NO. 10
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Psalm 25:4-5
`The Psalmist writes to us, saying: "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
My friends, bow with me as we pray: Gracious God, these are incredibly challenging days we find ourselves living in. It is more apparent than ever that we need Your divine guidance in addition to Your blessings. Therefore, Lord, we call upon You to walk with each of these Senators and their aides over the days and weeks ahead as they in turn do their very best to lead the people of South Carolina. May each one of these servants consistently act in accord with the lessons You have taught to all who serve You, and may the results resound in hope. And through everything that this Body does, O God, allow the good people of this State we love to benefit. All this we pray in Your loving name, dear Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
Senator PEELER moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Adams Alexander Bennett Blackmon Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Matthews Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Walker Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Initial Appointment, Director of Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, with term coterminous with Governor
Director:
Jake Gadsden, Jr., 914 Stradley Lane, Chapin, SC 29036-7130 VICE Jerry Adger (Resigned)
Referred to the Committee on Corrections and Penology.
Initial Appointment, Office of State Workforce Development, with term coterminous with Governor
Director:
Rebecca Battle-Bryant, 3198 Princess Pond Road, Summerton, SC 29148-7293 VICE New Position
Referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, with term coterminous with Governor
Director:
Myra Reece, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201-1708 VICE New Position
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Department of Public Health, with term coterminous with Governor
Director:
Edward D. Simmer, 2100 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201-2104 VICE New Position
Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
Senator GRAHAM introduced Dr. Chris Yeakel of Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
On motion of Senator JACKSON, at 12:11 P.M., Senator ALLEN was granted a leave of absence until 1:00 P.M.
On motion of Senator DEVINE, at 3:14 P.M., Senator MATTHEWS was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
On motion of Senator GOLDFINCH, at 3:14 P.M., Senator GAMBRELL was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
On motion of Senator GOLDFINCH, at 3:14 P.M., Senator MARTIN was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
Senator DAVIS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator DAVIS, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 5 (Word version) Sen. Fernandez
S. 50 (Word version) Sen. Rice
S. 52 (Word version) Sens. Cash, Gambrell, Grooms, Jackson and Devine
S. 207 (Word version) Sen. Zell
S. 227 (Word version) Sen. Kimbrell
S. 244 (Word version) Sen. Cromer
S. 193 (Word version) -- Senators Reichenbach, Sabb and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF CASHUA DRIVE IN THE CITY OF FLORENCE IN FLORENCE COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SECOND LOOP ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 76 "CURTIS KERSHAW SUMMERFORD MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
S. 226 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SKILLSUSA FOR ITS EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT AMERICA HAS A SKILLED WORKFORCE AND TO DECLARE FEBRUARY 2-8, 2025, AS "SKILLSUSA WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Senator DAVIS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Senator DAVIS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Resolution.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Resolution was adopted.
H. 3723 (Word version) -- Reps. M.M. Smith, G.M. Smith, Pope, Hiott, 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, 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, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Weeks, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE WEEK OF JANUARY 19 THROUGH JANUARY 25, 2025, AS NATIONAL MEDICOLEGAL DEATH INVESTIGATION PROFESSIONALS WEEK IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN HONOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CORONERS' ASSOCIATION AND THE CORONERS, DEPUTY CORONERS, AND MEDICOLEGAL DEATH INVESTIGATION PROFESSIONALS WHO SERVE OUR CITIZENS EVERY DAY.
Senator RANKIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Judiciary.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator RANKIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Concurrent Resolution up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Concurrent Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Concurrent Resolution.
On motion of Senator RANKIN, the Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the House.
H. 3727 (Word version) -- Rep. W. Newton: A BILL TO ADOPT REVISED CODE VOLUME 9 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS, TO THE EXTENT OF ITS CONTENTS, AS THE ONLY GENERAL PERMANENT STATUTORY LAW OF THE STATE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2025.
Senator RANKIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Judiciary.
