NO. 52
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Psalm 118:24
The Psalmist writes: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Bow with me as we pray, my friends: Truly. O Holy God, to these servants of Yours it does have to seem that the challenges they face never do let up, that the uphill slog seems at times to go on and on. With that in mind here at this point of this year's Session, dear Lord, we ask that You grant encouragement to these Senators and their staff members as they trudge along. Allow each one of these individuals to know full well that You are present as they continue dealing with issues that at their core impact the lives of all South Carolinians. And may these leaders never forget that You indeed are with them every day, every moment, if they but call upon You for guidance. Plus, O God, never doubt that we all continue holding in our heartfelt prayers all of our women and men serving in harm's way here during these incredibly challenging days. We so pray in Your blessed name, O Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
Senator PEELER moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Devine Elliott Fernandez Garrett Goldfinch Graham Hembree Hutto Kimbrell Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
Senator LEBER recorded his presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Reappointment, South Carolina Public Charter School District Board of Trustees, with the term to commence July 1, 2026, and to expire July 1, 2029
South Carolina Association of School Administrators:
Billy R. Strickland, Ph.D., 202 Sweetgum Street, Laurens, SC 29360
Referred to the Committee on Education.
Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Hon. William Dean Cobb, 117 Pine Forest Drive, Blacksburg, SC 29702
Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Hon. John B. Cook, 247 Goucher Green Bethel Road, Gaffney, SC 29340
Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Hon. Robert B. Howell, 149 Ledge Stone Lane, Gaffney, SC 29341
Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Hon. Julian Wright, 121 Fernwood Drive, Gaffney, SC 29340
Reappointment, Edgefield County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Edgefield County:
Hon. Garry Dean Hitt, Post Office Box 664, Edgefield, SC 29824
Reappointment, Edgefield County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Edgefield County:
Hon. Gladys M. Mason, 264 Star Road, Suite B, Edgefield, SC 29824
Initial Appointment, Georgetown County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Georgetown County:
Nedra M. Morant, 1599 Exodus Drive, Georgetown, SC 29440 VICE Hon. Gwendolyn R. McNeil
Initial Appointment, Marlboro County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Marlboro County:
Charles Michael Goff, 3306 Carolina Church Road, Clio, SC 29525 VICE Grover McQueen
The following were received:
Document No. 5371
Agency: State Board of Education
Chapter: 43
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-26-10, 59-26-30, and 59-26-40
SUBJECT: Defined Program, Grades 9-12 and Graduation Requirements
Received by President of the Senate May 8, 2025
Referred to Education Committee
Legislative Review Expiration: Permanently Withdrawn
Permanently Withdrawn April 13, 2026
Document No. 5406
Agency: South Carolina Aeronautics Commission
Chapter: 4
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 55-1-1 et seq., 55-5-80(A), 55-5-80(N), and 55-5-280(D)
SUBJECT: Use of the State Aviation Fund; Procedure for Protection of Public Investment in Airports
Received by President of the Senate January 13, 2026
Referred to Committee on Transportation
Legislative Review Expiration: Permanently Withdrawn
Permanently Withdrawn April 10, 2026
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, at 12:09 P.M., Senator KENNEDY was granted a leave of absence for today.
Senator GOLDFINCH rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
S. 1108 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF FRED NASH BOULEVARD FROM ITS NORTH END TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH HARRELSON BOULEVARD IN HORRY COUNTY "CORNELIA BRIGHAM INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 4570 (Word version) -- Reps. Oremus, Clyburn, Hixon, Taylor and Hartz: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF PINEY HEIGHTS ROAD IN AIKEN COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH PINE HILL ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH PINE LOG ROAD THE "JAMES ROLAND SMITH MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 4981 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 301 AND BLACK BRANCH ROAD IN THE TOWN OF DILLON IN DILLON COUNTY "JOSEPH B. 'BENNY' COOPER INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
The following were introduced:
S. 1109 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-20, RELATING TO PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES, SO AS TO DECREASE THE MAXIMUM FILING FEE THAT MAY BE CHARGED BY THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO EACH CANDIDATE CERTIFIED BY A POLITICAL PARTY FOR THE CONDUCT OF A PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 1110 (Word version) -- Senator Sabb: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JIM FITCH UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE RICE MUSEUM.
