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

                                                    NO. 15

JOURNAL

OF THE

SENATE

OF THE

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025

_________

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:45 A.M., 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:

Isaiah 12:5
Isaiah the prophet reminds us that we should: "Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth."
Pray with me: How good it is to sing Your praises boldly, dear Lord. And it is right that we do so here in South Carolina, for You, O God, have truly granted us boundless gifts and blessings. Among some of the greatest of those blessings are certainly the children and the youth of our State, those to whom this Senate commits its very best efforts toward preparing them for the world that will be theirs. Thus, the clear importance of this task underlines the need for our State to celebrate having the absolute best teachers, administrators and programs imaginable. Indeed, Lord, may these Senators and their aides unfailingly continue doing all they can to enhance educational opportunities for everyone. In Your loving name we pray, dear Lord. Amen.

The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed that the Senate would reconvene upon the conclusion of the Joint Assembly.

RECESS

At 11:55 A.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate receded from business for the purpose of attending the Joint Assembly.

JOINT ASSEMBLY
Elections

At 12:00 Noon, the Senate appeared in the Hall of the House.

The PRESIDENT of the Senate called the Joint Assembly to order and announced that it had convened under the terms of a Concurrent Resolution adopted by both Houses.

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.

Election of a Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Court of Appeals, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Kristi F. Curtis, Jason P. Luther and the Honorable Courtney Pope had been screened and found qualified to serve.

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the names of Jason P. Luther and the Honorable Courtney Pope were withdrawn from consideration.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Kristi F. Curtis in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Kristi F. Curtis was elected to the position of Judge, Court of Appeals, Seat 2 for the term to expire July 30, 2029.

Election of a Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 3

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Court of Appeals, Seat 3.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable John D. Geathers had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin. placed the name of the Honorable John D. Geathers in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable John D. Geathers was elected to the position of Judge, Court of Appeals, Seat 3 for the term to expire July 30, 2031.

Election of a Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 4

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Court of Appeals, Seat 4.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Paula H. Thomas had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin. placed the name of the Honorable Paula H. Thomas in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Paula H. Thomas was elected to the position of Judge, Court of Appeals, Seat 4 for the term to expire July 30, 2031.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, 4th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 4th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Eugene P. Warr Jr. had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Eugene P. Warr Jr. in nomination, moved that the nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Eugene P. Warr Jr. was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 4th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2030.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, 5th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 5th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that Ashley A. McMahan, Christopher Dolan Taylor and William K. Witherspoon had been screened and found qualified to serve.

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the name of Ashley A. McMahan was withdrawn from consideration.

The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.

The following named Senators voted for Christopher Dolan Taylor:

Adams                  Alexander              Allen
Bennett                Campsen                Chaplin
Cromer                 Davis                  Elliott
Gambrell               Garrett                Goldfinch
Graham                 Grooms                 Jackson
Johnson                Kennedy                Leber
Ott                    Peeler                 Rankin
Reichenbach            Sabb                   Stubbs
Sutton                 Tedder                 Turner
Verdin                 Williams               Young
Zell

Total--31

The following named Senators voted for William K. Witherspoon:

Cash                   Climer                 Corbin
Devine                 Hembree                Kimbrell
Massey                 Nutt                   Rice

Total--9

The following named Senators voted present:

Martin

Total--1

The following named Senators abstained:

Fernandez              Walker

Total--2

On the motion of Rep. Caskey, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.

The following named Representatives voted for Christopher Dolan Taylor:

Alexander              Anderson               Atkinson
Bailey                 Ballentine             Bamberg
Bannister              Bauer                  Bernstein
Bowers                 Bradley                Brewer
Brittain               Calhoon                Caskey
Chapman                Collins                B. J. Cox
B. L. Cox              Crawford               Davis
Dillard                Duncan                 Erickson
Gagnon                 Gatch                  Gibson
Gilliam                Guest                  Haddon
Hager                  Hardee                 Hart
Hartnett               Hartz                  Herbkersman
Hewitt                 Hiott                  Hixon
Holman                 Howard                 J. E. Johnson
J. L. Johnson          Jones                  Jordan
Kirby                  Landing                Lawson
Ligon                  Long                   Lowe
Luck                   Martin                 May
McCabe                 McGinnis               Mitchell
Montgomery             T. Moore               Murphy
W. Newton              Oremus                 Pedalino
Reese                  Robbins                Rose
Rutherford             Sanders                Schuessler
Sessions               M. M. Smith            Stavrinakis
Taylor                 Teeple                 Vaughan
Weeks                  Whitmire               Wickensimer
Williams               Willis                 Wooten

Total--81

The following named Representatives voted for William K. Witherspoon:

Beach                  Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter
Forrest                Garvin                 Gilliard
Gilreath               Govan                  Grant
Guffey                 Harris                 Hayes
Henderson-Myers        Hosey                  Huff
Kilmartin              King                   Magnuson
McDaniel               Morgan                 Moss
Neese                  B. Newton              Pope
Rivers                 Spann-Wilder           White

Total--27

RECAPITULATION

Total number of Senators voting   40
Total number of Representatives voting   108
Grand Total   148
Necessary to a choice   75
Of which Christopher Dolan Taylor received   112
Of which William K. Witherspoon received   36

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Christopher Dolan Taylor was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 5th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 7th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable J. Derham Cole Jr. had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable J. Derham Cole Jr. in nomination, moved that the nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable J. Derham Cole Jr. was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 7th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Deadra L. Jefferson had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of Deadra L. Jefferson in nomination, moved that the nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Deadra L. Jefferson was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that Bryan A. Alfaro, Thomas J. Rode and R. Bruce Wallace had been screened and found qualified to serve.

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the names of Bryan A. Alfaro and R. Bruce Wallace were withdrawn from consideration.

Senator Luke A Rankin, placed the name of the Thomas J. Rode in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Representative Magnuson objected.

The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.

The following named Senators voted in the affirmative:

Adams                  Alexander              Allen
Bennett                Campsen                Chaplin
Cromer                 Davis                  Devine
Elliott                Gambrell               Goldfinch
Graham                 Grooms                 Hembree
Jackson                Johnson                Kennedy
Kimbrell               Leber                  Massey
Ott                    Peeler                 Rankin
Reichenbach            Sabb                   Stubbs
Sutton                 Tedder                 Turner
Verdin                 Walker                 Williams
Young                  Zell

Total--35

The following named Senators voted present:

Cash                   Climer                 Corbin
Garrett                Martin                 Nutt
Rice

Total--7

The following named Senators abstained:

Fernandez

Total--1

On the motion of Rep. Caskey, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.

