South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Journal of the House of Representatives

NO. 28

JOURNAL

of the

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

of the

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
________

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025
(STATEWIDE SESSION)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 p.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk Jr. as follows:

Our thought for today is from Psalm 56:2-3: "O most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

Let us pray. Almighty and merciful God give us the strength to endure hardships which may occur in our life. Grant us Your peace, O Lord, as we go about the affairs of the day. Bless and keep our defenders of freedom and first responders in Your care. Look in favor upon our World, Nation, President, State, Governor Speaker, Staff, and all who labor in these Halls of Government. Bless and keep our Armed Forces safe and those with hidden wounds, care for them. 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 PRO TEMPORE.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ordered it confirmed.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. MITCHELL moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Johnny Lewis Brown, which was agreed to.

In Memory Mr. Johnny Lewis Brown

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that we adjourn in memory of a great Hartsvillian, Mr. Johnny Lewis Brown. Lewis was a legendary quarterback and punter for the 1973 Red Foxes, which included our former Speaker, Jay Lucas, as a teammate. Lewis then went to Wofford and Francis Marion, where he led Francis Marion to a come from behind victory over Clemson with a walk off homerun in the bottom of the 9th. After college, Lewis joined Sonoco Products Company and served in a variety of positions for over 30 years. Lewis served on numerous boards and committees including as President of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association. Lewi was the first elected Republican in Darlington County history when he was elected to Cow1ty Council in 1989. He served two stints on Darlington County Council until he accepted the position of Darlington County Economic Development Director. He served the County well in this position. Lewis passed away on February 13, 2025, after battling a brief illness and we remember his wife, Kathy, his daughters: Lindsey, Taylor, Claire, and the rest of his family in our prayers.
Rep. Cody Mitchell

SILENT PRAYER

The House stood in silent prayer for Representative Brittain's grandfather, Rev. Thomas "Big Tom" Brittain.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., March 4, 2025
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully invites your Honorable Body to attend in the Senate Chamber at a mutually convenient time for the purpose of ratifying Acts.

Very respectfully,
President

On motion of Rep. FORREST the invitation was accepted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4125 (Word version) -- Reps. Spann-Wilder, Gilliard, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF BLACKVILLE NATIVE HELEN PEEPLES SINGLETARY, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4126 (Word version) -- Reps. Williams, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE GOLDIE ABSON DAVIS OF DARLINGTON COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDRED THIRD BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MANY YEARS OF CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4127 (Word version) -- Reps. Hardee, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LORIS HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING WINNING SEASON IN REGION V CLASS AAA.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4128 (Word version) -- Reps. King and McDaniel: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF ESTES LANE IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH STATE ROAD S-20-60 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH LANDIS ROAD "MARY LUCILLE KENNEDY MCDANIEL ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4129 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, Guffey, M. M. Smith, Hartnett, Teeple, B. L. Cox, Sessions, Mitchell, Stavrinakis, Pedalino, Brittain, Hayes, Guest, Luck and Atkinson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-19-5 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO PAYS A FEE TO PLAY A GAME IN WHICH SKILL PREDOMINATES OVER CHANCE AND RECEIVES A PRIZE PROPORTIONATE TO HOW SKILLFULLY HE PLAYED IS NOT GAMBLING.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4130 (Word version) -- Reps. Oremus, Long, Gagnon, Hartz, McCravy and Hiott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-400 SO AS TO PROHIBIT HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS FROM DESIGNATING MISCARRIAGES AS AN ABORTION IN PATIENT MEDICAL RECORDS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 2 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Davis, Devine, Garrett, Turner, Jackson and Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 12 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS POWERS, DUTIES, AND AUTHORITY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS COMPRISED OF THE OFFICE OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH, AND THE OFFICE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-10, RELATING TO DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO ADD THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND TO REMOVE THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES, THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH; BY AMENDING SECTION 8-17-370, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, ALL EMPLOYEES WHO REPORT DIRECTLY TO THE DIRECTOR, AND THE DIRECTOR FOR EACH OF THE COMPONENT OFFICES ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-20-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY, RELATED DISABILITIES, HEAD INJURIES, AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES ACT, SO AS TO CONFORM THE DEFINITIONS TO THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND TO REDESIGNATE THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS AS THE OFFICE OF INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AS A COMPONENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-20-210, RELATING TO CREATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, MEMBERSHIP, TERMS OF OFFICE, REMOVAL, AND VACANCIES, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE COMMISSION AND CONFORM TO THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-20-220, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO TRANSFER THE DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION TO THE HEAD OF THE OFFICE OF INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-20-230, RELATING TO POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR, SO AS TO CONFORM TO THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-20-240, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SCOPE OF AUTHORITY FOR THE OFFICE OF INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-20-255, RELATING TO OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY CONFIRMED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, SO AS TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-49-10, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE DEPARTMENT AND CONFORM TO THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND THE OFFICE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-49-20, RELATING TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE OFFICE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-9-10, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SO AS TO CONFORM TO THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND CREATE THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH, PROVIDE FOR THE HEAD OF THE OFFICE, AND PROVIDE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE HEAD OF THE OFFICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-9-20, RELATING TO TRANSFER OF POWERS, DUTIES, RECORDS, AND FILES FROM THE FORMER MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION, SO AS TO FURTHER TRANSFER THOSE POWERS, DUTIES, RECORDS, AND FILES TO THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-9-30, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-3-420, RELATING TO PROCLAMATION OF EMERGENCY BY THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS THROUGH WHICH EMERGENCY PROCLAMATIONS MAY BE LIFTED; BY AMENDING SECTION 25-1-440, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GOVERNOR DURING A DECLARED EMERGENCY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PROCESS THROUGH WHICH DECLARATIONS OF EMERGENCY MAY BE LIFTED; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-86, RELATING TO FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A PHARMACIST MAY REFUSE TO FILL OR REFILL A PRESCRIPTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-1-100, RELATING TO ASSISTANCE FROM PEACE AND HEALTH OFFICERS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY, SO AS TO GIVE SHERIFFS AND POLICE OFFICERS THE DISCRETION AS TO WHETHER TO AID AND ASSIST THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN CARRYING OUT HIS ORDERS DURING A STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-4-130, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING EMERGENCY HEALTH POWERS, SO AS TO ADD NECESSARY DEFINITIONS AND AMEND CERTAIN DEFINITIONS TO REFLECT CHANGES IN AGENCY NAMES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-4-510, RELATING TO PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OR TESTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISOLATE OR QUARANTINE, PURSUANT TO THE SECTIONS OF THIS ACT AND ITS EXISTING POWERS UNDER SECTION 44-1-140, ANY SYMPTOMATIC PERSON OR PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE CONTAGIOUS DISEASE FOR WHICH THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED WHOSE REFUSAL OF PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OR TESTING RESULTS IN UNCERTAINTY REGARDING WHETHER HE IS INFECTED WITH THE CONTAGIOUS DISEASE; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-4-520, RELATING TO VACCINATIONS AND TREATMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH MAY VACCINATE OR TREAT PEOPLE TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES, TO REQUIRE INFORMED CONSENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO DEFINE INFORMED CONSENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-4-530, RELATING TO ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE OF INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, DURING A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY, THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH MAY ISOLATE OR QUARANTINE AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH OR EXPOSED TO THE CONTAGIOUS DISEASE FOR WHICH THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY WAS DECLARED; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-4-540, RELATING TO ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE PROCEDURES, SO AS TO REQUIRE A HARD DEADLINE FOR A PETITION FOR AN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE OF AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-4-570, RELATING TO EMERGENCY POWERS REGARDING LICENSING OF HEALTH PERSONNEL, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT STATE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS MAY BE COMPELLED TO ASSIST IN THE PERFORMANCE OF VACCINATION, TREATMENT, EXAMINATION, OR TESTING AS A CONDITION OF LICENSURE; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 44-9-40 RELATING TO THE STATE DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH, APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL, POWERS AND DUTIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

S. 125 (Word version) -- Senators Johnson, Sutton, Devine and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY OF A NONPROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION ONLY APPLIES TO THE PERCENTAGE OF PROPERTY THAT EQUALS THE CORPORATION'S OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY, TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN CERTIFICATION AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 219 (Word version) -- Senator Goldfinch: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-5-2730, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL FISHING REGULATIONS IN STATE WATERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SEASON, CATCH LIMITS, AND MINIMUM SIZES FOR CERTAIN SPECIES UNDER THE SNAPPER-GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 264 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Climer, Ott, Johnson, Kimbrell, Williams, Turner, Rice, Corbin, Bennett, Garrett and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-160 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY MAY NOT BE ANNEXED BY A MUNICIPALITY WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN AGREEMENT OF THE OWNER.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 275 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Walker, Climer, Zell and Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-27-10, RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEFINITIONS SO AS TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND CHARGING STATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-27-1060, RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ELECTRIC UTILITY OR OTHER PROVIDER THAT OFFERS AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION DIRECTLY TO THE PUBLIC SHALL DO SO ON A NON-DISCRIMINATORY BASIS UNDER THE SAME FEES AND CONDITIONS OFFERED TO PRIVATE PROVIDERS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS; AND TO REGULATE REVENUE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 384 (Word version) -- Senator Corbin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1 OF ACT 108 OF 2021 TO CHANGE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY IN GREENVILLE COUNTY; AND TO PROHIBIT THE INSTALLATION OF CLUSTER SEPTIC SYSTEMS IN THE BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT.
Referred to Greenville Delegation

ROLL CALL

The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:

