NO. 37
REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
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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 Psalm 51:2: "Wash me thoroughly from may iniquity and cleanse me from my sin!"
Let us pray. Thank You, loving Father for the gift that serving You has given us. Guide us continually with your power. We are grateful for your continual care for each of us. We pray also for our defenders of freedom and first responders as they care for us. Look in favor on our World, Nation, President, State, Governor Speaker, Staff, and all who labor in this vineyard. Care for 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. HARTNETT moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Gedney M. Howe III, which was agreed to.
Born November 16, 1946, Gedney M. Howe III, passed peacefully the afternoon of, March 21, 2025
"A study in contrast, GIII was truly larger than life. Cutting the figure of a well-heeled, sharp-witted attorney with a short temper. Behind closed doors, He was a man of immense generosity; we will never know how many people he helped, putting people through college, showing up at the right time to make sure ends meet, sitting bedside when friends were suffering, almost always on the condition of anonymity. The values instilled in him by his parents never wavered.
Gedney III represented people, businesses, schools, even the state of South Carolina and the Senate. He also aggressively pursued businesses, the FBI, the Coast Guard, the State, and countless others. The bane and darling of Judges and Juries alike, he faced the old adage, "Is it better to be feared or loved?" and decided he would be both".
(* Quote from Gedney M. Howe, IV)
Rep. Thomas Hartnett Jr.
The House stood in silent prayer for Gedney M. Howe III.
The following was received:
Columbia, S.C., March 25, 2025
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:
I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. Pursuant to section 57-1-310 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, this appointment is made with the advice and consent of the General Assembly and is therefore submitted for your consideration.
STATEWIDE REAPPOINTMENT
Department of Transportation Commission
Term Commencing: 02/15/2026
Term Expiring: 02/15/2030
Seat: At-Large
Vice: Self
Mr. Thomas Rhodes
5145 Lakeshore Drive
Columbia, South Carolina 29206
Yours very truly,
Henry McMaster
Governor
Ordered placed on the Calendar.
Rep. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 392 (Word version) -- Senator Johnson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE SOUTH CAROLINA AS A TECHNOLOGY FIRST STATE, COMMITTED TO THE EXPLORATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF ENABLING AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS THAT MAY ALLOW ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS WITH DISABILITIES GREATER OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE INDEPENDENT AND FULFILLING LIVES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4120 (Word version) -- Rep. Gilliam: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION WHERE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 18 MEETS SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 9 IN UNION COUNTY "US AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT KENNETH JASON WILBURN MEMORIAL INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4121 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, Caskey, Calhoon, Kilmartin, White and Forrest: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PLACE APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS FROM THE 220TH BLOCK TO THE 460TH BLOCK OF CEDARCREST DRIVE IN LEXINGTON COUNTY CONTAINING THE WORDS "DEDICATED IN THE HONOR OF THE VETERANS OF LEXINGTON COUNTY."
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
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.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4158 (Word version) -- Rep. Taylor: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME OLD DIBBLE ROAD IN AIKEN COUNTY FROM BANKS MILL ROAD TO WOODWARD DRIVE "DR. CHARLIE TIMMERMAN MEMORIAL ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4215 (Word version) -- Reps. Collins, Bowers and Hiott: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE OVER TWELVE MILE RIVER ON SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 183 IN PICKENS COUNTY "GENERAL ANDREW PICKENS BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 4232 (Word version) -- Reps. Yow, Luck, Mitchell, Hayes, Lowe, Williams, 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, 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, Magnuson, Martin, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, 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 and Wooten: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF RONALD BENJAMIN HENEGAN SR. OF MARLBORO COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4233 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, 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, 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 REVEREND A. L. BRACKETT ON THE OCCASION OF HIS NINETIETH BIRTHDAY, TO CELEBRATE HIS SEVENTY-ONE YEARS OF MINISTRY, AND TO WISH HIM A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MANY YEARS OF CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4234 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, 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, Williams, Willis and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MEMBERS OF THE RIVER BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL CHESS TEAM AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA STATE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4235 (Word version) -- Reps. Long, 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, 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 EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MARYANN C. RILEY OF SPARTANBURG AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4236 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, 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 ANNA MARY FURTICK RIVERS OF ORANGEBURG COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4237 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Weeks, 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, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, 