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

                                                    NO. 36

JOURNAL

OF THE

SENATE

OF THE

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025

_________

THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025
Thursday, March 13, 2025
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:00 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:

Romans 11:33a

In Paul's letter to the Romans we read: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"

Good friends, let us pray: O Glorious Lord, it is so very clear that every single one of us needs to prize Your great gifts of wisdom and knowledge. Surely those qualities are always assets to be held dear by all who strive to serve You in the public sphere. Portraits of so many leaders who understood clearly what Paul was saying surround us here in this Chamber. And we fervently pray that our current Senators grasp the importance of possessing and making wise use of these gifts, as well. Indeed, may this also be true of every South Carolinian serving in any state government role, no matter at what level. For the people of this State we all love deserve nothing less than to have the very best sort of leadership imaginable. May it ever be so, dear Lord. So we humbly pray. Amen.

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

Call of the Senate

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

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Blackmon                  Cash
Climer                    Corbin                    Cromer
Davis                     Devine                    Elliott
Gambrell                  Garrett                   Goldfinch
Graham                    Grooms                    Hembree
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Leber
Massey                    Nutt                      Ott
Peeler                    Reichenbach               Rice
Sabb                      Stubbs                    Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Walker                    Williams                  Young

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

The following appointment was transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:

Local Appointment

Reappointment, Aiken County Master-in-Equity, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2031
Maurice Anderson Griffith, 1397 Woodbine Road, Aiken, SC 29803

COMMUNICATION

The Honorable Henry D. McMaster   The Honorable Jeffrey S. Gossett
State House, First Floor             401 Gressette Building
Columbia, SC 29201               Columbia, SC 29201

The Honorable Mark Hammond     The Honorable Charles F. Reid
1205 Pendleton Street               213 Blatt Building
Columbia SC 29201               Columbia, SC 29201

March 12, 2025

RE: Approval of appointment of Mr. T.J. Johnson to the SCDOT Commission from the 1st Congressional District

Dear Gentlement,

Pursuant to Section 57-1-325 et. seq., members of the General Assembly representing the 1st Congressional District met on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the third floor conference room of the State House to consider the below referenced gubernatorial appointment. The meeting was publicly posted and members of the Senate and House of Representatives met jointly.

As Chairman of the 1st District Legislative Delegation, I certify that Mr. T.J. Johnson received a majority of the weighted vote of only the Senators in the delegation and a majority of the weighted vote of only the members of the House of Representatives in the delegation. Appointment details are below.

Reappointment, Department of Transportation Commission, with the term to commence February 15, 2024, and to expire February 15, 2028
1st Congressional District:

Mr. Thomas J. Johnson, 1303 Kings Court, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29464 VICE: Self

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Larry Grooms

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator CROMER, at 11:18 A.M., Senator CAMPSEN was granted a leave of absence for today.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator STUBBS, at 11:18 A.M., Senator ZELL was granted a leave of absence for today.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator TEDDER, at 11:37 A.M., Senator MATTHEWS was granted a leave of absence for today.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator STUBBS, at 11:37 A.M., Senator FERNANDEZ was granted a leave of absence for today.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 425 (Word version)     Sens. Ott and Elliott
S. 439 (Word version)     Sen. Sutton

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 449 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 40-43-245 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PHARMACISTS AND PHYSICIANS TO ENTER INTO COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PHYSICIANS AND MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-205 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PHYSICIANS AND PHARMACISTS TO ENTER INTO COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS; AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY AND THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS AND TO PROVIDE THAT COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS MAY NOT BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL AFTER THE REGULATIONS ARE EFFECTIVE.
sr-0273km25.docx

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

S. 450 (Word version) -- Senator Climer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-13-20, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF SUPERINTENDENTS, SO AS TO ALLOW SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO PETITION THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR A MODIFIED DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT CERTIFICATE FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULATIONS.
sedu-0010kg25.docx