The following named Representatives voted in the affirmative:

Alexander              Anderson               Atkinson
Bailey                 Ballentine             Bamberg
Bannister              Bauer                  Bernstein
Bradley                Brewer                 Brittain
Bustos                 Calhoon                Caskey
Chapman                Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter
Collins                B. J. Cox              B. L. Cox
Crawford               Davis                  Dillard
Erickson               Forrest                Gagnon
Garvin                 Gatch                  Gilliam
Gilliard               Govan                  Grant
Guest                  Guffey                 Hager
Hardee                 Hart                   Hartnett
Hartz                  Hayes                  Henderson-Myers
Herbkersman            Hewitt                 Hixon
Holman                 Hosey                  Howard
J. E. Johnson          J. L. Johnson          Jones
Jordan                 King                   Kirby
Lawson                 Ligon                  Long
Lowe                   Luck                   Martin
McDaniel               McGinnis               Mitchell
Montgomery             T. Moore               Moss
Murphy                 Neese                  B. Newton
W. Newton              Pedalino               Pope
Reese                  Rivers                 Rose
Rutherford             Sanders                Schuessler
Sessions               G. M. Smith            M. M. Smith
Spann-Wilder           Stavrinakis            Taylor
Teeple                 Weeks                  Whitmire
Wickensimer            Williams               Wooten

Total--90

The following named Representatives voted in the negative:

Beach                  Cromer                 Duncan
Edgerton               Frank                  Gilreath
Harris                 Huff                   Kilmartin
Magnuson               Morgan                 Pace
Terribile

Total--13

The following named Representatives abstained:

Robbins

Total--1

RECAPITULATION

Total number of Senators voting   35
Total number of Representatives voting   103
Grand Total   138
Necessary to a choice   0
Ayes   125
Nays   13

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Thomas J. Rode was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2030.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, 10th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 10th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Lawton McIntosh had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of Lawton McIntosh in nomination, moved that the nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Lawton McIntosh was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 10th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 11th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable David Shawn Graham, Derrick E. Mobley and Christian Giresi Spradley had been screened and found qualified to serve.

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the names of Derrick E. Mobley and Christian Giresi Spradley were withdrawn from consideration.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of David Shawn Graham in nomination, moved that the nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable David Shawn Graham was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 11th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2030.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, 16th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 16th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that Melissa A. Inzerillo had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A Rankin, placed the name of the Melissa A. Inzerillo in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Representative Sessions objected.

The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.

The following named Senators voted in the affirmative:

Allen                  Devine                 Graham
Jackson                Ott                    Peeler
Rankin                 Sabb                   Sutton
Tedder                 Walker                 Williams

Total--12

The following named Senators voted in the negative:

Adams                  Alexander              Bennett
Campsen                Cash                   Chaplin
Climer                 Corbin                 Cromer
Davis                  Elliott                Gambrell
Goldfinch              Grooms                 Hembree
Johnson                Kennedy                Kimbrell
Leber                  Martin                 Massey
Nutt                   Reichenbach            Rice
Stubbs                 Turner                 Verdin
Young                  Zell

Total--29

The following named Senators abstained:

Fernandez

Total--1

On the motion of Rep. Caskey, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.

The following named Representatives voted in the affirmative:

Alexander              Anderson               Bamberg
Bannister              Bauer                  Bernstein
Caskey                 Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter
Collins                Dillard                Garvin
Gibson                 Gilliard               Govan
Grant                  Guest                  Hart
Hayes                  Henderson-Myers        Hosey
Howard                 J. L. Johnson          Jones
Jordan                 King                   Kirby
Lawson                 Luck                   Martin
McCravy                McDaniel               T. Moore
Moss                   Reese                  Rivers
Rose                   Rutherford             Spann-Wilder
Stavrinakis            Weeks                  Williams

Total--42

The following named Representatives voted in the negative:

Atkinson               Bailey                 Ballentine
Beach                  Bowers                 Bradley
Brewer                 Burns                  Chapman
B. J. Cox              Crawford               Cromer
Davis                  Duncan                 Edgerton
Erickson               Forrest                Frank
Gagnon                 Gilliam                Gilreath
Guffey                 Haddon                 Hager
Hardee                 Harris                 Hartnett
Hartz                  Herbkersman            Hewitt
Hiott                  Hixon                  Huff
Kilmartin              Landing                Ligon
Long                   Lowe                   Magnuson
May                    McCabe                 Mitchell
Montgomery             Morgan                 Murphy
B. Newton              W. Newton              Oremus
Pace                   Pope                   Rankin
Sanders                Schuessler             Sessions
G. M. Smith            M. M. Smith            Taylor
Teeple                 Terribile              White
Whitmire               Wickensimer            Willis
Wooten

Total--64

RECAPITULATION

Total number of Senators voting   41
Total number of Representatives voting   106
Grand Total   147
Necessary to a choice   0
Ayes   54
Nays   93

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that having failed to receive the necessary vote, the Honorable Melissa A. Inzerillo was not elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, 16th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 7

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, at-large, Seat 7.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that De Grant Gibbons, William Vickery "Vick" Meetze and Jane H. Merrill had been screened and found qualified to serve.

The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.

The following named Senators voted for De Grant Gibbons:

Martin                 Massey                 Tedder
Young

Total--4

The following named Senators voted for William Vickery Meetze:

Adams                  Bennett                Campsen
Chaplin                Davis                  Goldfinch
Graham                 Grooms                 Hembree
Jackson                Johnson                Ott
Rankin                 Reichenbach            Sabb
Stubbs                 Sutton                 Walker
Williams

Total--19

The following named Senators voted for Jane H. Merrill:

Alexander              Allen                  Cash
Climer                 Corbin                 Cromer
Devine                 Elliott                Gambrell
Garrett                Kennedy                Kimbrell
Leber                  Nutt                   Peeler
Rice                   Turner                 Verdin
Zell

Total--19

The following named Senators abstained:

Fernandez

Total--1

On the motion of Rep. Caskey, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.