The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Judiciary and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
The following were introduced:
S. 262 (Word version) -- Senator Goldfinch: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE RUSSELL GLOVER FOR HIS INDUCTION INTO THE SOUTH CAROLINA GOLF HALL OF FAME.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 263 (Word version) -- Senator Williams: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE WILLIAM "DONNY" BROCK UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 264 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Climer, Ott, Johnson and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-160 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY MAY NOT BE ANNEXED BY A MUNICIPALITY WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN AGREEMENT OF THE OWNER.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 265 (Word version) -- Senator Jackson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF MRS. MARY FRANCES HUGHES OF RICHLAND COUNTY, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 266 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE SELLING PROVIDER HAVE THEIR PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 267 (Word version) -- Senator Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-7-920, RELATING TO COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP, SO AS TO RECONFIGURE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION AND TO ADD THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS A NON-VOTING ADVISORY MEMBER; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-7-940, RELATING TO DUTIES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 24-3-550, RELATING TO WITNESSES AT A STATE EXECUTION, SO AS TO ADD THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR HIS DESIGNEE TO THOSE WHO MAY BE PRESENT AT A STATE EXECUTION.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 268 (Word version) -- Senator Bennett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 80 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COVERED ONLINE SERVICE SHALL TAKE CARE IN THE USE OF A MINOR'S PERSONAL DATA AND IN THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICE TO PREVENT HARM TO MINORS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ONLINE SERVICE MUST PROVIDE MINORS WITH EASILY ACCESSIBLE TOOLS TO LIMIT TIME SPENT ON THE SERVICE AND PROTECT PERSONAL DATA, TO PROVIDE LIMITS ON HOW MUCH OF A MINOR'S DATA THE SERVICE MAY COLLECT AND RESTRICT THE USE OF SUCH DATA, TO PROVIDE THAT ONLINE SERVICES MUST OFFER PARENTS TOOLS TO HELP THEM PROTECT MINORS USING THE SERVICE AND TO ENABLE THEM TO REPORT HARMS TO MINORS ON ONLINE SERVICES, TO PROVIDE THAT ONLINE SERVICES MUST ISSUE A PUBLIC REPORT ON THE SERVICE'S PRACTICES PERTAINING TO MINORS, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 269 (Word version) -- Senators Turner and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-275 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH MORE THAN FIFTEEN THOUSAND STUDENTS MAY USE SECURITY PERONNEL LICENSED AS A PROPRIETARY SECURITY BUSINESS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-18-60, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF A LICENSEE, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS CONCERNING PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS APPLYING FOR LICENSURE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-18-80, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF APPLICANTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION SHALL IMPLEMENT CERTAIN RELATED TRAINING REQUIREMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-18-140, RELATING TO EXCEPTIONS FROM APPLICATIONS OF THIS CHAPTER, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE EXCLUDED FROM THESE REQUIREMENTS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 270 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Hembree and Adams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-29, RELATING TO ATTEMPTED MURDER, SO AS TO DEFINE ATTEMPTED MURDER AS COMMITTING AN UNLAWFUL ACT OF A VIOLENT NATURE THAT CAUSES INJURY TO ANOTHER WITH MALICE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 271 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin and Hutto: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND THE PROVISION IN SECTION 58-3-20(C) THAT PROHIBITS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM HOLDING AN ELECTION UNTIL A FINAL DETERMINATION IS MADE BY THE COURTS REGARDING ITS REVIEW OF CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 272 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "STATE EMPLOYMENT SKILLS-BASED HIRING ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 8-11-188 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES TO CONDUCT PERIODIC REVIEWS OF THE EDUCATIONAL, EXPERIENTIAL, AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS WITH A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON WHETHER A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE IS NECESSARY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES SHALL REDUCE THE REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES SHALL REPORT ITS ACTIONS PURSUANT TO THIS ACT; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE FIRST PERIODIC REVIEW SHALL COMMENCE WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 273 (Word version) -- Senator Devine: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3830 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR A GROCER THAT OPENS A NEW LOCATION IN A FOOD DESERT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX SO AS TO PROVIDE A SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PURCHASES MADE BY A GROCER THAT OPERATES A NEW STORE LOCATED IN A FOOD DESERT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 274 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 41-35-40, RELATING TO THE WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT AMOUNT, SO AS TO SET THE MAXIMUM WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT AT THREE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS AND TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE MAXIMUM WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT BE PUBLISHED ON THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE WEBSITE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 275 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-27-10, RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEFINITIONS SO AS TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND CHARGING STATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-27-1060, RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ELECTRIC UTILITY OR OTHER PROVIDER THAT OFFERS AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION DIRECTLY TO THE PUBLIC SHALL DO SO ON A NON-DISCRIMINATORY BASIS UNDER THE SAME FEES AND CONDITIONS OFFERED TO PRIVATE PROVIDERS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS; AND TO REGULATE REVENUE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 276 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-400, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM ACT, SO AS TO RENAME THE ACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT NETWORK; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-410, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-420, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