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

S. 451 (Word version) -- Senator Climer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-67-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL NEWLY PURCHASED OR LEASED SCHOOL BUSES MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERIOR CAMERA.
sedu-0006kg25.docx

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

S. 452 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ACT 80 OF 2013, RELATING TO THE "HIGH GROWTH SMALL BUSINESS JOB CREATION ACT," SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE EXTENSION FOR AN ADDITIONAL TEN YEARS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 11-44-10, RELATING TO THE CITATION OF THE ACT, SO AS TO RENAME THE ACT THE "HIGH GROWTH SMALL BUSINESS JOB CREATION ACT OF 2013 - ANGEL INVESTOR TAX CREDIT ACT".
sr-0050cem25.docx

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

S. 453 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO TITLE 40, CHAPTER 15, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE PRACTICE OF TELEDENTISTRY IN THIS STATE, TO OUTLINE UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS RELATED TO TELEDENTISTRY.
sr-0270km25.docx

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

S. 454 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-40, RELATING TO DEFITINITIONS PERTAINING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO CHANGE REFERENCES TO "SPONSOR" TO "AUTHORIZER" AND TO PROVIDE OTHER DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-50, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A CHARTER SCHOOL TO POST THEIR ANNUAL AUDIT ON THEIR WEBSITE AND TO NOTIFY AND PROVIDE A COPY OF ANY EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS TO THE AUTHORIZER; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-55, RELATING TO AUTHORIZER POWERS AND DUTIES AND THE RETENTION OF FUNDS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE AUTHORIZER TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICES THAT ENSURE GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-60, RELATING TO CHARTER APPLICATIONS AND COMMITTEES, SO AS TO EXPAND THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION TO INCLUDE ANY PROPOSED CHARTER OR EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS CONTEMPLATED BY THE CHARTER SCHOOL; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-70, RELATING TO APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES, SO AS TO SET A TIME FRAME TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE APPLICATION FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-75, RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF AN AUTHORIZER OR MEMBER OF A DISTRICT OR GOVERNING BOARD, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO VACATE THE SEAT OF A MEMBER OF AN AUTHORIZER OR CHARTER SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARD WHO IS INDICTED FOR A CRIME; AND TO ALLOW THE GOVNEROR TO REMOVE A MEMBER FOR CHRONIC UNEXECUSED ABSENTEEISM, MEDICAL INCOMPETENCY, OR MEDICAL INCAPACITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-90, RELATING TO APPEALS TO ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SO AS TO ALLOW AN APPEAL FOR ANY FINAL DECISION MADE PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-115, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF CONTRACT WITH AN AUTHORIZER, SO AS TO ALLOW A CHARTER SCHOOL TO TERMINATE ITS CHARTER AND CONTRACT WITH AN AUTHORIZER UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-150, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SERVE AS THE STATE EDUCATION AGENCY FOR EACH AUTHORIZER AND ANNUALLY REVIEW THE POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PERFORMANCE OF EACH AUTHORIZER FOR COMPLIANCE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-180, RELATING TO REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT GUIDELINES WILL BE APPLICABLE TO NEW AUTHORIZERS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS.
sedu-0015db25.docx

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

S. 455 (Word version) -- Senator Adams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-605 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "STRANGULATION," CREATE THE OFFENSES OF STRANGULATION AND AGGRAVATED STRANGULATION, PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR THE OFFENSES, AND PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION.
sr-0051cem25.docx