The following named Representatives voted for De Grant Gibbons:

Bamberg                Burns                  Clyburn
Forrest                Guffey                 Hager
Harris                 Hartz                  Hixon
Kilmartin              Landing                May
McCabe                 Neese                  Oremus
Rivers                 Sessions               Taylor
Wickensimer            Wooten

Total--20

The following named Representatives voted for William Vickery Meetze:

Alexander              Anderson               Atkinson
Bailey                 Ballentine             Bauer
Bernstein              Bradley                Brewer
Brittain               Calhoon                Caskey
B. L. Cox              Crawford               Davis
Gatch                  Govan                  Grant
Guest                  Hardee                 Hartnett
Hayes                  Herbkersman            Hewitt
Hiott                  Holman                 Hosey
Howard                 J. E. Johnson          Jordan
Kirby                  Ligon                  Lowe
Luck                   Martin                 McGinnis
Mitchell               Moss                   Murphy
B. Newton              W. Newton              Reese
Robbins                Rutherford             Schuessler
G. M. Smith            M. M. Smith            Stavrinakis
Teeple                 Weeks                  Williams

Total--51

The following named Representatives voted for Jane H. Merrill:

Bannister              Beach                  Bowers
Bustos                 Chapman                Cobb-Hunter
Collins                B. J. Cox              Cromer
Dillard                Duncan                 Edgerton
Erickson               Frank                  Gagnon
Garvin                 Gibson                 Gilliam
Gilliard               Gilreath               Haddon
Hart                   Henderson-Myers        Huff
J. L. Johnson          Jones                  King
Lawson                 Long                   Magnuson
McCravy                McDaniel               Montgomery
T. Moore               Morgan                 Pace
Pope                   Rankin                 Rose
Sanders                Spann-Wilder           Terribile
Vaughan                White                  Whitmire
Willis

Total--46

RECAPITULATION

Total number of Senators voting   42
Total number of Representatives voting   117
Grand Total   159
Necessary to a choice   80
Of which De Grant Gibbons received   24
Of which William Vickery Meetze received   70
Of which Jane H. Merrill received   65

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the name of DeGrant Gibbons was withdrawn from consideration.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that none of the candidates having received the necessary vote, the Joint Assembly would proceed to the next ballot.

The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.

The following named Senators voted for William Vickery Meetze:

Adams                  Bennett                Campsen
Chaplin                Davis                  Goldfinch
Graham                 Grooms                 Hembree
Jackson                Johnson                Martin
Ott                    Rankin                 Reichenbach
Sabb                   Stubbs                 Sutton
Walker                 Williams

Total--20

The following named Senators voted for Jane H. Merrill:

Alexander              Allen                  Cash
Climer                 Corbin                 Cromer
Devine                 Elliott                Gambrell
Garrett                Kennedy                Kimbrell
Leber                  Massey                 Nutt
Peeler                 Rice                   Tedder
Turner                 Verdin                 Young
Zell

Total--22

The following named Senators abstained:

Fernandez

Total--1

On the motion of Rep. Caskey, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.

The following named Representatives voted for William Vickery Meetze:

Alexander              Anderson               Atkinson
Bailey                 Ballentine             Bauer
Bernstein              Bradley                Brewer
Brittain               Caskey                 Clyburn
B. L. Cox              Crawford               Davis
Gatch                  Govan                  Guest
Hager                  Hardee                 Hartnett
Hayes                  Henderson-Myers        Herbkersman
Hewitt                 Hiott                  Holman
Hosey                  Howard                 J. E. Johnson
Jordan                 Kirby                  Ligon
Lowe                   Luck                   Martin
McGinnis               Mitchell               Moss
Murphy                 Neese                  B. Newton
W. Newton              Reese                  Rivers
Robbins                Rutherford             Schuessler
G. M. Smith            M. M. Smith            Stavrinakis
Teeple                 Weeks                  Williams

Total--54

The following named Representatives voted for Jane H. Merrill:

Bamberg                Bannister              Beach
Bowers                 Bustos                 Calhoon
Chapman                Cobb-Hunter            Collins
B. J. Cox              Cromer                 Dillard
Duncan                 Edgerton               Erickson
Frank                  Gagnon                 Garvin
Gibson                 Gilliam                Gilliard
Gilreath               Grant                  Guffey
Haddon                 Harris                 Hart
Hartz                  Hixon                  Huff
J. L. Johnson          Jones                  Kilmartin
King                   Landing                Lawson
Long                   Magnuson               May
McCabe                 McCravy                McDaniel
Montgomery             T. Moore               Morgan
Oremus                 Pace                   Pedalino
Pope                   Rankin                 Rose
Sanders                Sessions               Spann-Wilder
Taylor                 Terribile              Vaughan
White                  Whitmire               Wickensimer
Willis                 Wooten

Total--62

RECAPITULATION

Total number of Senators voting   42
Total number of Representatives voting   116
Grand Total   158
Necessary to a choice   80
Of which William Vickery Meetze received   74
Of which Jane H. Merrill received   84

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Jane H. Merril was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, at-large, Seat 7 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 14

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, at-large, Seat 14.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable R. Keith Kelly had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of Honorable R. Keith Kelly in nomination, moved that the nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that Honorable R. Keith Kelly was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, at-large, Seat 14 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 15

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, at-large, Seat 15.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Maite D. Murphy had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A Rankin, placed the name of the Honorable Maite D. Murphy in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Representative Cromer objected.

The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.

The following named Senators voted in the affirmative:

Adams                  Alexander              Allen
Bennett                Campsen                Chaplin
Cromer                 Davis                  Devine
Elliott                Gambrell               Garrett
Goldfinch              Graham                 Grooms
Hembree                Jackson                Johnson
Kennedy                Kimbrell               Leber
Massey                 Nutt                   Ott
Peeler                 Rankin                 Reichenbach
Sabb                   Stubbs                 Sutton
Tedder                 Turner                 Verdin
Walker                 Williams               Young
Zell

Total--37

The following named Senators voted present:

Cash                   Climer                 Corbin
Martin                 Rice

Total--5

The following named Senators abstained:

Fernandez

Total--1

On the motion of Rep. Caskey, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.