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 GLORIA GARDNER MCEWEN OF SUMTER COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4238 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrest, 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, 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 COMMEND AND HONOR WALTER P. RAWL & SONS, INC., A RECOGNIZED SOUTH CAROLINA LEADER IN THE PRODUCTION OF FRESH VEGETABLES IN LEXINGTON COUNTY, AND TO CONGRATULATE THE COMPANY UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4239 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, 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, Williams, Willis and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR COURTNEY A. TKACS OF LEXINGTON COUNTY AND TO CONGRATULATE HER FOR BEING ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENT BODY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4240 (Word version) -- Reps. McCravy and Gibson: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR GREATER GREENWOOD UNITED MINISTRY AT THE CELEBRATION OF ITS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY, TO THANK THIS FINE ORGANIZATION FOR ITS THREE DECADES OF WORTHY SERVICE, AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR MANY MORE YEARS OF BLESSING IN SERVING THE GREENWOOD COMMUNITY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4241 (Word version) -- Reps. McCravy and Gibson: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MT. LEBANON METHODIST CHURCH OF GREENWOOD ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR NEARLY TWO CENTURIES OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4242 (Word version) -- Rep. Chumley: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 417 IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY FROM THE ENOREE RIVER TO SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 101 "OLD ANTIOCH CHURCH WAY" 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 following was introduced:
H. 4243 (Word version) -- Reps. Anderson and Hewitt: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF EXODUS DRIVE IN GEORGETOWN COUNTY (SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY #S-264), BEGINNING WITH ITS INTERSECTION AT NORTH FRASER STREET (UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 701), SPANNING APPROXIMATELY 7.97 MILES, AND ENDING AT A SECOND INTERSECTION WITH UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 701 "JOHNNY MORANT HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The following was introduced:
H. 4244 (Word version) -- Rep. Bernstein: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR PEDIATRICIANS, PEDIATRIC SUBSPECIALISTS, AND PEDIATRIC TRAINEES AND TO DECLARE APRIL 1, 2025, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA PEDIATRICIANS DAY" IN THE PALMETTO STATE.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 4245 (Word version) -- Reps. Jones, Gilliard and Grant: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT AND TAXPAYER REINVESTMENT ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 43 TO CHAPTER 6, TITLE 12 SO AS TO PROVIDE TAX RELIEF FOR SOUTH CAROLINIANS WHO TRANSITION FROM GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT AND TO INCENTIVIZE BUSINESSES THAT HIRE AND RETAIN THESE INDIVIDUALS, REINFORCING A FREE-MARKET APPROACH TO ECONOMIC MOBILITY AND REDUCING LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT DEPENDENCE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4246 (Word version) -- Reps. Holman and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 6-35-30, RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT'S AUTHORITY TO EXERCISE POWERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT GOVERNMENT ENTITIES MAY CREATE CERTAIN DISTRICTS WHICH INCLUDE A GEOGRAPHIC AREA WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF ANOTHER GOVERNMENT ENTITY.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
H. 4247 (Word version) -- Rep. Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-10, RELATING TO STATE COMMODITY CODE DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE STATE COMMODITY CODE BE THE SOUTH CAROLINA ATTORNEY GENERAL; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-40, RELATING TO TRANSACTIONS WHERE PROHIBITION IS NOT APPLICABLE, SO AS TO ADD AGENTS OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVES AS INDIVIDUALS SUBJECT TO AN ORDER TO DENY, SUSPEND, OR REVOKE A PERSON'S LICENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-60, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS, SO AS TO REPLACE SECTION 39-73-310 WITH SECTION 39-73-30; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-80, RELATING TO STATE SECURITIES LAWS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-315, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATOR ACTIONS TO PREVENT VIOLATIONS OR IMMINENT VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR CAN ISSUE AN ORDER RELATED TO ANY ACTION THAT MAY VIOLATE THIS CHAPTER; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-320, RELATING TO LEGAL, EQUITABLE, AND SPECIAL REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO A COURT FOR ENFORCEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR MAY MAINTAIN AN ACTION IN THE RICHLAND COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-325, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR MAY REFER VIOLATIONS TO THE APPROPRIATE DIVISION OF THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL OR OTHER AUTHORITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-330, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS CHAPTER, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-340, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, FORMS, AND ORDERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-350, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF SECTIONS 39-73-20, 39-73-50, AND 39-73-60 TO PERSONS WHO SELL, BUY, OR OFFER TO SELL OR BUY COMMODITIES IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR APPLICABLE RADIO AND TELEVISION COMMUNICATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-360, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-370, RELATING TO DEFENSE IN A CASE BASED ON FAILURE TO MAKE PHYSICAL DELIVERY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 39-73-375 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY RETAIN FUNDS FROM FINES AND PENALTIES TO OFFSET RELEVANT EXPENSES; BY ADDING SECTION 39-73-400 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SEVERABILITY OF THIS CHAPTER; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 39-73-355 RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 4248 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Bradley, Erickson and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 39-25-220 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL SHRIMP AND SHRIMP PRODUCTS SOLD IN THIS STATE HAVE A LABEL NOTING THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF THE SHRIMP.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
