NO. 36
REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
________
The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk Jr. as follows:
Our thought for today is from Isaiah 58:8: "Then shall your light break forth like the dawn and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard."
Let us pray. May God's light shine through us as we continue to do the work for the people of South Carolina. We are assured your light will guard us in all we do in this place for the right reason. Bless and keep our defenders of freedom and first responders. We are sure Your, O Lord, will protect us during this day. Bless and keep our World, Nation, President, State, Governor Speaker, Staff, and all who labor in these Halls of Government. Heal the wounds of our Armed Forces and those with hidden wounds. 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.
Rep. YOW moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Ron Henegan, husband of former Representative Henegan, which was agreed to.
The House stood in silent prayer for Ron Henegan, husband of former Representative Henegan.
The House stood in silent prayer for Senator Garrett.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3524 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson and Spann-Wilder: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1410, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CRIME VICTIM SERVICES TRAINING, PROVIDER CERTIFICATION, AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS, SO AS TO DELETE A PROVISION EXEMPTING CERTAIN CRIME VICTIM SERVICE PROVIDERS FROM BASIC CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1420, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE ARTICLE ON CRIME VICTIM SERVICES TRAINING, PROVIDER CERTIFICATION, AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "VICTIM SERVICE PROVIDER" TO EXCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIANS LICENSED IN THIS STATE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 3525 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson and Spann-Wilder: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-1-211.5, RELATING TO TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES REGARDING CRIME VICTIM FUNDS, SO AS TO CHANGE A REFERENCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1200, RELATING TO COMPENSATION OF CRIME VICTIMS AND CONDUCT OF A VICTIM OR INTERVENOR CONTRIBUTING TO INFLICTION OF INJURY, SO AS TO UPDATE A REFERENCE TO THE DEFINITION OF "INTERVENOR"; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1420, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE ARTICLE ON CRIME VICTIM SERVICES TRAINING, PROVIDER CERTIFICATION, AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS, SO AS TO REMOVE AN UNNECESSARY DEFINITION OF "WITNESS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1430, RELATING TO VICTIM ASSISTANCE SERVICES, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO SPOUSE ABUSE AND REFERENCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND UPDATE THE STATUTE TO REFLECT VICTIM SERVICES, TO REPLACE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OFFICE OF VICTIM ASSISTANCE WITH REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED BY THE CHAIR OF THE VICTIM SERVICES COORDINATING COUNCIL, AND TO MAKE OTHER TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1510, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF VICTIM AND WITNESS SERVICES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "CRIMINAL OFFENSE"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 17-25-45, RELATING TO LIFE SENTENCES FOR PERSONS CONVICTED OF CERTAIN CRIMES AND THE LIST OF "MOST SERIOUS OFFENSE," SO AS TO DELETE AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3731 (Word version) -- Rep. Bernstein: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY REPEALING SECTION 2 OF ACT 201 OF 2024 SO AS TO REMOVE A SUNSET PROVISION CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY OF SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS TO OWN, DISPOSE, ACQUIRE, PURCHASE, HOLD, USE, LEASE, CONVEY, SELL, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF PROPERTY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
S. 156 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin, Garrett, Stubbs, Adams, Bennett, Kimbrell, Young, Turner and Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION, AND TO PROHIBIT AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO A LIST OF EXCEPTIONS FOR FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO ADD FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 4225 (Word version) -- Reps. Bamberg, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, 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, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE DENMARK-OLAR BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ON CAPTURING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN BOYS BASKETBALL AND TO HONOR THE TEAM'S EXCEPTIONAL PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 4226 (Word version) -- Reps. Grant, 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, 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 CONGRATULATE THE RIDGE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ON CAPTURING THE 2025 CLASS AAAAA DIVISION 1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO HONOR THE TEAM'S EXCEPTIONAL PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 4227 (Word version) -- Reps. Lawson, 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, 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 CONGRATULATE QUINTON GERSTENACKER OF THE CHESNEE HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM ON A TREMENDOUS SEASON AND TO HONOR HIM FOR WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE CLASS AA/A INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN HIS WEIGHT CLASS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4228 (Word version) -- Reps. Bowers, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, 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 RECOGNIZE AND HONOR REVEREND KEN DILL, CHAPLAIN EMERITUS FOR SOUTHERN WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM AS HE RETIRES AFTER DECADES OF FAITHFUL SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 4229 (Word version) -- Reps. Cromer, 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, 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 RECOGNIZE AND HONOR STAN YARBOROUGH, WREN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON BEING NAMED THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA REGION AAAA ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 4230 (Word version) -- Reps. Cromer, 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, 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 RECOGNIZE AND HONOR FRAN CAMPBELL, WREN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL HEAD COACH, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MORE THAN FOUR DECADES OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4231 (Word version) -- Rep. Mitchell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME KEYS LANE IN KERSHAW COUNTY FROM OLD GEORGETOWN ROAD TO PROVIDENCE ROAD "LEONARD L. PRICE MEMORIAL LANE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The Senate sent to the House the following:
S. 483 (Word version) -- Senator Devine: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF CYNTHIA HELEN JORDAN WATSON OF RICHLAND COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
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 Hager Hardee Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt 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 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 Yow
Reps. KILMARTIN and CRAWFORD signed a statement with the Clerk that they came in after the roll call of the House and were present for the Session on Tuesday, March 25.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. HARRIS a leave of absence for the day due to family medical reasons.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. HADDON a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. MURPHY a leave of absence for the day due to business reasons.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. HIOTT a leave of absence for the day due to the fires in the upstate.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. GUFFEY a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. WILLIS a temporary leave of absence.
Announcement was made that Dr. Rodney Alan of Florence County was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
Rep. ROSE presented to the House the Heathwood Hall Academy "Highlanders" 4-A SCISA Sporting Clay Championship Team.
Rep. ROSE presented to the House the Heathwood Hall Academy "Highlanders" 4-A, Region 1 SCISA Middle School Boys' Basketball Championship Team.
Rep. ROSE presented to the House the Heathwood Hall Academy "Highlanders" 4-A Region 1 SCISA Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball Championship Team.
Rep. DUNCAN presented to the House the West Oak High School "Warriors" 3-A Wrestling Championship Team.
In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2 Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."