The following named Representatives voted in the affirmative:

Alexander              Anderson               Atkinson
Bailey                 Ballentine             Bamberg
Bannister              Bauer                  Bernstein
Bradley                Brewer                 Brittain
Bustos                 Calhoon                Caskey
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Collins
B. L. Cox              Crawford               Davis
Dillard                Duncan                 Erickson
Forrest                Gagnon                 Garvin
Gatch                  Gibson                 Gilliam
Gilliard               Govan                  Grant
Guest                  Hager                  Hardee
Hart                   Hartnett               Hartz
Hayes                  Henderson-Myers        Herbkersman
Hewitt                 Hixon                  Holman
Hosey                  Howard                 J. E. Johnson
J. L. Johnson          Jones                  Jordan
King                   Kirby                  Landing
Lawson                 Ligon                  Lowe
Luck                   Martin                 McCabe
McCravy                McDaniel               McGinnis
Mitchell               Montgomery             T. Moore
Moss                   Neese                  B. Newton
W. Newton              Pedalino               Pope
Rankin                 Reese                  Rivers
Robbins                Rose                   Rutherford
Sanders                Schuessler             Sessions
G. M. Smith            M. M. Smith            Spann-Wilder
Stavrinakis            Taylor                 Teeple
Vaughan                Weeks                  Williams
Wooten

Total--91

The following named Representatives voted in the negative:

Beach                  Cromer                 Edgerton
Frank                  Gilreath               Harris
Huff                   Magnuson               Morgan
Pace                   Terribile              White
Wickensimer

Total--13

The following named Representatives abstained:

Murphy

Total--1
RECAPITULATION

Total number of Senators voting   37
Total number of Representatives voting   104
Grand Total   141
Necessary to a choice   0
Ayes   128
Nays   13

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Maite D. Murphy was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, at-large, Seat 15 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Circuit Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 16

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, at-large, Seat 16.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that Charles J. McCutchen had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of Charles J. McCutchen in nomination, moved that the nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Charles J. McCutchen was elected to the position of Judge, Circuit Court, at-large, Seat 16 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 1st Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 1st Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Ann Gue Jones had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Ann Gue Jones in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Ann Gue Jones was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 1st Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 2nd Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 2nd Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that Shannon M. Chandler and Amanda Frances Whittle had been screened and found qualified to serve.

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the name of Shannon M. Chandler was withdrawn from consideration.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of Amanda Frances Whittle in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Amanda Frances Whittle was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 2nd Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2028.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 2nd Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 2nd Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Angela W. Abstance had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Angela W. Abstance in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Angela W. Abstance was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 2nd Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 3rd Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that William A. W. Buxton and E. Thompson Kinney had been screened and found qualified to serve.

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the name of E. Thompson Kinney was withdrawn from consideration.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of William A. W. Buxton in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable William A. W. Buxton was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2028.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 3rd Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Angela R. Taylor had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Angela R. Taylor in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Angela R. Taylor was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 3rd Judicial Circuit, Seat 3

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, Seat 3.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Ernest Joseph Jarrett had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Ernest Joseph Jarrett in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Ernest Joseph Jarrett was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, Seat 3 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 4th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 4th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that C. Heath Ruffner had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of C. Heath Ruffner in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable C. Heath Ruffner was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 4th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 5th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 5th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Michelle M. Hurley had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Michelle M. Hurley in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Michelle M. Hurley was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 5th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 5th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 5th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable M. Scott Rankin had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable M. Scott Rankin in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable M. Scott Rankin was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 5th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 6th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 6th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Coreen B. Khoury had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Coreen B. Khoury in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Coreen B. Khoury was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 6th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 7th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Angela J. Moss had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Angela J. Moss in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable the Honorable Angela J. Moss was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 7th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 7th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable M. Todd Thigpen had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable M. Todd Thigpen in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable M. Todd Thigpen was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 7th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 8th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 8th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Bryan C. Able, Robert W. Cone and James Conway "Jim" Todd IV had been screened and found qualified to serve.

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the names of Robert W. Cone the Honorable Bryan C. Able were withdrawn from consideration.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of James Conway "Jim" Todd IV in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable James Conway "Jim" Todd IV was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 8th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 8th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 8th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Joseph C. Smithdeal had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Joseph C. Smithdeal in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Joseph C. Smithdeal was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 8th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Alice Anne Richter had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Alice Anne Richter in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Alice Anne Richter was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 4

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 4.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Blakely Copeland Cahoon had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Blakely Copeland Cahoon in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Blakely Copeland Cahoon was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 9th Judicial Circuit, Seat 4 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 10th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 10th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable David J. Brousseau had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable David J. Brousseau in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that he Honorable David J. Brousseau was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 10th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 10th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 10th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable M. Scott McElhannon had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable M. Scott McElhannon in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable M. Scott McElhannon was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 10th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 11th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Huntley Smith Crouch had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Huntley Smith Crouch in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Huntley Smith Crouch was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 11th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 11th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Robert E. Newton had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Robert E. Newton in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Robert E. Newton was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 11th Judicial Circuit, Seat 3 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 12th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 12th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Alicia Allsbrook Richardson had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Alicia Allsbrook Richardson in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Alicia Allsbrook Richardson was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 12th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 12th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 12th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Fitzlee H. McEachin had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Fitzlee H. McEachin in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Fitzlee H. McEachin was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 12th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Rochelle Yarborough Contis had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A Rankin, placed the name of the Honorable Rochelle Yarborough Contis in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Representative Magnuson objected.

The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.

The following named Senators voted in the affirmative:

Adams                  Alexander              Allen
Bennett                Campsen                Chaplin
Cromer                 Davis                  Devine
Elliott                Gambrell               Garrett
Goldfinch              Graham                 Grooms
Hembree                Jackson                Johnson
Kennedy                Kimbrell               Leber
Massey                 Ott                    Peeler
Rankin                 Reichenbach            Sabb
Sutton                 Tedder                 Turner
Verdin                 Walker                 Williams
Young                  Zell

Total--35

The following named Senators voted in the negative:

Cash                   Martin

Total--2

The following named Senators voted present:

Climer                 Corbin                 Nutt
Rice

Total--4

The following named Senators abstained:

Fernandez

Total--1

On the motion of Rep. Caskey, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.