S. 277 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-39-410, RELATING TO PROPERTY THAT MAY BE ORDERED TO BE APPLIED TOWARD THE SATISFACTION OF A JUDGMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, INSTEAD OF A COMPLETE EXEMPTION OF THE EARNINGS OF A JUDGMENT DEBTOR FOR HIS PERSONAL SERVICES, ONLY SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE EARNINGS OF THE DEBTOR FOR HIS PERSONAL SERVICES CANNOT BE APPLIED, AND THAT THE EARNINGS OF THE JUDGMENT DEBTOR FOR HIS PERSONAL SERVICES TO BE WITHHELD MAY NOT EXCEED THE LIMITS SET FORTH BY THE FEDERAL CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 278 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-11-10, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, SO AS TO MOVE THE PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-11-20, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF OFFICES, DIVISIONS, OTHER AND AGENCIES FROM THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO APPROPRIATE ENTITIES, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION FROM THE STATE FISCAL AFFAIRS AUTHORITY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 11-35-310, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 279 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: 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.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 280 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-6540, RELATING TO THE ADMISSIBILITY AS EVIDENCE OF NEGLIGENCE IN A CIVIL ACTION REGARDING THE USE OF SAFETY BELTS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT A VIOLATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO SAFETY BELTS IS NOT NEGLIGENCE PER SE OR CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE, AND TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT A VIOLATION IS NOT ADMISSIBLE AS EVIDENCE IN A CIVIL ACTION.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 281 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-29-120(B), RELATING TO TOPICS OF STUDY ON VETERANS DAY AND ATTENDANCE AT VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES, SO AS TO REQUIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THIS STATE TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE HOUR OF INSTRUCTION ON NOVEMBER ELEVENTH ON THE HISTORY AND MEANING OF VETERANS DAY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 282 (Word version) -- Senator Zell: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE CLARENDON COUNTY AERONAUTICS COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CLARENDON COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
S. 283 (Word version) -- Senator Sabb: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE ERNESTINE BOSTICK BRUNSON ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
H. 3788 (Word version) -- Reps. Hartz, 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, 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 DR. DOUGLAS E. "DOUG" HOLFORD, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER FORTY-TWO YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
H. 3789 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson, 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. 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 MS. GENEVIEVE JORDAN SMITH FOR HER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO AND PARTICIPATION IN THE HORRY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., AND TO CONGRATULATE HER UPON BEING NAMED THE COOPERATIVE'S 2025 LADY OF THE YEAR.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
Senator YOUNG from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable report on:
S. 89 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 25-11-100, RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY BASE TASK FORCE, SO AS TO RENAME THE TASK FORCE THE SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY AFFAIRS ADVISORY COUNCIL, TO REVISE THE COUNCIL'S MISSON, TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP ON THE COUNCIL, TO MANDATE THAT THE COUNCIL MEETS AT LEAST ONE TIME EACH CALENDAR YEAR, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator CLIMER from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 103 (Word version) -- Senators Climer, Kimbrell, Verdin, Leber and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 47-17-510, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST MISLEADING OR DECEPTIVE PRACTICES, LABELING, OR MISREPRESENTING PRODUCT THAT IS CELL-CULTURED MEAT, SO AS TO DEFINE CELL-CULTIVATED FOOD PRODUCT AND REQUIRE THE ACCURATE LABELING OF CELL-CULTIVATED FOOD PRODUCT.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator YOUNG from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable report on:
S. 195 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Davis and Matthews: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025 AS "THE CELEBRATION OF THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE'S VISIT DURING HIS FAREWELL TOUR OF THE NATION IN 1825" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator YOUNG from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable report on:
S. 218 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 25-11-730 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS SHALL ADOPT CRITERIA FOR ADMISSIONS TO AND DISCHARGES FROM SOUTH CAROLINA VETERANS' HOMES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator YOUNG from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable report on:
S. 224 (Word version) -- Senator Tedder: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE JANUARY 2025 AS "MENTORING MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
S. 154 (Word version) -- Senator Garrett: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND RYAN LOVETTE FOR HIS FORTY-FOUR YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND THIRTY-NINE YEARS OF PAID SERVICE WITH THE GREENWOOD CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
S. 185 (Word version) -- Senator Jackson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF DR. LONNIE RANDOLPH JR. OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
S. 259 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MASTER TROOPER JOHN WAYNE VALDARIO SR. FOR HIS FIFTY-FIVE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