Bill Number: H. 3045 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 TAYLOR
Bill Number: H. 3046 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 TAYLOR
Bill Number: H. 3052 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 HARTNETT
Bill Number: H. 3093 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 HARTNETT
Bill Number: H. 3113 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 WICKENSIMER
Bill Number: H. 3127 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 VAUGHAN
Bill Number: H. 3258 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 SCHUESSLER
Bill Number: H. 3260 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 KILMARTIN
Bill Number: H. 3276 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 LIGON
Bill Number: H. 3416 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 SANDERS
Bill Number: H. 3533 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 HARTNETT
Bill Number: H. 3535 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 SANDERS
Bill Number: H. 3556 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 TAYLOR, HIXON, SCHUESSLER and GUEST
Bill Number: H. 3557 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 HIXON and SCHUESSLER
Bill Number: H. 3578 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 SCHUESSLER
Bill Number: H. 3579 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 SANDERS
Bill Number: H. 3630 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 ROSE and BALLENTINE
Bill Number: H. 3631 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 BALLENTINE
Bill Number: H. 3778 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 KILMARTIN
Bill Number: H. 3831 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 SCHUESSLER
Bill Number: H. 3832 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 DILLARD
Bill Number: H. 3934 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 ROSE, HENDERSON-MYERS and BALLENTINE
Bill Number: H. 4013 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 ALEXANDER
Bill Number: H. 4103 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 LIGON and WICKENSIMER
Bill Number: H. 4123 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 GILREATH, HUFF, WHITE, TERRIBILE, BALLENTINE, YOW, MITCHELL, MCGINNIS, HARDEE, WILLIS, B. J. COX, HAGER, M. M. SMITH, CHUMLEY, LONG, LIGON, MOSS, LAWSON, BOWERS, FRANK, PACE, MCCRAVY, GIBSON, OREMUS and VAUGHAN
Bill Number: H. 4164 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/26/25 DILLARD
Bill Number: H. 3131 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
03/26/25 TAYLOR
Bill Number: H. 3924 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
03/26/25 WICKENSIMER
Bill Number: H. 3927 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
03/26/25 CALHOON
The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:
H. 4014 (Word version) -- Rep. Bustos: A BILL TO ABOLISH THE CONSTITUENT DISTRICTS OF CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THEIR RESPECTIVE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES AND TO DELEGATE THE POWERS DEVOLVED UPON THE TRUSTEES OF THE CONSTITUENT DISTRICTS BY ACT 340 OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.
The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate: H. 3305 (Word version) -- Rep. W. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 15 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC EXPRESSION PROTECTION ACT," REGARDING A CAUSE OF ACTION ASSERTED IN A CIVIL ACTION BASED UPON A PERSON'S COMMUNICATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE PROCEEDINGS.
H. 3842 (Word version) -- Reps. Lowe, Willis, Caskey, Wooten, Rose, Huff, Sanders and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-45-285 SO AS TO PROVIDE PHYSICAL THERAPISTS MAY CERTIFY THAT AN INDIVIDUAL IS HANDICAPPED AND DECLARE THAT THE HANDICAP IS TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S APPLICATION FOR A HANDICAPPED PLACARD.
H. 4067 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, Sessions, Forrest and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-268 SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL HOSPITALS WITH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE PHYSICIAN PHYSICALLY PRESENT ON SITE WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT ALL TIMES THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IS OPEN.
H. 4069 (Word version) -- Reps. Sessions, Magnuson and Wickensimer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-327 SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO PATIENT BILLING FOR HEALTH SERVICES AND SUPPLIES.
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, Schuessler, B. Newton, Hixon, Gagnon, Calhoon, M. M. Smith, Davis and Taylor: 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.
Reps. B. NEWTON, FORREST, B. L. COX, MARTIN, LIGON, TAYLOR, WHITMIRE, YOW and HAGER requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3127 (Word version) -- Reps. Robbins, Wooten, Lawson, Pope, Chapman, Pedalino, W. Newton, Sanders, Duncan, Hixon, Taylor, Gagnon, Oremus, Hartz, Davis, M. M. Smith and Vaughan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-750, RELATING TO FAILURE TO STOP MOTOR VEHICLES WHEN SIGNALED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHERE CERTAIN AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR THE OFFENDER IS GUILTY OF A FELONY, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Reps. B. NEWTON, MARTIN, B. L. COX, COLLINS, BOWERS, JORDAN, GUEST, HAGER and WHITMIRE requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3045 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, Lawson, Wooten, Pope, Magnuson, Chapman, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, W. Newton, Vaughan, Mitchell, Rankin, Long, Oremus, Gibson, Burns, Edgerton, Cobb-Hunter, Guffey, Govan, Wickensimer, M. M. Smith, Schuessler, B. L. Cox, Holman, Davis, Henderson-Myers and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-390 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND ESTABLISH PENALTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO ADD THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY; AND 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.
Reps. B. NEWTON, B. L. COX, FORREST, COLLINS, MARTIN, GUEST, HAGER and JORDAN requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3387 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, W. Newton, B. Newton, Robbins, Mitchell, Pope, Chapman, McCravy, Chumley, Taylor, Forrest, Long, Ligon, Guest, Crawford, Edgerton, M. M. Smith, B. L. Cox, Holman, Davis, Brewer, Murphy, Calhoon, Erickson and Bradley: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 SO AS TO ENTITLE THE ARTICLE "EJECTMENT OF UNLAWFUL OCCUPANTS OF A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING," TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE REMEDY TO REMOVE PERSONS UNLAWFULLY OCCUPYING A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING; TO REDESIGNATE CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 AS "EJECTMENT PROCEEDINGS"; TO REDESIGNATE THE EXISTING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 AS ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 AND ENTITLE IT "EJECTMENT OF TENANTS"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-521 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE OFFENSE OF CRIMINAL MISCHIEF.