The following named Representatives voted in the affirmative:

Alexander              Anderson               Atkinson
Bamberg                Bannister              Bauer
Bernstein              Bowers                 Bradley
Brewer                 Brittain               Bustos
Calhoon                Caskey                 Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Collins                B. J. Cox
B. L. Cox              Crawford               Davis
Dillard                Erickson               Gagnon
Garvin                 Gatch                  Gilliam
Gilliard               Grant                  Guest
Haddon                 Hardee                 Hartz
Hayes                  Henderson-Myers        Herbkersman
Hewitt                 Hixon                  Holman
Hosey                  Howard                 J. E. Johnson
J. L. Johnson          Jones                  Jordan
Kilmartin              King                   Kirby
Landing                Long                   Lowe
Luck                   Martin                 McCabe
McDaniel               Mitchell               T. Moore
Moss                   Murphy                 Neese
B. Newton              W. Newton              Pedalino
Reese                  Rivers                 Robbins
Rose                   Rutherford             Sanders
Schuessler             G. M. Smith            M. M. Smith
Spann-Wilder           Stavrinakis            Taylor
Vaughan                Weeks                  Wickensimer
Williams               Willis                 Wooten

Total--81

The following named Representatives voted in the negative:

Beach                  Burns                  Cromer
Edgerton               Frank                  Harris
Magnuson               McCravy                Pace
Rankin                 Teeple                 White

Total--12
RECAPITULATION

Total number of Senators voting   37
Total number of Representatives voting   93
Grand Total   130
Necessary to a choice   0
Ayes   116
Nays   14

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that he Honorable Rochelle Yarborough Contis was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable W. Marsh Robertson had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable W. Marsh Robertson in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable W. Marsh Robertson was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 6

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 6.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that Jonathan D. Hammond and Marcelo Torricos had been screened and found qualified to serve.

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the name of Jonathan D. Hammond was withdrawn from consideration.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of Marcelo Torricos in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Marcelo Torricos was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 6 for the term to expire June 30, 2028.

Recorded Vote

Senator STUBBS desired to be recorded as abstaining on the election of the Honorable Marcelo Torricos.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 14th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 14th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Gerald C. Smoak Jr. had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Gerald C. Smoak Jr. in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Gerald C. Smoak Jr. was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 14th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 15th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 15th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Jan B. Bromell Holmes had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A Rankin, placed the name of the Honorable Jan B. Bromell Holmes in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Representative Edgerton objected.

The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.

The following named Senators voted in the affirmative:

Adams                  Alexander              Allen
Bennett                Campsen                Chaplin
Cromer                 Davis                  Devine
Elliott                Gambrell               Garrett
Goldfinch              Graham                 Grooms
Jackson                Johnson                Kimbrell
Massey                 Ott                    Peeler
Rankin                 Reichenbach            Sabb
Sutton                 Tedder                 Turner
Verdin                 Walker                 Williams
Young

Total--31

The following named Senators voted present:

Cash                   Climer                 Corbin
Leber                  Martin                 Nutt
Rice

Total--7

The following named Senators abstained:

Fernandez

Total--1

On the motion of Rep. Caskey, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.

The following named Representatives voted in the affirmative:

Alexander              Anderson               Atkinson
Bailey                 Bamberg                Bannister
Bauer                  Bernstein              Bowers
Bradley                Brewer                 Brittain
Bustos                 Calhoon                Caskey
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Collins
B. J. Cox              B. L. Cox              Crawford
Davis                  Dillard                Erickson
Forrest                Gagnon                 Garvin
Gatch                  Gilliam                Gilliard
Grant                  Guest                  Hardee
Hartnett               Hartz                  Hayes
Henderson-Myers        Herbkersman            Hewitt
Hixon                  Holman                 Hosey
Howard                 J. E. Johnson          J. L. Johnson
Jones                  Jordan                 King
Kirby                  Landing                Ligon
Lowe                   Luck                   Martin
McDaniel               McGinnis               T. Moore
Moss                   Murphy                 Neese
B. Newton              W. Newton              Reese
Rivers                 Rose                   Rutherford
Sanders                G. M. Smith            M. M. Smith
Stavrinakis            Taylor                 Vaughan
Weeks                  Williams               Willis
Wooten

Total--76

The following named Representatives voted in the negative:

Beach                  Cromer                 Edgerton
Frank                  Gilreath               Harris
Huff                   Kilmartin              Long
Magnuson               Morgan                 Pace
Rankin                 Teeple                 Terribile
White                  Wickensimer

Total--17

RECAPITULATION

Total number of Senators voting   31
Total number of Representatives voting   93
Grand Total   124
Necessary to a choice   0
Ayes   107
Nays   17

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Jan B. Bromell Holmes was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 15th Judicial Circuit, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, 16th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, 16th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable David G. Guyton had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable David G. Guyton in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable David G. Guyton was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, 16th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 1

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 1.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Kimaka "Kim" Nichols-Graham had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Kimaka "Kim" Nichols-Graham in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Kimaka "Kim" Nichols-Graham was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Timothy E. Madden had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Timothy E. Madden in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Timothy E. Madden was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 3

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 3.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable James G. McGee III had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable James G. McGee III in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable James G. McGee III was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 3 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 4

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 4.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Monet Pincus had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Monet Pincus in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Monet Pincus was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 4 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 5

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 5.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Randall E. McGee had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Randall E. McGee in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Randall E. McGee was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 5 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of a Family Court Judge, At-Large, Seat 6

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect
a successor to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 6.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable David Earl Phillips had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable David Earl Phillips in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that he Honorable David Earl Phillips was elected to the position of Judge, Family Court, at-large, Seat 6 for the term to expire June 30, 2031.

Election of an Administrative Law Court Judge, Seat 2

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Administrative Law Court, Seat 2.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that Kristian Cross, the Honorable Bryan S. Jeffries and Samuel L. Johnson had been screened and found qualified to serve.

On motion of Senator Luke A. Rankin, the name of the Honorable Bryan S. Jeffries was withdrawn from consideration.

Senator Luke A Rankin, placed the name of Kristian Cross and Samuel L. Johnson in nomination.

The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.

The following named Senators voted for Kristian Cross:

Adams                  Alexander              Allen
Devine                 Jackson                Johnson
Martin                 Massey                 Ott
Peeler                 Rankin                 Sabb
Tedder                 Walker                 Williams
Young

Total--16

The following named Senators voted for Samuel L. Johnson:

Bennett                Campsen                Cash
Chaplin                Climer                 Corbin
Cromer                 Davis                  Elliott
Gambrell               Garrett                Goldfinch
Graham                 Grooms                 Hembree
Kennedy                Kimbrell               Leber
Nutt                   Reichenbach            Rice
Stubbs                 Sutton                 Turner
Verdin                 Zell

Total--26

The following named Senators abstained:

Fernandez

Total--1

On the motion of Rep. Caskey, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.