S. 62 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Rice and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-110, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-115, RELATING TO THE STANDARD APPLICATION PROCESS, SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS SEEKING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-120, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION OF FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE K-12 EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-125, RELATING TO FUNDS TO CREATE, OVERSEE, AND THE ADMINISTER PROGRAM, SUSPENSION OF ACCOUNTS, UNUSED FUNDS, AND TERMINATION OF SCHOLARSHIPS, SO AS TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-130, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT'S PROGRAM; NOTIFICATION, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-135, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON SCHOLARSHIPS, SO AS TO PROVIDE LIMITATIONS ON THE NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS THAT MAY BE AWARDED; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-140, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION APPROVAL PROCESS FOR EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDER MUST CERTIFY ANNUALLY TO THE DEPARTMENT THAT IT MEETS ALL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-145, RELATING TO PROCEDURES TO INFORM STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS OF ELIGIBILITY AND APPROVED EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-150, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, DEPARTMENT, AND EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SURETY BOND IS REQUIRED OF EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS WHO EXCEED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN QUALIFYING EXPENSES AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-160, RELATING TO THE K-12 EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP REVIEW PANEL, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ITS COMPOSITION AND PURPOSES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-165, RELATING TO STUDENT TRANSFER POLICY, SO AS TO CLARIFY STUDENT TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-170, RELATING TO IMMEDIATE PARTICIPATION IN A SPORT BY A TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES ; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-150-350, RELATING TO THE EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.
Senators GOLDFINCH and RANKIN proposed the following amendment (SEDU-62.DB0002S), which was carried over:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, Section 59-8-110(2), by adding an item to read:
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, a student attending his resident school may be an eligible student if he meets all other eligibility criteria and the Department of Education has certified the district in which the resident school is located cannot adequately provide for an essential service to the student
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GOLDFINCH explained the amendment.
On motion of Senator GOLDFINCH, the amendment was carried over.
Senator CASH proposed the following amendment (SR-62.CEM0005S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 9, by striking Section 59-8-150(F)(3), (4), and (5) and inserting:
(3) the freedom of education service providers to provide for the educational needs of scholarship students without governmental control must not be abridged;
(4) an education service provider that accepts payment from a K-12 education lottery scholarship account pursuant to this chapter is not an agent of the state or federal government; and
(5) education service providers shall not be required to alter their creeds, practices, admissions policy, or curriculum in order to accept payments from a K-12 education lottery scholarship account.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator CASH explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senators JACKSON and GRAHAM proposed the following amendment (SMIN-62.MW0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 9, by striking Section 59-8-150(A)(2) and (3) and inserting:
(2) hold a valid occupancy permit if required by the municipality in which the education service provider is located; and
(3) not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin. This item shall not be interpreted to preclude any independent or religious educational provider from exercising an exemption allowed under federal law; and
(4)(3) conduct criminal background checks on employees and exclude from employment anyone who:
(a) is not permitted by state law to work in a school;
(b) reasonably might pose a threat to the safety of students; or
(c) is listed on federal, state, or other central child abuse registries.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator JACKSON explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senators HEMBREE, GROOMS, FERNANDEZ, CORBIN and RICE proposed the following amendment (SEDU-62.DB0004S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 7, by striking Section 59-8-140(F)(1) and (2) and inserting:
(F)(1) For scholarship students utilizing a scholarship to attend an online education service provider, the department must track data on scholarship student wellness through mandatory in-person days of attendance at least once per semester at their resident public school. For first semester the in-person date shall be no later than November fifteenth. For the second semester the in-person date shall be no later than March fifteenth. During the in-person attendance, a school teacher, counselor, principal, assistant principal, school attendance officer, social or public assistance worker, school nurse, on-site mental health, or allied health professional, or other appropriately designated mandated reporter at the local public school as defined in Section 63-7-310 must complete a comprehensive wellness check to screen for abuse and neglect as defined in Section 63-7-20.
(2) All employees at an online education service provider who are employed in same or similar roles as defined in Section 63-7-310 shall be considered persons required to report and must complete the training programs required pursuant to Section 63-7-310(A) and hold all the same rights, responsibilities, and potential penalties as defined in Sections 63-7-315, 63-7-320, 63-7-350, 63-7-360, 63-7-370, 63-7-380, 63-7-390, 63-7-400, 63-7-430, 63-7-440, and receive information pursuant to Section 63-7-450.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator JOHNSON proposed the following amendment (SR-62.CEM0001S), which was carried over:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 11, by striking Section 59-8-165 and inserting:
Section 59-8-165. The provisions of the chapter do not restrict a school district's ability to enact or enforce a an intra-district's student transfer policy. The department shall create a model interdistrict policy, and within 120 days of creation of the model policy all school districts who have not previously adopted an interdistrict policy must enact an interdistrict policy consistent with the model policy. Any district that does not adopt the model policy shall submit its current policy for approval by the State Board of Education.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator JOHNSON explained the amendment.