sr-0626km-vc26.docx
The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1111 (Word version) -- Senator Johnson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE CADET JOSHUA PRINCE FOR WINNING THE 2026 MARINE CORPS AND ALL-SERVICE JROTC NATIONAL AIR RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1112 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MAY 10-16, 2026, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA HOSPITAL WEEK"
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1113 (Word version) -- Senator Climer: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE YORK COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL MALE AND FEMALE STRENGTH TEAMS, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO HONOR THEM FOR WINNING THE 2025-2026 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1114 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE JOURNAL FOR WINNING SEVERAL SOUTH CAROLINA PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDS, INCLUDING THE TOP AWARD IN GENERAL EXCELLENCE FOR A THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1115 (Word version) -- Senator Sutton: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA ADVENTURE ROUTE FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUTDOOR RECREATION, TOURISM, AND THE PROMOTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S NATURAL BEAUTY, AND TO EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR RESPONSIBLE ADVENTURE TRAVEL AND MOTORCYCLING THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1116 (Word version) -- Senator Sabb: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR KINGSTREE FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND IT FOR A CENTURY OF BUSINESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1117 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND TAIWAN FOR ITS RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1118 (Word version) -- Senator Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 13-1-1790 SO AS TO CREATE THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HEADQUARTERS RELOCATION AND GROWTH FUND" TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO QUALIFYING BUSINESSES THAT ESTABLISH OR EXPAND CERTAIN HEADQUARTERS IN THIS STATE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 1119 (Word version) -- Senator Bennett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-16610 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL ISSUE BLACKOUT SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
sr-0639km26.docx
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 1120 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. RICHARD J. GOUGH UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FOLLOWING TWELVE YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1121 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Adams, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Blackmon, Bright, Campsen, Cash, Chaplin, Climer, Corbin, Cromer, Davis, Devine, Elliott, Fernandez, Gambrell, Garrett, Goldfinch, Graham, Grooms, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kennedy, Kimbrell, Leber, Martin, Massey, Matthews, Ott, Peeler, Rankin, Reichenbach, Rice, Sabb, Stubbs, Sutton, Tedder, Turner, Verdin, Walker, Williams and Zell: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE RETIRED U.S. MARINE COLONEL CLAUDE H. DAVIS UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS A NJROTC INSTRUCTOR AT SEVERAL SCHOOLS, INCLUDING AT SOUTH AIKEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS, COMMEND HIM FOR HIS FORTY-SIX YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, AND WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
H. 5517 (Word version) -- Reps. McDaniel, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR STELLA GRACE BURROUGHS, A STUDENT AT THE FAIRFIELD MAGNET SCHOOL FOR MATH AND SCIENCE, AND TO CONGRATULATE HER FOR BEING THE STATE WINNER OF THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S BOOK CHALLENGE.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
H. 5518 (Word version) -- Reps. Pedalino, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE LAWSON CANNON, KNOWLTON CARTER, WAYDE INGRAM, AND RAYVON KERSEY, STUDENTS AT WALKER GAMBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ON WINNING THE 2026 CHILDREN'S BOOK CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY SANTEE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AND THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
H. 5520 (Word version) -- Reps. Sanders, Huff, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND PALMETTO MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR ITS INSTITUTION OF "YOU MATTER DAY" IN MEMORY OF AUSTIN SMITH, A FORMER SEVENTH GRADE STUDENT AT PALMETTO MIDDLE, IN ORDER TO RAISE SUICIDE AWARENESS AMONG STUDENTS AND ASSURE THEM THAT THEIR LIVES MATTER IN THIS WORLD.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 5126 (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, 2026, 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.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:
H. 5127 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026, AND TO ALLOW UNEXPENDED FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO BE CARRIED FORWARD TO SUCCEEDING FISCAL YEARS AND EXPENDED FOR THE SAME PURPOSES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Columbia, S.C., April 14, 2026
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it insists upon the amendments proposed by the House to:
S. 477 (Word version) -- Senators Davis and Ott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-210, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF A "SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE" IN THE PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-230, RELATING TO PHARMACISTS PERMITTED TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE SUCH DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-240, RELATING TO WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS BY THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND THE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO AUTHORIZE PHARMACISTS TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES WITHOUT PATIENT-SPECIFIC WRITTEN ORDERS, SO AS TO INSTEAD PROVIDE THE DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE UNDER STANDING ORDERS OR WITHOUT STANDING ORDERS WHEN DISPENSED OR ADMINISTERED PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS.
asks for a Committee of Conference, and has appointed Reps. Guest, Calhoun and Bernstein to the committee on the part of the House.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
S. 477 (Word version) -- Senators Davis and Ott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-210, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF A "SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE" IN THE PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-230, RELATING TO PHARMACISTS PERMITTED TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE SUCH DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-240, RELATING TO WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS BY THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND THE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO AUTHORIZE PHARMACISTS TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES WITHOUT PATIENT-SPECIFIC WRITTEN ORDERS, SO AS TO INSTEAD PROVIDE THE DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE UNDER STANDING ORDERS OR WITHOUT STANDING ORDERS WHEN DISPENSED OR ADMINISTERED PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS.