Reps. B. NEWTON, B. L. COX, MARTIN, CASKEY, LOWE, GUEST, KIRBY, COLLINS and WEEKS requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3556 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Schuessler, Guest, Taylor and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-560, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF A POLITICAL PARTY TO HEAR CERTAIN PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ALSO HEAR PROTESTS AND CONTESTS IN THE CASE OF COUNTY OFFICERS, LESS THAN COUNTY OFFICERS, AND MUNICIPAL OFFICERS, TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE FILING OF ANY PROTEST OR CONTEST TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A BOND WITH SURETY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR APPEALS FROM DECISIONS BY THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-570, RELATING TO HEARINGS OF PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE TIME IN WHICH THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MUST CONDUCT SUCH HEARINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-80, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PROTESTS AND CONTESTS ARE TO BE FILED, HEARD, AND DECIDED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 7-17-560 AND 7-17-570; AND BY REPEALING SECTIONS 7-17-520, 7-17-530, 7-17-540, 7-17-550, 7-17-580, AND 7-17-590 ALL RELATING TO PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS FOR CERTAIN OFFICES.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3556 (Word version) (LC-3556.HDB0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 7-17-560(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A) The state executive committee must meet in Columbia at such place as may be designated by the chairman to hear and decide protests and contests that may arise in the case of federal officers, state officers, State Senate, State House of Representatives, and officers involving more than one county, partisan county officers, partisan less than county officers, and partisan municipal officers. Any protest or contest must be filed in writing with the chairman of the committee, together with a copy for each candidate in the race, not later than noon on Monday following the canvassing of the votes for these officers by the committee. However, service upon the chairman may be perfected by depositing at the office of the Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division a copy of the protest, together with a copy for each candidate in the race. The chief must take immediate steps to deliver these copies to the chairman. The protest must contain each ground thereof stated separately and concisely. The chairman of the committee must forthwith serve upon each candidate in the protested race a copy of the protest and serve a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the committee for the purposes of hearing the protest.
(B) The state executive committee maymust, by resolution adopted prior to the conduct of a primary, require the filing of any protest or contest to be accompanied by a bond with surety as payment for the reasonable costs of hearing the protest in the event the election challenge is denied. However, the amount may not exceed seven hundred and fifty dollars. If a protestant or contestant's election challenge is granted, he shall receive a refund of the amount of the surety bond.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. JORDAN explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. EDGERTON proposed the following Amendment No. 2 to H. 3556 (Word version) (LC-3556.AHB0002H), which was ruled out of order:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:
SECTION X. Article 3, Chapter 5, Title 7 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 7-5-115. (A) Only an elector registered as a member of a certified political party may vote in a partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum of the certified political party with which that elector is registered, unless that political party has taken action to open its partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum to independent electors unaffiliated with a certified political party and has advised the State Election Commission, in writing, not more than one hundred eighty days and not less than sixty days in advance of the partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum of that action. In no event may an elector registered as a member of a certified political party vote in the partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum of a certified political party with which that elector is not registered.
(B) The State Election Commission shall assist the county entities charged by law with registering electors with creating and maintaining a list of all electors registered by party affiliation. The State Election Commission shall indicate in the state voter file what selection an elector makes. To expedite the registration of electors, the county boards of voter registration and elections shall allow electors to register by party, if they wish, at all partisan primary elections conducted before June 1, 2026, by having an elector sign the following statement before an election official overseeing the conduct of the partisan primary election:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a resident of South Carolina and a registered voter in this precinct. I further swear (or affirm) that I hereby choose to: (a) register as a member of a certified political party, specifically the ________________ Party; or (b) register as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party."
The form to be signed by the elector may specifically list all of the certified political parties from which the elector may choose and must contain the option for the elector to register as an independent voter unaffiliated with a certified political party. In an instance where an elector fails, for whatever reason, to select membership in one of the certified political parties, that elector must be deemed to have chosen to be registered as an independent voter unaffiliated with a certified political party.
(C) Prior to January 1, 2026, the county boards of voter registration and elections shall contact the qualified electors of that county, by whatever method it determines to be appropriate, informing them of partisan primary voting procedures as provided in this section.
SECTION X. Section 7-5-110 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-5-110. (A) NoA person shall be allowed tomay not vote at anyin a partisan primary election or a partisan advisory referendum unless he shall beis registered as herein requiredbeing a member of that political party as required by the provisions of this chapter.
(B) The State Election Commission shall assist the county boards charged by law with registering electors with capturing the data and maintaining a list of all electors registered by party affiliation. To expedite the registration of electors, the county entities shall allow electors to register by party, if they wish, at all partisan primary elections conducted before June 1, 2026.
(C) After the first primary is conducted under the provisions of this section, the entity charged by law with registering qualified electors shall contact the qualified electors of that county, by whatever method it determines to be appropriate, informing them of partisan primary voting procedures as provided in this section.
(D) The State Election Commission shall provide a format for absentee voting registration to comply with the provisions of this section.
SECTION X. Section 7-5-170 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-5-170. (1)(A) Written application required. A person may not be registered to vote except upon written application or electronic application pursuant to Section 7-5-185., which shall become That application becomes a part of the permanent records of the board to which it is presented and which must be open to public inspection. However, the social security number contained in the application must not be open to public inspection.
(2)(B) Form of application. - The application must be on a form prescribed and provided by the executive director and shall contain the following information: name, sex, race, social security number, date of birth, residence address, mailing address, telephone number of the applicant, political party affiliation, if any, and location of prior voter registration. The applicant mustshall affirm that he is not under a court order declaring him mentally incompetent, confined in any public prison, has never been convicted of a felony or offense against the election laws, or if previously convicted that he has served his entire sentence, including probation and parole time, or has received a pardon for the conviction. Additionally, the applicant must take the following oath: "I, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a citizen of the United States and that on the date of the next ensuing election, I will have attained the age of eighteen years and am a resident of South Carolina, this county, and of my precinct. I further swear (or affirm) that the present residence address listed hereinon my application is my sole legal place of residence, that I claim no other place as my legal residence, and that, to my knowledge, I am neither registered nor intend to register to vote in another state or county. I further swear (or affirm) that I hereby choose to: (a) register as a member of a certified political party, specifically the ______________ Party; or (b) register as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party."
(C) Fraudulent application. AnyAn applicant convicted of fraudulently applying for registration is guilty of perjury and is subject to the penalty for that offense.
(3)(D) Date stamp voter registration applications. - The county board of voter registration and elections shall date stamp all voter registration applications delivered in person, electronically, or by mail as of the date received.