On motion of Senator JOHNSON, the amendment was carried over.
Senator DEVINE proposed the following amendment (SR-62.CEM0006S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 59-8-115(K), by adding a subsection to read:
(L) The department shall deliver an annual report to the General Assembly of the number of applications denied or not accepted. The report must include the demographic and socio-economic data and the geographical distribution of the applicants. In reporting the information required by this subitem, the department shall protect and may not display any personally identifiable information of applicants, their families or legal guardians.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator DEVINE explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (LC-62.WAB0003S), which was carried over:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 9, by striking Section 59-8-150(C)(1)(a) and (b) and inserting:
(a) ensure that each scholarship student in grades three through eight takes the SC Ready or SC Ready alternative summative assessment in English language arts, math, science or social studies as required of students in public schools in this State;
(b) ensure that each scholarship student in grades four and six takes the SC Pass or SC Pass alternative summative assessment required of students in public schools in this State;
(c) in lieu of the assessments required by subitems (a) and (b), ensure that each scholarship recipient in grades three through eight takes a nationally norm-referenced formative assessment at the beginning of the school year, at the end of the first semester, and at the end of the school year. The assessment must be approved by the department, aligned with state standards, and include a linking study;
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
On motion of Senator OTT, the amendment was carried over.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (SMIN-62.MW0014S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-8-110(2)(j) and inserting:
(j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator OTT explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator MASSEY proposed the following amendment (SR-62.KM0009S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-8-110(3)(b) and inserting:
(a) is a resident of this State; and
(b)(i) attended a public school in this State for at least ninety days during the previous school year;
(ii) had not yet attained the age of five on or before September first of the previous school year but who has attained the age of five on or before September of the current school year; or
(iii) received a scholarship pursuant to this chapter for the previous school year; and
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-8-110(3)(b) and inserting:
(ii) (b)(c)(i) in School Year 2025-2026, has a household income that does not exceed three hundred percent of the federal poverty guidelines; and
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by deleting Section 59-8-110(3)(b)(iii) from the bill.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-8-110(8) and inserting:
(9)(8) "Resident school district" means the public school district in which the student is domiciledzoned for attendance.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-8-115(D) and inserting:
(E)(D) The department shall approve an initial application for scholarship if:
(1) the parent submits an annual application for a scholarship in accordance with the application and procedures established by the department;
(2) the student on whose behalf the parent is applying is an eligible student;
(3) funds are available for the ESTFscholarship; and
(4) the parent signs an annual agreement with the department annually attests to the following:
(a) to provide, at a minimum, a program of academic instruction for the eligible student in at least the subjects of English/language arts to include writing, mathematics, social studies, and science;
(b) to acknowledge and agree to comply with the education service provider's prescribed curriculum, dress code, and other requirements of enrolled students;
(c)(b) to ensure the scholarship student takes assessments as referenced in Section 59-8-150 or provides assessments in a similar manner through other means if the scholarship student does not receive full-time instruction from an education service provider;
(d)(c) to use program funds the scholarship for qualifying expenses only for an approved provider to educate the scholarship student, subject to penalty;
(e)(d) not to enroll their scholarship student in a public school as a full-time student in the resident school district, as defined in this chapter;
(f)(e) not to participate in a home instruction program under Sections 59-65-40, 59-65-45, or 59-65-47;
(g)(f) that includes documentation of the consultation process between the parent, the resident school district, the education service provider, and any school district that the education service provider contracts with under an IEP or services plan, for each scholarship student with a disability regarding the special education and related services, and the manner by which these services as listed in the student's IEP or services plan, will be provided to a scholarship student with a disability; and
(h)(g) to confirm that, if the parent's child is a student with disabilities, the parent has received notice from the department that participation in the ESTF scholarship program is a parental placement of the scholarship student under IDEA, along with an explanation of the rights that parentally placed students possess under IDEA and any applicable state laws and regulations, including the consultation process provided for in 20 U.S.C. Section 1412(a)(10) and the Individual Education Program requirements described in Section 1414(d) of IDEA.