Alexander                Anderson                 Atkinson
Bailey                   Bamberg                  Bannister
Bauer                    Beach                    Bernstein
Bowers                   Bradley                  Brewer
Brittain                 Burns                    Bustos
Calhoon                  Caskey                   Chapman
Clyburn                  Cobb-Hunter              Collins
B. J. Cox                B. L. Cox                Crawford
Cromer                   Davis                    Dillard
Duncan                   Edgerton                 Erickson
Forrest                  Frank                    Gagnon
Garvin                   Gatch                    Gibson
Gilliam                  Gilliard                 Gilreath
Govan                    Grant                    Guest
Haddon                   Hager                    Hardee
Harris                   Hart                     Hartnett
Hartz                    Hayes                    Henderson-Myers
Herbkersman              Hewitt                   Hiott
Hixon                    Holman                   Hosey
Howard                   Huff                     J. E. Johnson
J. L. Johnson            Jones                    Jordan
Kilmartin                King                     Kirby
Landing                  Lawson                   Ligon
Long                     Lowe                     Luck
Magnuson                 Martin                   May
McCabe                   McCravy                  McDaniel
McGinnis                 Mitchell                 Montgomery
J. Moore                 T. Moore                 Morgan
Moss                     Murphy                   Neese
B. Newton                W. Newton                Oremus
Pace                     Pedalino                 Pope
Rankin                   Reese                    Rivers
Robbins                  Rose                     Sanders
Schuessler               Sessions                 G. M. Smith
M. M. Smith              Spann-Wilder             Taylor
Teeple                   Terribile                Vaughan
Weeks                    Wetmore                  White
Whitmire                 Wickensimer              Williams
Willis                   Wooten                   Yow

Total Present--117

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

Rep. MCCABE signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Thursday, February 27.

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

Rep. ALEXANDER signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Tuesday, March 4.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. CHUMLEY a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. GUFFEY a leave of absence for the day due to a legislative commitment in Washington, D.C.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. BALLENTINE a leave of absence for the day due to business reasons.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. ANDERSON a temporary leave of absence for the day to attend a funeral.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. WILLIS a temporary leave of absence.

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Chris Fyock of Greenville County was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED AND REMOVED

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."

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3021 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   BREWER, GIBSON and HIOTT

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3045 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER, M. M. SMITH, B. L. COX, HOLMAN and DAVIS

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3046 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3092 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   MCCRAVY and HIOTT

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3096 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   ERICKSON

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3256 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   MCCRAVY and HIOTT

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3387 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   EDGERTON, M. M. SMITH, B. L. COX, HOLMAN, DAVIS, BREWER and MURPHY

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3460 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3490 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3497 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   B. L. COX, HOLMAN, OREMUS and M. M. SMITH

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3603 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3618 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3620 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3630 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3631 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3638 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   T. MOORE and MONTGOMERY

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3641 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3643 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   DUNCAN

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3645 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3651 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3655 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3802 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   EDGERTON, MAGNUSON, J. L. JOHNSON and BAMBERG

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3974 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   SCHUESSLER

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4103 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   HIXON, BERNSTEIN, BEACH, ERICKSON and VAUGHAN

CO-SPONSOR(S) ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4130 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/05/25   LONG, GAGNON, HART, MCCRAVY and HIOTT

CO-SPONSOR(S) REMOVED

Bill Number:   H. 3457 (Word version)
Date:   REMOVE:
03/05/25   GIBSON

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:

H. 3969 (Word version) -- Reps. Rutherford, Ballentine, Bauer, Bernstein, Garvin, Grant, Hart, Howard, J. L. Johnson, McDaniel, Reese and Rose: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES IN RICHLAND COUNTY.

H. 4088 (Word version) -- Reps. Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO REPEAL ACT 668 OF 1934, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DARLINGTON COUNTY FORFEITED LAND COMMISSION.

H. 4002--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4002 (Word version) -- Reps. Burns and Bannister: A BILL TO DEVOLVE ALL OF THE POWERS, DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, ASSETS, AND LIABILITIES OF THE GREATER GREENVILLE SANITATION DISTRICT TO THE GOVERNING BODY OF GREENVILLE COUNTY; AND TO REPEAL ACT 1543 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE GREATER GREENVILLE SANITATION DISTRICT.

Rep. BURNS moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:

H. 3650 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Wooten, Pope, Chapman, W. Newton, Bailey, Robbins, Crawford, Guest, Caskey, Forrest, B. Newton, Hixon and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-60, RELATING TO OFFENSES DEFINED AS VIOLENT CRIMES, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OFFENSE OF DISCHARGING FIREARMS AT OR INTO A DWELLING HOUSE, OTHER BUILDING, STRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT, WATERCRAFT, OR OTHER CONVEYANCE, DEVICE, OR EQUIPMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-23-440, RELATING TO DISCHARGING FIREARMS INTO A DWELLING HOUSE, OTHER BUILDING, STRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT, WATERCRAFT, OR OTHER CONVEYANCE, DEVICE, OR EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO CREATE A TIERED PENALTY STRUCTURE.

H. 3756--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3756 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Gatch, Hager and Forrest: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-27-1105, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE "QUALIFIED INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY" AND TO ALLOW AN ELECTRIC UTILITY TO INCLUDE STORM RECOVERY COSTS FOR HURRICANE HELENE AND ITS COST OF CAPITAL FROM THE DATE OF THE STORM THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF STORM RECOVERY BONDS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-27-1110, RELATING TO THE PETITION FOR FINANCING ORDER AND REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO ALLOW AN ELECTRIC UTILITY TO DEFER THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF A FINANCING ORDER.

Rep. GATCH proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3756 (Word version) (LC-3756.HA0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 58-27-1105(7)(f) and inserting:

(f) any costs incurred by (i) the commission or the Office of Regulatory Staff for any outside consultants, including counsel and advisors,; and (ii) the qualified independent third party selected by the commission, to the extent retained in connection with the securitization of storm recovery costs.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 58-27-1105(12) and inserting:

(12) The term "qualified independent third party" means a person or entity with relevant expertise in accounting, finance, or utility regulation, sufficient to make the professional judgements necessary to certify compliance as required by Section 58-27-1110(C)(6)(a). The qualified independent third party shall be designated and retained by the commission to participate in the pre-bond issuance review process established by the commission pursuant to Section 58-27-1110(C)(2)(h). The role and responsibilities of the qualified independent third party are further detailed in Section 58-27-1110(C)(6). The qualified independent third party's certification of compliance is intended to inform the commission's decisions alongside other evidence in the proceeding.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 58-27-1105(17)(c) and (d) and inserting:

(c) with respect to storm recovery costs that the electrical utility expects to incur, any difference between costs expected to be incurred and actual, reasonable and prudent costs incurred, including carrying costs and financing costs associated with any difference between costs expected to be incurred and actual, reasonable and prudent costs incurred, or any other rate-making adjustments appropriate to fairly and reasonably assign or allocate storm cost recovery to customers over time, shall be addressed in a future general rate proceeding, regardless of whether the electrical utility elects to seek review anand approval of principal costs prior to or after filing a petition for a financing order and issuing storm recovery bonds pursuant to Section 58-27-1110(B), as may be facilitated by other orders of the commission issued at the time or prior to such proceeding; provided, however, that any review of financing costs shall be limited to reconciling any estimated financing costs with actual financing costs incurred and the commission's adoption of a financing order and approval of the issuance of storm recovery bonds may not be revoked or otherwise modified. Any over-recovered costs, including carrying costs and financing costs, shall be ordered by the commission to be returned to the electrical utility's customers in the next possible proceeding, over a period established by the commission.

(d) due to the significant and unprecedented damage caused by the 2024 hurricane referred to as Hurricane Helene to public and private property in South Carolina, including widespread destruction of utility infrastructure and the extraordinary expenses incurred by electrical utilities to repair, restore, and rebuild that infrastructure, the electrical utility is authorized to include as storm recovery costs, for Hurricane Helene only, its cost of capital from the date of the storm through the issuance of storm recovery bonds. This cost of capital shall be determined by the actual interest rate paid by the utility to borrow funds necessary to cover the restoration and recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene through the issuance of storm recovery bonds, provided that the interest rate percentage does not exceed the utility's total weighted average cost of capital percentage as established in its most recent base rate case general rate proceeding, adjusted for income tax savings associated with the interest rate component. This subsection shall not be construed to limit, modify, or otherwise affect the electrical utility's ability to seek recovery of carrying costs in future securitizations under this article, except as specifically provided herein for Hurricane Helene.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 58-27-1110(B) and inserting:

(B) If the principal costs the electrical utility proposes to finance using storm recovery bonds were not already subject to review by the commission in a general rate proceeding, then the electrical utility must, at its discretion, either file a petition with the commission for review and approval of those costs no later than one hundred eighty days before filing a petition for a financing order pursuant to this section, or, alternatively, defer the review and approval of such costs to either a future basegeneral rate proceeding or a separate proceeding established by the commission at the request of the electrical utility in consultation with the Office of Regulatory Staff. If the electrical utility chooses to deter the review and approval of such costs, it shall file a report with the commission updating the reconciliation of estimated costs to actual costs incurred at least twice per calendar year until the costs are reconciled. If the electrical utility does not file a petition with the commission for review and approval of such costs within one calendar year following the issuance of the storm recovery bonds, the Office of Regulatory Staff may, at its discretion, file a petition with the commission to initiate a proceeding for review and approval of such costs. In either case, reconciliation of estimated costs to actual costs shall by subject to review pursuant to Section 58-27-1105(17)(c).

(1) Any petition for review and approval of the principal costs shall be accompanied by direct testimony, exhibits, and supporting workpapers supporting the petition, testimony, and exhibits. Such workpapers may be filed under seal to the extent necessary to protect confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information. The electrical utility shall provide functional exhibits and workpapers to the Office of Regulatory Staff and to the commission, subject to any appropriate confidentiality designations.

