Senate Journal for 5/8/2025 - South Carolina Legislature Online

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

NO. 68

JOURNAL

OF THE

SENATE

OF THE

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025

_________

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
Thursday, May 8, 2025
(Statewide Session)

~~Indicates Matter Stricken~~
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 10:01 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:

Exodus 40:33
Near the end of the book of Exodus we read that Moses: ". . .set up the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and put up the screen at the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work."
Bow with me as we pray, good friends: Glorious and ever-loving Lord God, we are fully aware that we have reached a milestone of sorts today. Indeed, today is this Regular Session of the South Carolina General Assembly's "last day." Officially, that is. There is still much to be done over the days ahead, for unlike Moses and his completed work, these faithful and dedicated servants here in this Senate will be coming back. Even though they have accomplished a great deal, they still have further work to tackle for the good of the people of this State. So bless these Senators and their aides as they catch their breath for a bit, O God. And bless them even moreso when they return. In Your gracious and loving name we pray, dear Lord. 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                  Campsen
Cash                      Chaplin                   Climer
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Graham
Hembree                   Hutto                     Jackson
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Stubbs                    Sutton                    Tedder
Turner                    Verdin                    Williams
Young                     Zell

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Motion Adopted

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

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

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

Local Appointment

Reappointment, Chester County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Olivia Williford, 1024 Center Road, Chester, SC 29706

REGULATION RECEIVED

The following was received and referred to the appropriate committee for consideration:
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 Committee on Education

REGULATION WITHDRAWN AND RESUBMITTED

The following was received:
Document No. 5319
Agency: State Board of Education
Chapter: 43
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-21-510, 59-33-10, and 59-33-120
SUBJECT: Sign Language Interpreters
Received by President of the Senate January 14, 2025
Referred to Education Committee
Legislative Review Expiration January 18, 2026
Withdrawn and Resubmitted May 8, 2025

Doctor of the Day

Senator RICE introduced Dr. Jennifer Hanke of Oconee, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator HUTTO, at 11:55 A.M., Senator JACKSON was granted a leave of absence until 1:30 P.M.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator RANKIN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Remarks to be Printed

On motion of Senator LEBER, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator MASSEY, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

The following co-sponsor was added to the respective Bill:
S. 121 (Word version) Sen. Campsen

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 667 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MAY 8, 2025, AS "NATIONAL GUARD DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MANY SACRIFICES AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD MAKES TO PROTECT THE FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND SECURITY OF OUR STATE AND NATION.
sr-0367km-vc25.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 668 (Word version) -- Senators Sutton, Campsen, Bennett, Tedder, Adams, Leber, Matthews, Rice, Sabb, Stubbs, Zell, Kennedy, Walker, Chaplin, Garrett, Fernandez, Blackmon, Johnson, Climer, Massey, Peeler and Nutt: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 54-3-10, RELATING TO THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY'S BOARD MEMBERSHIP, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THE MEMBERS MUST BE A RESIDENT OF BERKELEY, CHARLESTON, OR DORCHESTER COUNTY.
sr-0366km25.docx

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

S. 669 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "TEAM BASED HEALTH CARE ACT"; AND BY ADDING CHAPTER 48 TO TITLE 40, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS RELATED TO THE TEAM BASED HEALTH CARE ACT; TO REQUIRE APRNS, PAS, AND AAS TO PRACTICE AS A PART OF A PATIENT CARE TEAM, REGARDLESS OF PRACTICE SETTING, AND TO PROVIDE GUIDLINES FOR THE CARE TEAM; TO CREATE THE TEAM BASED HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE AS A COMMITTEE TO ASSIST THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND THE BOARD OF NURSING ON MATTERS RELATED TO TEAM-BASED HEALTH CARE IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE FOR HOW THE COMMITTEE WILL BE STRUCTURED; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (DEPARTMENT), IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, THE SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OF NURSING, AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, MUST ISSUE A REPORT WITH RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING PROPOSED INCENTIVES FOR APRNS, PAS, AND PHYSICIANS TO PRACTICE AS A PART OF A PATIENT CARE TEAM.
sr-0072cem25.docx

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

S. 670 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR GOSPEL MUSIC STAR JASON CRABB FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HIS EXAMPLE OF FAITH.
sr-0364km-hw25.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 671 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MARK THOMPSON FOR HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE WALHALLA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER.
sr-0365km-hw25.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 3802 (Word version) -- Reps. Bustos, Hartnett, Landing, Teeple, Edgerton, Magnuson, J. L. Johnson, Bamberg, Sanders, Bowers, Pope, Long and Frank: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-100, RELATING TO PARTICIPATION IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES OF PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS BY HOME SCHOOL, CHARTER SCHOOL, AND GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL STUDENTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE PARTICIPATION IN COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, AND CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION, TO PROVIDE EQUAL TREATMENT FOR SUCH STUDENTS AND STUDENTS ENROLLED IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
lc-0226wab25.docx