(F)
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-8-115(I) and inserting:
(J)(I) The State Board of Education shall may promulgate regulations for the administration of the program as may be applicable.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 59-8-120(C) and inserting:
(C) Upon request of the parent and approval of an eligible student's application by the department, the State Treasurer shall transfer the annual scholarship amount, as defined below, from the South Carolina Education Lottery Account to the K-12 Education Lottery Scholarship Fund:
(1) In the first year of the program, the scholarship amount shall be six thousand five hundred dollars.
(2) Each subsequent year, the scholarship amount shall increase in an amount equal to the percentage increase in an amount equal to the average per pupil funding from state sources for the prior academic year as provided by the Office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. to the Education Scholarship Trust Fund as directed by the General Assembly, unless an increased or decreased limit is authorized in the annual general appropriations act.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 4, by striking Section 59-8-125(E) and inserting:
(E) Payments made by the department must remain in force until a parent or scholarship student is proven to have participated in a prohibited activity specified in this chapter, a scholarship student returns to a public school in his resident public school district, or a scholarship student graduates from high school or attains twenty-two years of age, whichever occurs first. A scholarship student who enrolls in his resident public school district is considered to have returned to a public school for the purpose of determining the end of the term. Any money remaining in the student's account reverts back to the K-12 Education Lottery Scholarship Fund.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 7, by striking Section 59-8-140(A)(3) and inserting:
(3) An education service provider that participated in the program in the previous school year and desires to participate in the program in the current school year shall reapply to the departmentmust certify annually to the department that it meets all program requirements. The education service provider reapplying shall certify to the department that it continues to meet all program requirements. An education service provider required to administer academic testing shall provide to the department test score data from the previous school year. If individual student test score data is not submitted, then the department shall remove the education service provider from the program.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 7, by striking Section 59-8-140(E) and inserting:
(E) The State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations to allow scholarship students to return to their resident schools districts during the course of their participation in the program.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 9, by striking Section 59-8-150(A)(3) and inserting:
(3) not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin. This item shall not be interpreted to preclude any independent or religious educational provider from exercising an exemption allowed under federal law; and
(4)(3) conduct and maintain records of completed criminal background checks on employees. An education service provider that is not an accredited or licensed school must submit documentation of completed criminal background checks to the department as part of their initial application. All education service providers must and exclude from employment anyone who:
(a) is not permitted by state law to work in a school;
(b) reasonably might pose a threat to the safety of students; or
(c) is listed on federal, state, or other central child abuse registries.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 9, by striking Section 59-8-150(C)(1)(a), (b), and (c) and inserting:
(a) ensure that each scholarship student in grades three through eight takes the SC Ready or SC Ready alternative summative assessment in English language arts, math, science or social studies as required of students in public schools in this State;
(c)(b) in lieu of the assessments required by subitems (a) and (b), ensure that each scholarship recipient in grades three through eight takes a nationally norm-referenced summative assessment annually or a formative assessment at the beginning of the school year, at the end of the first semester, and at the end of the school year. The assessment must be approved by the department, aligned with state standards, and include a linking study;
(d)(c) ensure that each scholarship student in grades nine through twelve takes a nationally norm-referenced or formative assessment approved by the department. . Students with disabilities for whom standardized testing is not appropriate are exempt from this requirement;
Amend the bill further, by deleting SECTIONS 11 and 12.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MASSEY explained the amendment.
Senator CLIMER spoke on the amendment.
Senator CLIMER moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Blackmon Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Davis Elliott Fernandez Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Nutt Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Walker Young Zell
Allen Bennett Campsen Cromer Devine Graham Jackson Johnson Massey Ott Sabb Sutton Tedder Turner Williams
The amendment was laid on the table.
S. 237 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin, Sabb and Garrett: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX NOON ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025, AS THE TIME TO ELECT CERTAIN JUDGES TO THE COURT OF APPEALS, CIRCUIT COURT, FAMILY COURT, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT. (ABBREVIATED TITLE)
The Resolution was adopted ordered sent to the House.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Donald Karl "Bo" Senn of Sandy Run, S.C. Bo was the father of our beloved former Senator Senn. Bo graduated from Orangeburg High School. He played basketball at Clemson University his freshman year before joining the United States Navy where he served four years. After Bo's service to our country, he graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina with a business administration degree. Bo enjoyed playing golf, hunting and spending time outdoors. Bo was a loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather who will be dearly missed.
At 3:26 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 1:00 P.M.
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