(2) If the electrical utility must file a petition for review and approval of the principal costs, the electrical utility shall not be required to provide additional notice prior to filing a petition for a financing order pursuant to this section; otherwise, the utility shall file a notice of its intent to file a petition for a financing order not less than thirty days prior to filing any such petition.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 58-27-1110(C)(6)(a) and (b) and inserting:

(a) Such issuance advice letter shall be in the form approved in a financing order and include the final terms of the storm recovery bond issuance, up-front financing costs and ongoing financing costs. Such issuance advice letter shall include a certification from the electrical utility, the primary underwriter(s), and a qualified independent third party designated by the commission, as a condition to closing, certifying whether the sale of storm recovery bonds complies with the requirements of this article and the financing order. The certifications of the electrical utility and qualified independent third party shall certify whether the issuance of recovery bonds and the imposition and collection of a storm recovery charge will in fact provide quantifiable net benefits to customers on a present-value basis as compared to the costs that would have been incurred absent the issuance of storm recovery bonds. The certifications of the electrical utility, primary underwriter(s), and qualified independent third party shall certify whether the structuring, marketing, and pricing of the storm recovery bonds will in fact result in the lowest storm recovery charges consistent with market conditions at the time the storm recovery bonds were priced and the terms set forth in the financing order. The qualified independent third party designated by the commission shall review the issuance advice letter and deliver its independent certification to the commission along with any other information it believes the commission should consider as to the commission's decision in subitem (b)(c) no later than one business day after the filing of the issuance advice letter by the electric utility which will contain the aforementioned certifications.

(b) Once the qualified independent third party is designated and retained by the commission, the qualified independent third party shall independently participate in the pre-bond issuance review process established by the commission pursuant to Section 58-27-1110(C)(2)(j). The qualified independent third party shall have the authority to request and receive all necessary documents, data, and information from the electrical utility to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure compliance with Section 58-27-1110(C)(6)(a). The qualified independent third party shall also have the ability to communicate directly with the parties to the proceeding as needed to carry out its duties. The qualified independent third party's communications with the commission shall be limited solely to docket filings or, if requested by the commission, participation in a post-pricing meeting involving the electrical utility, the qualified independent third party, and other parties. The structure and details of the docket filings and such a meeting, including the handling of any confidential information, shall be determined by the commission in accordance with applicable procedural rules and orders.

(b)(c) Unless otherwise provided in the financing order, by no later than noon on the fourth business day after the final terms of the storm recovery bonds are determined, the commission shall either accept the issuance advice letter or deliver an order to the electrical utility to prevent the issuance of the storm recovery bonds.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. GATCH explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The question recurred to the passage of the Bill.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 99; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Atkinson                 Bailey                   Bannister
Bauer                    Beach                    Bernstein
Bradley                  Brewer                   Brittain
Burns                    Bustos                   Calhoon
Caskey                   Chapman                  Collins
B. J. Cox                B. L. Cox                Crawford
Cromer                   Davis                    Duncan
Edgerton                 Erickson                 Forrest
Frank                    Gagnon                   Gatch
Gibson                   Gilliam                  Gilliard
Gilreath                 Govan                    Grant
Guest                    Haddon                   Hager
Hardee                   Harris                   Hartnett
Hartz                    Hayes                    Herbkersman
Hewitt                   Hiott                    Hixon
Holman                   Hosey                    J. E. Johnson
J. L. Johnson            Jones                    Jordan
Kilmartin                Kirby                    Landing
Lawson                   Ligon                    Long
Lowe                     Luck                     Magnuson
Martin                   May                      McCabe
McCravy                  McGinnis                 Mitchell
Montgomery               T. Moore                 Moss
Murphy                   Neese                    B. Newton
W. Newton                Oremus                   Pace
Pedalino                 Pope                     Rankin
Reese                    Rivers                   Robbins
Sanders                  Schuessler               G. M. Smith
M. M. Smith              Spann-Wilder             Stavrinakis
Taylor                   Teeple                   Terribile
Vaughan                  Wetmore                  White
Whitmire                 Wickensimer              Williams
Willis                   Wooten                   Yow

Total--99

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

ABSTENTION FROM VOTING

March 5, 2025
The Honorable G. Murrell Smith, Jr.
506 Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29201

Dear Speaker Smith,
I am notifying you in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. Section 8-13-700 that I will not participate in the vote on H. 3756 (Word version) amending Section 58-27-1105, so as to define "Qualified Independent Third Party" and to allow an electric utility to include storm recovery costs for Hurricane Helene and its cost of capital from the date of the storm through the issuance of storm recovery bonds; also amending Section 58-27-1110, relating to the petition for financing order and requirements so as to allow an electric utility to defer the review and approval of a financing order out of an abundance of caution. I will abstain from this vote because of a potential conflict of interest as an economic interest of myself and the business with which I am associated may be affected. Please note this in the House Journal.

Sincerely,
Representative Phillip Bowers
House District Number 3

ABSTENTION FROM VOTING

March 5, 2025
The Honorable G. Murrell Smith, Jr.
506 Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29201

Dear Speaker Smith,
I am notifying you in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. Section 8-13-700 that I will not participate in the vote on H. 3756 (Word version) amending Section 58-27-1105, so as to define "Qualified Independent Third Party" and to allow an electric utility to include storm recovery costs for Hurricane Helene and its cost of capital from the date of the storm through the issuance of storm recovery bonds; also amending Section 58-27-1110, relating to the petition for financing order and requirements so as to allow an electric utility to defer the review and approval of a financing order out of an abundance of caution. I will abstain from this vote because of a potential conflict of interest as an economic interest of myself and the business with which I am associated may be affected. Please note this in the House Journal.

Sincerely,
Representative Heath Sessions
House District Number 46

H. 3046--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3046 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, Lawson, Wooten, Pope, Chapman, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, W. Newton, Vaughan, Mitchell, Rankin, Long, Oremus, Gibson, Burns, Edgerton, Guffey, Govan, Wickensimer, Caskey, Forrest, Yow, Cromer, Gilreath and Schuessler: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-375, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN OFFENSES AGAINST MINORS, SO AS TO REVISE DEFINITIONS AND ADD THE TERMS "IDENTIFIABLE MINOR" AND "MORPHED IMAGE"; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS AS AN OFFENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS AS AN OFFENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR; SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS AS AN OFFENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THOSE GUILTY OF CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR IN THE FIRST, SECOND, OR THIRD DEGREE AS A TIER II OFFENDER; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-462, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO CLARIFY POSSIBLE TERMINATION REQUIREMENTS AND INCLUDE TIER I AND TIER II DESIGNATIONS FOR OUT-OF-STATE OR FEDERAL CONVICTIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-342, RELATING TO CRIMINAL SOLICITATION OF A MINOR, BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-387, RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OF A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN TO APPEAR IN PUBLIC IN A STATE OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT NUDITY, AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-48-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR ACT, ALL SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Rep. HIOTT moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Thursday, March 6, which was agreed to.

S. 363--ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

S. 363 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO SPECIFIC PROPERTIES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5329, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.

Rep. BRADLEY explained the Joint Resolution.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 106; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Atkinson                 Bailey                   Bannister
Bauer                    Beach                    Bernstein
Bowers                   Bradley                  Brewer
Brittain                 Burns                    Calhoon
Caskey                   Chapman                  Cobb-Hunter
Collins                  B. J. Cox                B. L. Cox
Crawford                 Cromer                   Davis
Duncan                   Edgerton                 Erickson
Forrest                  Frank                    Gagnon
Garvin                   Gatch                    Gibson
Gilliam                  Gilliard                 Gilreath
Govan                    Grant                    Guest
Haddon                   Hager                    Hardee
Harris                   Hart                     Hartnett
Hartz                    Hayes                    Henderson-Myers
Hewitt                   Hiott                    Hixon
Holman                   Hosey                    Howard
Huff                     J. E. Johnson            J. L. Johnson
Jones                    Jordan                   Kilmartin
King                     Kirby                    Landing
Lawson                   Ligon                    Long
Luck                     Magnuson                 Martin
May                      McCabe                   McCravy
McDaniel                 McGinnis                 Mitchell
Montgomery               T. Moore                 Morgan
Moss                     Murphy                   Neese
B. Newton                W. Newton                Oremus
Pace                     Pedalino                 Pope
Rankin                   Rivers                   Rose
Sanders                  Schuessler               Sessions
G. M. Smith              M. M. Smith              Spann-Wilder
Stavrinakis              Taylor                   Teeple
Terribile                Vaughan                  Wetmore
White                    Whitmire                 Wickensimer
Williams                 Willis                   Wooten
Yow                                               

Total--106

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

So, the Joint Resolution was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

H. 3007--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:

H. 3007 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, W. Newton, Taylor, B. Newton, Pope, Pedalino, Hixon, Robbins, Mitchell, Yow, Ligon and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MAKE APPLICATION BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION FOR A CONVENTION OF THE STATES TO BE CALLED, RESTRICTED TO PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO IMPOSE FISCAL RESTRAINTS ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH A BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT.

Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Concurrent Resolution which was agreed to.

H. 3008--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:

H. 3008 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrest, G. M. Smith, W. Newton, Wooten, Pope, Pedalino, Taylor, Hixon, Davis, M. M. Smith, Teeple, Robbins, Mitchell, Yow, Ligon, J. L. Johnson and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR A CONVENTION UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION IN ORDER TO PROPOSE A CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS AMENDMENT.

Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Concurrent Resolution which was agreed to.

H. 3558--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3558 (Word version) -- Reps. Taylor, Pope, Hewitt, B. Newton, Mitchell, Yow, Oremus, Willis, Ligon and Guffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 23 OF CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1, RELATING TO CALLS OR APPLICATIONS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDING CONVENTIONS MADE TO CONGRESS, SO AS TO RETITLE THE ARTICLE, AND TO ADD NEW SECTIONS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE QUALIFICATIONS, APPOINTMENT, OATH, AND DUTIES OF COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO REPRESENT THE STATE AT AN ARTICLE V CONVENTION, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.

