trust and respect with your colleagues. Do not sow discord between members.
I have tried to follow those rules as I have had the privilege to chair various subcommittees and, later, two standing committees. In that time, I have been in the trenches on some very tough issues. I have won many and I have lost many more.
But, titles are not important to me. Credit is not important to me. The work we do for this institution, the work we do together, is what really matters. Harry Truman captured this in saying, "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
The linchpin, in my opinion, to achieve success, as a collective Body is to work together and to find consensus. There has to be give and take on each side to reach a compromise for the greater good of the State. We must remember our constituents and what is in their best interests. Speaker Sol Blatt expressed this in stating "Balance is the key to success in practically every human undertaking; Balance is not something which can be attained and rested upon...it is as fluid and changing as the new problems we face from day to day, and from year to year. " This Chamber has a proud and storied history. Everyone sitting in these desks shares in that legacy. We have been entrusted as temporary guardians of this proud institution. It has endured before us and will continue to endure.
It is our solemn duty, our privilege, to endeavor to make our State better for the generations that come after.
Now let's get to work, together, for the future of South Carolina.
Rep. SIMRILL moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
At 11:32 a.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. G. R. SMITH, adjourned in memory of Marian J. Kittredge, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
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