(4)(E) Failure to select a party. The form to be signed by the elector may specifically list all of the certified political parties from which the elector may choose and must contain the option for the elector to register as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party. In an instance where an elector fails, for whatever reason, to select membership in one of the certified political parties, that elector must be deemed to have chosen to be registered as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party.
(F) Administration of oaths. - Any member of the county board of voter registration and elections, deputy registrar, or any registration clerk must be qualified to administer oaths in connection with the application.
(5)(G) Decisions on applications. - AnyA member of the county board of voter registration and elections, deputy registrar, or registration clerk may pass on the qualifications of the prospective voter. In case of a question of an applicant being refused registration, at least one member of the board shall pass on the qualifications of the voter. A concise statement of the reasons for the refusal must be written on the application.
SECTION X. Section 7-9-20 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-9-20. (A) The qualificationsTo qualify for membership in a certified political party and for voting at a party primary election include the following: the applicant for membership, or voter, must be at least eighteen years of age or become so before the succeeding general election, and must be a registered elector and a citizen of the United States and of this State. A person may not vote in a primary unless he is a registered elector. The state convention of any political party, organization, or association in this State may add by party rules to the qualifications for membership in the party, organization, or association and for voting at the primary elections if the qualifications do not conflict with the provisions of this section or with the Constitution and laws of this State or of the United States. to meet the criteria for voting in a party's partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum, unless a certified political party has taken action to open its partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum to independent electors unaffiliated with a certified political party pursuant to the requirements of Section 7-5-115, the applicant for membership, or voter, must be:
(1) at least eighteen years of age or become so before the succeeding general election;
(2) a registered elector, a citizen of the United States and of this State; and
(3) registered as a member of the certified political party.
(B) A person may not belong to a party club or vote in a partisan primary election unless he is a registered elector and a member of that party. The state convention of a political party, organization, or association in this State may add by party rules to the qualifications for membership in the party, organization, or association and for voting at the primary elections if the qualifications do not conflict with the provisions of this section or with the Constitution and laws of this State or of the United States.
(C) The county boards of voter registration and elections charged by law with conducting a primary shall allow an elector to change his political party affiliation by executing an affidavit not later than thirty days before the primary. During that time, an elector may execute an affidavit declaring that he desires not to be affiliated with a political party. The choice to affiliate with a political party or remain independent and unaffiliated with a certified political party is valid until changed by the qualified elector pursuant to the provisions of this section. In an instance where an elector fails, for whatever reason, to select membership in one of the certified political parties, that elector must be deemed to have chosen to be registered as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party.
(D) When a qualified elector presents himself at a polling place to vote in a partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum, the entity charged by law with conducting the election or its representative shall require the qualified elector to sign an affidavit affirming that he is a member of the party conducting the primary, or that he is an independent elector unaffiliated with a certified political party who meets the criteria established by that political party to vote in that particular partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum pursuant to the requirements of Section 7-5-115. If the qualified elector does not sign this affidavit, he may not vote in the partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 5 and inserting:
SECTION 5. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. However, notwithstanding the provisions of this act, in all primaries conducted before June 1, 2026, an elector is permitted to vote if he has not signed the affidavit required by this act. After May 31, 2026, all political party primaries must be conducted pursuant to the provisions of this act..
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. EDGERTON explained the amendment.
Rep. KIRBY raised the Point of Order pursuant to Rule 9.3 that Amendment No. 2 was not germane to H. 3556 (Word version).
Rep. EDGERTON spoke against the Point of Order.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE stated that he must look at the substantial effect and impact of the amendment and the bill. He stated that the bill impacted appeals from elections and the process for appealing elections. He stated that the amendment impacted the operations of political primary elections and did not involve the process for appealing an election. He stated the amendment went beyond the scope of the bill, and he sustained the Point of Order.
Reps. PACE, EDGERTON, MAGNUSON, FRANK, WHITE, BEACH, CROMER, HUFF, GILREATH, TERRIBILE, MORGAN, JORDAN, B. NEWTON, LOWE, LIGON, CASKEY and OREMUS requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3557 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Pedalino, Taylor, Guest, Crawford, Schuessler and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-15, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN AS A CANDIDATE IN GENERAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO SHORTEN THE CANDIDATE FILING PERIOD, TO REQUIRE ALL CANDIDATES FROM EACH POLITICAL PARTY IN THIS STATE TO PAY A FILING FEE, AND TO AUTHORIZE POLITICAL PARTIES TO CHARGE A CERTIFICATION FEE TO ALL CANDIDATES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-210, RELATING TO THE FILING OF PARTY PLEDGES BY CANDIDATES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE BY WHICH A PARTY PLEDGE MUST BE FILED.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3557 (Word version) (LC-3557.HDB0001H):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 7-11-15(A) and inserting:
(A) In order to qualify as a candidate to run in the general election, all candidates seeking nomination by political party primary or political party convention must file a statement of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees between noon on March sixteenth and noon on March thirtieth twenty-fifth as provided in this section. If March sixteenth is on a Saturday or Sunday, the time for filing begins the next regular business day. If March thirtieth twenty-fifth is on a Saturday or Sunday, the time for filing extends to the next regular business day. For purposes of this section and Section 7-13-45, "next regular business day" means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Notwithstanding another provision of law, beginning July 1, 2026, all candidates from each political party in this State shall pay a filing fee, including candidates from parties that choose not to conduct a primary election. In addition to the filing fee required pursuant to this subsection, political parties may also charge a certification fee not to exceed the sum of one hundred dollars to all candidates seeking nomination by political party primary or political party convention.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, candidates seeking nomination for a statewide, congressional, or district office that includes more than one county must file their statements of intention of candidacy, and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the State Election Commission. (2) Candidates seeking nomination for the State Senate or House of Representatives must file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the State Election Commission or county board of voter registration and elections in the county of their residence. The state executive committees must certify candidates pursuant to Section 7-13-40.
(3) Candidates seeking nomination for a countywide or less than countywide office shall file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the county board of voter registration and elections in the county of their residence.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. JORDAN explained the amendment.
Rep. JORDAN spoke in favor of the amendment.