H. 3021--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3021 (Word version) -- Reps. Bradley, G. M. Smith, Herbkersman, Lawson, B. Newton, Wooten, Mitchell, Pope, Guffey, Neese, Martin, Chapman, Pedalino, McCravy, Chumley, W. Newton, Taylor, Hewitt, Schuessler, Davis, M. M. Smith, Long, Sanders, Teeple, Gagnon, Hixon, Erickson, Hager, Ballentine, Calhoon, Holman, Moss, Burns, Gilreath, Gilliam, Rankin, Vaughan, B. L. Cox, Ligon, Oremus, Hartz, Guest, Crawford, Robbins, Forrest, Magnuson, Willis, Brewer, Gibson and Hiott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY FREEDOM ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 1-23-285 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY REVIEW COMMITTEE SHALL CONDUCT AN INITIAL REVIEW OF REGULATIONS PENDING REAUTHORIZATION AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR RETAINING OR REMOVING REGULATIONS, TO PROVIDE IT IS THE DUTY OF THE COMMITTEE WHEN REVIEWING REGULATIONS TO REDUCE THE OVERALL REGULATORY BURDEN ON BUSINESSES BY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS BY TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT, AND TO PROVIDE THE COMMITTEE MAY REQUEST ANY NECESSARY INFORMATION FROM STATE AGENCIES AND TO REQUIRE THE COMPLIANCE OF AGENCIES WITH THESE REQUESTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-110, RELATING TO THE PROCESS FOR PROMULGATING REGULATIONS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT SO AS TO PROVIDE AGENCIES MAY NOT PROMULGATE REGULATIONS ABSENT EXPRESS STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND CITATION TO THE SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY, TO PROVIDE FOR EVERY REGULATION AN AGENCY PROPOSES, IT MUST IDENTIFY AND PROPOSE TWO OF ITS REGULATIONS TO REMOVE, TO PROVIDE PERSONS AGGRIEVED BY A REGULATION MAY CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OF THE REGULATION IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, AND TO PROVIDE COURTS MAY DECLARE REGULATIONS INVALID UPON FINDING AN ABSENCE OF EXPRESS STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-115, RELATING TO ASSESSMENT REPORTS FOR REGULATIONS SUBMITTED FOR PROMULGATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE ALL REGULATIONS SUBMITTED FOR PROMULGATION MUST INCLUDE ASSESSMENT REPORTS, TO ALLOW LONGER REVIEW PERIODS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE DISCOUNT RATES MUST BE JUSTIFIED IF APPLIED IN AN ANALYSIS REPORT, TO PROVIDE PROMULGATING AGENCIES MUST CONDUCT RETROSPECTIVE ASSESSMENT REPORTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE ASSESSMENT CONTENTS MUST BE MADE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE IN A CERTAIN MANNER, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN STANDARDIZED ANALYTIC METHODS AND METRICS MUST BE APPLIED TO ALL REGULATIONS, TO REQUIRE RETROSPECTIVE ASSESSMENT REPORTS BE CONDUCTED WHEN REGULATIONS ARE REVIEWED FOR RENEWAL, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-120, RELATING TO DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BE FILED TO INITIATE THE REVIEW PROCESS FOR A REGULATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DOCUMENTS INCLUDE AN AUTOMATIC EXPIRATION DATE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE AUTOMATIC EXPIRATION AND PERIODIC REVIEW OF REGULATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-380, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW UPON EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF AGENCY INTERPRETATIONS OF REGULATIONS.

The Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3021 (Word version) (LC-3021.WAB0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3, by striking Section 1-23-110(E) and inserting:

(E) An agency may not promulgate any regulation unless the agency has been expressly granted the power to do so by a statutory delegation. The regulation must be within the scope of authority specifically granted by the statute, and the agency must cite the specific statutory provision authorizing the regulation. If a statute authorizes promulgation of a regulation, that authority expires three years after the regulation is promulgated and takes effectaccording to the following schedule:

(1) All statutory delegations currently in effect on July 1, 2026 shall expire on July 1, 2037, except that the authority does not expire for:

(a) regulations promulgated originally as emergency regulations filed pursuant to Section 1-23-130, or regulations which would qualify as such but are filed using the ordinary regulation process;

(b) regulations required to conform with enacted state or federal legislation;

(c) regulations required to comply with federal law or regulation changes; or

(d) regulations required to maintain or become eligible for federal grants or appropriations.

(2) All delegations created after June 30, 2026 shall expire three years after the statute's effective date, except that the authority does not expire for:

(a) regulations promulgated originally as emergency regulations filed pursuant to Section 1-23-130, or regulations which would qualify as such but are filed using the ordinary regulation process;

(b) regulations required to conform with enacted state or federal legislation;

(c) regulations required to comply with federal law or regulation changes; or

(d) regulations required to maintain or become eligible for federal grants or appropriations.

(3) To the extent this section is more permissive than Section 1-23-120(A)(2), this section takes precedence. After that time, existing regulations may still be updated, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, to conform with enacted legislation or federal law or regulation changes; however, new regulations may not be promulgated pursuant to that statute.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 5, by striking Section 1-23-120(J)(1) and inserting:

(1) All administrative regulations expire on January first of the eighthseventh calendar year after their effective date unless readopted pursuant to this section, except as detailed in item (6).
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. WOOTEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. HARRIS proposed the following Amendment No. 3 to H. 3021 (Word version) (LC-3021.HA0001H), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X.   Each governmental entity subject to the provisions of this act must provide the appropriate staff and resources to comply with this act with the governmental entity's budget as of July 1, 2025. No governmental entity shall request any additional funding, including but not limited to, any additional employees or other budget request, for the purposes of complying with this act.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. HARRIS explained the amendment.

Rep. WOOTEN spoke against the amendment.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. ERICKSON a temporary leave of absence.

Rep. WOOTEN continued speaking.

Rep. WOOTEN moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to by a division vote of 79 to 24.

Rep. HARRIS proposed the following Amendment No. 4 to H. 3021 (Word version) (LC-3021.HA0003H), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 1-23-285, by adding a subsection to read:

(E) If the committee determines that a regulation has an adverse impact on small businesses, the agency responsible for the regulation must either:

(1) withdraw the regulation in its entirety; or

(2) amend the regulation to mitigate the adverse impact on small businesses, as directed by the committee.

(F) The agency shall submit a report to the committee detailing its actions taken under subsection (E) within thirty days of the committee's determination. If the agency fails to take action within this period, the regulation shall be deemed void unless the General Assembly grants an extension or otherwise intervenes.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. HARRIS explained the amendment.

Rep. WOOTEN moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to by a division vote of 82 to 19.

Rep. HARRIS proposed the following Amendment No. 5 to H. 3021 (Word version) (LC-3021.HA0004H), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3, by striking Section 1-23-110(F) and (G) and inserting:

(F) When an agency proposes a regulation for promulgation, the agency also shall identify and propose the removal of two existing regulations for each regulation the agency proposes to add. The repeal must involve a substantive reduction in regulatory requirements and may not be achieved merely through the consolidation or reorganization of existing regulatory provisions. The agency shall certify in its notice of proposed regulation that the identified repeals result in a net reduction of regulatory burden.

(G) Agencies are prohibited from reissuing, renumbering, or consolidating regulatory provisions in a manner that does not achieve a substantive reduction in regulatory burdens. Any modification of existing regulations must demonstrate an actual decrease in regulatory obligations rather than a mere restructuring of provisions. The burden of proof shall rest with the agency to show that a proposed regulatory change results in a net reduction of regulatory restrictions.

(G) (H) Any person aggrieved by a regulation may challenge the validity of the regulation on the grounds that the agency lacked express statutory authority to promulgate the regulation. The challenge may be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction, and the court has the power to declare the regulation invalid if it finds that the agency lacked express statutory authority to be promulgated.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. PACE explained the amendment.

Rep. WOOTEN spoke against the amendment.

Rep. WOOTEN moved to table the amendment.

Rep. MAGNUSON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 90; Nays 18

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Alexander                Atkinson                 Bailey
Bauer                    Bernstein                Bowers
Bradley                  Brewer                   Brittain
Bustos                   Calhoon                  Caskey
Chapman                  Cobb-Hunter              Collins
B. J. Cox                B. L. Cox                Crawford
Davis                    Forrest                  Gagnon
Garvin                   Gatch                    Gibson
Gilliam                  Gilliard                 Govan
Grant                    Guest                    Haddon
Hager                    Hardee                   Hart
Hartnett                 Hartz                    Hayes
Henderson-Myers          Herbkersman              Hewitt
Hiott                    Hixon                    Holman
Hosey                    Howard                   J. E. Johnson
J. L. Johnson            Jones                    Jordan
King                     Kirby                    Lawson
Ligon                    Long                     Lowe
Luck                     Martin                   McCravy
McDaniel                 McGinnis                 Mitchell
Montgomery               J. Moore                 T. Moore
Moss                     Murphy                   Neese
B. Newton                Pedalino                 Pope
Rankin                   Reese                    Rivers
Robbins                  Rose                     Sanders
Schuessler               Sessions                 G. M. Smith
M. M. Smith              Spann-Wilder             Stavrinakis
Taylor                   Teeple                   Vaughan
Wetmore                  Wickensimer              Williams
Willis                   Wooten                   Yow

Total--90

Those who voted in the negative are:

Beach                    Burns                    Cromer
Duncan                   Edgerton                 Frank
Gilreath                 Harris                   Huff
Kilmartin                Magnuson                 May
McCabe                   Morgan                   Pace
Terribile                White                    Whitmire

Total--18

So, the amendment was tabled.