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

S. 456 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Adams, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Blackmon, Campsen, Cash, Chaplin, Climer, Corbin, Cromer, Davis, Devine, Elliott, Fernandez, Gambrell, Garrett, Goldfinch, Graham, Grooms, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kennedy, Kimbrell, Leber, Martin, Massey, Matthews, Nutt, Ott, Peeler, Rankin, Reichenbach, Rice, Sabb, Stubbs, Sutton, Tedder, Turner, Verdin, Walker, Williams, Young and Zell: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA FORESTRY COMMISSION FOR THE CRUCIAL ROLE THEY PLAY IN PREVENTING WILDFIRES, SAFEGUARDING COMMUNITIES, PROTECTING WILDLIFE HABITATS, AND MAINTAINING HEALTHY FOREST ECOSYSTEMS ACROSS THE STATE, AND TO APPLAUD THEIR RESPONSE TO THE CAROLINA FOREST WILDFIRES, WHICH ULTIMATELY PREVENTED DAMAGE TO CITIZENS, HOMES, BUSINESSES, AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN HORRY COUNTY.
sr-0267km-vc25.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 457 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JAIME R. HARRISON UPON THE OCCASION OF COMPLETING HIS TERM AS CHAIR OF THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE.
sr-0274km-vc25.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 4025 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
11300dg25.txt

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

H. 4026 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, AND TO ALLOW UNEXPENDED FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO BE CARRIED FORWARD TO SUCCEEDING FISCAL YEARS AND EXPENDED FOR THE SAME PURPOSES.
lc-0171dg25.docx

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

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator DAVIS from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 150 (Word version) -- Senators Blackmon and Graham: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RENTAL KART AGE ACT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-18-30, RELATING TO APPLICABILITY AND EXCEPTIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA AMUSEMENT RIDES SAFETY CODE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL IS ALLOWED TO OPERATE A RENTAL KART IF THEY ARE EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER OR ARE FIFTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND HOLD A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE OR PERMIT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 41-18-40, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES SAFETY CODE, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator DAVIS from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 190 (Word version) -- Senators Adams, Tedder and Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 31-12-30, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT", SO AS TO INCLUDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 31-12-210, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF OBLIGATIONS FOR A REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT BY MUNICIPALITY, SO AS TO INCREASE THE TIME LIMIT OF WHICH AN OBLIGATION MUST BE ISSUED; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-10-88, RELATING TO REDEVELOPMENT FEES, SO AS TO UPDATE THE DEFINITION OF CLOSED OR REALIGNED FEDERAL INSTALLATIONS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator DAVIS from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable report on:

S. 279 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 41-29-20, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL, AND COMPENSATION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-29-35, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-27-710, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE REVIEW COMMITTEE, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT A PERSON MAY NOT BE APPOINTED UNLESS THE COMMITTEE FINDS THE APPOINTEE QUALIFIED; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 41-27-720, RELATING TO DUTIES OF COMMITTEE, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT THE COMMITTEE SHALL NOMINATE THREE QUALIFIED APPLICANTS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE GOVERNOR.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator DAVIS from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3933 (Word version) -- Reps. Mitchell and B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 33-36-1330, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT OR ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A SEVEN-MEMBER BOARD AND TO CHANGE THE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Appointments Reported

Senator DAVIS from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable report on:

Statewide Appointments

Reappointment, South Carolina Residential Builders Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2028
1st Congressional District:
Alpha T. Bailey, 2305 North Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483
Received as information.

Reappointment, South Carolina State Athletic Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2028
4th Congressional District:
Paul H. Kennemore III, 367 Meathward Circle, Moore, SC 29369

Received as information.

Reappointment, South Carolina State Athletic Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2028
At-Large:
Benson Garrick Messer, 550 Bimini Twist Circle, Lexington, SC 29072-8269

Received as information.

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

CARRIED OVER

S. 171 (Word version) -- Senators Gambrell and Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 75, TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR WASTE TIRE MANIFESTS AND RELATED PROVISIONS; BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 75, TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE INSTALLATION OF UNSAFE USED TIRES, AND RELATED PROVISIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-96-170(E) THROUGH (F), RELATING TO WASTE TIRES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY MAY CHARGE UP TO FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS AS A TIPPING FEE; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-96-170(N) THROUGH (S), RELATING TO WASTE TIRES, SO AS TO AMEND THE COLLECTION OF THE FEE TO INCLUDE USED TIRES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE WASTE TIRE FEE AND RELATED WASTE TIRE FUNDS, TO REMOVE THE REBATE PROVISIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STATEWIDE MARKET INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TIRE-DERIVED PRODUCTS; TO DIRECT THE CODE COMMISSIONER TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.