Whereupon, Senators DAVIS, MATTHEWS and GARRETT were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, under Rule 32A, the Senate agreed to vary the order of the day and proceed directly to the Special Order, S. 508.
S. 508 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin, Goldfinch, Martin, Peeler, Bennett, Young, Blackmon, Kimbrell, Zell, Nutt, Fernandez, Alexander, Turner, Adams, Leber, Corbin, Grooms, Hembree, Rice, Massey, Garrett, Chaplin, Cromer, Johnson, Gambrell, Kennedy, Davis, Climer, Campsen, Reichenbach, Bright and Cash: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 10-1-165, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF CERTAIN MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPE OF MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS THAT MAY NOT BE RELOCATED, REMOVED, OR DISTURBED, TO WITHHOLD DISBURSEMENTS FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND FOR ANY COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY THAT VIOLATES THIS SECTION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CARE AND PRESERVATION OF MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS BY CERTAIN PEOPLE OR ORGANIZATIONS, TO PROVIDE STANDING TO CERTAIN PEOPLE OR ORGANIZATIONS TO BRING A CIVIL ACTION IN RESPONSE TO A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION OR TO PREVENT SUCH VIOLATION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR LIMITATIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY UNDERNEATH A MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL OR THE TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN, ACCESS, OR VIEW A MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.
Senator VERDIN asked unanimous consent to proceed to Amendment No.9.
Senator VERDIN proposed the following amendment (SR-508.KM0004S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. The General Assembly finds that those who lived through a historical event possess a firsthand understanding that later observers can study but never fully replicate. Accounts written by people who experienced the event--or who lived closer to the time period--carry the texture of context, language, and lived reality that inevitably fades with time. The nearer a person stands in time to the event, the more likely their description reflects the conditions, perceptions, and meanings as they were actually understood when they occurred.
SECTION 2. Section 10-1-165 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 10-1-165. (A) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Affinity organization" means a non-profit organization registered with the Secretary of State that was established for the purpose of, primary or otherwise, honoring a particular event, people, or time period, including, but not limited to, historic or heritage organizations that have a clearly demonstrable record of these actions.
(2) "Historic figure" means a deceased person recognized in historical records, scholarship, or public commemoration as having played a significant role in past events or developments of public importance.
(3) "Monument preservation organization" means a non-profit organization registered with the Secretary of State that was established solely, or in part, for the preservation, defense, or protection of monuments and memorials that has a clearly demonstrable record of these actions.
(B) No colonial war, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, War Between the States, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, any armed conflict involving South Carolinians, Native American, or African- American History, or other historic monuments or memorials erected on public property of the State or any of its political subdivisions may be relocated, removed, disturbed, or altered. No street, bridge, structure, park, preserve, reserve, installation, nameplate, or other public area of the State or any of its political subdivisions dedicated in memory of or named for any historic figure, or historic group of people, historic event, or commemorated event may be renamed or rededicated. No person may prevent the public body responsible for the monument or memorial from taking proper measures and exercising proper means for the protection, preservation, and care of these monuments, memorials, or nameplates.
(C) The prohibition on disturbing or altering a monument or memorial contained in this section includes affixing to or placing on or near a monument or memorial, or the public property upon which the monument or memorial is located, plaques, markers, anything that facilitates the transmission of messages through digital or electronic means, or other messages or message delivery devices or platforms that are related to the monument or memorial but are not original to the monument or memorial.
(B)(D) The provisions of this section may only be amended or repealed upon passage of an act which has received a two-thirds vote on the third reading of the bill in each branch of the General Assembly.In order to relocate, remove, disturb, or alter a monument or memorial or to rename or rededicate a street, bridge, structure, park, preserve, reserve, installation, nameplate or other public area of the State or any its political subdivisions dedicated in memory of or named for any historic figure, historic group of people, historic event, or commemorated event, the General Assembly must enact a joint resolution directing the action to be taken.
(E) It is not a violation of subsection (B) if a monument or memorial to a dedicated class of people whose names are inscribed on the monument or memorial is altered to include additional names of members of the class who were not known to be or had not qualified as a member of the class at the time that the monument or memorial was first erected.