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

H. 3858 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, Pedalino, Lowe, Mitchell, M. M. Smith, B. J. Cox, Chapman, Davis, Sessions, Erickson, Guffey, B. L. Cox, Hewitt, Teeple, Hartnett, Pope, Rutherford, Brittain, Wooten, Guest, Hager, J. L. Johnson, B. Newton, Bailey, Bustos, Gagnon, Gilliam, Herbkersman, Holman, Jordan, Lawson, Martin, Murphy, Robbins, Ballentine, T. Moore, Montgomery, Sanders, Atkinson, Ligon, Gibson, J. Moore, Caskey, Moss, Huff, Beach, Terribile, Kilmartin, Hardee, Taylor, Yow, J. E. Johnson, Landing, Frank, Forrest, Oremus, Kirby, Hixon, Cromer and Gilreath: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 23, TITLE 50, SECTION 50-23-345, AND SECTION 50-23-375, ALL RELATING TO THE TITLING OF WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTORS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT OUTBOARD MOTORS BE TITLED; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-3210, RELATING TO TAX NOTICES FOR BOATS AND BOAT MOTORS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-3210, RELATING TO TAX NOTICES FOR BOATS, BOAT MOTORS, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ALLOW THE AUDITOR TO CONSOLIDATE THE TAX NOTICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 50-23-370, RELATING TO WATERCRAFT CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR FIFTY PERCENT OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF WATERCRAFT.
lc-0160sa25.docx

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

H. 4129 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, Guffey, M. M. Smith, Hartnett, Teeple, B. L. Cox, Sessions, Mitchell, Stavrinakis, Pedalino, Brittain, Hayes, Guest, Luck, Atkinson, Bamberg and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-19-5 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO PAYS A FEE TO PLAY A GAME IN WHICH SKILL PREDOMINATES OVER CHANCE AND RECEIVES A PRIZE PROPORTIONATE TO HOW SKILLFULLY HE PLAYED IS NOT GAMBLING.
lc-0123ahb25.docx

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

Motion to Ratify Adopted

At 11:58 A.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the House of Representatives was invited to attend the Senate Chamber for the purpose of ratifying Acts at a mutually convenient time.

A message was sent to the House accordingly.

Appointment Reported

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

Statewide Appointment

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, with the term to commence April 6, 2025, and to expire April 6, 2031
Veterinarian - At Large:
John Mayfield, 3337 Corinth Rd., Gaffney, SC 29340 VICE Elizabeth Fuller

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 3292 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Pedalino, W. Newton, Forrest, B.L. Cox, Erickson, Taylor, Hartz, Atkinson and Pace: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-2-105, RELATING TO GOLF CART PERMITS AND THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES MAY ENACT ORDINANCES TO ALLOW GOLF CARTS TO OPERATE IN DESIGNATED AREAS WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTIONS AT NIGHT.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 3563 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, B.J. Cox, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, Taylor, Chapman, Kirby, Cromer, Gilreath, Weeks, Williams, Holman and Govan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 25-11-50, RELATING TO COUNTY VETERANS' AFFAIRS OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECRETARY SHALL EVALUATE EACH COUNTY VETERANS' AFFAIRS OFFICE NO LESS THAN ONCE PER YEAR.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 3571 (Word version) -- Reps. Hiott, Guffey, J.L. Johnson, Pedalino, Neese and B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR "LARGE PROJECT," "NOTICE," "PRE-MARKING," "PRIVATE FACILITY," "PROJECT INITIATOR," AND "SOFT DIGGING" AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS OF "EXCAVATE," "EXCAVATOR," AND "OPERATOR"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-50, RELATING TO THE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION NOTIFICATION CENTER, SO AS TO CLARIFY OPERATOR PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION, THE NOTIFICATION CENTER'S DUTIES, AND OTHER CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-60, RELATING TO THE NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE OR DEMOLISH, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TIME FOR NOTICE FOR CERTAIN EXCAVATIONS OR DEMOLITIONS AND OTHER CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-70, RELATING TO INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY OPERATORS, SO AS TO REQUIRE QUARTERLY REPORTS OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY AN EXCAVATION OR DEMOLITION AND TO CLARIFY PAYMENT OF A CIVIL PENALTY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-80, RELATING TO EMERGENCY EXCAVATIONS OR DEMOLITIONS EXEMPT FROM NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES, SO AS ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL NOTIFICATION AND RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AND TO MAKE A FALSE CLAIM OF AN EMERGENCY A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-90, RELATING TO NOTICE OF DAMAGES, SO AS TO REQUIRE AN EXCAVATOR TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT ANY KNOWN DAMAGE TO THE NOTIFICATION CENTER AND FACILITY OPERATOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-100, RELATING TO DESIGN REQUESTS AND OPERATOR RESPONSE, SO AS TO ADD A REFERENCE TO LARGE PROJECTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-110, RELATING TO EXEMPTION FROM NOTICE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO STRIKE CURRENT PROVISIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-120, RELATING TO PENALTIES AND CIVIL REMEDIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A COMPLAINT PROCESS THROUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 58-36-75, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCESS FOR LARGE PROJECTS.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 4003 (Word version) -- Reps. Vaughan, Willis, Burns, B.J. Cox and Bannister: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 1543 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE GREATER GREENVILLE SANITATION DISTRICT TO CONTRACT TO PROVIDE SANITATION SERVICES TO THIRD PARTIES NOT WITHIN THE DISTRICT, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THIS AUTHORITY, TO ELIMINATE THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION TO CHARGE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE WITHIN THE DISTRICT, TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION ONLY MAY CHARGE A SANITATION FEE, TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION SHALL RETIRE ALL GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION ONLY MAY ISSUE REVENUE BONDS, TO EXEMPT EXISTING CONTRACTS, AND TO PROVIDE EXISTING CONTRACTS MAY NOT BE RENEWED OR EXTENDED.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it refuses to concur in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 28 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Reichenbach, Goldfinch, Leber, Jackson, Alexander, Rice, Fernandez, Campsen, Chaplin, Devine, Adams, Young, Garrett, Elliott, Turner, Ott, Graham, Sutton, Cromer, Verdin, Kennedy, Climer and Zell: 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.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 28--SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

On motion of Senator ELLIOTT, the Senate insisted upon its amendments to S. 28 and asked for a Committee of Conference.