Reps. MAGNUSON, BEACH, PACE, FRANK, WHITE, CROMER, GILREATH, LIGON, TERRIBILE, B. NEWTON, JORDAN and GUEST requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up:
S. 74 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 17-13-142 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, A CIRCUIT SOLICITOR, OR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO REQUIRE THE DISCLOSURE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER RELATED RECORDS BY A PROVIDER OF AN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SERVICE OR REMOTE COMPUTING SERVICE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Reps. B. NEWTON, JORDAN, LIGON, B. L. COX, MARTIN, GIBSON, LAWSON, GUFFEY, HOLMAN, GUEST and MITCHELL requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3276 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Robbins, Chapman, W. Newton, Taylor, Forrest, McGinnis, Calhoon, Bernstein, Wooten, Hart, Henderson-Myers, Erickson, Bradley and Ligon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HANDS-FREE AND DISTRACTED DRIVING ACT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-3890, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL USE OF A WIRELESS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE A WIRELESS MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE, TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING AND PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL REVISIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-720, RELATING TO POINTS THAT MAY BE ASSESSED AGAINST A PERSON'S DRIVING RECORD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A TWO-POINT VIOLATION.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Thursday, March 27, which was agreed to.
On motion of Rep. HIXON, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs and was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs:
H. 4168 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrest, Hartz and Oremus: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTIONS 5-31-1610 AND 5-31-1620 SO AS TO EXEMPT PROPERTY FROM CONNECTING TO MUNICIPAL OR COUNTY WATER OR SEWER SYSTEMS IF THE SYSTEM LACKS CAPACITY TO EXTEND SERVICES TO THE PROPERTY AND TO ALLOW A PROPERTY OWNER WITHIN ANY MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY LIMITS TO INSTALL A WELL OR SEPTIC TANK IF IT IS MORE ECONOMICAL FOR THE PROPERTY OWNER THAN CONNECTING TO THE MUNICIPAL WATER OR SEWER SYSTEM.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. CALHOON a temporary leave of absence.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3927 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, Hiott, G. M. Smith, Bailey, Ballentine, Bannister, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Bustos, Caskey, Chapman, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Davis, Erickson, Forrest, Gagnon, Gatch, Gibson, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Hartnett, Hartz, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hixon, Holman, J. E. Johnson, Jordan, Landing, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Martin, McCravy, McGinnis, Mitchell, Montgomery, T. Moore, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Robbins, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, M. M. Smith, Taylor, Teeple, Vaughan, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis, Wooten, Yow, Terribile, Pace, Kilmartin, Beach, Edgerton, Magnuson, Cromer, Huff and Gilreath: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "ENDING ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND RESTORING MERIT-BASED OPPORTUNITY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 29 TO TITLE 1, CHAPTER 1 SO AS TO PROHIBIT EVERY OFFICE, DIVISION, OR OTHER UNIT BY ANY NAME OF EVERY OFFICE OR DEPARTMENT OF THIS STATE, AND ALL OF ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, INCLUDING ALL INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS, FROM PROMOTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; AND TO PROMOTE INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE, EXCELLENCE, AND HARD WORK; AND TO SPECIFY APPLICABILITY.
The Committee on Education and Public Works proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3927 (Word version) (LC-3927.DG0002H):
Amend the bill, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 1-1-1910. (A) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Public institution of higher learning" means any state-supported, postsecondary educational institution and includes technical and comprehensive educational institutions.
(2) "Quasi-state agency" means an entity that is a legally separate organization over which the State has no direct control but for which the State is accountable for purposes of financial reporting. (B) Except as required by state and federal law, any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall not establish or support any office, unit or division within that agency that is established or exists in whole or in part, for the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
(C) Except as required by state and federal law, any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall not compel, require, induce, or solicit any person to provide a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement or give preferential consideration to any person based on the provision of a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement.
(D) Any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall not give preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation to an applicant for employment and shall comply with the Constitution of this State and the Constitution of the United States by ensuring that all rules, policies, employment practices, use of state funds, and all other official actions treat people equally.
(E) Any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall not promote differential treatment, which is the intentional act of treating individuals or groups differently based on a protected characteristic, or provide special benefits to individuals on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. Nor shall any entity discriminate against any individual because of his or her race, color, sex or national origin, or classify or refer for employment any individual on the basis of his race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
(F) All state agencies or quasi-state agencies, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall adhere to and comply with the Equal Protection Clauses of the Constitution of this State and the Constitution of the United States.
(G) Any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State shall, not require an individual to participate in a program that encourages preferential or differential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. (H) For purposes of an institution of higher learning:
(1) When determining admissions or employment decisions, a public institution of higher learning may not expend any funds appropriated or authorized to promise admission, benefits, or promote or engage in differential treatment to an applicant for admission, or hire or promote a faculty member or employee, on the applicant's or faculty member's or employee's commitment to or making a declaration of personal support for or disagreement with any political ideology or movement, including a promise or statement regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, or other associated political issues.
(2) A public institution of higher learning may not ask for or demand any political promise or declaration from an applicant, or a faculty member or employee.
(3) If a public institution of higher learning receives a promise or declaration describing a commitment to any political ideology or movement, including a political promise or declaration regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, or other associated political issues, it may not promote or engage in differential treatment, grant or deny admission or benefits to a student, or hire or promote a faculty member or employee, based on the opinions expressed in the promise or declaration.
(4) A public institution of higher learning shall not require a faculty member or employee of the institution to complete or participate in mandatory training or other educational program regarding diversity, equity, inclusion. A public institution of higher learning shall not take an adverse employment action against a faculty member or employee of the institution for the faculty member's or employee's failure or refusal to participate in such training or program.
(5) A public institution of higher learning shall not infringe on a student, faculty member, or employee's right to free speech provided by the Constitution of this State and the Constitution of the United States. A public institution of higher learning shall not discriminate on the basis of viewpoint discrimination.
(6) Nothing in this subsection prohibits a public institution of higher learning from complying with federal law or applicable court order, or acting against a student, faculty member, or employee for violations of federal or state law or requiring a student, faculty member, or employee to comply with federal or state law, including antidiscrimination laws.
(7) Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit or prohibit an institution of higher learning or an employee or faculty member from: (a) applying for a grant;
(b) complying with the terms of accreditation by an accrediting agency;
(c) submitting to the grantor or accrediting agency a statement that highlights the institution's work in supporting student populations; or
(d) certifying compliance with state and federal antidiscrimination laws.