H. 4249 (Word version) -- Rep. Erickson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-1538, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS OF EMERGENCY SCENE MANAGEMENT, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, PROVIDE DRIVERS SHALL ENSURE THEIR VEHICLES ARE KEPT UNDER CONTROL WHEN APPROACHING OR PASSING OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES STOPPED ON OR NEAR THE RIGHT OF WAY OF STREETS OR HIGHWAYS, TO PROVIDE PERSONS DRIVING VEHICLES APPROACHING OTHER STATIONARY VEHICLES DISPLAYING FLASHING HAZARD LIGHTS SHALL REDUCE THEIR SPEED, YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY, AND MAINTAIN SAFE SPEEDS WHEN CHANGING LANES IS UNSAFE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 4250 (Word version) -- Rep. King: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 8-13-1314, RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS AND RESTRICTIONS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE CONTRIBUTION LIMIT FROM ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR CERTAIN CANDIDATES PER ELECTION CYCLE.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4251 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, B. J. Cox, Long, Guest, Lawson and M. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 35-11-240 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN FEES MUST BE ASSESSED AGAINST CERTAIN MONEY TRANSFERS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE FEES TO THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT FUND; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-80, RELATING TO THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT UNIT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT FUND MUST BE USED TO FUND THE UNIT'S OPERATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 4252 (Word version) -- Rep. T. Moore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-170, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES," SO AS TO ADD VEHICLES TRANSPORTING INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN EMERGENCY ACTIVITIES WHERE THE OCCUPANTS BELONG TO AN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE TO THE LIST OF VEHICLES COVERED BY THIS SECTION.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 4253 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore and Crawford: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-3-530, RELATING TO JURISDICTION IN DOMESTIC MATTERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE FAMILY COURT HAS EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE ACTIONS FOR ASSISTED REPRODUCTION PARENTAL RIGHTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-17-10, RELATING TO PATERNITY DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO UPDATE DEFINITIONS TO ADDRESS ASSISTED REPRODUCTION PARENTAGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-17-20, RELATING TO A COURT'S JURISDICTION OVER A PERSON, SO AS TO PROVIDE CONFORMING LANGUAGE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-17-40, RELATING TO VOLUNTARY PATERNITY AGREEMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4254 (Word version) -- Rep. Mitchell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-59-120, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS OF ACTIVITIES OF GUIDANCE COUNSELORS AND CAREER SPECIALISTS TO EXCLUDE PERFORMING ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS, SO AS TO PROVIDE IF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION, DETERMINES THAT A DISTRICT IS IN VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MAY WITHHOLD UP TO FIVE PERCENT OF THE DISTRICT'S AID TO CLASSROOM APPROPRIATION FOR THAT FISCAL YEAR.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 4255 (Word version) -- Rep. Mitchell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-7-95 SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS BROUGHT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN THE NAME OF THE STATE; BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-55 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WITH THE REMEDY OF DISGORGEMENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE PRIVILEGE TO CERTAIN MATERIALS PREPARED OR DRAFTED BY OR FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4256 (Word version) -- Rep. Pace: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "STRATEGIC DIGITAL ASSETS RESERVE ACT OF SOUTH CAROLINA" BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 11 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE TREASURER MAY INVEST IN CERTAIN DIGITAL ASSETS AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE TREASURER SHALL DEVELOP CERTAIN POLICIES.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4257 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson, Lowe, Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-5-65, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ENFORCEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THIS SYSTEM MUST REQUIRE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS TO APPROVE STUDENT ABSENCES FOR PARTICIPATION IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES AUTHORIZED BY THE SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ACTIVITY IS SANCTIONED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE OR OTHER INTERSCHOLASTIC SANCTIONING ORGANIZATION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-65-90, RELATING TO RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH TO DEFINE LAWFUL AND UNLAWFUL ABSENCES UNDER COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE STATUTES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 4258 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilreath, Cromer, Frank, Pace, Edgerton, Magnuson and Huff: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-55-35 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE FLUORIDATION OF DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 