NO. 43
REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
________
The House assembled at noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk Jr. as follows:
Our thought for today is from 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power, and love and self discipline."
Let us pray. Good and gracious God, You have provided all good things for these Members and Staff. Continue to provide these things. Bless and keep our defenders and first responders in Your love and care. Look in favor on our World, Nation, President, State, Governor Speaker, Staff, and all who labor in these Halls of Government. Bless and look in favor upon 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 Friday, the SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ordered it confirmed.
Rep. BOWERS moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Ernest "Dude" McAbee, which was agreed to.
The House stood in silent prayer for Representative Teeple's family and St. Jude Research Hospital.
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Magnuson Martin May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. 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 Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. GATCH 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. WOOTEN a leave of absence for the day due to a prior commitment.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. J. L. JOHNSON a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. B. J. COX a leave of absence for the day due to business reasons.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. T. MOORE a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. CRAWFORD a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. MARTIN a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. GUFFEY a temporary leave of absence.
Announcement was made that Dr. Phyllis MacGilvray was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below: "5.2 Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."
Bill Number: H. 3089 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 WATERS
Bill Number: H. 3101 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 B. L. COX
Bill Number: H. 3163 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 BAUER
Bill Number: H. 3202 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 SCHUESSLER
Bill Number: H. 3217 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 YOW
Bill Number: H. 3285 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 WATERS, RIVERS and GILLIARD
Bill Number: H. 3333 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 CASKEY
Bill Number: H. 3369 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 OREMUS
Bill Number: H. 3569 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 ERICKSON, RIVERS and GILLIARD
Bill Number: H. 3578 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 GILLIARD, WATERS, GARVIN, WILLIAMS and REESE
Bill Number: H. 3602 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 MITCHELL and YOW
Bill Number: H. 3632 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 BAUER
Bill Number: H. 3728 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 GOVAN
Bill Number: H. 3831 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 WATERS
Bill Number: H. 3858 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 CASKEY
Bill Number: H. 3863 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 WATERS and POPE
Bill Number: H. 3930 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 POPE, FORREST, MITCHELL, YOW, HIXON, TAYLOR, W. NEWTON, TEEPLE and PEDALINO
Bill Number: H. 3934 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 MONTGOMERY, HUFF and MOSS
Bill Number: H. 3935 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 HARTNETT
Bill Number: H. 3948 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 GOVAN and WICKENSIMER
Bill Number: H. 3974 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 BAUER
Bill Number: H. 4000 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 BAUER and DUNCAN
Bill Number: H. 4160 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 MITCHELL and YOW
Bill Number: H. 4176 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 GRANT, KIRBY, ALEXANDER and GOVAN
Bill Number: H. 4259 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 KILMARTIN and WHITE
Bill Number: H. 4260 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 KILMARTIN
Bill Number: H. 4262 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 HUFF
Bill Number: H. 4292 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 TEEPLE
Bill Number: H. 4293 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 WHITE, KILMARTIN, EDGERTON and BEACH
Bill Number: H. 4300 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 YOW and MITCHELL
Bill Number: H. 4301 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 KILMARTIN
Bill Number: H. 4306 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/08/25 EDGERTON
The following Bill was taken up:
S. 384 (Word version) -- Senator Corbin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1 OF ACT 108 OF 2021 TO CHANGE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY IN GREENVILLE COUNTY; AND TO PROHIBIT THE INSTALLATION OF CLUSTER SEPTIC SYSTEMS IN THE BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Chapman Chumley Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Huff J. E. Johnson Jordan Landing Lawson Ligon Long Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McGinnis Montgomery J. Moore Morgan Moss B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pope Rankin Rivers Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Taylor Terribile Vaughan Weeks White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on S. 384 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Craig Gagnon
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on S. 384 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:
H. 4011 (Word version) -- Rep. Erickson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-70, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY DRIVERS' PERMITS, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "TEMPORARY DRIVER'S PERMIT" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "TEMPORARY DRIVING CERTIFICATE," AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-560 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPEDITED ISSUANCE OF BEGINNERS' PERMITS, DRIVERS' LICENSES, AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3856 (Word version) -- Rep. Erickson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-80, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSES OR PERMITS, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "BLOOD TYPE" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "INFORMATION"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-3350, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS AND VETERAN DESIGNATIONS ON DRIVERS' LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED ON APPLICATIONS FOR A PERSON'S BLOOD TYPE TO APPEAR ON A SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD, AND PROVIDE A CAUSE OF ACTION BASED ON INACCURATE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON IDENTIFICATION CARDS OR DRIVERS' RECORDS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "RENTAL TRAILER"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-785, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF PERMANENT LICENSE PLATES TO CERTAIN OWNERS OF TRAILERS AND SEMI TRAILERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSE PLATES TO OWNERS OF RENTAL TRAILERS, AND MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-2320, RELATING TO DEALER AND WHOLESALER LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLE SALES THAT MUST BE MADE BEFORE DEALER PLATES MAY BE ISSUED; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-15-560, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR WHOLESALE MOTOR VEHICLE AUCTION LICENSES AND FEES, SO AS TO REVISE EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE LICENSES AND INCREASE THE LICENSE FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "BUS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-23-85, RELATING TO DRIVER INSTRUCTOR PERMITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE PERMITS AND PROVIDE A SCHEDULE OF FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-37-30, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POINTS SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING PERFORMANCE RECORDS OF DEALERS, SO AS TO ELIMINATE CERTAIN CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN POINT VIOLATIONS AND ADD ADDITIONAL CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN POINT VIOLATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-37-70, RELATING TO SUSPENSIONS OF LICENSES, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "CERTIFIED" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "NORMAL."
The Committee on Education and Public Works proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3856 (Word version) (LC-3856.CM0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 9, by striking Section 56-37-30(B)(6) and (7) and inserting:
(6) incorrect name and address of the person a vehicle was acquired from or transferred to; or
(7) inability to provide an account for a dealer, transporter, or wholesale auto auction plate; or.
(8) issuance of a second temporary plate to a purchaser without prior authorization by the department.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 9, by striking Section 56-37-30(C)(4) and inserting:
(4) issuance of any temporary license plate to a person not authorized to have the plate;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 9, Section 56-37-30, by striking 56-37-30(C)(5) and inserting:
(4) misuse of dealer, transporter, or wholesale auto auction plate; and
Amend the bill further, SECTION 9, by striking Section 56-37-30(D)(8), (9), (10), and (11) and inserting:
(8) failure to remit any state-owed fees within the time period prescribed by law to the department; and
(9) conviction by the licensee involving acquisition or transfer of a title to a vehicle ;
(10)(9) conviction by the licensee of a criminal offense or judgment in a civil case in which there is fraud connected to the sale or transfer of a vehicle; issuance of any temporary license plate to a person not authorized to have the plate. and
(11) use of fraudulent methods or practices.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 10, by striking Section 56-37-70(C) and inserting:
(C) The department must suspend the license of any dealer for three years upon the third accumulation of twelve points within a three-year period. Dealers may not reapply for any kind of dealer license for three years after the last issued points. Should the provisions of this subsection apply, then the department may deny applications for any type of dealer license when the applicant is a member of the immediate family of the suspended dealer. The department shall notify the licensee or applicant by certifiednormal mail or certified mail with electronic tracking at the mailing address provided in his application of its intention to suspend his license at least thirty days in advance and shall provide the licensee an opportunity for a contested case hearing before the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings pursuant to its rules of procedure and the Administrative Procedures Act of this State. A licensee desiring a contested case hearing must request the hearing in writing within thirty days of receiving notice of the proposed suspension of his dealer's or wholesaler's license. Should the dealer not request a contested case hearing from the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings within thirty days of receiving notice of the proposed suspension, then the suspension of the dealer license must go into effect. If the dealer requests a contested case hearing from the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings within thirty days of receiving notice of the proposed suspension, then the dealer may continue to operate until the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings makes a final ruling in the contested case. Upon the suspension of a license, the licensee shall immediately return to the department the license and all dealer license plates.
Amend the bill further, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:
SECTION X. Section 56-3-1010(1) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(1) "Fleet" means fifty or more marked private passenger motor vehicles or property carrying vehicles with empty weight of not more than twenty-two thousand pounds and a gross vehicle weight of not more than twenty-six thousand pounds, owned or long-term leased by a corporation or other legal entity, and registered in this State pursuant to this article. A rental company as defined in Section 56-31-20 is not required to have marked vehicles as a part of the "Fleet" definition.