The question recurred to the passage of the Bill.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 111; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Alexander                Atkinson                 Bailey
Bannister                Bauer                    Beach
Bernstein                Bowers                   Bradley
Brewer                   Brittain                 Burns
Bustos                   Calhoon                  Caskey
Chapman                  Cobb-Hunter              Collins
B. J. Cox                B. L. Cox                Crawford
Cromer                   Davis                    Duncan
Edgerton                 Forrest                  Frank
Gagnon                   Garvin                   Gatch
Gibson                   Gilliam                  Gilliard
Gilreath                 Govan                    Grant
Guest                    Haddon                   Hager
Hardee                   Hart                     Hartnett
Hartz                    Hayes                    Henderson-Myers
Herbkersman              Hewitt                   Hiott
Hixon                    Holman                   Hosey
Howard                   Huff                     J. E. Johnson
J. L. Johnson            Jones                    Jordan
Kilmartin                King                     Kirby
Landing                  Lawson                   Ligon
Long                     Lowe                     Luck
Magnuson                 Martin                   May
McCabe                   McCravy                  McDaniel
McGinnis                 Mitchell                 Montgomery
J. Moore                 T. Moore                 Morgan
Moss                     Murphy                   Neese
B. Newton                W. Newton                Oremus
Pace                     Pedalino                 Pope
Rankin                   Reese                    Rivers
Robbins                  Rose                     Sanders
Schuessler               Sessions                 G. M. Smith
M. M. Smith              Spann-Wilder             Stavrinakis
Taylor                   Teeple                   Terribile
Vaughan                  Wetmore                  White
Whitmire                 Wickensimer              Williams
Willis                   Wooten                   Yow

Total--111

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

STATEMENT FOR JOURNAL

I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 3021 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.

Rep. Nathan Ballentine

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. B. NEWTON moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4131 (Word version) -- Reps. Lowe, Jordan, Williams, Kirby, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Kilmartin, King, Landing, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. INC. SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING DIVISION FOR PRODUCING THE PRODUCT THAT WON THE 2024 COOLEST THING MADE IN SOUTH CAROLINA CONTEST BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURERS ALLIANCE.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4132 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY PALMETTO GIRLS STATE TO USE THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4133 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE SUPPORT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE CRISIS RECOVERY NETWORK COORDINATED BY THE SOUTHERN REGIONAL EDUCATION BOARD, TO EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NETWORK, AND TO RECOGNIZE THE NETWORK AS A TRUSTED SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS, DISTRICTS, AND POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS IN THIS STATE TO KNOW THEY MAY CALL UPON IT IF THE NEED ARISES.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4134 (Word version) -- Reps. Robbins and B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ACT 80 OF 2013, RELATING TO THE "HIGH GROWTH SMALL BUSINESS JOB CREATION ACT," SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE EXTENSION FOR AN ADDITIONAL TEN YEARS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 11-44-10, RELATING TO THE CITATION OF THE ACT, SO AS TO RENAME THE ACT THE "HIGH GROWTH SMALL BUSINESS JOB CREATION ACT OF 2013 - ANGEL INVESTOR TAX CREDIT ACT."
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4135 (Word version) -- Rep. M. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 24 TO CHAPTER 71, TITLE 38 ENTITLED "VISION CARE PLANS" SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS AND REGULATE VISION CARE PLANS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4136 (Word version) -- Reps. Govan, King, Bailey, Schuessler, Jones, Bustos, Cobb-Hunter and Willis: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE AND REVIEW ALL PRIOR REPORTS AND STUDIES CONDUCTED SINCE 2015 WHICH PERTAIN TO THE REGULATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DAMS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 4137 (Word version) -- Reps. B. J. Cox, Caskey, T. Moore, B. L. Cox, Wooten and Bustos: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-21-3920, RELATING TO BINGO TAX ACT DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITIONS OF "VETERANS' TRUST FUND" AND "VETERAN'S ORGANIZATION"; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-21-4020, RELATING TO CLASSES OF BINGO LICENSES, SO AS TO ADD A CLASS G LICENSE FOR VETERANS' ORGANIZATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-21-4030, RELATING TO ENTRANCE FEE SURCHARGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CLASS G LICENSE HOLDER MAY IMPOSE A CERTAIN ENTRANCE FEE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-21-4070, RELATING TO DOMICILES REQUIRED FOR LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL MUST BE DOMICILED IN THIS STATE FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD BEFORE APPLYING FOR A LICENSE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-21-4190, RELATING TO BINGO CARD CHARGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CHARGE AND RETAIN CERTAIN FEES.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4138 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LEGAL GUARDIANS OF MINOR OR DEPENDENT CHILDREN ARE ENTITLED TO A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION ON ONE PERSONAL MOTOR VEHICLE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4139 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-11-310, RELATING TO OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO CHANGE THE END OF CERTAIN SEASONS FROM JANUARY FIRST TO JANUARY FIFTH.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 4140 (Word version) -- Rep. B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-13-25, RELATING TO EARLY VOTING, SO AS TO EXTEND EARLY VOTING DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION BEFORE A STATEWIDE PRIMARY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4141 (Word version) -- Rep. B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-18-70, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE INVESTIGATION LICENSURE, SO AS TO INCLUDE THREE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS AN INVESTIGATOR OR IN A ROLE WITH INVESTIGATION DUTIES IN THE MILITARY SERVICE WITH THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4142 (Word version) -- Rep. Hart: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-78-120, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY, SO AS TO INCREASE THE LIMITS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 4143 (Word version) -- Rep. Hart: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-77-140, RELATING TO BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE LIMITS, SO AS TO INCREASE LIMITS FROM TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4144 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Jordan, J. E. Johnson, T. Moore, Lawson, Bernstein, Caskey, Bauer, Govan, Brittain and Montgomery: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-13-190, SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF MAIL THEFT AND PROVIDE GRADUATED PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4145 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Bannister, Stavrinakis, W. Newton, Kirby and Teeple: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PRAY SAFE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-90 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRAY SAFE GRANT PROGRAM WITHIN THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO PROVIDE GRANTS FOR SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS TO CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE AT RISK OF BEING A VICTIM OF A RELIGIOUSLY MOTIVATED CRIME.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4146 (Word version) -- Reps. M. M. Smith, W. Newton, Davis, Guest, Wetmore, B. Newton and Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-29-275 SO AS TO ALLOW LOCAL GOVERNING AUTHORITIES TO MAKE CHANGES TO DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS BY ORDINANCE, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4147 (Word version) -- Rep. Hart: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 34-26-290 SO AS TO REQUIRE CREDIT UNIONS TO POST ALL FEES AND CHARGES THAT MAY BE ASSESSED AGAINST A MEMBER.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4148 (Word version) -- Rep. Hart: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO THE DECLARATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE STATE'S CONSTITUTION, BY ADDING SECTION 26 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL HAS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO HEALTHCARE PROVIDED AND PAID FOR BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4149 (Word version) -- Rep. Gatch: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 37-5-120 SO AS TO PROHIBIT CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS FROM REPORTING CONSUMER DEBT OBTAINED FROM SERVICES RENDERED AT SOUTH CAROLINA MEDICAL FACILITIES, AND TO PROHIBIT CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES FROM INCLUDING SUCH DEBT ON A CONSUMER REPORT.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4002--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4002 (Word version) -- Reps. Burns and Bannister: A BILL TO DEVOLVE ALL OF THE POWERS, DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, ASSETS, AND LIABILITIES OF THE GREATER GREENVILLE SANITATION DISTRICT TO THE GOVERNING BODY OF GREENVILLE COUNTY; AND TO REPEAL ACT 1543 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE GREATER GREENVILLE SANITATION DISTRICT.

Rep. BURNS moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Thursday, March 6, which was agreed to.

ACTING SPEAKER B. NEWTON IN CHAIR

H. 3007--ADOPTED AND SENT TO SENATE

The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:

H. 3007 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, W. Newton, Taylor, B. Newton, Pope, Pedalino, Hixon, Robbins, Mitchell, Yow, Ligon and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MAKE APPLICATION BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION FOR A CONVENTION OF THE STATES TO BE CALLED, RESTRICTED TO PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO IMPOSE FISCAL RESTRAINTS ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH A BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT.

Rep. JORDAN explained the Resolution.

SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE IN CHAIR

Rep. JORDAN continued speaking.

Rep. HARRIS spoke against the Resolution.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.

STATEMENT FOR JOURNAL

I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 3007 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Concurrent Resolution.

Rep. Nathan Ballentine

STATEMENT FOR JOURNAL

I would like my voice vote of 'No', to be entered into the House Journal, 3/5/2025 on H. 3007 (Word version).

Rep. Rob Harris

H. 3008--AMENDED, AND INTERRUPTED DEBATE

The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:

H. 3008 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrest, G. M. Smith, W. Newton, Wooten, Pope, Pedalino, Taylor, Hixon, Davis, M. M. Smith, Teeple, Robbins, Mitchell, Yow, Ligon, J. L. Johnson and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR A CONVENTION UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION IN ORDER TO PROPOSE A CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS AMENDMENT.