4259 (Word version) -- Reps. Teeple, Rivers, Gibson, Bauer, Oremus, Cromer, Gilreath, Hartz, Davis, McCravy, Lawson, Beach, Calhoon, Caskey, Guffey, Martin, Terribile, T. Moore, Williams, Clyburn, Neese, Chapman, Ligon, Hager, Wooten, Guest, Bradley, Erickson, Mitchell, Vaughan, Hartnett, Bustos, Landing, Brewer, Gatch, Robbins, M. M. Smith, Yow, Hosey, Rankin, Gilliam, Sessions, McGinnis, Brittain, B. J. Cox, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Hardee, McCabe, Luck, Atkinson, Ballentine, Bannister, Bowers, Collins, Gagnon, Hayes, Hixon, Holman, Jordan, Montgomery, Moss, Stavrinakis, Taylor and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 29 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1 SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL MEMBERS OF ALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS OF BOTH THE STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, TO TAKE THE CONSTITUTIONAL OATH OF OFFICE BEFORE TAKING OFFICE.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4260 (Word version) -- Reps. Taylor, Robbins, Hartnett, Bowers, Whitmire, Chapman, Hager, Forrest, T. Moore, Lawson, Long, Mitchell, Magnuson, Chumley, Frank, Bustos, Gagnon, Hartz, Hixon, Oremus and Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 10-1-165, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF CERTAIN MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPE OF MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS THAT MAY NOT BE RELOCATED, REMOVED, OR DISTURBED, TO WITHHOLD DISBURSEMENTS FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND FOR ANY COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY THAT VIOLATES THIS SECTION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CARE AND PRESERVATION OF MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS BY CERTAIN PEOPLE OR ORGANIZATIONS, TO PROVIDE STANDING TO CERTAIN PEOPLE OR ORGANIZATIONS TO BRING A CIVIL ACTION IN RESPONSE TO VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION OR TO PREVENT SUCH VIOLATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR LIMITATIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY UNDERNEATH MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS OR THE TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN, ACCESS, OR VIEW MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4261 (Word version) -- Rep. G. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-320 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AS "BLOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH."
On motion of Rep. G. M. SMITH, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
H. 4262 (Word version) -- Reps. Magnuson, Rankin, Edgerton, Duncan, Kilmartin, Cromer, Pace, Harris, Burns, Chumley, Gilreath, Willis, Morgan, Beach, Frank, Gilliam, Terribile, White and Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-1-175 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF CERTAIN SYNTHETIC MRNA-BASED GENE THERAPIES BY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA; TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS BY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS; TO REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL LICENSING BOARDS TO REPORT VIOLATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
H. 4263 (Word version) -- Reps. Terribile, Cromer, Kilmartin, White, Magnuson, Gilreath, Frank, Edgerton and Burns: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-755 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF CERTAIN DYES IN MEALS OR SNACKS SERVED TO STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND OPEN-ENROLLMENT CHARTER SCHOOLS, TO MAKE THESE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE ONLY TO FOOD ACQUIRED FOR STUDENT MEALS AND SNACKS BY CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO OR RENEWED AFTER JUNE 30, 2025, AND TO EXTEND THIS PROHIBITION TO FOOD BROUGHT TO BE SHARED AT CERTAIN CELEBRATIONS OR EVENTS WITH TEACHER OR ADMINISTRATOR APPROVAL.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 4264 (Word version) -- Reps. McCabe, Pedalino, J. L. Johnson, McDaniel, King, Govan, Clyburn, Alexander, Rose, Stavrinakis, Anderson, Kirby, Weeks, Dillard, Hardee, Bauer, Hosey, Spann-Wilder, Luck, Henderson-Myers, Rivers, Gilliard, Atkinson, Grant, Hart, Hayes, Howard, Rutherford and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ENHANCED LIFE ESTATE DEED ACT" BY ADDING PART 5 TO ARTICLE 6, TITLE 62, SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN ENHANCED LIFE ESTATE DEED AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES RELATED TO SUCH LIFE ESTATE DEED.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4265 (Word version) -- Reps. McGinnis, Hager, Bradley, Bauer, Mitchell, Yow, Bailey, Erickson, Schuessler, Crawford, Hardee, Hartnett, Gibson, Brittain, Guest, Neese, Bustos, B. L. Cox, Hewitt, Caskey, Gilliam, Atkinson, Bowers, Forrest, Gagnon, Hartz and J. E. Johnson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 48-35-60, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR FIRES ON CERTAIN LANDS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF CHAPTER 35, TITLE 48; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 48-35-55 RELATING TO FIRE REGULATION EXEMPTIONS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4266 (Word version) -- Reps. Hewitt and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-9-6 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 6-9-55, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF COUNCIL TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE REGULATIONS ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 9, TITLE 6; BY AMENDING SECTION 6-9-63, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODES COUNCIL, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE COUNCIL TO GRANT MODIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 6-9-105; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 6-9-105, RELATING TO VARIATIONS BASED ON PHYSICAL OR CLIMATOLOGICAL CONDITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A LOCAL MODIFICATION MUST BE GRANTED WHEN CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 4267 (Word version) -- Reps. Landing, Hager, Teeple, Hartnett, Vaughan, Wickensimer and Bustos: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-320 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE TWENTY-FIRST DAY OF NOVEMBER AS "MAYFLOWER COMPACT DAY."