SECTION X. Section 56-1-15 (C), (D), and (E) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(C) The department must randomly test driver's license applicants who successfully complete the driver's license examination pursuant to subsection (A) to ensure that the driver's license instructors are properly certifying that their students have successfully completed a driver's license examination.
(D)(C) If through testing or other review procedures, the department determines that a contractor is not conforming to the law and regulations applicable to licensing, it may:
(1) suspend the authority of a particular individual or entity operating under the contract to administer the tests;
(2) suspend the contract;
(3) cancel the contract.
(E) The department must test randomly a driver's license applicant only at the time the applicant is seeking his initial driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. GILLIAM explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. GILLIAM explained the Bill.
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 Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Landing Lawson Ligon Long Luck Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Rivers Robbins Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Taylor Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
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. 3856 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3768 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, Gatch, Robbins, Schuessler and Sessions: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ACT 36 OF 2019, RELATING TO HIGHWAY SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION, SO AS TO CHANGE THE SUNSET EXPIRATION PROVISION TO JULY 1, 2031.
Rep. VAUGHAN explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Luck Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Rivers Robbins Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill 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. 3768 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3801 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Willis and Crawford: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 11-35-710, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO ADD PLANNING FOR REPAIRS TO BRIDGES, HIGHWAYS, ROADS, AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS ON THE STATE'S RIGHTS OF WAY TO THE LIST OF EXEMPTIONS AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS.
Rep. VAUGHAN explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Landing Lawson Ligon Long Luck Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore Morgan Moss Neese W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
April 8, 2025
The Honorable G. Murrell Smith Jr.
506 Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29201
Dear Speaker Smith,
I am notifying you in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. Section 8-13-700 that I will not participate in the vote on H. 3801 (Word version) relating to amending S.C. Code Ann. Section 11-35-710 regarding exemptions from the State Procurement Code, so as to add planning for repairs to bridges, highways, boats, roads, and other improvements on the State's rights of way to the list of exemptions and to provide certain exceptions. I will abstain from this vote because of a potential conflict of interest as an economic interest of myself and the business with which I am associated may be affected. Please note this in the House Journal.
Sincerely,
Representative Roger Kirby
House District Number 101
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 3801 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3863 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, M. M. Smith, Rivers, Henderson-Myers, Waters and Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA STEM OPPORTUNITY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 17 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 13, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) COALITION, THE SOUTH CAROLINA SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) EDUCATION FUND WITHIN THE STATE TREASURY, AND THE SC STEM COALITION ADVISORY COUNCIL, AND TO PROVIDE THEIR RESPECTIVE PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS.
The Committee on Education and Public Works proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3863 (Word version) (LC-3863.WAB0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 13-1-2240(4) and inserting:
(4) ensure the development of a South Carolina STEM workforce with better access to competitive employment opportunities and recognize the diverse pathways through which women and men may enter STEM fields including the consideration of nontraditional academic experiences, community-based learning, and career technical education;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 13-1-2240(13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), and (19) and inserting:
(13) assist public school districts in developing and implementing a comprehensive merit-based plan to give all public school students equal access to STEM programs;
(13)(14) promote business and industry involvement in the actions and activities of the coalition;
(14)(15) develop and maintain a statewide database of STEM education assets;
(15)(16) perform gap analysis and assessments to identify industry and business needs and the resulting requirements for teacher professional development activities and initiatives;
(16)(17) support high quality professional learning focused on career readiness and talent development and provide other assistance for educators and students;
(17)(18) engage business and industry in support of STEM activities for schools to enhance career readiness;
(18)(19) develop and maintain statewide, regional, and national partnerships with not-for-profit, STEM missioned entities to promote STEM learning and career opportunities in underserved communities; and
(20) create STEM career development programs to include leadership training, mentorship programs, and work-life balance initiatives to encourage male and female students in STEM fields;
(21) foster the development of all female and male students in an environment that minimizes bias and harassment and encourages the merit-based development of all women and men; and
(19)(20) annually before July first report appropriate outcomes and measures of the impact of the coalition to these entities:
(a) the Office of the Governor through the Department of Employment and Workforce;
(b) the State Superintendent of Education;
(c) the General Assembly through the Senate Education Committee and the House Education and Public Works Committee;
(d) the Education Oversight Committee; and
(e) the advisory council.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. ERICKSON explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The question recurred to the passage of the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Luck Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell J. 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 Taylor Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
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. 3863 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3201 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, Erickson, Pope, Spann-Wilder, Pedalino, Forrest, Cobb-Hunter, Rivers and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION INITIATIVE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-250 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS THROUGH THE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION PLAN AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFERS AT LEAST ONE COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE THAT MEETS CERTAIN CRITERIA, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Rep. ERICKSON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3578 (Word version) -- Reps. Rivers, Spann-Wilder, Pedalino, Cobb-Hunter, Atkinson, McDaniel, M. M. Smith, Schuessler, Henderson-Myers, Gilliard, Waters, Garvin, Williams and Reese: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-29-15, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT CURSIVE WRITING BE TAUGHT IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, SO AS TO SPECIFY THAT THE CURSIVE WRITING INSTRUCTION MUST BEGIN IN SECOND GRADE AND CONTINUE IN EACH GRADE THROUGH FIFTH GRADE.