(F)(1) An affinity organization or monument preservation organization shall have a right to bring a civil action, to prevent or redress a violation of this section, including injunctive relief, declaratory relief, and the recovery of damages, for the cost of restoration and repair of any damaged or destroyed monument or memorial, including attorney's fees and court costs.
(2) An alleged violation of this section:
(a) related to a particular event, people, or time period honored by an affinity organization that is raised by the affinity organization in a civil complaint concerning the alleged violation constitutes concrete and particularized harm for the purposes of the affinity organization's standing to bring the civil action; or
(b) that is raised by a monument preservation organization constitutes concrete and particularized harm incurred by the monument preservation organization for the purposes of the monument preservation organization's standing to bring the civil action.
(G) If the real property upon which a monument or memorial is erected is sold or transferred to a private entity, then as soon as practicable after the sale or transfer is completed the monument or memorial shall be relocated only to an area on public property of equal or greater prominence and visibility within the same political subdivision.
(H)(1) If necessary for public utility-related infrastructure improvements, the construction of a new government structure, or the expansion or renovation of an existing government structure, then a monument or memorial may be relocated only to an area on public property of equal or greater prominence and visibility within the same political subdivision or removed temporarily during the construction project and relocated to its original location as soon as practicable after the project's completion.
(2) A government structure named or dedicated for a historic figure, historic group of people, historic event, or commemorated event may be demolished at the direction of the public body with control over the structure. Any plaque, marker, or other tangible item located within the building that falls within the protections contained in subsection (B) must be removed from the structure prior to its demolition. If the demolished structure is replaced with a new one, then the plaques, markers, or other tangible items must be placed within the new structure in a place of equal or greater prominence and visibility. If the demolished structure is not replaced with a new one, then the public body must display the plaques, markers, or other tangible items removed from the demolished structure in another location of equal or greater prominence and visibility.
(I) The provisions of this section do not apply to a governmental entity when it temporarily relocates or removes a monument or memorial, including road dedication signs pursuant to Section 57-3-610, if the current location of the monument or memorial conflicts with a highway, bridge, roadway maintenance, or construction project. However, as soon as practicable after the project's completion, the monument or memorial shall be returned to its original location or placed in a location in close proximity to its original location.
(J) The Department of Archives and History shall promulgate regulations to establish a process for affinity organizations, monument preservation organizations, public bodies, or other custodians to maintain monuments and memorials, as well as restore and replace monuments and memorials that have been damaged or destroyed.
SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator SUTTON asked unanimous consent to proceed to Amendment No.10.
Senator SUTTON proposed the following amendment (SMIN-508.MW0021S), which was carried over:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 10-1-165, by adding an appropriately numbered subsection to read:
(1)Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if a historic figure for whom a street, bridge, structure, park, preserve, reserve, installation, nameplate, or other commemorative property is named or dedicated was convicted of, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or is shown by clear and convincing evidence contained in judicial records or official governmental findings to have committed a heinous crime, the public body having ownership or control of the property may petition the Department of Archives and History for expedited written approval to remove the name or dedication. (2) For purposes of this subsection, "heinous crime" should be defined narrowly and include offenses such as murder, kidnapping, human trafficking, criminal sexual conduct, sexual exploitation of a minor, child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury or death, or substantially similar offenses.
(3) This subsection may not be used solely on ideological disagreement, public controversy, or reassessment of a person's historical role.
(4) Approval pursuant to this subsection does not require a Joint Resolution of the General Assembly.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator SUTTON explained the amendment.
On motion of Senator SUTTON, the amendment was carried over.
Senator SUTTON asked unanimous consent to proceed to Amendment No.4A.
Senators GROOMS and SUTTON proposed the following amendment (SMIN-508.MW0022S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 10-1-165, by striking subsection (B) and inserting:
(B) No colonial war, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, War Between the States, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, any armed conflict involving South Carolinians, Native American, or African- American History, or other historic monuments or memorials erected on public property of the State or any of its political subdivisions may be relocated, removed, disturbed, or altered. No street, bridge, structure, park, preserve, reserve, installation, nameplate, or other public area of the State or any of its political subdivisions dedicated in memory of or named for any historic figure, or historic group of people, historic event, or commemorated event may be renamed or rededicated. No person may prevent the public body responsible for the monument or memorial from taking proper measures and exercising proper means for the protection, preservation, and care of these monuments, memorials, or nameplates.