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
S. 279 (Word version) -- Senators Massey and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 41-29-20, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL, AND COMPENSATION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-29-35, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-27-710, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE REVIEW COMMITTEE, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT A PERSON MAY NOT BE APPOINTED UNLESS THE COMMITTEE FINDS THE APPOINTEE QUALIFIED; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 41-27-720, RELATING TO DUTIES OF COMMITTEE, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT THE COMMITTEE SHALL NOMINATE THREE QUALIFIED APPLICANTS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE GOVERNOR.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
S. 336 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Massey and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-90, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION, SO AS TO SET THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF MARCH FOR THE ELECTIONS OF JUDGES BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Long Lowe Luck Magnuson Martin May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Rivers Robbins Rose 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
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. LIGON a leave of absence for the day to attend a funeral.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. J. L. JOHNSON a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. REESE a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. MORGAN a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. GATCH a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. HADDON a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. COLLINS a leave of absence for the day due to family reasons.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. J. E. JOHNSON a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. MURPHY a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. HIXON a temporary leave of absence.
Rep. WEEKS presented to the House the Ragin Preparatory Christian Academy 1-A Varsity Basketball State Champions.
Rep. BOWERS presented to the House the D. W. Daniel High School "Lions" Marching Band State Champions.
Rep. W. NEWTON presented to the House the Cross Schools "Stingrays"1-A/2-A SCISA Championship JV Cheerleading Team.
Rep. WEEKS presented to the House the Thomas Sumter Academy "Generals" 2-A/3-A SCISA Varsity Competitive Cheer Championship Team.
Rep. WEEKS presented to the House the Thomas Sumter Academy "Generals" 3-A/4-A SCISA Junior Varsity Gameday Cheer 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:
03/27/25 GILLIARD, RIVERS and ANDERSON
Bill Number: H. 3046 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 GILLIARD, ANDERSON and RIVERS
Bill Number: H. 3163 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 MONTGOMERY
Bill Number: H. 3276 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 GILLIARD, ANDERSON, RIVERS and SCHUESSLER
Bill Number: H. 3285 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 HENDERSON-MYERS
Bill Number: H. 3524 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 GILLIARD, ANDERSON and RIVERS
Bill Number: H. 3525 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 GILLIARD, ANDERSON and RIVERS
Bill Number: H. 3728 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 HENDERSON-MYERS
Bill Number: H. 4005 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 WICKENSIMER
Bill Number: H. 4123 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 CASKEY, WOOTEN and KILMARTIN
Bill Number: H. 4160 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 POPE
Bill Number: H. 4216 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
03/27/25 DUNCAN
Bill Number: H. 3276 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
03/27/25 HENDERSON-MYERS
Bill Number: H. 3930 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
03/27/25 ROSE
Bill Number: H. 4163 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
03/27/25 MCGINNIS and WILLIS
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3276 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Robbins, Chapman, W. Newton, Taylor, Forrest, McGinnis, Calhoon, Bernstein, Wooten, Hart, Erickson, Bradley, Ligon, Gilliard, Anderson, Rivers and Schuessler: 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.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3276 (Word version) (LC-3276.CM0003H):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 56-5-3890(D)(1)(b) and (c) and inserting:
(b) for a second or subsequent offense, must be fined two hundred dollars, no part of which may be suspended, and must have two points assessed against his motor vehicle operating record;
(c) if the violation causes great bodily injury, must be fined one thousand dollars and sentenced to not more than five years. As used in this subsection, "great bodily injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ; or
(d) if the violation causes death, is convicted of a felony and must be fined five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 56-5-3890(D)(2) and (3) and inserting:
(2) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the driver's license of a person who is convicted of violations in subsections (D)(1)(c) and (d).