Whereupon, Senators HUTTO, ADAMS and KIMBRELL were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Travis Moore, Wetmore and McCabe to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

S. 28--REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE ADOPTED

On motion of Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent, the Report of the Committee of Conference was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator HUTTO spoke on the report.

The question then was adoption of the Report of Committee of Conference.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The Committee of Conference Report was adopted as follows:

The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 08, 2025

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

S. 28 (WORD VERSION) -- Senators Hutto, Reichenbach, Goldfinch, Leber, Jackson, Alexander, Rice, Fernandez, Campsen, Chaplin, Devine, Adams, Young, Garrett, Elliott, Turner, Ott, Graham, Sutton, Cromer, Verdin, Kennedy, Climer and Zell: 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.

Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:
That the same do pass with the following amendments:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Article 3, Chapter 15, Title 16 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Section 16-15-390. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Obscene" has the same meaning as Section 16-15-305.

(2) "Visual depiction or representation" means and includes undeveloped film and videotape, and data stored on a computer disk or by electronic means that is capable of conversion into a visual image, and also includes any photograph, film, video, picture, digital image or picture, computer image or picture, or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means.

(B) Any person who knowingly produces, distributes, solicits, or possesses with intent to distribute, a visual depiction or representation that depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, sexually explicit activity, or sexually explicit nudity, and is obscene, or attempts or conspires to do so, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned no more than ten years.

(C) Any person who knowingly possesses a visual depiction or representation that depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, sexually explicit activity, or sexually explicit nudity, and is obscene, or attempts or conspires to do so is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned no more than ten years.

(D) The offense is a misdemeanor to be heard by the family court if the person charged under this section is a minor, and the minor has no prior adjudication under this section or for any offense for which a person may be included in the sex offender registry. The family court may order behavioral health counseling from an appropriate agency or provider, as a condition of adjudicating a minor.

(E) It is not a required element of any offense under this section that the minor depicted actually exists.

(F)(1) This section does not apply to an employee of a law enforcement agency, including the State Law Enforcement Division, a prosecuting agency, including the South Carolina Attorney General's Office or the South Carolina Department of Corrections, who, while acting within the employee's official capacity in the course of an investigation or criminal proceeding, is in possession of material that contains a visual representation of a minor engaging in sexual activity or appearing in a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation. An employee's official capacity in the course of such investigation or criminal proceeding includes making materials available for inspection to the defendant's counsel in response to discovery requests.

(2) This section does not apply to a provider of a telecommunications service or an information service, as those terms are defined in 47 U.S.C. Section 153, for content provided by another person.

(G) Any warrant for arrest for an alleged crime or offense under this section may only be issued upon:

(1) a return of a "true bill" of an indictment by the state grand jury, or

(2) a finding of probable cause following an investigation conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in conjunction with the Attorney General's office.
SECTION 2. Section 23-3-430(C) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(C)(1) For purposes of this article, a person who has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any of the following offenses shall be referred to as a Tier I offender:

(a) criminal sexual conduct in the third degree (Section 16-3-654);

(b) kidnapping (Section 16-3-910) of a person eighteen years of age or older except when the court makes a finding on the record that the offense did not include a criminal sexual offense or an attempted criminal sexual offense;

(d) buggery (Section 16-15-120);

(e) peeping, voyeurism, or aggravated voyeurism (Section 16-17-470);

(f) a person, regardless of age, who has been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere in this State, or who has been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere in a comparable court in the United States, or who has been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere in the United States federal courts of indecent exposure or of a similar offense in other jurisdictions is required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article if the court makes a specific finding on the record that, based on the circumstances of the case, the convicted person should register as a sex offender;

(g) sexual intercourse with a patient or trainee (Section 44-23-1150);

(h) administering, distributing, dispensing, delivering, or aiding, abetting, attempting, or conspiring to administer, distribute, dispense, or deliver a controlled substance or gamma hydroxy butyrate to an individual with the intent to commit a crime listed in Section 44-53-370(f), except petit larceny or grand larceny;

(i) any other offense as described in Section 23-3-430(D)~~, or~~;

(j) any other offense required by Title I of the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-248), the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).; or

(k) obscene visual representation of child sexual abuse (Section 16-15-390). If the person is under eighteen years of age and was adjudicated in the family court, then the adjudicated minor is not an offender and is not required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article.

(2) For purposes of this article, a person who has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any of the following offenses shall be referred to as a Tier II offender:

(a) criminal sexual conduct in the second degree (Section 16-3-653);

(b) engaging a child for sexual performance (Section 16-3-810);

(d) trafficking in persons (Section 16-3-2020) except when the court makes a finding on the record that the offense did not include a criminal sexual offense or an attempted criminal sexual offense;

(e) criminal sexual conduct with minors, second degree (Section 16-3-655(B)). If evidence is presented at the criminal proceeding, or in any court of competent jurisdiction, and the court makes a specific finding on the record that the conviction obtained for this offense resulted from consensual sexual conduct, as contained in Section 16-3-655(B)(2), provided the offender is eighteen years of age or less, or consensual sexual conduct between persons under sixteen years of age, the convicted person is not an offender and is not required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article;

(f) criminal sexual conduct with minors, third degree (Section 16-3-655(C)). If evidence is presented at the criminal proceeding, or in any court of competent jurisdiction, and the court makes a specific finding on the record that the conviction obtained for this offense resulted from consensual sexual conduct, as contained in Section 16-3-655(B)(2), provided the offender is eighteen years of age or less, or consensual sexual conduct between persons under sixteen years of age, the convicted person is not an offender and is not required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article;

(g) criminal solicitation of a minor if the purpose or intent of the solicitation or attempted solicitation was to:

(i) persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the person solicited to engage or participate in sexual activity as defined in Section 16-15-375(5);

(ii) perform a sexual activity in the presence of the person solicited (Section 16-15-342); or

(h) violations of Article 3, Chapter 15, Title 16 involving a minor, except as otherwise provided in this article.