Rep. JORDAN proposed the following Amendment No. 1o H. 3008 (Word version) (LC-3008.SA0003H), which was adopted:
Amend the concurrent resolution, as and if amended, after the last paragraph by adding:
Be it further resolved that the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina adopts this concurrent resolution expressly subject to the following reservations, understandings, and declarations:

(1) an application to the Congress of the United States to call an amendment convention of the states pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution confers no power to Congress other than the power to call such a convention. The power of Congress to exercise this ministerial duty consists solely of the authority to name a reasonable time and place for the initial meeting of a convention; and

(2) Congress shall perform its ministerial duty of calling an amendment convention of the states only upon the receipt of applications for an amendment convention for the substantially same purpose as this application from two-thirds of the legislatures of the several states; and

(3) Congress does not have the power or authority to determine any rules for the governing of an amendment convention of the states called pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution. Congress does not have the power to set the number of delegates to be sent by any state to such a convention, nor does it have the power to name delegates to such a convention. The power to name delegates remains exclusively within the authority of the legislatures of the several states; and

(4) by definition, an amendment convention of the states means that states shall vote on the basis of one state, one vote; and

(5) a convention of the states convened pursuant to this application must be limited to consideration of the topics specified in this concurrent resolution and no other. This application is made with the express understanding that an amendment that in any way seeks to amend, modify, or repeal any provision of the Bill of Rights, the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments to the United States Constitution shall not be authorized for consideration at any stage. This application shall be void ab initio if ever used at any stage to consider any change to any provision of the Bill of Rights; and

(6) pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution, Congress may determine whether proposed amendments shall be ratified by the legislatures of the several states or by special state ratification conventions. The South Carolina General Assembly recommends that Congress select ratification by the legislatures of the several states; and

(7) the South Carolina General Assembly may provide further instructions to its delegates and may recall its delegates at any time for a breach of a duty or a violation of the instructions provided.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. JORDAN explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

ACTING SPEAKER HIOTT IN CHAIR

Rep. HART spoke against the Concurrent Resolution.

Further proceedings were interrupted by the Joint Assembly.

JOINT ASSEMBLY

At 12:00 noon the Senate appeared in the Hall of the House. The President of the Senate called the Joint Assembly to order and announced that it had convened under the terms of a Concurrent Resolution adopted by both Houses.

The Reading Clerk of the House read the following Concurrent Resolution:

S. 332 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO WELCOME THE NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, THE HONORABLE JAMES A. LACOURSIERE, AND TO INVITE HIM TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION IN THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 12:30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025.

The Honorable James A. LaCoursiere Jr. and distinguished party were escorted to the rostrum by Senators Cromer, Bennett, Goldfinch, Sutton, Zell and Massey and Representatives B. L. COX, B. J. COX, DAVIS, GILLIAM and HOSEY. The President recognized our special guests and then the National American Legion Commander addressed the General Assembly as follows:

Address by the Honorable James A. LaCoursiere Jr.
National Commander of The American Legion
March 5, 2025

Ladies, Gentlemen, distinguished Members of this great Body--It's truly an honor to speak to you today in this beautiful historic capitol.
Before I begin, please allow me a moment to introduce members of The American Legion Family who are with me today.
We have with us the Commander of the South Carolina American Legion, Bruce Donegan of Loris.
National Executive Committeeman and Acting Adjutant for the Department of South Carolina, Jim Hawk of Irmo.
Cecil Phillips, Alternate NEC from Rock Hill.
The American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Carolina President, Allyson Boone of Columbia, S.C.
And the Sons of the American Legion South Carolina Detachment Commander, Ross Polson of Rock Hill.
Ladies and gentlemen, on January 20th my organization had the honor of hosting the Salute to Heroes Ball in Washington as part of our nation's inaugural celebration. These special events have been held by the American Legion for every presidential inauguration since 1953.
During these Salutes, we celebrate the heroes who make such occasions possible - our nation's Medal of Honor recipients.
This year we were fortunate to have 24 living Medal of Honor recipients as our special guests. As most of you are probably aware, the Medal of Honor is our nation's highest military award. Just over 3,500 heroes have been awarded the Medal since President Lincoln authorized its creation in 1861. Only 61 are still living.
Those who have earned the award are not "winners." They didn't receive their medals by placing first in a contest or besting opponents in a competition. Medal of Honor recipients are recognized for unwavering devotion, extraordinary valor in combat and conspicuous gallantry.
Among the special guests at our Salute to Heroes ball this year was a son of South Carolina, U.S. Army Sergeant Major Thomas Payne.
He didn't write the revolutionary pamphlet "Common Sense," like the other Thomas Paine. And while his name is spelled P-A-Y-N-E, he certainly inflicted pain on the enemy.
If you don't know the story of this Delta Force legend, allow me to go over a few highlights:
Born in 1984, he grew up in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. The son of a police officer, he understood service at an early age and enlisted after graduating from Lugoff-Elgin High School in 2002. He says his decision to be an Army Ranger was made when he saw video of the Towers falling on 9/11.
During his distinguished career, Sergeant Major Payne has been deployed 17 times including tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa.
But it was his actions on October 22, 2015, that are permanently etched among the bravest in military history.
As a sergeant-first-class at the time, Thomas Payne led an assault team that was clearing buildings in Iraq's Kirkuk Province. Intelligence revealed that these buildings were being used by ISIS to hold hostages.
Under fire from the beginning, Payne and his men fought their way to the first building, freeing 38 hostages in the process.
After hearing a call for help, he entered a second building. As the burning building began to crumble, he engaged enemy fighters before trading his rifle for bolt-cutters so he could rescue more hostages. Despite losing teammates, Sergeant First Class Payne made numerous trips in and out of the building until 38 more hostages were freed.
As a result of the actions of Payne and his team, 75 hostages were rescued from the ISIS compound.
In 2020, he received the Medal of Honor from President Trump for his actions. Fittingly, it was presented on September 11th, the 19th anniversary of the attacks which inspired him to join.
With a brother in the Army and another in the Air Force, service runs deep in the veins of the Payne family. This is not surprising given the culture of the patriotic palmetto state.
Here are just a few examples of the selfless service that we find in communities throughout South Carolina:
American Legion Family members at Dalzell-Shaw Post 175, have been collecting and transporting relief supplies to Hurricane Helene victims in Fines Creek, North Carolina. They do this not to help themselves but to assist their fellow Americans in another state.
We have seen an active "Buddy Check program" conducted by South Carolina's Hezzie Griffis Post 30 in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. They understand that even when there is no natural disaster, veterans are 50 percent more likely to commit suicide than those who never served in the military.
Buddy Checks are our way of pro-actively engaging with veterans, not just to prevent suicide but to foster camaraderie and wellness.
I would also like to recognize American Legion Larry Jeffers Post 195 in Lugoff. Last May, Post 195 was named the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce 2024 Nonprofit of the Year. This is a particular inspiration since the post was on the verge of foreclosure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also last year, American Legion Post 124 in Walhalla rededicated the village of Newry's World War II Memorial. It was in conjunction with the 130th anniversary of Newry's founding. These are just a few of the activities and accomplishments of local American Legion posts spread throughout this great region.
While I am here, I'd also like to extend my congratulations to Andrew Behrmann of Tega City. Andrew is a recent delegate of South Carolina American Legion Boys State and one of our 2024 Samsung Scholars. Andrew certainly earned his $10,000 scholarship for his achievements as a student athlete, Eagle Scout, conservationist and youth group leader.
The scholarship, which is administered by The American Legion, is funded through the earnings derived from a five-million-dollar endowment from Samsung. The electronics corporation made the donation in 1996 to show appreciation for the sacrifices that our Korean War veterans made during its struggle against communist forces that started 75 years ago. There are only ten Samsung Scholars selected nationally each year, so Andrew truly represents the best of his class.
The hospitality that I have experienced here in South Carolina the last couple of days has been amazing. I can see why nearly 400,000 veterans call South Carolina home.
I visited the Camden battlefield and received briefings from military officials at Shaw Air Force Base and Fort Jackson.
Quality of life issues for our Armed Service is essential in today's All Volunteer Force.
We are pleased to see that Joint Base Charleston has an education fair scheduled for March 18th, an event that is intended to help military families achieve their next level of success.
This State has always been what we in the Legion call "Veteran-Friendly." And you're getting even friendlier! Some of the many bills being considered by this legislature deal with issues such as discounted fees at state parks for veterans and property tax relief for surviving spouses.
Now, you may notice that my cap says Connecticut. As national commander of The American Legion, my focus is mostly on federal policies. In fact, last week I testified about veterans and military issues before Congress.
But most veterans know the Legion as a community grassroots organization. It is what you do here in your state that provides the biggest impact.
It would be presumptuous of me to tell you which bills to sponsor or which legislation to draft. You know your communities much better than I do. I just want you to be aware how much we appreciate all that you do for veterans, our military and their families.
Now, if you would allow me for one moment to call to this platform two members of this distinguished body who have proven that they are not only great lawmakers, but they are advocates for those who have served. They have been designated by The American Legion Department of South Carolina as the Outstanding Members of the Legislature for 2025. They are true friends of veterans and The American Legion.
Senator and Representative Shane Massey and Bobby Cox would you please join me?
Congratulations Senator Shane Massey and Representative Bobby Cox. We appreciate all that you do on behalf of veterans.
Thank you so much, South Carolina Legislature.
God Bless you and God Bless America.

Upon conclusion of his address, the Honorable James A. Lacoursiere Jr. and his escort party retired from the Chamber.