(3)(2) Excluding violations in subsections (D)(1)(c) and (d), only Only those offenses which occurred within three years, including and immediately preceding the date of the last offense, shall constitute prior offenses within the meaning of this subsection. No court costs, assessments, or surcharges may be assessed against a person who violates a provision of this section. A person must not be fined more than fifty dollars for any one incident of one or more violations of the provisions of this section. A custodial arrest for a violation of this section must not be made, except upon a warrant issued for failure to appear in court when summoned or for failure to pay an imposed fine. A violation of this section does not constitute a criminal offense. Notwithstanding Section 56-1-640, a violation of this section must not be:
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 56-5-3890(E)(1) and inserting:
(1) stop a person for a violation of this section except when the officer has probable cause reasonable suspicion that a violation has occurred based on the officer's clear and unobstructed view of a person who is using a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of this State;
Amend the bill further, by deleting SECTION 3.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 8 and inserting:
SECTION 8. This act takes effect ninety days one year after approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. BRITTAIN explained the amendment.
Reps. KING, LONG, GIBSON, FRANK, EDGERTON, MAGNUSON, KILMARTIN, WHITE, TERRIBILE, CHUMLEY, CROMER, GILREATH, HUFF, WILLIAMS, MCDANIEL, GRANT, GARVIN, SPANN-WILDER, STAVRINAKIS, ROSE, KIRBY, HOSEY and TAYLOR requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3524 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson, Spann-Wilder, Gilliard, Anderson and Rivers: 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.
Rep. W. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3525 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson, Spann-Wilder, Gilliard, Anderson and Rivers: 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.
Rep. W. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up:
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.
Rep. BERNSTEIN explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Grant Guest Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Long Luck Magnuson Martin May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Rivers Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
On motion of Rep. BERNSTEIN, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 3731 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.
The following Bill was taken up:
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.
Reps. B. NEWTON, GUEST, WEEKS, JORDAN, SPANN-WILDER, GARVIN, HOSEY, WILLIAMS, MARTIN and KING requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:
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.
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 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, Taylor, Gilliard, Anderson and Rivers: 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, Taylor, Gilliard, Rivers and Anderson: 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:
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.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3276 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Robbins, Chapman, W. Newton, Taylor, Forrest, McGinnis, Calhoon, Bernstein, Wooten, Hart, Erickson, Bradley, Ligon, Gilliard, Anderson, Rivers and Schuessler: 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. LONG moved to adjourn debate on the Bill.
Rep. BRITTAIN moved to table the motion.
Rep. LONG demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Bernstein Bradley Brewer Brittain Bustos Calhoon Chapman B. L. Cox Davis Erickson Forrest Gagnon Gilliam Guest Hager Hardee Hartnett Hartz Herbkersman Hewitt Hixon Holman Jordan Kirby Landing Lawson Lowe Martin McCabe McGinnis Montgomery Moss Neese B. Newton Oremus Pedalino Pope Robbins Sanders Schuessler G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Taylor Teeple Vaughan Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten
Those who voted in the negative are:
Anderson Beach Caskey Chumley Cobb-Hunter Cromer Dillard Duncan Edgerton Frank Garvin Gibson Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Henderson-Myers Hosey Howard Huff Jones Kilmartin King Long Luck Magnuson May McCravy McDaniel T. Moore Pace Rankin Rivers Rose Spann-Wilder Terribile Weeks White Williams
So, the motion to adjourn debate was tabled.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3276 (Word version) (LC-3276.CM0003H):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 56-5-3890(D)(1)(b) and (c) and inserting:
(b) for a second or subsequent offense, must be fined two hundred dollars, no part of which may be suspended, and must have two points assessed against his motor vehicle operating record;
(c) if the violation causes great bodily injury, must be fined one thousand dollars and sentenced to not more than five years. As used in this subsection, "great bodily injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ; or
(d) if the violation causes death, is convicted of a felony and must be fined five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 56-5-3890(D)(2) and (3) and inserting:
(2) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the driver's license of a person who is convicted of violations in subsections (D)(1)(c) and (d).