(3) For purposes of this article, a person who has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any of the following offenses shall be referred to as a Tier III offender:

(a) criminal sexual conduct in the first degree (Section 16-3-652);

(b) criminal sexual conduct with minors, first degree (Section 16-3-655(A));

(d) kidnapping (Section 16-3-910) of a person under eighteen years of age except when the offense is committed by a parent;

(e) criminal sexual conduct when the victim is a spouse (Section 16-3-658);

(f) sexual battery of a spouse (Section 16-3-615); or

(g) any offense listed or described in this section committed after the offender becomes a Tier I or Tier II offender.
SECTION 3. Section 23-3-462(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(A) After successful completion of the requirements of this section, an offender may apply to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for the termination of the requirements of registration pursuant to this article. If it is determined that the offender has met the requirements of this section, SLED shall remove the offender's name and identifying information from the sex offender registry and shall notify the offender within one hundred twenty days that the offender has been relieved of the registration requirements of this article.

~~(1) An offender may file a request for termination of the requirement of registration with SLED, in a form and process established by the agency:~~

(a) after having been registered for at least fifteen years if the offender was required to register based on an adjudication of delinquency or the offender was required to register as a Tier I offender;

~~(b) after having been registered for at least twenty-five years, if the offender was convicted as an adult, and was required to register as a Tier II offender;~~

(1) A Tier I offender may file a request for termination of the requirement of registration with SLED in a form and process established by the agency, if the person:

(a) has been registered for at least fifteen years; or

(b) has been discharged from incarceration without supervision for at least fifteen years for the charge requiring registration; or

(c) has had at least fifteen years pass since the termination of active supervision of probation, parole, or any other alternative to incarceration for the charge requiring registration; or

~~(c)~~ (d) an is a Tier I offender who was required to register as an offender because of a conviction in another state or because of a federal conviction and who ~~may apply to be removed from the requirements of the registry if he~~ is eligible to be removed under the laws of the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred.

(2) A Tier II offender may file a request for termination of the requirement of registration with SLED in a form and process established by the agency, if the person:

(a) has been registered for at least twenty-five years;

(b) has been discharged from incarceration without supervision for at least twenty-five years for the charge requiring registration;

(c) has had at least twenty-five years pass since the termination of active supervision of probation, parole, or any other alternative to incarceration for the charge requiring registration; or

(d) is a Tier II offender who was required to register as an offender because of a conviction in another state or because of a federal conviction and who is eligible to be removed under the laws of the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred.

~~(2)~~(3) An offender who was convicted as an adult, and who is required to register as a Tier III offender may not file a request for termination of registration with SLED nor shall any such request be granted pursuant to this subsection.

~~(3)~~(4) The requesting offender must have successfully completed all sex offender treatment programs that have been required.

~~(4)~~(5) The requesting offender must not have been convicted of failure to register within the previous ten years.

~~(5)~~(6) The offender must not have been convicted of any additional sexual offense or violent sexual offense after being placed on the registry.

~~(6)~~(7) A filing fee, as set by SLED but not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars, shall be paid to file the request for termination of registration requirements. The initial application may be filed with SLED and the administrative review may begin one hundred twenty days prior to the date specified in subsection (A)(1); however, any removal may not occur prior to the date specified.
SECTION 4. The State Department of Education, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Attorney General's Office, as appropriate, shall develop and implement a policy to educate and notify students of the provision of this act. The State Department of Education must file a report as to the status of the adoption and implementation of the education policies under this act to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representative, by July 1, 2026.
SECTION 5. 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 6. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Amend title to conform.

/s/Sen. Hutto                     /s/Rep. T. Moore
/s/Senator Kimbrell               /s/Rep. Wetmore
/s/Senator Adams                  /s/Rep. McCabe
On part of the Senate.            On part of the House.

, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it was ordered that the title of the Bill be changed to that of an Act and that the Act be enrolled for Ratification:

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it refuses to concur in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 29 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Reichenbach, Goldfinch, Leber, Jackson, Alexander, Rice, Fernandez, Campsen, Chaplin, Devine, Adams, Young, Garrett, Elliott, Turner, Ott, Graham, Cromer, Verdin and Kennedy: 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 OFFENSE; 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.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 29--SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Senate insisted upon its amendments to S. 29 and asked for a Committee of Conference.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators HUTTO, KIMBRELL and ADAMS were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. T. Moore, Wetmore and McCabe to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

S. 29-REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE ADOPTED

On motion of Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent, the Report of the Committee of Conference was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator HUTTO spoke on the report.

The question then was adoption of the Report of Committee of Conference.