The Honorable John W. Kittredge. and distinguished party were escorted to the rostrum by Senators Rankin, Massey, Devine, Elliott, Allen and Garrett and Representatives W. NEWTON, BANNISTER, MARTIN, MCCABE, GARVIN and SPANN-WILDER. The President recognized our special guests and then the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court addressed the General Assembly as follows:

State of the Judiciary 2025
Address by the Honorable John W. Kittredge
Chief Justice of South Carolina
Joint Session of the General Assembly
March 5, 2025

President Alexander, Speaker Smith, Chairman Peeler, Speaker Pro Tempore Pope, and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and House. In the House, Representatives Hiott and Rutherford. In the Senate, Senators Massey and Hutto. And Senator Hutto, please know we are thinking of you and looking forward to your return. To all members of the General Assembly, thank you for extending me the privilege of addressing this esteemed joint assembly. Please know I am grateful for this invitation. After serving for 33 years as a state judge at every level, I assumed the position of Chief Justice fairly recently, back in August. I stand before you as a steward of the Chief Justice position, mindful of the solemn and immense trust imposed in me. I pledge to you my commitment to do my best to be worthy of this position and to merit the confidence you have shown in me. I began this journey mindful and appreciative of the contributions of my predecessors, Chief Justices Toal, Pleicones and Beatty. I applaud them for their service. I will do my best to build on the solid foundation they have laid.
I recognize and applaud my exceptional colleagues on the supreme court, Justices Few, James, Hill and Verdin. Chief Judge Williams of the court of appeals is here, along with our outstanding appellate court judges, and welcome to the newest member of the court of appeals, Judge Kristi Curtis.
I recognize and extend my gratitude to Dan Shearouse, the Supreme Court's long serving clerk of court who came out of retirement to serve as the interim State Court Administrator. Similarly, I recognize Karama Herrington, who later this month will become our new State Court Administrator. Mr. Shearouse's service has been extraordinary, and I am confident Ms. Herrington is well prepared to assume this important role. Thank you, Dan, and welcome, Karama.
In our brief time together, there are so many important topics we could discuss. From judicial independence, to how does the Judicial Branch manage huge technology challenges, to how do we wisely assign our limited judicial resources to terms of court across our state, and the list goes on and on. Yet my time is limited, so I have chosen three topics to address briefly.
First, I want to give you and the citizens of South Carolina a glimpse into the role and volume of work in our trial courts and the number of cases that our court system handles. Second, because I note the Governor and the Legislature have a focus on Magistrate reform, I want to commend you for those efforts and offer just a quick observation about one aspect concerning the need for uniformity in our magistrate court system. And lastly and perhaps most importantly, I want to share how all people and all branches of government face a common challenge. I will do so by describing the most difficult journey a man or woman has ever undertaken.
Now to our courts in South Carolina. Apart from the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, we have 53 circuit court judges, 63 family court judges, roughly 23 Masters-in-Equity, 46 probate court judges, about 300 magistrates, and over 400 municipal court judges. That's a lot of judges. Have you ever thought about the true role and impact of the law on our fellow citizens? Yes, we intuitively understand that law--particularly the rule of law--serves as the bedrock foundation in our constitutional republic, in our civil society. What I want to share now, however, is more practical. What is the role and involvement of courts to the citizens we serve? We know over the past 25 years, the population in South Carolina has dramatically increased. Our state had a population of about 4 million in the year 2000. Today, a quarter of a century later, according to the most recent estimates from the Census Bureau, we are pushing 5 and a half million. How does that exploding growth affect the pressures on our justice system?
We currently do not have complete data about the number of cases and hearings conducted in the courtrooms across our state. We are working on gathering complete data so we can know the full story. Though our information is currently incomplete, what we do know is revealing in terms of the volume of work being done in our courts.
The chart on the screen is a new chart. It is not complete. It is a work in progress. Gregory Brooks in our IT department is creating this new report. If we are successful, the chart will eventually include information reflecting all the cases and hearings in the trial courts throughout the state. Gregory is off to an excellent start, and I thank him. When it is complete, the Judicial Branch, you, and the public will be able to access this site and obtain the most current data about the workloads in our courts. In this one interactive document that is being developed, we will have one go-to resource to see where we are on case filings and case dispositions. This is in line with the Judicial Branch's commitment to you and all of our fellow citizens to provide greater transparency and accountability. While we currently only have partial information, here's what we do know. Over the past few years, 5.8 million matters have been filed in the trial courts of SC. Thus, what we do know begins to give us a sense of the volume of work in our courts. Think for a moment--not about the number of cases, but about the number of hearings that take place. A case in any court can result in many hearings. We will make this interactive resource available when it is complete. When the report goes live, we will keep updating the data as we establish a system for trial courts, clerks of court, and other stakeholders to provide us with complete information. We want to know how many cases are filed, and we want to know how many hearings take place in our courts. To give you a glimpse of what we are hoping to share with you and our fellow citizens, you will be able to look at a snapshot of a year by clicking on a year. You will access and see the information for the year you have selected. In 2024, for example, there were conservatively 1.5 million case filings. The number of court hearings, of course, would be much more than that. We will be able to drill down further into circuits and counties. We need to know the workloads in our courts. We are doing our best to gather all the information, so that we can truly know the volume and pressures in the trial courts of our state. With the relevant information, we can better and more wisely operate and manage the justice system for all South Carolinians. As I move to my next topic, I leave you with this: I and my colleagues on the Supreme Court could not be prouder of the work ethic of our trial court judges. In the trial courts across South Carolina, as you have seen, far more than a million matters are handled every year. I am going to return to this thought when I share my concluding remarks.
Permit me to offer a quick observation about our magistrate court system. If you look to the justices and judges elected here in the legislature--Family and Circuit Court, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court--the legislature elects right at 130 judgeships. Double that figure and you are still short of the approximate 300 magistrates throughout our state. The majority of magistrates perform well in their judicial service. A citizen's view of our justice system is frequently formed through the citizen's experience in magistrate's court. It serves as the people's court. The Governor and the legislature have expressed a desire to improve the structure of the magistrate court system, including magistrates court standards, uniformity and professionalism. The Governor, to his great credit, is focused on enhanced magistrate standards and professionalism. In the Legislative Branch, I note several bills filed, directed to the issue of magistrates. For example, you are considering increasing magistrate court jurisdiction. Bills have been filed addressing the possible need for the vetting of magistrates in conjunction with a merit selection process for magistrates. You and the Governor are to be commended. The third branch of government--the Judicial Branch--supports your efforts, and it is my hope you will allow the Judicial Branch a seat at the table. I necessarily work closely with our magistrate court system. And through my regular interaction with the magistrate courts, I know of some of the strengths and weaknesses in the system. I choose only one issue to mention.
One area where the issue of uniformity needs to be addressed is magistrates pay for full time magistrates. There are full time and part time magistrates. I only mention full time magistrates here. The statutory method of pay is complicated and cumbersome. We look to the counties to pay the county magistrates, and we do so largely through a formula based on a county's population. Larger counties have more magistrates; smaller counties have fewer magistrates. Again, it is a population- based formula and approach. The pay disparity among full time magistrates is staggering. The highest paid magistrate earns just above $130,000, yet there are many full-time magistrates earning barely $50,000, one as low as $46,000. Think about that disparity. The higher salaries are found in the larger counties; the lowest salaries are found in our smaller counties. Yet when the caseloads of individual magistrates are examined, we learn that the lowest paid magistrates in the smaller counties can have a caseload equal to and sometimes greater than the magistrates serving in the larger counties. And we wonder why it is sometimes quite difficult to find qualified individuals willing to serve, especially in the less populated, rural areas. If there is a desire to move forward legislatively with magistrate reform with enhanced professionalism standards, the Judicial Branch would welcome the opportunity to have a voice in that effort.
I now move to my final point. I have conveyed to you the volume of work done by those who serve in our justice system. I do not, however, want to leave you with the impression that because of the overwhelming caseload pressures, that judges are merely assembly line workers, simply moving cases along without caring for the people who appear in our courts. Let me set this up by sharing something I heard years ago that resonated and has remained with me. Perhaps you are familiar with it, and especially the profound underlying message it carries. It begins with the following question: what is the most difficult ... the most important ... journey a man or woman has ever embarked on? It was not Hannibal's crossing of the Alps; nor was it the Lewis and Clark expedition; nor Lindberg's transatlantic flight; nor the Apollo moon mission; nor any other physical journey ever undertaken. The most difficult and important journey ever undertaken in the history of mankind is the 12 inches from the mind to the heart. The merging of the mind and the heart is what the law is all about. Yes, we must have accountability, but justice--to be justice--must be tempered with the heart, with understanding and mercy. Embedded in the DNA of the human spirit is a yearning for second chances. The law recognizes the role of redemption in the civil society. The merging of the mind with the heart is the essence of what the prophet Micah was capturing in the admonition to do justice and love mercy. I submit to you that when you are debating policy questions, and crafting legislation, you, too, are searching for the elusive intersection of accountability and compassion, the merging of the mind and heart.
In the court system, we at times confront horrific violent crime. In terms of dealing with violent crime, what is the relative relationship between the mind and the heart? Will judges impose a sentence for many years in prison for violent and repeat offenders? Absolutely and we do not apologize. In such a situation, accountability predominates and properly so. The laws you pass often mandate certain penalties and judges must honor those legislative directives. But there are many defendants-- people--who come into the criminal justice system who are not violent offenders. In fact, the majority of people in the system fall into this latter category. It is here where a proper and wise understanding brings mercy and compassion into the equation.
As I close, I want to share just one example where the law has successfully navigated the difficult journey and merged the mind and the heart. It is with treatment courts, which are designed for and limited to nonviolent offenders. There are many different kinds of successful treatment courts--mental health courts; veterans courts; in family court, we have safe babies court, and there are others. Every county in South Carolina has at least one of these different kinds of treatment courts. Because of time constraints, I will mention only one--drug courts. Drug courts reflect both accountability and grace. A drug court program is intensive. The court meets with the participants regularly, at least once weekly, professionals provide treatment and drug testing, the participant must have and keep a job, or perform community service, and the program will last typically for a year, sometimes longer.
There is not a person here or within the sound of my voice who has not been impacted by addiction, perhaps through a family member or close friend. All understand the debilitating scourge of addiction. What is also beyond dispute is the fact that drug courts work. I know you are familiar with recidivism rates for those who go through the normal criminal court process. The rate of repeat offenders is alarmingly high for those who are simply handled through our criminal justice system. Yet the recidivism rate for those who make it through a drug court program pales in comparison. The success rate is high. Drug courts work. Peoples' lives are saved. People are reunited with their communities; people are reunited with their families. Allow me to reiterate: judges impose harsh yet necessary prison sentences for violent offenders; we hold offenders accountable, and we strive to be sensitive to the plight of crime victims. But there is a significant portion of those who enter the court system who are not violent.
I once had a defendant plead guilty to possession of cocaine. In the standard questioning, I asked the defendant, "sir, did you possess cocaine?" The defendant responded, "no sir, I didn't possess cocaine; it possessed me." I now share a very short video clip from the national group known as All Rise, a tremendous group that provides support services for drug courts nationwide. [Video played.] Peoples' lives are being saved in drug court. The lives of our fellow citizens in South Carolina are being saved in the drug court program.
I am pleased to report that drug courts and treatment courts in general are being increased, as new ones are being established across our state. Think of all those involved in our drug courts. Our circuit solicitors are leaders in this effort, and I thank and commend them. They are not merely prosecutors, but in those cases where a second chance is warranted, it is the solicitors who have stepped up to support treatment courts. Like the solicitors, the defense bar, especially the circuit public defenders, also deserve credit. Think of the clerks of court and so many others in our justice system whose support is necessary to operate drug courts. And yes, I want to thank the judges. Almost all judges do this extra service for no pay. Did that register? The judges volunteer without compensation, because they believe in helping people. They believe in second chances. Who are these judges? They are magistrates, municipal judges, probate court judges, family court judges, and circuit court judges.
There is one judge whose story brings it home. He is a retired judge who has presided over drug court for many years. This judge had an adult son who struggled with addiction. Late last year, the judge's son died. Yet this judge, even after the tragic loss of his son, still in his grief, continues to preside in drug court, never giving up the mission to save someone's life. That's what compassion--true justice-- looks like. That my friends is the elusive intersection of the mind and the heart.
Do South Carolina judges have a strong work ethic and understand the importance of addressing backlogs and moving cases? Absolutely, as established by the far more than one million matters that are handled each year in our state court system. But judges are so much more than assembly line workers dealing with an overwhelming volume of cases. I leave you with this: the judges across South Carolina are so much more. These judges, including the ones you vet and you elect, are dedicated public servants who care deeply about serving with compassion and understanding for all who appear before them in our court system. I am proud to serve alongside these public servants in our justice system, and as long as I am privileged to serve as the Chief Justice, we will never waver from the pursuit of justice--the journey of the mind to the heart.
God bless you and God bless the State of South Carolina.