(3)(2) Excluding violations in subsections (D)(1)(c) and (d), only Only those offenses which occurred within three years, including and immediately preceding the date of the last offense, shall constitute prior offenses within the meaning of this subsection. No court costs, assessments, or surcharges may be assessed against a person who violates a provision of this section. A person must not be fined more than fifty dollars for any one incident of one or more violations of the provisions of this section. A custodial arrest for a violation of this section must not be made, except upon a warrant issued for failure to appear in court when summoned or for failure to pay an imposed fine. A violation of this section does not constitute a criminal offense. Notwithstanding Section 56-1-640, a violation of this section must not be:
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 56-5-3890(E)(1) and inserting:
(1) stop a person for a violation of this section except when the officer has probable cause reasonable suspicion that a violation has occurred based on the officer's clear and unobstructed view of a person who is using a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of this State;
Amend the bill further, by deleting SECTION 3.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 8 and inserting:
SECTION 8. This act takes effect ninety days one year after approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. BRITTAIN spoke in favor of the amendment.
The question then recurred to the adoption of the amendment.
Rep. KING demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Brewer Brittain Bustos Caskey Chapman Chumley B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guest Hager Hardee Hartnett Herbkersman Hewitt Holman Huff Jordan Kilmartin Landing Lawson Long Luck Magnuson Martin May McCabe McCravy Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Pace Pedalino Rankin Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Teeple Terribile Vaughan White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
Anderson Bradley Calhoon Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Crawford Dillard Erickson Gilliard Govan Grant Guffey Hartz Henderson-Myers Hixon Hosey Howard Jones King Kirby McDaniel McGinnis J. Moore Oremus Pope Rivers Taylor Weeks Williams
So, the amendment was adopted.
Rep. TAYLOR proposed the following Amendment No. 2 to H. 3276 (Word version) (LC-3276.CM0010H):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 56-5-3890(D)(1)(b) and inserting:
(b) for a second or subsequent offense, must be fined two hundred dollars, no part of which may be suspended, and must have two points assessed against his motor vehicle operating record;.
(c) if the violation causes great bodily injury, must be fined one thousand dollars and sentenced to not more than five years. As used in this subsection, "great bodily injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ; or
(d) if the violation causes death, is convicted of a felony and must be fined five thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than five years.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. TAYLOR explained the amendment.
Rep. TAYLOR moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.
The following was introduced:
H. 4268 (Word version) -- Reps. Dillard, 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, 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 DECLARE APRIL 2025 AS "SECOND CHANCE MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO COMMEND SOTERIA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ON ITS OUTSTANDING WORK IN ASSISTING FORMERLY INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS TO REENTER SOCIETY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4269 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, 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 EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN RAÊL M. GRIJALVA OF ARIZONA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following Bill was introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committee:
H. 4270 (Word version) -- Reps. Schuessler, B. J. Cox, McGinnis, Yow, Jones, Vaughan, Kirby and Dillard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 60-2-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN PUBLIC RECORDS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
Rep. HIOTT moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:
H. 4210 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, McGinnis, 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, 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 CONGRATULATE THE FORTY SOUTH CAROLINA TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS NAMED TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2025 ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM IN THE ALL-USA ACADEMIC TEAM COMPETITION FOR TECHNICAL COLLEGES, COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND JUNIOR COLLEGES, SPONSORED BY THE PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY, IN RECOGNITION OF THE STUDENTS' SCHOLARLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.
H. 4212 (Word version) -- Reps. Sanders, 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, 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 RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF THE ANDERSON DISTRICT ONE AND DISTRICT TWO CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER CULINARY TEAM AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 21ST ANNUAL SOUTH CAROLINA PROSTART INVITATIONAL TITLE.
H. 4214 (Word version) -- Reps. B. L. Cox, 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, 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 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MAJOR CHRISTINA C. HARRIS, USAF, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO HER COUNTRY, AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
H. 3790 (Word version) -- Rep. Moss: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DESIGNATE THE PORTION OF WEST MAIN STREET (S-42-227) LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF PACOLET IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY AS "JAMES 'PEE WEE' LAMBERT JR. ROAD," TO ENSURE HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO PACOLET ARE REMEMBERED AND CELEBRATED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME, AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
At 11:37 a.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. HARTNETT, adjourned in memory of Gedney M. Howe III, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
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