(8) Each public institution of higher learning shall provide each student, employee, and faculty member with an electronic copy of the language contained in this section.
(I) This section does not prevent any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State from engaging in speech protected by the Constitution of this State or the Constitution of the United States.
(J) The attorney general shall enforce the provisions of this section and may bring an action for injunctive or declaratory relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to do so.
(K) Every state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State shall report to the Department of Administration by August first of each year the total number and nature of the complaints made to the respective entity regarding a violation of the provisions of this section and the resolution, or status, of the complaint. The department shall provide a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate by October first of each year summarizing this information. Nothing in this subsection requires the disclosure of the identity of the individual who made the complaint.
(L) An individual making a report pursuant to this section is protected by the provisions set forth in Chapter 27, Title 8.
(M) Nothing in this section prohibits any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State from complying with state or federal law.
SECTION 2. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Amend the bill further, by striking all after the title but before the enacting words.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. MCGINNIS explained the amendment.
Rep. WEEKS moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Wednesday, April 2, which was not agreed to.
Rep. WEEKS moved to continue the Bill.
Rep. MAGNUSON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bamberg Bauer Bernstein Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Dillard Garvin Gilliard Govan Grant Hart Hayes Henderson-Myers Hosey Howard J. L. Johnson Jones King Kirby Luck McDaniel J. Moore Reese Rivers Rose Rutherford Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Weeks Wetmore Williams
Those who voted in the negative are:
Bailey Ballentine Bannister Beach Bowers Bradley Brewer Burns Bustos Caskey Chapman Chumley Collins B. J. Cox B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Forrest Frank Gagnon Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Hewitt Hixon Holman Huff Jordan Kilmartin Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson Martin May McCabe McCravy Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Morgan Moss B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Robbins Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
So, the House refused to continue the Bill.
Rep. WEEKS moved to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. MAGNUSON moved to table the motion.
Rep. WILLIAMS demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Bailey Ballentine Bannister Beach Bowers Bradley Brewer Burns Bustos Chapman Chumley Collins B. J. Cox B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Forrest Frank Gagnon Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Hewitt Hixon Holman Huff Jordan Kilmartin Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson Martin May McCabe McCravy Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Morgan Moss B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Robbins Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bamberg Bauer Bernstein Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Dillard Garvin Gilliard Govan Grant Hart Hayes Henderson-Myers Hosey Howard J. L. Johnson King Kirby Luck McDaniel J. Moore Reese Rivers Rose Rutherford Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Weeks Wetmore Williams
Rep. HOWARD moved that the House do now adjourn.
Rep. KING demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bamberg Bauer Bernstein Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Dillard Garvin Gilliard Govan Grant Hart Hayes Henderson-Myers Hosey Howard J. L. Johnson Jones King Kirby Luck McDaniel J. Moore Reese Rivers Rose Rutherford Sessions Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Weeks Wetmore Williams
Those who voted in the negative are:
Bailey Ballentine Bannister Beach Bowers Bradley Brewer Burns Bustos Chapman Chumley Collins B. J. Cox B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Hixon Holman Huff Jordan Kilmartin Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson Martin May McCabe McCravy McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Morgan Moss B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Robbins Sanders Schuessler G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
So, the House refused to adjourn.
Rep. MCDANIEL moved that the House recede for fifteen minutes.
Rep. KING demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Bamberg Bauer Bernstein Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Dillard Garvin Gilliard Govan Grant Hart Henderson-Myers Hosey Howard J. L. Johnson Jones King Kirby Luck McDaniel J. Moore Reese Rivers Rose Rutherford Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Weeks Wetmore Williams
Those who voted in the negative are:
Bailey Ballentine Bannister Beach Bowers Bradley Brewer Burns Bustos Chapman Chumley Collins B. J. Cox B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Hewitt Hixon Holman Huff Jordan Kilmartin Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson Martin May McCabe McCravy Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Morgan Moss 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
So, the House refused to recede for fifteen minutes.
Rep. KING spoke against the amendment.
Rep. KING spoke against the amendment.
Rep. MCGINNIS moved that the House recede until 2:00 p.m.
Rep. HOWARD demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bowers Bradley Brewer Burns Bustos Chapman Chumley Collins B. J. Cox B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Gagnon Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Herbkersman Hewitt Hixon Holman Huff Jordan Kilmartin Landing Ligon Long Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell T. Moore Moss Neese W. Newton Oremus Pace Pope Rankin Robbins Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan White Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
Alexander Anderson Bamberg Bauer Bernstein Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Dillard Garvin Gilliard Govan Grant Hart Henderson-Myers Hosey Howard J. L. Johnson Jones King Kirby May J. Moore Morgan Pedalino Reese Rivers Rose Rutherford Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Weeks Wetmore Williams
So, the motion to recede was agreed to. Further proceedings were interrupted by the House receding, the pending question being consideration of Amendment No. 1.
At 2:00 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE in the Chair.
The question of a quorum was raised.
A quorum was later present.
Debate was resumed on the following Bill, the pending question being the consideration of Amendment No. 1:
H. 3927 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, Hiott, G. M. Smith, Bailey, Ballentine, Bannister, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Bustos, Caskey, Chapman, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Davis, Erickson, Forrest, Gagnon, Gatch, Gibson, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Hartnett, Hartz, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hixon, Holman, J. E. Johnson, Jordan, Landing, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Martin, McCravy, McGinnis, Mitchell, Montgomery, T. Moore, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Robbins, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, M. M. Smith, Taylor, Teeple, Vaughan, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis, Wooten, Yow, Terribile, Pace, Kilmartin, Beach, Edgerton, Magnuson, Cromer, Huff and Gilreath: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "ENDING ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND RESTORING MERIT-BASED OPPORTUNITY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 29 TO TITLE 1, CHAPTER 1 SO AS TO PROHIBIT EVERY OFFICE, DIVISION, OR OTHER UNIT BY ANY NAME OF EVERY OFFICE OR DEPARTMENT OF THIS STATE, AND ALL OF ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, INCLUDING ALL INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS, FROM PROMOTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; AND TO PROMOTE INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE, EXCELLENCE, AND HARD WORK; AND TO SPECIFY APPLICABILITY.