The Committee on Education and Public Works proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3578 (Word version) (LC-3578.WAB0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-29-15(A)(1) and inserting:
(1) provide instruction in cursive writing beginning in secondthird grade and continuing in third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade to ensure that students can create readable documents through legible cursive handwriting by the end of fifth grade; and
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. ERICKSON explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The question recurred to the passage of the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliard Gilreath Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Luck Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
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. 3578 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3831 (Word version) -- Reps. Lawson, Hayes, Sessions, T. Moore, McCravy, Guffey, Chapman, M. M. Smith, Gagnon, Martin, Moss, Duncan, Sanders, Grant, Howard, Bauer, Pedalino, Robbins, Schuessler, Rivers and Waters: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SMART HEART ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-17-165 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN IN EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-17-155, RELATING TO THE AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR PROGRAM IN HIGH SCHOOLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL ENSURE THE PRESENCE OF AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR ONSITE AND WITHIN CERTAIN PROXIMITY OF SCHOOL ATHLETIC VENUES, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED TESTING, MAINTENANCE, AND PERSONNEL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.
The Committee on Education and Public Works proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3831 (Word version) (LC-3831.WAB0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3, by striking Section 59-17-155(E) and inserting:
(D)(E) The Department of AdministrationState Fiscal Accountability Authority may establish a state contract for the purchase of automated external defibrillatorsAED.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. ERICKSON explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. ERICKSON explained the Bill.
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 Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. 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 Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
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. 3831 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3058 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, Pope, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, Taylor, Cobb-Hunter, Govan, Erickson, Bradley and Guffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-330 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS FOR THE OFFENSE OF INTENTIONALLY DISSEMINATING INTIMATE IMAGES OR DIGITALLY FORGED INTIMATE IMAGES WITHOUT EFFECTIVE CONSENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-332 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF INTENTIONALLY DISSEMINATING INTIMATE IMAGES OR DIGITALLY FORGED INTIMATE IMAGES WITHOUT EFFECTIVE CONSENT, TO PROVIDE GRADUATED PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Rep. BRITTAIN moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3285 (Word version) -- Reps. Landing, Spann-Wilder, Garvin, Cobb-Hunter, Henderson-Myers, Hartnett, Bustos, J. L. Johnson, Teeple, Wickensimer, M. M. Smith, Davis, Holman, Waters, Rivers and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-23-57 SO AS TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE CONTINUING LAW ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION CREDITS IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-61-80, RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM MUST INCLUDE COURSES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.
Rep. BRITTAIN explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin Kirby Landing Ligon Long Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell J. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill 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. 3285 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3569 (Word version) -- Reps. M. M. Smith, Pope, Davis, Cobb-Hunter, Wetmore, Henderson-Myers, Erickson, Rivers and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 27-40-350 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RESIDENTIAL TENANTS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF CERTAIN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES MAY TERMINATE A RENTAL AGREEMENT AND TO PROVIDE FOR NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 27-40-210, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3569 (Word version) (LC-3569.SA0001H):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 27-40-350(D)(1) and inserting:
(1) may not require or force the protected tenant to vacate the residence before the expiration of the thirty sixty days authorized by this section, but may enter into an agreement with the protected tenant to terminate the protected tenant's obligations under a rental agreement earlier than what is required pursuant to this section; and
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, Section 27-40-350, by adding a subsection to read:
(G) A landlord or property owner who acts in good faith in reliance upon documentation provided by a protected tenant to establish a "qualifying incident" under Section 27-40-210(20), may not be held liable for terminating or modifying a lease under this section.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. BERNSTEIN explained the amendment.