Upon conclusion of his address, the Honorable John W. Kittredge and his escort party retired from the Chamber.

JOINT ASSEMBLY RECEDES

The purposes of the Joint Assembly having been accomplished, the PRESIDENT announced that under the terms of the Concurrent Resolution the Joint Assembly would recede from business.
The Senate accordingly retired to its Chamber.

THE HOUSE RESUMES

At 1:03 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

H. 3008--ADOPTED AND SENT TO SENATE

Debate was resumed on the following Concurrent Resolution, the pending question being the consideration of the Concurrent Resolution:

H. 3008 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrest, G. M. Smith, W. Newton, Wooten, Pope, Pedalino, Taylor, Hixon, Davis, M. M. Smith, Teeple, Robbins, Mitchell, Yow, Ligon, J. L. Johnson and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR A CONVENTION UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION IN ORDER TO PROPOSE A CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS AMENDMENT.

The Concurrent Resolution, as amended, was adopted and sent to the Senate.

STATEMENT FOR JOURNAL

I would like my voice vote of 'No', to be entered into the House Journal, 3/5/2025 on H. 3008 (Word version).

Rep. Rob Harris

H. 3558--ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3558 (Word version) -- Reps. Taylor, Pope, Hewitt, B. Newton, Mitchell, Yow, Oremus, Willis, Ligon and Guffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 23 OF CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1, RELATING TO CALLS OR APPLICATIONS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDING CONVENTIONS MADE TO CONGRESS, SO AS TO RETITLE THE ARTICLE, AND TO ADD NEW SECTIONS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE QUALIFICATIONS, APPOINTMENT, OATH, AND DUTIES OF COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO REPRESENT THE STATE AT AN ARTICLE V CONVENTION, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Rep. JORDAN explained the Bill.

SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE IN CHAIR

Rep. JORDAN continued speaking.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 76; Nays 29

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Atkinson                 Bannister                Bradley
Brewer                   Burns                    Bustos
Calhoon                  Caskey                   Chapman
Collins                  B. J. Cox                B. L. Cox
Crawford                 Cromer                   Davis
Duncan                   Edgerton                 Erickson
Forrest                  Gagnon                   Gibson
Gilliam                  Gilreath                 Guest
Haddon                   Hager                    Hardee
Hartnett                 Hartz                    Hayes
Herbkersman              Hewitt                   Hiott
Hixon                    Holman                   Huff
Jordan                   Kilmartin                Landing
Lawson                   Ligon                    Lowe
Magnuson                 Martin                   May
McCravy                  McGinnis                 Mitchell
Montgomery               T. Moore                 Morgan
Moss                     Murphy                   Neese
B. Newton                W. Newton                Oremus
Pedalino                 Pope                     Rankin
Robbins                  Sanders                  Schuessler
Sessions                 G. M. Smith              M. M. Smith
Taylor                   Teeple                   Terribile
Vaughan                  White                    Whitmire
Wickensimer              Willis                   Wooten
Yow                                               

Total--76

Those who voted in the negative are:

Bamberg                  Bauer                    Bernstein
Clyburn                  Cobb-Hunter              Dillard
Garvin                   Gatch                    Gilliard
Govan                    Grant                    Harris
Henderson-Myers          Hosey                    Howard
J. L. Johnson            Jones                    King
Kirby                    Long                     Luck
McCabe                   McDaniel                 Reese
Spann-Wilder             Stavrinakis              Weeks
Wetmore                  Williams                 

Total--29

So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. GRANT moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 3497 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Wooten, Pope, Chapman, Forrest, Kirby, Ligon, Bailey, M. M. Smith, B. L. Cox, Holman and Oremus: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-20, RELATING TO INSURANCE LICENSURE, SO AS TO ALLOW AN INSURANCE COMPANY TO PROVIDE LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-60, RELATING TO THE PROMULGATION OF ALCOHOL REGULATIONS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE REGULATIONS REGARDING ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING POSITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-145, RELATING TO REQUIRED LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A LIQUOR LIABILITY MITIGATION PROGRAM; BY ADDING CHAPTER 3 TO TITLE 61 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING PROGRAM; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-2220, RELATING TO ALCOHOL SALES, SO AS TO PROHIBIT A PERSON FROM KNOWINGLY SELLING ALCOHOL TO AN INTOXICATED PERSON.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4150 (Word version) -- Reps. Wickensimer, Bannister, Beach, Burns, Collins, B. J. Cox, Dillard, Frank, Gilreath, Haddon, Huff, Jones, Morgan, Vaughan and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE SECTION OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 85 FROM MILE MARKER 41 TO MILE MARKER 42 IN GREENVILLE COUNTY "SGT. W.C. JUMPER HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THIS DESIGNATION.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bill was introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4151 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, G. M. Smith, Hiott, Hixon, Caskey, Robbins, Mitchell, Pope, Gagnon, Taylor, Whitmire, B. Newton, Vaughan, Chapman, M. M. Smith, J. E. Johnson, Yow, Bustos, Landing, Gibson, McCravy, Gilliam, Hager, Rankin, Schuessler, Teeple, Erickson, Herbkersman, Hartnett, Wooten, Lawson, Long and Lowe: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-20, RELATING TO TERMS DEFINED IN THE "JUVENILE JUSTICE CODE," SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "CHILD" OR "JUVENILE," TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS FOR MINORS WHO COMMIT CERTAIN VIOLENT CRIMES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 292--ADOPTED AND RETURNED TO SENATE WITH CONCURRENCE

The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:

S. 292 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Peeler, Martin, Massey and Rankin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 9, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE, 1895, WHEN THE RESPECTIVE HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURN ON THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025, NOT LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., EACH HOUSE SHALL STAND IN RECESS SUBJECT TO THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE FOR THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT TIMES THEY CONSIDER APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE BODIES TO MEET FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN SPECIFIED MATTERS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN THE RESPECTIVE HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURN NOT LATER THAN MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL STAND ADJOURNED SINE DIE.

Rep. G. M. SMITH explained the Concurrent Resolution.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 107; Nays 1

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Alexander                Atkinson                 Bailey
Bamberg                  Bannister                Bauer
Beach                    Bernstein                Bowers
Bradley                  Brewer                   Burns
Bustos                   Calhoon                  Caskey
Chapman                  Clyburn                  Cobb-Hunter
Collins                  B. J. Cox                B. L. Cox
Crawford                 Cromer                   Davis
Dillard                  Duncan                   Edgerton
Erickson                 Forrest                  Frank
Gagnon                   Garvin                   Gatch
Gilliam                  Gilliard                 Gilreath
Govan                    Grant                    Guest
Haddon                   Hager                    Hardee
Hartnett                 Hartz                    Hayes
Henderson-Myers          Herbkersman              Hewitt
Hiott                    Hixon                    Holman
Hosey                    Howard                   Huff
J. L. Johnson            Jones                    Jordan
Kilmartin                King                     Kirby
Landing                  Lawson                   Ligon
Long                     Lowe                     Luck
Martin                   May                      McCabe
McCravy                  McDaniel                 McGinnis
Mitchell                 Montgomery               T. Moore
Morgan                   Moss                     Murphy
Neese                    B. Newton                Oremus
Pace                     Pedalino                 Pope
Rankin                   Reese                    Robbins
Sanders                  Schuessler               Sessions
G. M. Smith              M. M. Smith              Spann-Wilder
Stavrinakis              Taylor                   Teeple
Terribile                Vaughan                  Weeks
Wetmore                  White                    Whitmire
Wickensimer              Williams                 Willis
Wooten                   Yow                      

Total--107

Those who voted in the negative are:

Magnuson                                          

Total--1

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and returned to the Senate with concurrence.

Rep. COBB-HUNTER moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT

At 1:41 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. MITCHELL, adjourned in memory of Johnny Lewis Brown, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

***

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