The Committee on Education and Public Works proposed the following Amendment No. 1o H. 3927 (Word version) (LC-3927.DG0002H):
Amend the bill, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 1-1-1910. (A) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Public institution of higher learning" means any state-supported, postsecondary educational institution and includes technical and comprehensive educational institutions.
(2) "Quasi-state agency" means an entity that is a legally separate organization over which the State has no direct control but for which the State is accountable for purposes of financial reporting.
(B) Except as required by state and federal law, any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall not establish or support any office, unit or division within that agency that is established or exists in whole or in part, for the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
(C) Except as required by state and federal law, any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall not compel, require, induce, or solicit any person to provide a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement or give preferential consideration to any person based on the provision of a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement.
(D) Any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall not give preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation to an applicant for employment and shall comply with the Constitution of this State and the Constitution of the United States by ensuring that all rules, policies, employment practices, use of state funds, and all other official actions treat people equally. (E) Any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall not promote differential treatment, which is the intentional act of treating individuals or groups differently based on a protected characteristic, or provide special benefits to individuals on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. Nor shall any entity discriminate against any individual because of his or her race, color, sex or national origin, or classify or refer for employment any individual on the basis of his race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
(F) All state agencies or quasi-state agencies, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State, shall adhere to and comply with the Equal Protection Clauses of the Constitution of this State and the Constitution of the United States.
(G) Any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State shall, not require an individual to participate in a program that encourages preferential or differential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
(H) For purposes of an institution of higher learning:
(1) When determining admissions or employment decisions, a public institution of higher learning may not expend any funds appropriated or authorized to promise admission, benefits, or promote or engage in differential treatment to an applicant for admission, or hire or promote a faculty member or employee, on the applicant's or faculty member's or employee's commitment to or making a declaration of personal support for or disagreement with any political ideology or movement, including a promise or statement regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, or other associated political issues.
(2) A public institution of higher learning may not ask for or demand any political promise or declaration from an applicant, or a faculty member or employee.
(3) If a public institution of higher learning receives a promise or declaration describing a commitment to any political ideology or movement, including a political promise or declaration regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, or other associated political issues, it may not promote or engage in differential treatment, grant or deny admission or benefits to a student, or hire or promote a faculty member or employee, based on the opinions expressed in the promise or declaration.
(4) A public institution of higher learning shall not require a faculty member or employee of the institution to complete or participate in mandatory training or other educational program regarding diversity, equity, inclusion. A public institution of higher learning shall not take an adverse employment action against a faculty member or employee of the institution for the faculty member's or employee's failure or refusal to participate in such training or program. (5) A public institution of higher learning shall not infringe on a student, faculty member, or employee's right to free speech provided by the Constitution of this State and the Constitution of the United States. A public institution of higher learning shall not discriminate on the basis of viewpoint discrimination.
(6) Nothing in this subsection prohibits a public institution of higher learning from complying with federal law or applicable court order, or acting against a student, faculty member, or employee for violations of federal or state law or requiring a student, faculty member, or employee to comply with federal or state law, including antidiscrimination laws.
(7) Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit or prohibit an institution of higher learning or an employee or faculty member from:
(a) applying for a grant;
(b) complying with the terms of accreditation by an accrediting agency;
(c) submitting to the grantor or accrediting agency a statement that highlights the institution's work in supporting student populations; or
(d) certifying compliance with state and federal antidiscrimination laws.
(8) Each public institution of higher learning shall provide each student, employee, and faculty member with an electronic copy of the language contained in this section.
(I) This section does not prevent any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State from engaging in speech protected by the Constitution of this State or the Constitution of the United States.
(J) The attorney general shall enforce the provisions of this section and may bring an action for injunctive or declaratory relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to do so. (K) Every state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State shall report to the Department of Administration by August first of each year the total number and nature of the complaints made to the respective entity regarding a violation of the provisions of this section and the resolution, or status, of the complaint. The department shall provide a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate by October first of each year summarizing this information. Nothing in this subsection requires the disclosure of the identity of the individual who made the complaint.
(L) An individual making a report pursuant to this section is protected by the provisions set forth in Chapter 27, Title 8.
(M) Nothing in this section prohibits any state agency or quasi-state agency, including institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and all political subdivisions of this State from complying with state or federal law.
SECTION 2. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Amend the bill further, by striking all after the title but before the enacting words.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. REESE spoke against the amendment.
Rep. REESE spoke against the amendment.
Rep. GILLIARD spoke against the amendment.
Rep. GILLIARD spoke against the amendment.
Rep. ERICKSON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Tuesday, April 1, which was agreed to by a division vote of 73 to 22.