Rep. BERNSTEIN spoke in favor of the amendment.
Rep. M. M. SMITH moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
Further proceedings were interrupted by expiration of time on the uncontested Calendar.
Rep. M. M. SMITH moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3201 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, Erickson, Pope, Spann-Wilder, Pedalino, Forrest, Cobb-Hunter, Rivers and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION INITIATIVE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-250 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS THROUGH THE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION PLAN AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFERS AT LEAST ONE COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE THAT MEETS CERTAIN CRITERIA, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Rep. ERICKSON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3058 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, Pope, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, Taylor, Cobb-Hunter, Govan, Erickson, Bradley and Guffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-330 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS FOR THE OFFENSE OF INTENTIONALLY DISSEMINATING INTIMATE IMAGES OR DIGITALLY FORGED INTIMATE IMAGES WITHOUT EFFECTIVE CONSENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-332 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF INTENTIONALLY DISSEMINATING INTIMATE IMAGES OR DIGITALLY FORGED INTIMATE IMAGES WITHOUT EFFECTIVE CONSENT, TO PROVIDE GRADUATED PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Rep. BRITTAIN moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3569 (Word version) -- Reps. M. M. Smith, Pope, Davis, Cobb-Hunter, Wetmore, Henderson-Myers, Erickson, Rivers and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 27-40-350 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RESIDENTIAL TENANTS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF CERTAIN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES MAY TERMINATE A RENTAL AGREEMENT AND TO PROVIDE FOR NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 27-40-210, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1o H. 3569 (Word version) (LC-3569.SA0001H):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 27-40-350(D)(1) and inserting:
(1) may not require or force the protected tenant to vacate the residence before the expiration of the thirty sixty days authorized by this section, but may enter into an agreement with the protected tenant to terminate the protected tenant's obligations under a rental agreement earlier than what is required pursuant to this section; and
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, Section 27-40-350, by adding a subsection to read:
(G) A landlord or property owner who acts in good faith in reliance upon documentation provided by a protected tenant to establish a "qualifying incident" under Section 27-40-210(20), may not be held liable for terminating or modifying a lease under this section.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. M. M. SMITH spoke in favor of the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The question recurred to the passage of the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Magnuson May McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
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. 3569 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3930 (Word version) -- Reps. B. J. Cox, G. M. Smith, T. Moore, Hiott, B. Newton, Neese, Sessions, Edgerton, Beach, B. L. Cox, Hardee, Montgomery, M. M. Smith, Holman, Willis, Lawson, Hager, McGinnis, Vaughan, Burns, Frank, Davis, White, Caskey, Wickensimer, Hartnett, Rankin, Magnuson, Guffey, Kilmartin, Haddon, Schuessler, Cromer, Gilreath, Long, Oremus, Hartz, Pope, Mitchell, Yow, Forrest, Hixon, Taylor, W. Newton, Teeple and Pedalino: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SECOND AMENDMENT FINANCIAL PRIVACY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23 SO AS TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, TO PROVIDE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES NO GOVERNMENT ENTITY SHALL KNOWINGLY KEEP A RECORD OF PRIVATELY OWNED FIREARMS OR THEIR OWNERS AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
Rep. BRITTAIN explained the Bill.
Reps. HART, BAMBERG, J. MOORE, HOWARD, ANDERSON, GRANT, GOVAN, MCDANIEL, CLYBURN, HOSEY, KING, GARVIN, HENDERSON-MYERS, RIVERS, SPANN-WILDER, JONES, GIBSON, JORDAN, FORREST, HIXON, LIGON, GILLIARD, WILLIAMS and HADDON requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4160 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, G. M. Smith, Jordan, Caskey, Bannister, Pope, Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-5-610, RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF THE STATE INTO SIXTEEN JUDICIAL CIRCUITS, THE NUMBER OF JUDGES TO BE ELECTED FROM EACH CIRCUIT, AND THE ELECTION OF AT-LARGE JUDGES WITHOUT REGARD TO COUNTY OR CIRCUIT OF RESIDENCE, SO AS TO CONVERT FIVE AT-LARGE CIRCUIT COURT SEATS TO RESIDENT SEATS IN THE THIRD, SEVENTH, NINTH, ELEVENTH, AND TWELFTH CIRCUITS.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 4160 (Word version) (LC-4160.AHB0001H), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Section 14-5-610 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 14-5-610. (A) The State is divided into sixteen judicial circuits as follows:
(1) The first circuit is composed of the counties of Calhoun, Dorchester, and Orangeburg.