On motion of Senator CORBIN, the Bill was carried over.

READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 380 (Word version) -- Transportation Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, RELATING TO SPECIFIC INFORMATION SERVICE SIGNING, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5358, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Resolution.

Senator GROOMS explained the Resolution.

The question being the second reading of the Resolution.

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

Ayes 40; Nays 1

AYES

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

Total--40

NAYS

Corbin

Total--1

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

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED
READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 170 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Kimbrell, Stubbs, Matthews, Garrett, Adams, Graham and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-387 SO AS TO REQUIRE A LICENSED FACILITY TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO SURGICAL SMOKE BY REQURING THE USE OF A SMOKE EVACUATION SYSTEM.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.

The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-170.CEM0001S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking the undesignated paragraph and inserting:
SECTION 2.   This act takes effect on July 1, 2026, except that for the following hospitals this act takes effect January 1, 2027:

(1) hospitals certified as critical access hospitals pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 1395i-4;

(2) hospitals with fewer than twenty five fifty acute care beds in operation;

(3) hospitals certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as sole community hospitals; and

(4) hospitals that qualify as a Medicare dependent hospital; and

(5) hospitals with six or fewer operating rooms.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator GARRETT explained the amendment.

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 41; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--41

NAYS

Total--0

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

CARRIED OVER

S. 287 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Hutto, Grooms, Verdin, Davis, Turner, Gambrell, Hembree, Cromer, Kimbrell, Elliott, Zell, Ott, Garrett and Graham: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-95-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE REGULATIONS FOR THE SALE OF ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION; AND TO PROVIDE A TIMELINE FOR THE REQUIRED DEALER CERTIFICATION, DIRECTORY PUBLICATION, AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS.

On motion of Senator GARRETT, the Bill was carried over.

OBJECTION

S. 111 (Word version) -- Senators Rice and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-750, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF FAILURE TO STOP MOTOR VEHICLES WHEN SIGNALED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE PENALTIES WHEN VEHICLES LEAD OFFICERS ON HIGH-SPEED PURSUITS WHICH HAVE BEEN VIDEO RECORDED.

Senator SABB objected to consideration of the Bill.

POINT OF ORDER

S. 126 (Word version) -- Senator Johnson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 30-2-500, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN THE DEFINITION OF "PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION" AND TO DEFINE "DISCLOSED RECORDS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 30-2-510, RELATING TO OPTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO MAKE PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL; EXCEPTIONS; PROCEDURES, SO AS TO RESTRICT PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION IN A DISCLOSED RECORD FROM A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INTERNET WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY OR OPERATED ON BEHALF OF A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION RESTRICTED FROM DISCLOSED RECORDS UNDER THIS SECTION MUST REMAIN WITHIN THE OFFICIAL RECORD HELD OR MAINTAINED BY A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY, AND TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 30-2-515 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PETITION TO COURT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE ARTICLE AND TO PREVENT LIABILITY FROM ACCRUING TO A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE OR THE EMPLOYEE'S AGENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 30-2-700, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN THE DEFINITION OF "PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION" AND TO DEFINE "DISCLOSED RECORDS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 30-2-710, RELATING TO OPTION FOR JUDGES TO MAKE PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL; EXCEPTIONS; PROCEDURES, SO AS TO RESTRICT PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION IN A DISCLOSED RECORD FROM A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INTERNET WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY OR OPERATED ON BEHALF OF A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION RESTRICTED FROM DISCLOSED RECORDS UNDER THIS SECTION MUST REMAIN WITHIN THE OFFICIAL RECORD HELD OR MAINTAINED BY A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY, AND TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 30-2-715 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PETITION TO COURT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE ARTICLE AND TO PREVENT LIABILITY FROM ACCRUING TO A STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE OR THE EMPLOYEE'S AGENTS; TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY TO COLLABORATE IN THE CREATION OF THE DESIGNATED FORM FOR A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND FOR A JUDGE TO USE TO REQUEST THE RESTRICTION OF PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION IN DISCLOSED RECORDS; AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Point of Order

Senator CORBIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.