The following named Representatives voted for Kristian Cross:

Alexander              Anderson               Ballentine
Bamberg                Bauer                  Bernstein
Brewer                 Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter
Collins                Dillard                Garvin
Gatch                  Gilliard               Grant
Hardee                 Hart                   Hartnett
Hayes                  Henderson-Myers        Holman
Hosey                  Howard                 J. L. Johnson
Jones                  King                   Kirby
Luck                   McDaniel               McGinnis
Neese                  Oremus                 Reese
Rivers                 Robbins                Rutherford
Spann-Wilder           Stavrinakis            Weeks
Williams

Total--40

The following named Representatives voted for Samuel L. Johnson:

Bailey                 Bannister              Bowers
Bradley                Brittain               Burns
Bustos                 Calhoon                Caskey
Chapman                B. J. Cox              B. L. Cox
Crawford               Cromer                 Davis
Duncan                 Edgerton               Erickson
Forrest                Frank                  Gibson
Gilliam                Gilreath               Guest
Haddon                 Hager                  Harris
Hartz                  Herbkersman            Hewitt
Hiott                  Hixon                  Huff
J. E. Johnson          Jordan                 Landing
Lawson                 Ligon                  Long
Lowe                   Magnuson               Martin
May                    McCabe                 McCravy
Mitchell               Montgomery             T. Moore
Morgan                 Moss                   Murphy
B. Newton              W. Newton              Pace
Pedalino               Rankin                 Rose
Sanders                Schuessler             Sessions
G. M. Smith            M. M. Smith            Taylor
Teeple                 Terribile              Vaughan
Whitmire               Wickensimer            Willis
Wooten

Total--70

RECAPITULATION

Total number of Senators voting   42
Total number of Representatives voting   110
Grand Total   152
Necessary to a choice   77
Of which Kristian Cross received   56
Of which Samuel L. Johnson received   96

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Samuel L. Johnson was elected to the position of Judge, Administrative Law Court, Seat 2 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.

Election of an Administrative Law Court Judge, Seat 3

The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to the position of Judge, Administrative Law Court, Seat 3.

Senator Luke A. Rankin, Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, indicated that the Honorable Robert L. Reibold had been screened and found qualified to serve.

Senator Luke A. Rankin placed the name of the Honorable Robert L. Reibold in nomination, moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.

Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Robert L. Reibold was elected to the position of Judge, Administrative Law Court, Seat 3 for the term to expire June 30, 2030.

The purposes of the Joint Assembly having been accomplished, the PRESIDENT declared it adjourned, whereupon the Senate returned to its Chamber and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

At 1:55 P.M., the Senate resumed.

Call of the Senate

Senator DAVIS moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Graham                    Grooms
Jackson                   Johnson                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Sabb
Stubbs                    Sutton                    Turner
Walker                    Young                     Zell

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:

Statewide Appointments

Initial Appointment, Advisory Panel for Massage/Bodywork Therapy, with the term to commence June 30, 2021, and to expire June 30, 2025
Massage/Bodywork Therapist:
Adam Croft Broxton, 7764 Corley Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418-3119 VICE Jenny Vaughn

Referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

Reappointment, Advisory Panel for Massage/Bodywork Therapy, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2029
Massage/Bodywork Therapist:
Adam Broxton, 7764 Corley Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418-3119

Referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Board of Long Term Health Care Administrators, with the term to commence June 9, 2024, and to expire June 9, 2027
Proprietary Nursing Home Administrator:
Dennis Lofe, 41 Fernie Lane, Rembert, SC 29128 VICE Julius B. Kinney, Jr.

Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

Reappointment, South Carolina Commission for the Blind, with the term to commence May 19, 2024, and to expire May 19, 2028
3rd Congressional District:
Catherine C. Olker, 295 Todds Creek Road, Central, SC 29630-9457

Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Nursing, with the term to commence December 31, 2024, and to expire December 31, 2028
At-Large, Licensed Practical Nurse:
Teresa Pettigrew, 309 Surrey Lane, Anderson, SC 29621-4453 VICE Jan H. Burdette

Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

Initial Appointment, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, with the term to commence June 1, 2022, and to expire June 1, 2026
Public:
Michael Leonard, 519 Capital Place, Columbia, SC 29205-2611 VICE Elizabeth Bunge

Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

Doctor of the Day

Senator OTT introduced Dr. Mark Humphery of Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator TEDDER, at 12:14 P.M., Senator MATTHEWS was granted a leave of absence for today.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator KIMBRELL rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 38 (Word version)     Sen. Zell
S. 156 (Word version)     Sen. Bennett
S. 161 (Word version)     Sen. Leber
S. 170 (Word version)     Sen. Matthews
S. 184 (Word version)     Sen. Sutton
S. 308 (Word version)     Sens. Blackmon, Jackson and Leber

RECALLED

S. 312 (Word version) -- Senator Nutt: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS WHO LIVE AND WORK IN THE GREAT STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO HONOR OUR ENGINEERS FOR THEIR MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE PALMETTO STATE, AND TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025, AS "PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Senator DAVIS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Senate Resolution from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

The Senate Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 315 (Word version) -- Senator Reichenbach: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE SOUTH FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS FOOTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO HONOR THEM FOR WINNING THE SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAA 2024 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
sr-0226km-vc25.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 316 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-7-95 SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES AND PROTECTIONS FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WHEN BRINGING AN ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN THE NAME OF THE STATE; BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-55 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WITH THE REMEDY OF DISGORGEMENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE PRIVILEGE TO MATERIALS PREPARED OR DRAFTED WHILE INVESTIGATING POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
sr-0024cem25.docx

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 317 (Word version) -- Senators Goldfinch, Fernandez, Stubbs, Cash, Grooms, Gambrell, Davis, Leber and Johnson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXEMPTION FROM PROPERTY TAXES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION OF FIFTY PERCENT OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF WATERCRAFT.
sr-0214km25.docx

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 318 (Word version) -- Senators Goldfinch, Alexander, Johnson, Fernandez, Gambrell, Stubbs, Grooms, Climer, Leber, Cash, Kimbrell, Davis, Young, Peeler and Corbin: A JOINT RESOLUTION SO AS TO ENACT THE "COMMISSION ON FISCAL RESTRAINT AND GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY"; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMISSION'S DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS; TO PRIORITIZE SPENDING CUTS AND ESTABLISH A DATE THAT THE SPENDING CUTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE GOVERNOR; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPORT ON THE COMMISSION'S OTHER DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS; AND TO SUNSET THE COMMISSION.
sr-0222km25.docx