(2) The second circuit is composed of the counties of Aiken, Bamberg, and Barnwell.
(3) The third circuit is composed of the counties of Clarendon, Lee, Sumter, and Williamsburg.
(4) The fourth circuit is composed of the counties of Chesterfield, Darlington, Marlboro, and Dillon.
(5) The fifth circuit is composed of the counties of Kershaw and Richland.
(6) The sixth circuit is composed of the counties of Chester, Lancaster, and Fairfield.
(7) The seventh circuit is composed of the counties of Cherokee and Spartanburg.
(8) The eighth circuit is composed of the counties of Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry.
(9) The ninth circuit is composed of the counties of Charleston and Berkeley.
(10) The tenth circuit is composed of the counties of Anderson and Oconee.
(11) The eleventh circuit is composed of the counties of Lexington, McCormick, Saluda, and Edgefield.
(12) The twelfth circuit is composed of the counties of Florence and Marion.
(13) The thirteenth circuit is composed of the counties of Greenville and Pickens.
(14) The fourteenth circuit is composed of the counties of Allendale, Hampton, Colleton, Jasper, and Beaufort.
(15) The fifteenth circuit is composed of the counties of Georgetown and Horry.
(16) The sixteenth circuit is composed of the counties of York and Union.
(B) One judge must be elected from the sixth and twelfth circuitscircuit. Two judges must be elected from the first, second, third, fourth, seventh, eighth, tenth, eleventh, and sixteenth circuits. Three judges must be elected from the first, third, fifth, seventh, eleventh, twelfth, fourteenth, and fifteenth circuits. Four judges must be elected from the ninth and thirteenth circuits. Five judges must be elected from the fifth, ninth, and thirteenth circuits.
(C) In addition to the above judges authorized by this section, there must be sixteensix additional circuit judges elected by the General Assembly from the State at large for terms of office of six years. These additional judges must be elected without regard to county or circuit of residence. Each office of the at-large judges is a separate office and is assigned numerical designations of Seat No. 1 through Seat No. 166, respectively.
SECTION 2. (A) Upon the effective date of this act:
(1) At-large Circuit Court Seat 1 is converted to a resident seat and designated Third Circuit Court Seat 3;
(2) At-large Circuit Court Seat 4 is converted to a resident seat and designated Thirteen Circuit Court Seat 5;
(3) At-large Circuit Court Seats 6 and 12 are converted to resident seats and designated Twelfth Circuit Court Seats 2 and 3, respectively;
(4) At-large Circuit Court Seats 8 and 10 are converted to resident seats and designated Fifth Circuit Court Seats 4 and 5, respectively;
(5) At-large Circuit Court Seat 9 is converted to a resident seat and designated Ninth Circuit Court Seat 5;
(6) At-large Circuit Court Seat 13 is converted to a resident seat and designated Eleventh Circuit Court Seat 3;
(7) At-large Circuit Court Seat 14 is converted to a resident seat and designated Seventh Circuit Seat 3;
(8) At-large Circuit Court Seat 15 is converted to a resident seat and designated First Circuit Court Seat 3.
(B) Nothing in this act may be construed to require a judge currently serving in an at-large circuit court seat which is converted to a resident circuit court seat pursuant to this act to undergo additional screening until the end of the term for which they were screened and duly elected to an at-large circuit court seat.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. JORDAN moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.
Rep. W. NEWTON proposed the following Amendment No. 2 to H. 4160 (Word version) (LC-4160.AHB0004H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Section 14-5-610 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 14-5-610. (A) The State is divided into sixteen judicial circuits as follows:
(1) The first circuit is composed of the counties of Calhoun, Dorchester, and Orangeburg.
(2) The second circuit is composed of the counties of Aiken, Bamberg, and Barnwell.
(3) The third circuit is composed of the counties of Clarendon, Lee, Sumter, and Williamsburg.
(4) The fourth circuit is composed of the counties of Chesterfield, Darlington, Marlboro, and Dillon.
(5) The fifth circuit is composed of the counties of Kershaw and Richland.
(6) The sixth circuit is composed of the counties of Chester, Lancaster, and Fairfield.