The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

POINT OF ORDER

S. 233 (Word version) -- Senators Leber and Kennedy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-48-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE "SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR ACT," SO AS TO REDEFINE "LIKELY TO ENGAGE IN ACTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE."

Point of Order

Senator CORBIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.

The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

POINT OF ORDER

S. 235 (Word version) -- Senators Kimbrell, Leber and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-90, RELATING TO PROSTITUTION, SO AS TO REVISE THE STATUTE TO PROHIBIT PROSTITUTION BY A PROSTITUTED PERSON AND TO INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-100, RELATING TO PROSTITUTION, SO AS TO REVISE THE STATUTE TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN ACTIONS RELATED TO A PERSON WHO SOLICITS CUSTOMERS FOR A PROSTITUTED PERSON AND TO INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-110, RELATING TO VIOLATIONS FOR PROSTITUTION, SO AS TO REVISE THE STATUTE TO PROHIBIT A PERSON FROM SOLICITING A PROTITUTED PERSON.

Point of Order

Senator CORBIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.

The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

POINT OF ORDER

S. 336 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Massey and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-90, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION, SO AS TO SET THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF MARCH FOR THE ELECTIONS OF JUDGES BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Point of Order

Senator CORBIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.

The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

POINT OF ORDER

H. 3529 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Bannister, Caskey, Wooten, Spann-Wilder, Calhoon, Ballentine, Robbins, Mitchell and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-3-40, RELATING TO FAMILY COURT JUDGES ELECTED FROM EACH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SO AS TO INCREASE BY ONE THE NUMBER OF FAMILY COURT JUDGES IN THE NINTH, ELEVENTH, AND FOURTEENTH CIRCUITS.

Point of Order

Senator CORBIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.

The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

ADOPTED

S. 400 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF US-76 AND STATE ROAD S-30-46 (US 76) IN LAURENS COUNTY "NATHANIEL HUNTER SIPES MEMORIAL INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.

The Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

H. 3840 (Word version) -- Rep. Hartnett: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO NAME THE INTERSECTION OF HARBORVIEW ROAD AND FORT SUMTER DRIVE ON JAMES ISLAND IN CHARLESTON COUNTY "THOMAS LEE READ MEMORIAL INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

The Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 3893 (Word version) -- Reps. Hiott, Bowers and Collins: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 153 AND UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 123 IN PICKENS COUNTY "SENATOR LARRY A. MARTIN INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

The Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

RECESS

At 11:50 A.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate receded from business.

At 3:28 P.M., the Senate resumed.

LOCAL APPOINTMENT
Confirmation

Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:

Reappointment, Aiken County Master-in-Equity, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2031
Maurice Anderson Griffith, 1397 Woodbine Road, Aiken, SC 29803

Motion Adopted

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

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator DEVINE, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Ms. Cynthia Helen Jordan Watson of Columbia, S.C. Cynthia graduated from W.J. Keenan High School and earned a speech language pathology degree from Columbia College. She served as the Executive Director and Owner of Crescent Moon Consulting Group and dedicated her professional life to advocacy, community leadership and organizational development. Cynthia was a member of the Voter Protection Unit for the South Carolina Democratic Party since 2020. She was a former board member and chair of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Commission for the City of Columbia and was a field director for the Richland County Democratic Party. Cynthia was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church where she sang in the gospel choir and was a member of United Methodist Women Organization. She was an avid reader who enjoyed playing tennis, biking and marathon running. She also loved attending the Lady Gamecocks basketball games and the Columbia Fireflies baseball games. Cynthia was a loving and devoted mother who will be dearly missed.

ADJOURNMENT

At 3:29 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1 for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.

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