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 319 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A SENATE RESOLUTION COMMENDING TAIWAN FOR ITS RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
sr-0181km-hw25.docx

The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

S. 320 (Word version) -- Senator Tedder: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO REMEMBER AND HONOR THE COURAGEOUS BLACK HOSPITAL WORKERS WHO ORGANIZED, AND CARRIED OUT, THE 1969 NURSES' AIDES STRIKE AT THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
lc-0217sa-rm25.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 3002 (Word version) -- Rep. Bamberg: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF GOVAN ROAD IN BAMBERG COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH VOORHEES ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 321 "WILLIAM H. NIMMONS SR. ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
lc-0004cm-gt25.docx

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

H. 3003 (Word version) -- Reps. Collins and Beach: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF MAIN STREET IN THE TOWN OF EASLEY IN PICKENS COUNTY FROM WILBUR STREET TO NORTH PENDLETON STREET "OFFICER MATTHEW LOGAN HARE MEMORIAL AVENUE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
lc-0101cm-gt25.docx

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

H. 3004 (Word version) -- Rep. Pope: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES TAYLOR CREEK ALONG SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 901 IN YORK COUNTY "JACK ARMOUR MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
lc-0009cm-cm25.docx

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

H. 3790 (Word version) -- Rep. Moss: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DESIGNATE THE PORTION OF WEST MAIN STREET (S-42-227) LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF PACOLET IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY AS "JAMES 'PEE WEE' LAMBERT JR. ROAD," TO ENSURE HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO PACOLET ARE REMEMBERED AND CELEBRATED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME, AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
lc-0155cm-gt25.docx

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 28 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Reichenbach, Goldfinch, Leber, Jackson, Alexander, Rice, Fernandez, Campsen, Chaplin, Devine, Adams, Young, Garrett, Elliott, Turner, Ott, Graham and Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-390 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, DEFINE TERMS, AND ESTABLISH PENALTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO ADD THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-462, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 29 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Reichenbach, Goldfinch, Leber, Jackson, Alexander, Rice, Fernandez, Campsen, Chaplin, Devine, Adams, Young, Garrett, Elliott, Turner, Ott and Graham: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-375, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO THE DISSEMINATION OF HARMFUL MATERIAL TO MINORS, SO AS TO DEFINE IDENTIFIABLE MINOR AND MORPHED IMAGE AS AN OFFENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE CHILDREN; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE CHILDREN; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE CHILDREN AS AN OFFENS; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THOSE GUILTY OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR IN THE FIRST, SECOND, OR THIRD DEGREE AS A TIER II OFFENDER; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THOSE GUILTY OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR IN THE FIRST, SECOND, OR THIRD DEGREE AS A TIER II OFFENDER; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-462, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 35 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Grooms, Rice and Kimbrell: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 7, ARTICLE VI OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS OF THIS STATE, SO AS TO DELETE THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL FROM THE LIST OF CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS AND PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PROVIDE BY LAW THE DUTIES OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL; PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 12, ARTICLE IV OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO DISABILITY OF THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO REMOVE THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL AS AN OFFICER WHO, ALONG WITH OTHER OFFICERS, MAY CAUSE THE GOVERNOR TO BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE; AND PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 13, ARTICLE X OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OF THE STATE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR PERFORM THE FORMER DUTIES OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 38 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-13-190, RELATING TO SPECIAL ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCIES IN OFFICE, SO AS TO REQUIRE SPECIAL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ONLY ON CERTAIN ENUMERATED DATES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 74 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Leber, Elliott, Garrett, Ott, Kimbrell, Graham and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 17-13-142 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, A CIRCUIT SOLICITOR, OR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO REQUIRE THE DISCLOSURE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER RELATED RECORDS BY A PROVIDER OF AN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SERVICE OR REMOTE COMPUTING SERVICE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 143 (Word version) -- Senator Devine: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE, SO AS TO INCLUDE PERSONS WHO ARE OR WERE DATING TO THE LIST OF PERSONS DEFINED AS "HOUSEHOLD MEMBER"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-40, RELATING TO PETITIONS FOR AN ORDER OF PROTECTION, SO AS TO INCLUDE A PARENT, GUARDIAN, LEGAL COUNSEL, OR OTHER APPROPRIATE ADULT AS A PERSON WHO CAN PETITION ON BEHALF OF MINORS IN THE PERSON'S HOUSEHOLD.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

S. 180 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE, SO AS TO INCLUDE PERSONS WHO ARE OR WERE DATING TO THE LIST OF PERSONS DEFINED AS "HOUSEHOLD MEMBER"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-40, RELATING TO PETITIONS FOR AN ORDER OF PROTECTION, SO AS TO INCLUDE A PARENT, GUARDIAN, LEGAL COUNSEL, OR OTHER APPROPRIATE ADULT AS A PERSON WHO CAN PETITION ON BEHALF MINORS IN THE PERSON'S HOUSEHOLD.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:

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 THE 126TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator CLIMER from the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3724 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, 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, 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, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND SOUTH CAROLINA'S FFA MEMBERS (FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA) AND ALL WHO SUPPORT, PROMOTE, AND ENCOURAGE THESE OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND TO JOIN THEM IN OBSERVANCE OF NATIONAL FFA WEEK, FEBRUARY 15-22, 2025.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The following Bill was read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3792 (Word version) -- Rep. Pedalino: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 106 OF 2021, RELATING TO THE CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN CLARENDON COUNTY INTO THE CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE METHOD OF DETERMINING THE RESULTS OF ELECTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO ANNUALLY SUBMIT ITS PROPOSED BUDGET TO THE CLARENDON COUNTY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.

READ THE THIRD TIME
SENT TO THE HOUSE

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.

S. 103 (Word version) -- Senators Climer, Kimbrell, Verdin, Leber, Zell and Stubbs: 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.

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.

S. 164 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-120, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR REGULATIONS, SO AS TO TOLL THE PERIOD OF LEGISLATIVE REVIEW FROM THE SECOND FRIDAY IN MAY THROUGH THE SECOND MONDAY IN JANUARY; AND TO ADD A PROVISION REVISING THE PERIOD OF LEGISLATIVE REVIEW FOR REGULATIONS FILED ON JANUARY 14, 2025, TO ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN DAYS.

AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME

S. 238 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Peeler, Massey and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS AMENDING SECTION 2-1-180, RELATING TO ADJOURNMENT OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CONDITIONS FOR EXTENDED SESSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DATE FOR SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT IS AUTOMATICALLY EXTENDED IF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DOES NOT GIVE THIRD READING TO THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT ON OR BEFORE MARCH TENTH, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY CALL THEIR RESPECTIVE BODIES INTO SESSION AFTER THE SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT DATE TO FINISH ANY UNFINISHED BUSINESS RELATING TO THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL OR CAPITAL RESERVE FUND RESOLUTION, TO PROVIDE THE TIME PERIOD DURING WHICH THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY BE CALLED BACK TO COMPLETE THE UNFINISHED BUSINESS RELATING TO THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL OR CAPITAL RESERVE FUND RESOLUTION; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TOLLING OF THE ONE-HUNDRED-TWENTY-DAY PERIOD THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS TO REVIEW STATE REGULATIONS.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.

Senator MASSEY proposed the following amendment (SJ-238.PB0003S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 2-1-180(B) and inserting:
  (B) For the purposes of the Administrative Procedures Act, the one-hundred-twenty-day period that the General Assembly has to review state regulations is tolled from the second Friday in May through the second Monday in January.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MASSEY explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The question then being third reading of the Bill.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Graham
Grooms                    Hembree                   Jackson
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Sabb                      Stubbs                    Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Walker                    Williams                  Young
Zell

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House.

AMENDED, READ THE SECOND TIME

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.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.

Senators MATTHEWS, RANKIN, ALEXANDER and MASSEY proposed the following amendment (LC-3727.AHB0004S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1.   Section 2-13-90 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 2-13-90.   If at any time the supplement of any volume of the Code of Laws shall, in the judgment of the Council and the Code Commissioner, become too bulky for convenient use, the Council and the Code Commissioner shall contract to be prepared and published under theirhis supervision and direction, and submit to the General Assembly for its consideration, a revised volume setting forth the contents of the original volume revised and codified to include the effect of such cumulative pocket supplement; and the General Assembly, having considered and approved such revised volume shall, by bill passed under the formalities prescribed by the Constitution of South Carolina for the passage of laws, declare such that the revised volume to beis substituted for the original volume as a part of the then existing Code of Laws, and, to the extent of its contents, is the only general permanent statutory law of the State. All replacement volumes shall include an annotation to any general permanent statutory law which is impliedly repealed and must be included as it had been previously printed in the Cumulative Supplement it replaced.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MASSEY explained the Bill.

The amendment was adopted.

The question being the second reading of the Bill.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Graham
Grooms                    Hembree                   Jackson
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Sabb                      Stubbs                    Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Walker                    Williams                  Young
Zell

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

There being no further amendments the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

OBJECTION

S. 26 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-107 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT OWNERS OF WATERCRAFT OF MORE THAN SEVENTY HORSEPOWER MUST CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE OF AT LEAST FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS OF COVERAGE PER OCCURRENCE, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION OF FINES.

Senator HEMBREE objected to consideration of the Bill.

READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 167 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA WATERWAYS PROTECTION ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-975 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA WATERWAYS PROTECTION FUND AND THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH REVENUES IN THE FUND MAY BE EXPENDED; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-3215 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT A TAX NOTICE FOR WATERCRAFT MUST INCLUDE A WATERWAYS PROTECTION FEE OF THREE DOLLARS.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.

Senator CAMPSEN explained the Bill.

The question being the second reading of the Bill.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 39; Nays 4

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Graham                    Grooms
Hembree                   Jackson                   Johnson
Kennedy                   Kimbrell                  Leber
Martin                    Massey                    Nutt
Ott                       Rankin                    Sabb
Stubbs                    Sutton                    Tedder
Turner                    Verdin                    Walker
Williams                  Young                     Zell

Total--39

NAYS

Garrett                   Peeler                    Reichenbach
Rice

Total--4

The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator MASSEY, with unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to go into Executive Session prior to adjournment.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On motion of Senator MASSEY, the seal of secrecy was removed, so far as the same relates to appointments made by the Governor and the following names were reported to the Senate in open session:

STATEWIDE APPOINTMENTS
Confirmations

Having received a favorable report from the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, Director, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, with term at the pleasure of the DNR Board
Thomas S. Mullikin, 1308 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020 VICE Robert H. Boyles, Jr.

On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the question was confirmation of Thomas S. Mullikin.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Graham
Grooms                    Hembree                   Jackson
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Sabb                      Stubbs                    Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Walker                    Williams                  Young
Zell

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Thomas S. Mullikin was confirmed.

Having received a favorable report from the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, Jobs Economic Development Authority, with the term to commence July 27, 2024, and to expire July 27, 2027
7th Congressional District:
J. Barron Ervin, Jr., 285 West Pocket Road, Florence, SC 29506-8112 VICE Henry Swink

On motion of Senator DAVIS, the question was confirmation of J. Barron Ervin, Jr.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Graham
Grooms                    Hembree                   Jackson
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Sabb                      Stubbs                    Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Walker                    Williams                  Young
Zell

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of J. Barron Ervin, Jr. was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Board of Real Estate Appraisers, with the term to commence May 31, 2024, and to expire May 31, 2027
Mortgage Lending:
Michael C. Strange, Security Federal Bank 13 Sweet Bay Drive, Columbia, SC 29209-4811 VICE Mr. Raymond M. Hammond

On motion of Senator DAVIS, the question was confirmation of Michael C. Strange.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Graham
Grooms                    Hembree                   Jackson
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Sabb                      Stubbs                    Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Walker                    Williams                  Young
Zell

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Michael C. Strange was confirmed.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator CROMER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Henry Melton "Buddy" Kunkle, Sr. of Prosperity, S.C. Buddy lived a long and fulfilling 107 years. He served in the 9th United States Army Air Force in World War II as an engineer gunner on a B-26 Bomber. He completed sixty-five missions including the Battle of the Bulge and the airborne invasion of Normandy. Buddy loved hunting, fishing and working the land as a farmer. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1977 and was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Buddy was a loving father and devoted grandfather who will be dearly missed.

ADJOURNMENT

At 3:03 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

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