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

Ayes 45; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--45

NAYS

Total--0

The Committee of Conference Report was adopted as follows:

The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 08, 2025

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

S. 29 (WORD VERSION) -- Senators Hutto, Reichenbach, Goldfinch, Leber, Jackson, Alexander, Rice, Fernandez, Campsen, Chaplin, Devine, Adams, Young, Garrett, Elliott, Turner, Ott, Graham, Cromer, Verdin and Kennedy: 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 OFFENSE; 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.

Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:
That the same do pass with the following amendments:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Section 16-15-375 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 16-15-375. The following definitions apply to Section 16-15-385, disseminating or exhibiting to minors harmful material or performances; Section 16-15-387, employing a person under the age of eighteen years to appear in a state of sexually explicit nudity in a public place; Section 16-15-395, first degree sexual exploitation of a minor; Section 16-15-405, second degree sexual exploitation of a minor; Section 16-15-410, third degree sexual exploitation of a minor; Section 16-15-412, morphed image of an identifiable minor; arrest warrant; Section 16-15-415, promoting prostitution of a minor; and Section 16-15-425, participating in prostitution of a minor.

(1) "Harmful to minors" means that quality of any material or performance that depicts sexually explicit nudity or sexual activity and that, taken as a whole, has the following characteristics:

(a) the average adult person applying contemporary community standards would find that the material or performance has a predominant tendency to appeal to a prurient interest of minors in sex; and

(b) the average adult person applying contemporary community standards would find that the depiction of sexually explicit nudity or sexual activity in the material or performance is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning what is suitable for minors; and

(c) to a reasonable person, the material or performance taken as a whole lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.

(2) "Material" means pictures, drawings, video recordings, films, digital electronic files, computer-generated images or pictures, or other visual depictions or representations but not material consisting entirely of written words.

(3) "Minor" means an individual who is less than eighteen years old.

(4) "Prostitution" means engaging or offering to engage in sexual activity with or for another in exchange for anything of value.

(5) "Sexual activity" includes any of the following acts or simulations thereof:

(a) masturbation, whether done alone or with another human or animal;

(b) vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, whether done with another human or an animal;

(c) touching, in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or sexual abuse, of the clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, or buttocks of another person or the clothed or unclothed breasts of a human female;

(d) an act or condition that depicts bestiality, sado-masochistic abuse, meaning flagellation or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments or in a costume which reveals the pubic hair, anus, vulva, genitals, or female breast nipples, or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restrained on the part of the one so clothed;

(e) excretory functions;

(f) the insertion of any part of a person's body, other than the male sexual organ, or of any object into another person's anus or vagina, except when done as part of a recognized medical procedure.

(6) "Sexually explicit nudity" means the showing of:

(a) uncovered, or less than opaquely covered human genitals, pubic area, or buttocks, or the nipple or any portion of the areola of the human female breast; or

(b) covered human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.

(7) "Identifiable minor"

(a) means a person who:

(1) was a minor at the time the image was created, adapted, or modified, or whose image as a minor was used in the creating, adapting, or modifying of the image; and

(2) is recognizable as an actual person by the person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic, such as a unique birthmark, or other recognizable feature.

(b) shall not be construed to require proof of the actual identity of the identifiable minor.

(8) "Morphed image" means any visual depiction or representation, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where such visual depiction or representation has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexual conduct or sexually explicit activity or appearing in a state of sexually explicit nudity.
SECTION 2. Section 16-15-395 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 16-15-395. (A) An individual commits the offense of first degree sexual exploitation of a minor if, knowing the character or content of the material or performance, he:

(1) uses, employs, induces, coerces, encourages, or facilitates a minor to engage in or assist others to engage in sexual activity or appear in a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation for a live performance or for the purpose of producing material that contains a visual representation depicting this activity or a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation;

(2) permits a minor under his custody or control to engage in sexual activity or appear in a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation for a live performance or for the purpose of producing material that contains a visual representation depicting this activity or a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation;

(3) transports or finances the transportation of a minor through or across this State with the intent that the minor engage in sexual activity or appear in a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation for a live performance or for the purpose of producing material that contains a visual representation depicting this activity or a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation; or

(4) records, photographs, films, develops, duplicates, produces, or creates a digital electronic file for sale or pecuniary gain material that contains a visual representation depicting a minor or a morphed image of an identifiable minor engaged in sexual activity or a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation.

(B) In a prosecution pursuant to this section, the trier of fact may infer that a participant in a sexual activity or a state of sexually explicit nudity depicted in material as a minor through its title, text, visual representations, or otherwise, is a minor.

(D) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not less than three years nor more than twenty years. No part of the minimum sentence of imprisonment may be suspended nor is the individual convicted eligible for parole until he has served the minimum term of imprisonment. Sentences imposed pursuant to this section must run consecutively with and commence at the expiration of another sentence being served by the person sentenced.

(E) The offense is a misdemeanor to be heard by the family court if the person charged under the provisions of subsection (A)(4) is a minor and the offense is the minor's first offense related to a morphed image of an identifiable minor. The family court may order behavioral health counseling from an appropriate agency or provider, as a condition of adjudicating a minor.
SECTION 3. Section 16-15-405 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 16-15-405. (A) An individual commits the offense of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor if, knowing the character or content of the material, he:

(1) records, photographs, films, develops, duplicates, produces, or creates digital electronic file material that contains a visual representation of a minor or a morphed image of an identifiable minor engaged in sexual activity or appearing in a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation; or

(2) distributes, transports, exhibits, receives, sells, purchases, exchanges, or solicits material that contains a visual representation of a minor or a morphed image of an identifiable minor engaged in sexual activity or appearing in a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation.