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, Schuessler, B. Newton, Hixon, Gagnon, Calhoon, M. M. Smith, Davis and Taylor: 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. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3127 (Word version) -- Reps. Robbins, Wooten, Lawson, Pope, Chapman, Pedalino, W. Newton, Sanders, Duncan, Hixon, Taylor, Gagnon, Oremus, Hartz, Davis, M. M. Smith and Vaughan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-750, RELATING TO FAILURE TO STOP MOTOR VEHICLES WHEN SIGNALED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHERE CERTAIN AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR THE OFFENDER IS GUILTY OF A FELONY, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3045 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, Lawson, Wooten, Pope, Magnuson, Chapman, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, W. Newton, Vaughan, Mitchell, Rankin, Long, Oremus, Gibson, Burns, Edgerton, Cobb-Hunter, Guffey, Govan, Wickensimer, M. M. Smith, Schuessler, B. L. Cox, Holman, Davis, Henderson-Myers and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-390 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND ESTABLISH PENALTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO ADD THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY; AND 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.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3387 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, W. Newton, B. Newton, Robbins, Mitchell, Pope, Chapman, McCravy, Chumley, Taylor, Forrest, Long, Ligon, Guest, Crawford, Edgerton, M. M. Smith, B. L. Cox, Holman, Davis, Brewer, Murphy, Calhoon, Erickson and Bradley: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 SO AS TO ENTITLE THE ARTICLE "EJECTMENT OF UNLAWFUL OCCUPANTS OF A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING," TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE REMEDY TO REMOVE PERSONS UNLAWFULLY OCCUPYING A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING; TO REDESIGNATE CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 AS "EJECTMENT PROCEEDINGS"; TO REDESIGNATE THE EXISTING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 AS ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 AND ENTITLE IT "EJECTMENT OF TENANTS"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-521 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE OFFENSE OF CRIMINAL MISCHIEF.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3556 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Schuessler, Guest, Taylor and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-560, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF A POLITICAL PARTY TO HEAR CERTAIN PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ALSO HEAR PROTESTS AND CONTESTS IN THE CASE OF COUNTY OFFICERS, LESS THAN COUNTY OFFICERS, AND MUNICIPAL OFFICERS, TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE FILING OF ANY PROTEST OR CONTEST TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A BOND WITH SURETY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR APPEALS FROM DECISIONS BY THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-570, RELATING TO HEARINGS OF PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE TIME IN WHICH THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MUST CONDUCT SUCH HEARINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-80, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PROTESTS AND CONTESTS ARE TO BE FILED, HEARD, AND DECIDED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 7-17-560 AND 7-17-570; AND BY REPEALING SECTIONS 7-17-520, 7-17-530, 7-17-540, 7-17-550, 7-17-580, AND 7-17-590 ALL RELATING TO PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS FOR CERTAIN OFFICES.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bauer Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Collins B. J. Cox B. L. Cox Crawford Davis Dillard Erickson Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hixon Holman Hosey Howard J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Martin McCabe McCravy McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Vaughan Weeks Wetmore Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
Beach Cromer Duncan Edgerton Frank Gilreath Huff Kilmartin Magnuson May Morgan Pace Terribile White Whitmire
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3557 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Pedalino, Taylor, Guest, Crawford, Schuessler and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-15, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN AS A CANDIDATE IN GENERAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO SHORTEN THE CANDIDATE FILING PERIOD, TO REQUIRE ALL CANDIDATES FROM EACH POLITICAL PARTY IN THIS STATE TO PAY A FILING FEE, AND TO AUTHORIZE POLITICAL PARTIES TO CHARGE A CERTIFICATION FEE TO ALL CANDIDATES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-210, RELATING TO THE FILING OF PARTY PLEDGES BY CANDIDATES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE BY WHICH A PARTY PLEDGE MUST BE FILED.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1o H. 3557 (Word version) (LC-3557.HDB0001H) which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 7-11-15(A) and inserting:
(A) In order to qualify as a candidate to run in the general election, all candidates seeking nomination by political party primary or political party convention must file a statement of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees between noon on March sixteenth and noon on March thirtieth twenty-fifth as provided in this section. If March sixteenth is on a Saturday or Sunday, the time for filing begins the next regular business day. If March thirtieth twenty-fifth is on a Saturday or Sunday, the time for filing extends to the next regular business day. For purposes of this section and Section 7-13-45, "next regular business day" means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Notwithstanding another provision of law, beginning July 1, 2026, all candidates from each political party in this State shall pay a filing fee, including candidates from parties that choose not to conduct a primary election. In addition to the filing fee required pursuant to this subsection, political parties may also charge a certification fee not to exceed the sum of one hundred dollars to all candidates seeking nomination by political party primary or political party convention.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, candidates seeking nomination for a statewide, congressional, or district office that includes more than one county must file their statements of intention of candidacy, and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the State Election Commission.
(2) Candidates seeking nomination for the State Senate or House of Representatives must file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the State Election Commission or county board of voter registration and elections in the county of their residence. The state executive committees must certify candidates pursuant to Section 7-13-40.
(3) Candidates seeking nomination for a countywide or less than countywide office shall file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the county board of voter registration and elections in the county of their residence.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. JORDAN spoke in favor of the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. WHITE proposed the following Amendment No. 2 to H. 3557 (Word version) (LC-3557.AHB0001H), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 7-11-15(A) and inserting:
(A) In order to qualify as a candidate to run in the general election, all candidates seeking nomination by political party open primary or political party convention must file a statement of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees between noon on March sixteenth and noon on March thirtieth twenty-fifth as provided in this section. If March sixteenth is on a Saturday or Sunday, the time for filing begins the next regular business day. If March thirtieth twenty-fifth is on a Saturday or Sunday, the time for filing extends to the next regular business day. For purposes of this section and Section 7-13-45, "next regular business day" means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Notwithstanding another provision of law, beginning July 1, 2026, all candidates from each political party in this State shall pay a filing fee, including candidates from parties that choose not to conduct a primary election. In addition to the filing fee required pursuant to this subsection, political parties may also charge a certification fee not to exceed the sum of one hundred dollars to all candidates seeking nomination by political party open primary or political party convention.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, candidates seeking nomination for a statewide, congressional, or district office that includes more than one county must file their statements of intention of candidacy, and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the State Election Commission.
(2) Candidates seeking nomination for the State Senate or House of Representatives must file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the State Election Commission or county board of voter registration and elections in the county of their residence. The state executive committees must certify candidates pursuant to Section 7-13-40.
(3) Candidates seeking nomination for a countywide or less than countywide office shall file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the county board of voter registration and elections in the county of their residence.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. WHITE explained the amendment.
Rep. B. NEWTON spoke against the amendment.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to table the amendment.
Rep. BEACH demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bauer Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins B. J. Cox B. L. Cox Crawford Davis Dillard Erickson Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Hixon Holman J. E. Johnson Jordan Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Martin McCravy Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Vaughan Weeks Wetmore Whitmire Williams Wooten
Those who voted in the negative are:
Beach Burns Chumley Cromer Duncan Edgerton Frank Gilreath Hosey Howard Huff Kilmartin Magnuson May McCabe McGinnis Morgan Oremus Pace Terribile White Wickensimer Willis
So, the amendment was tabled.
The question recurred to the passage of the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bauer Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins B. J. Cox B. L. Cox Crawford Davis Dillard Erickson Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Hayes Herbkersman Hewitt Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Jordan Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Martin McCravy McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Vaughan Weeks Wetmore Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
Beach Burns Chumley Cromer Duncan Edgerton Frank Gilreath Huff Kilmartin Magnuson May McCabe Morgan Pace Terribile White Whitmire
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 3557 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers
Rep. B. NEWTON moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
At 3:21 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. YOW, adjourned in memory of Ron Henegan, husband of former Representative Henegan, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
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