(7) The seventh circuit is composed of the counties of Cherokee and Spartanburg.
(8) The eighth circuit is composed of the counties of Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry.
(9) The ninth circuit is composed of the counties of Charleston and Berkeley.
(10) The tenth circuit is composed of the counties of Anderson and Oconee.
(11) The eleventh circuit is composed of the counties of Lexington, McCormick, Saluda, and Edgefield.
(12) The twelfth circuit is composed of the counties of Florence and Marion.
(13) The thirteenth circuit is composed of the counties of Greenville and Pickens.
(14) The fourteenth circuit is composed of the counties of Allendale, Hampton, Colleton, Jasper, and Beaufort.
(15) The fifteenth circuit is composed of the counties of Georgetown and Horry.
(16) The sixteenth circuit is composed of the counties of York and Union.
(B) One judge must be elected from the sixth and twelfth circuitscircuit. Two judges must be elected from the first, second, third, fourth, seventh, eighth, tenth, eleventh, and sixteenth circuits. Three judges must be elected from the third, fifth, seventh, eleventh, twelfth, fourteenth, and fifteenth circuits. Four judges must be elected from the ninth and thirteenth circuits. Five judges must be elected from the fifth, ninth, and thirteenth circuits.
(C) In addition to the above judges authorized by this section, there must be sixteenseven additional circuit judges elected by the General Assembly from the State at large for terms of office of six years. These additional judges must be elected without regard to county or circuit of residence. Each office of the at-large judges is a separate office and is assigned numerical designations of Seat No. 1 through Seat No. 167, respectively.
SECTION 2. (A) Upon the effective date of this act:
(1) At-large Circuit Court Seat 1 is converted to a resident seat and designated Third Circuit Court Seat 3;
(2) At-large Circuit Court Seat 4 is converted to a resident seat and designated Thirteen Circuit Court Seat 5;
(3) At-large Circuit Court Seats 6 and 12 are converted to resident seats and designated Twelfth Circuit Court Seats 2 and 3, respectively;
(4) At-large Circuit Court Seats 8 and 10 are converted to resident seats and designated Fifth Circuit Court Seats 4 and 5, respectively;
(5) At-large Circuit Court Seat 9 is converted to a resident seat and designated Ninth Circuit Court Seat 5;
(6) At-large Circuit Court Seat 13 is converted to a resident seat and designated Eleventh Circuit Court Seat 3; and
(7) At-large Circuit Court Seat 14 is converted to a resident seat and designated Seventh Circuit Seat 3.
(B) Nothing in this act may be construed to require a judge currently serving in an at-large circuit court seat which is converted to a resident circuit court seat pursuant to this act to undergo additional screening until the end of the term for which they were screened and duly elected to an at-large circuit court seat.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. JORDAN explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The question recurred to the passage of the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore Morgan Moss Neese 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 Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
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. 4160 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The following Bill was taken up:
S. 126 (Word version) -- Senator Johnson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 30-2-500, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN THE DEFINITION OF "PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION" AND TO DEFINE "DISCLOSED RECORDS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 30-2-510, RELATING TO OPTIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO MAKE PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL; EXCEPTIONS; PROCEDURES, SO AS TO RESTRICT PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION IN A DISCLOSED RECORD FROM A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INTERNET WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY OR OPERATED ON BEHALF OF A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION RESTRICTED FROM DISCLOSED RECORDS UNDER THIS SECTION MUST REMAIN WITHIN THE OFFICIAL RECORD HELD OR MAINTAINED BY A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY, AND TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 30-2-515 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PETITION TO COURT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE ARTICLE AND TO PREVENT LIABILITY FROM ACCRUING TO A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE OR THE EMPLOYEE'S AGENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 30-2-700, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN THE DEFINITION OF "PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION" AND TO DEFINE "DISCLOSED RECORDS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 30-2-710, RELATING TO OPTIONS FOR JUDGES TO MAKE PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL; EXCEPTIONS; PROCEDURES, SO AS TO RESTRICT PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION IN A DISCLOSED RECORD FROM A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INTERNET WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY OR OPERATED ON BEHALF OF A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION RESTRICTED FROM DISCLOSED RECORDS UNDER THIS SECTION MUST REMAIN WITHIN THE OFFICIAL RECORD HELD OR MAINTAINED BY A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY, AND TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 30-2-715 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PETITION TO COURT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE ARTICLE AND TO PREVENT LIABILITY FROM ACCRUING TO A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE OR THE EMPLOYEE'S AGENTS; TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY TO COLLABORATE IN THE CREATION OF THE DESIGNATED FORM FOR A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND FOR A JUDGE TO USE TO REQUEST THE RESTRICTION OF PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION IN DISCLOSED RECORDS; AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Rep. JORDAN moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Wednesday, April 9, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3924 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, W. Newton, Erickson, Neese, Hager, Bannister, Herbkersman, M. M. Smith, Pedalino, Mitchell, Bustos, Lawson, Guffey, Hiott, Taylor, Ballentine, Vaughan, White, Long, Ligon, Guest, Gilliam, Hartnett, Bailey, Landing, B. J. Cox, Hayes, Atkinson, Willis, Lowe, T. Moore, Davis, Hixon, Martin, Pope, Henderson-Myers and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 56 TO TITLE 46 SO AS TO REGULATE THE SALE OF HEMP-DERIVED CONSUMABLES, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Reps. J. E. JOHNSON, W. NEWTON, JORDAN, BAMBERG, MONTGOMERY, MAGNUSON, DUNCAN, M. M. SMITH, KIRBY, HEWITT, COBB-HUNTER, GRANT, HART, KING, HAGER, GARVIN, GILLIAM, RANKIN, GOVAN, MITCHELL, BRITTAIN, WEEKS, ANDERSON and GILLIARD requested debate on the Bill.
The following Joint Resolution was taken up:
S. 291 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Bennett and Cromer: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUING AUTHORITY TO PAY THE EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT IF THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR BEGINS WITHOUT A GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 HAVING BEEN ENACTED, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.
Rep. COBB-HUNTER explained the Joint Resolution.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. 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 Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Joint Resolution was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on S. 291 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Bruce Bannister
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on S. 291 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
Further proceedings were interrupted by expiration of time on the uncontested Calendar.
Rep. COLLINS moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3201 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, Erickson, Pope, Spann-Wilder, Pedalino, Forrest, Cobb-Hunter, Rivers and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION INITIATIVE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-250 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS THROUGH THE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION PLAN AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFERS AT LEAST ONE COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE THAT MEETS CERTAIN CRITERIA, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3058 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, Pope, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, Taylor, Cobb-Hunter, Govan, Erickson, Bradley and Guffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-330 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS FOR THE OFFENSE OF INTENTIONALLY DISSEMINATING INTIMATE IMAGES OR DIGITALLY FORGED INTIMATE IMAGES WITHOUT EFFECTIVE CONSENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-332 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF INTENTIONALLY DISSEMINATING INTIMATE IMAGES OR DIGITALLY FORGED INTIMATE IMAGES WITHOUT EFFECTIVE CONSENT, TO PROVIDE GRADUATED PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3841 (Word version) -- Reps. Hewitt, B. Newton, Yow, Hardee, Bailey, M. M. Smith, Teeple, Kirby, Bustos, Landing, Brewer, Hartnett, Lawson, Davis, Murphy and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-43-220, RELATING TO ASSESSMENT RATIOS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, PROPERTY RECEIVING THE FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO SHALL CONTINUE AT FOUR PERCENT WHEN THE OWNER DIES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-460 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS SHALL CONTINUE TO APPLY WHEN THE OWNER DIES.
Rep. COLLINS explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill 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. 3841 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
The SPEAKER granted Rep. EDGERTON a temporary leave of absence.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3869 (Word version) -- Rep. Bannister: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR USE IN PERISHABLE PREPARED FOOD MANUFACTURING FACILITIES.
Rep. B. NEWTON explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Bernstein Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Davis Dillard Erickson Gagnon Garvin Gilliard Govan Grant Guest Hager Hardee Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Holman Hosey Howard J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan King Kirby Landing Ligon Long Lowe Luck McDaniel Montgomery J. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Pope Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Spann-Wilder Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore Wickensimer Williams Willis
Those who voted in the negative are:
Bailey Beach Bowers Cromer Duncan Forrest Frank Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Harris Huff Kilmartin Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McGinnis Morgan Oremus Pace Rankin Terribile White Whitmire
So, the Bill 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. 3869 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Charles Hartz
Rep. HIOTT moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
At 1:56 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. BOWERS, adjourned in memory of Ernest "Dude" McAbee, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
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