(B) In a prosecution pursuant to this section, the trier of fact may infer that a participant in sexual activity or a state of sexually explicit nudity depicted in material as a minor through its title, text, visual representations, or otherwise, is a minor.

(D) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not less than two years nor more than ten years. No part of the minimum sentence may be suspended nor is the individual convicted eligible for parole until he has served the minimum sentence.

(E) The offense is a misdemeanor to be heard by the family court if the person charged under the provisions of subsection (A) is a minor and the offense is the minor's first charge related to a morphed image of an identifiable minor. The family court may order behavioral health counseling from an appropriate agency or provider, as a condition of adjudicating a minor.
SECTION 4. Section 16-15-410 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 16-15-410. (A) An individual commits the offense of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor if, knowing the character or content of the material, he possesses material that contains a visual representation of a minor or a morphed image of an identifiable minor engaging in sexual activity or appearing in a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation.

(B) In a prosecution pursuant to this section, the trier of fact may infer that a participant in sexual activity or a state of sexually explicit nudity depicted as a minor through its title, text, visual representation, or otherwise, is a minor.

(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than ten years.

(D) This section does not apply to an employee of a law enforcement agency, including the State Law Enforcement Division, a prosecuting agency, including the South Carolina Attorney General's Office, or the South Carolina Department of Corrections who, while acting within the employee's official capacity in the course of an investigation or criminal proceeding, is in possession of material that contains a visual representation of a minor engaging in sexual activity or appearing in a state of sexually explicit nudity when a reasonable person would infer the purpose is sexual stimulation. The employee's official capacity in the course of such investigation or criminal proceeding includes making material available for inspection to the defendant's counsel in response to discovery requests.

(E) The offense is a misdemeanor to be heard by the family court if the person charged under the provisions of subsection (A) is a minor and the offense is the minor's first charge related to a morphed image of an identifiable minor. The family court may order behavioral health counseling from an appropriate agency or provider, as a condition of adjudicating a minor.
SECTION 5. Article 3, Chapter 15, Title 16 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Section 16-15-412. Any warrant for arrest for an alleged crime or offense that concerns a morphed image or an identifiable minor under Section 16-15-395, first degree sexual exploitation of a minor; Section 16-15-405, second degree sexual exploitation of a minor; or, Section 16-15-410, third degree sexual exploitation of a minor may only be issued upon:

(1) a return of a "true bill" of an indictment by the state grand jury, or

(2) a finding of probable cause following an investigation conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in conjunction with the Attorney General's office.
SECTION 6. Section 23-3-430(C)(1) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(C)(1) For purposes of this article, a person who has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any of the following offenses shall be referred to as a Tier I offender:

(a) criminal sexual conduct in the third degree (Section 16-3-654);

(d) buggery (Section 16-15-120);

(e) peeping, voyeurism, or aggravated voyeurism (Section 16-17-470);

(g) sexual intercourse with a patient or trainee (Section 44-23-1150);

(i) any other offense as described in Section 23-3-430(D)~~, or~~;

(j) any other offense required by Title I of the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-248), the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).;

(k) sexual exploitation of a minor, first degree (Section 16-15-395), provided the offense is related to a morphed image of an identifiable minor. If the offender is under eighteen years of age and the offense is related to a morphed image of an identifiable minor, then the adjudicated minor is not an offender and is not required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article;

(l) sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree (Section 16-15-405), provided the offense is related to a morphed image of an identifiable minor. If the offender is under eighteen years of age and the offense is related to a morphed image of an identifiable minor, then the adjudicated minor is not an offender and is not required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article; or

(m) sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree (Section 16-15-410); provided the offense is related to a morphed image of an identifiable minor. If the offender is under eighteen years of age and the offense is related to a morphed image of an identifiable minor, then the adjudicated minor is not an offender and is not required to register pursuant to the provisions of this article.
SECTION 7. Section 23-3-430(C)(2) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(C)(2) For purposes of this article, a person who has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any of the following offenses shall be referred to as a Tier II offender:

(a) criminal sexual conduct in the second degree (Section 16-3-653);

(b) engaging a child for sexual performance (Section 16-3-810);

(d) trafficking in persons (Section 16-3-2020) except when the court makes a finding on the record that the offense did not include a criminal sexual offense or an attempted criminal sexual offense;

(g) criminal solicitation of a minor if the purpose or intent of the solicitation or attempted solicitation was to:

(i) persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the person solicited to engage or participate in sexual activity as defined in Section 16-15-375(5);

(ii) perform a sexual activity in the presence of the person solicited (Section 16-15-342); or

(h) violations of Article 3, Chapter 15, Title 16 involving a minor.;

(i) sexual exploitation of a minor, first degree (Section 16-15-395), except as otherwise provided in this article;

(j) sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree (Section 16-15-405), except as otherwise provided in this article; or

(k) sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree (Section 16-15-410), except as otherwise provided in this article.
SECTION 8. Section 23-3-462(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

~~(1) An offender may file a request for termination of the requirement of registration with SLED, in a form and process established by the agency:~~

(a) afterhaving been registered for at least fifteen yearsif the offender was required to register based on an adjudication of delinquency or the offender was required to register as a Tier I offender;

~~(b) after having been registered for at least twenty-five yearsif the offender was convicted as an adult, and was required to register as a Tier II offender;~~

(c) an offender who was required to register as an offender because of a conviction in another state or because of a federal conviction may apply to be removed from the requirements of the registry if he is eligible to be removed under the laws of the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred.