Further amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 10-1-165, by striking subsection (D) and inserting:
(B)(D)The provisions of this section may only be amended or repealed upon passage of an act which has received a two-thirds vote on the third reading of the bill in each branch of the General Assembly. In order to relocate, remove, disturb, or alter a monument or memorial or to rename or rededicate a street, bridge, structure, park, preserve, reserve, installation, nameplate or other public area of the State or any its political subdivisions dedicated in memory of or named for any historic figure, historic group of people, historic event, or commemorated event, the General Assembly must enact a joint resolution directing the action to be taken.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator SUTTON explained the amendment.
Senator VERDIN spoke on the amendment.
Senator VERDIN moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator SUTTON asked unanimous consent to withdraw Amendment No. 5 and proceed to Amendment No.11.
Senator SUTTON proposed the following amendment (SMIN-508.LMS0006S)
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by, SECTION 2, by striking Section 10-1-165 (C) and inserting:
(C) The prohibition on disturbing or altering a monument or memorial contained in this section includes affixing to or placing on or near a monument or memorial, or the public property upon which the monument or memorial is located, plaques, markers, anything that facilitates the transmission of messages through digital or electronic means, or other messages or message delivery devices or platforms that are related to the monument or memorial but are not original to the monument or memorial. The prohibition on disturbing or altering a monument or memorial contained in this section does not prohibit affixing to or placing on or near a monument or memorial, or the public property upon which the monument or memorial is located, plaques, markers, QR codes, photographs, digital content, interpretive materials, educational materials, or other supplemental information for the purpose of providing historical context, correcting inaccuracies, updating factual information, adding newly identified names or service records, recognizing subsequent events, or otherwise preserving and enhancing the public's understanding of the monument or memorial, provided that such additions do not result in the relocation, removal, destruction, concealment, or material alteration of the original monument or memorial.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator SUTTON explained the amendment.
Senator VERDIN spoke on the amendment.
Senator JACKSON spoke on the amendment.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
S. 1050 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE HAMPTON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE SHALL RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH HE IS IN ATTENDANCE AND THAT THE CHAIRMAN SHALL RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHAIRMAN SHALL NOT APPROVE SUCH PAYMENTS MORE THAN EIGHTEEN TIMES EACH FISCAL YEAR.
On motion of Senator MATTHEWS.
S. 1051 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews, Hutto and Campsen: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE COLLETON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE SHALL RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH HE IS IN ATTENDANCE AND THAT THE CHAIRMAN SHALL RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHAIRMAN SHALL NOT APPROVE SUCH PAYMENTS MORE THAN EIGHTEEN TIMES EACH FISCAL YEAR.
On motion of Senator MATTHEWS.
S. 1052 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews and Davis: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE JASPER COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE SHALL RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH HE IS IN ATTENDANCE AND THAT THE CHAIRMAN SHALL RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHAIRMAN SHALL NOT APPROVE SUCH PAYMENTS MORE THAN EIGHTEEN TIMES EACH FISCAL YEAR.
On motion of Senator MATTHEWS.
H. 5470--Reps. Whitmire, King, McGinnis and Rose: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026, AS THE TIME FOR THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO MEET IN JOINT ASSEMBLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR VARIOUS COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (Abbreviated Title)
The Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed that if and when the Senate stands adjourned today, that it will adjourn to meet tomorrow at 11:45 A.M. for the purpose of attending the Joint Assembly and at the conclusion of the Joint Assembly, the Senate would stand in recess for one hour.
Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Hon. William Dean Cobb, 117 Pine Forest Drive, Blacksburg, SC 29702
Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Hon. John B. Cook, 247 Goucher Green Bethel Road, Gaffney, SC 29340
Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Hon. Robert B. Howell, 149 Ledge Stone Lane, Gaffney, SC 29341
Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Hon. Julian Wright, 121 Fernwood Drive, Gaffney, SC 29340
Reappointment, Edgefield County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Edgefield County:
Hon. Garry Dean Hitt, P.O. Box 664, Edgefield, SC 29824
Reappointment, Edgefield County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Edgefield County:
Hon. Gladys M. Mason, 264 Star Road, Suite B, Edgefield, SC 29824
Initial Appointment, Georgetown County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Georgetown County:
Nedra M. Morant, 1599 Exodus Drive, Georgetown, SC 29440 VICE Hon. Gwendolyn R. McNeil
Initial Appointment, Marlboro County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Marlboro County:
Charles Michael Goff, 3306 Carolina Church Road, Clio, SC 29525 VICE Grover McQueen
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
At 3:48 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:45 A.M.
This web page was last updated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 4:17 P.M.