(1) A Tier I offender may file a request for termination of the requirement of registration with SLED in a form and process established by the agency, if the person:

(a) has been registered for at least fifteen years; or

(b) has been discharged from incarceration without supervision for at least fifteen years for the charge requiring registration; or

(c) has had at least fifteen years pass since the termination of active supervision of probation, parole, or any other alternative to incarceration for the charge requiring registration; or

(d) is a Tier I offender who was required to register as an offender because of a conviction in another state or because of a federal conviction and who is eligible to be removed under the laws of the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred.

(2) A Tier II offender may file a request for termination of the requirement of registration with SLED in a form and process established by the agency, if the person:

(a) has been registered for at least twenty-five years;

(b) has been discharged from incarceration without supervision for at least twenty-five years for the charge requiring registration;

(c) has had at least twenty-five years pass since the termination of active supervision of probation, parole, or any other alternative to incarceration for the charge requiring registration; or

(d) is a Tier II offender who was required to register as an offender because of a conviction in another state or because of a federal conviction and who is eligible to be removed under the law of the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred.

~~(3)~~(4) The requesting offender must have successfully completed all sex offender treatment programs that have been required.

~~(4)~~(5) The requesting offender must not have been convicted of failure to register within the previous ten years.

~~(5)~~(6) The offender must not have been convicted of any additional sexual offense or violent sexual offense after being placed on the registry.

/s/Sen. Hutto                     /s/Rep. T. Moore
/s/Senator Kimbrell               /s/Rep. Wetmore
/s/Senator Adams                  /s/Rep. McCabe             
On part of the Senate.            On part of the House.

, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 74 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Leber, Elliott, Garrett, Ott, Kimbrell, Graham, Zell, Kennedy and Climer: 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.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it insists upon the amendments proposed by the House to:

S. 127 (Word version) -- Senators Johnson and Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-11-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE CATAWBA NATION WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF EMPLOYER; AND BY ADDING SECTION 9-11-43 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CATAWBA NATION IS ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION TO THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROCESS FOR ADMISSION.
asks for a Committee of Conference, and has appointed Reps. B. Newton, Pope and Cobb-Hunter to the committee on the part of the House.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators JOHNSON, CLIMER and WILLIAMS were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the Report of the Committee of Conference on:

Received as information.

S. 127--REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE ADOPTED

On motion of Senator CLIMER, with unanimous consent, the Report of the Committee of Conference was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator CLIMER spoke on the report.

The question then was adoption of the Report of Committee of Conference.

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

Ayes 44; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--44

NAYS

Total--0

The Committee of Conference Report was adopted as follows:

The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 08, 2025

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

S. 127 (Word version) -- Senators Johnson and Peeler: TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-11-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE CATAWBA NATION WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF EMPLOYER; AND BY ADDING SECTION 9-11-43 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CATAWBA NATION IS ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION TO THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROCESS FOR ADMISSION.

Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:
That the same do pass with the following amendments:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Section 9-11-10(17) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(17) "Employer" means:

(a) the State;

(b) a political subdivision, agency, or department of the State which employs police officers and which has been admitted to the system as provided in Section 9-11-40; ~~and~~

(c) a service organization, the membership of which is composed solely of persons eligible to be members as defined by this section, if the compensation received by the employees of the service organization is provided from monies paid by the members as dues, or otherwise, or from funds derived from public sources and if the contributions prescribed by this chapter are to be paid from the funds of the service organization.; and

(d) the Catawba Nation upon its admission to the system as provided in Section 9-11-43.
SECTION 2. Chapter 11, Title 9 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Section 9-11-43. (A) The Catawba Nation may become an employer for the purposes of this chapter by applying to the board for admission to the system pursuant to Section 9-11-40, complying with the requirements of Section 9-11-40, and complying with the board's rules and regulations. The application must set forth the requested date of admission, which must be the January first, the April first, the July first, or the October first next following receipt by the board of the application.

(B) An employee of the Catawba Nation may not become a member of the system unless substantially all of the employee's time is devoted solely to the performance of governmental service as a police officer pursuant to Section 27-16-70(C).

(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, as a condition to joining the system, the Catawba Nation agrees to be subject to all of the state laws, regulations, administrative policies, and plan provisions related to the administration and enforcement of the requirements of the system and agrees that any and all disputes arising pursuant to or by virtue of its participation in the system will be resolved in the appropriate state court or administrative tribunal, notwithstanding any sovereign immunity that might otherwise apply. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect, modify, diminish, or otherwise impair any sovereign immunity enjoyed by the Catawba Nation with respect to any other provision of state law unrelated to the administration and enforcement of the requirements of the system.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Amend title to conform.

/s/Sen. Johnson                   /s/Rep. B. Newton
/s/Senator Climer                 Rep. Cobb-Hunter
/s/Senator Williams               /s/Rep. Pope
On part of the Senate.            On part of the House.

, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 136 (Word version) -- Senators Tedder, Leber, Kimbrell and Rice: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-1-65, RELATING TO THE EXPUNGEMENT OF CONVICTIONS FOR THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HANDGUNS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE MUST DISMISS CERTAIN PENDING UNLAWFUL HANDGUN POSSESSION CHARGES THAT OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY/SECOND AMENDMENT PRESERVATION ACT OF 2024, AND TO PROVIDE THE DISMISSAL OF THESE CHARGES DOES NOT MANDATE THE DISMISSAL OF OTHER RELATED CHARGES OR MAY SERVE AS A BASIS OR SUPPORT FOR CIVIL ACTIONS DUE TO THE ARREST.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has receded from its amendments on:

S. 210 (Word version) -- Senator Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES AND TO ADD TERMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-20, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS OF CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO AMEND MEETING REQUIREMENTS AND OUTLINE COMPONENTS OF A PLAN OF OPERATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-40, RELATING TO CAPITALIZATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO GIVE DISCRETION TO THE DIRECTOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-60, RELATING TO INCORPORATION OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-70, RELATING TO REPORTS, SO AS TO CHANGE A DEADLINE AND INCLUDE REFERENCES TO FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-75, RELATING TO DISCOUNTING OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES, SO AS TO ALLOW A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY TO FILE ONE ACTUARIAL OPINION; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-80, RELATING TO INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS, SO AS TO MAKE THE EXAMINATION OF SOME CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES OPTIONAL AND TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-140, RELATING TO TAX PAYMENTS, SO AS TO AMEND REQUIRED TAX PAYMENTS FOR A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-165, RELATING TO DECLARATION OF INACTIVITY, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR THE SUBMISSION OF A WRITTEN APPROVAL; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-175, RELATING TO THE CAPTIVE INSURANCE REGULATORY AND SUPERVISION FUND CREATED, SO AS TO INCREASE THE ALLOWED TRANSFER OF COLLECTED TAXES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-215, RELATING TO PROTECTED CELLS, SO AS TO REMOVE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

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:

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has returned the following Bill to the Senate with amendments:

S. 623 (Word version) -- Senator Goldfinch: A BILL TO EXEMPT GEORGETOWN COUNTY FROM CERTAIN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS AND TO ALLOW THE COUNTY TO INSTEAD ENFORCE AE STANDARDS IN GEORGETOWN COUNTY'S FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator GOLDFINCH, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.

CONCURRENCE

The House returned the Bill with amendments, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.

Senator GOLDFINCH explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator GOLDFINCH, with unanimous consent, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 3752 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, Lawson, Pope, Mitchell, Guffey, Oremus, Brewer, Chapman, M.M. Smith, B.L. Cox, W. Newton and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOCIAL WORK INTERSTATE COMPACT ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 63, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSE, FUNCTIONS, OPERATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE COMPACT; BY ADDING SECTION 40-63-32 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPLICANTS FOR INITIAL LICENSURE AS A SOCIAL WORKER SHALL UNDERGO CERTAIN CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONFIDENTIALITY AND PERMITTED USES OF THE RESULTS OF THESE CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS; AND TO DESIGNATE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 63, TITLE 40 AS ARTICLE 1, ENTITLED "GENERAL PROVISIONS."
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that a message having been received from the Senate that it had receded from its amendments, it was ordered that the title of the Bill be changed to that of an Act and that the Act be enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3813 (Word version) -- Rep. Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-11-430, RELATING TO BEAR HUNTING, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO A REGISTERED PARTY DOG HUNT IN GAME ZONE 1.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it insists upon the amendments proposed by the House to:

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.
asks for a Committee of Conference, and has appointed Reps. Bannister, Hewitt and Stavrinakis to the committee on the part of the House.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

H.4025--CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators PEELER, JACKSON and ALEXANDER were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

MOTION TO VARY THE ORDER OF THE DAY ADOPTED

Senator MASSEY moved under the provisions of Rule 32A to vary the Order of the Day and proceed immediately to the Motion Period.

The motion was adopted.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

MOTION UNDER RULE 32B ADOPTED

Senator MASSEY, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, moved under the provisions of Rule 32B to call H. 3007 from the Contested Calendar.

Recorded Vote

Senator MARTIN desired to be recorded as voting against the adoption of the motion.

MOTION ADOPTED

At 11:59 A.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

Motion Adopted

Senator MASSEY asked unanimous consent to proceed to Concurrent Resolutions.

ADOPTED

H. 4215 (Word version) -- Reps. Collins, Bowers, Hiott, Cromer, White, Kilmartin, Gilreath and Beach: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE OVER TWELVE MILE RIVER ON SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 183 IN PICKENS COUNTY "GENERAL ANDREW PICKENS BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

The Resolution was adopted, returned to the House.

ADOPTED

H. 4242 (Word version) -- Rep. Chumley: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 417 IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY FROM THE ENOREE RIVER TO SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 101 "OLD ANTIOCH CHURCH WAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

The Resolution was adopted, returned to the House.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

MOTION ADOPTED

At 12:02 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

RECESS

At 12:17 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate receded from business until 1:15 P.M.

At 1:20 P.M., the Senate resumed.

Call of the Senate

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

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Blackmon                  Campsen
Cash                      Chaplin                   Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Fernandez                 Gambrell                  Garrett
Goldfinch                 Hembree                   Hutto
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Kimbrell
Martin                    Massey                    Nutt
Peeler                    Reichenbach               Rice
Stubbs                    Turner                    Williams
Young                     Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

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. 3969 (Word version) -- Reps. Rutherford, Ballentine, Bauer, Bernstein, Garvin, Grant, Hart, Howard, J.L. Johnson, McDaniel, Reese and Rose: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES IN RICHLAND COUNTY.

On motion of Senator WALKER.

OBJECTION

H. 3305 (Word version) -- Rep. W. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 15 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC EXPRESSION PROTECTION ACT," REGARDING A CAUSE OF ACTION ASSERTED IN A CIVIL ACTION BASED UPON A PERSON'S COMMUNICATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE PROCEEDINGS.

Senator CLIMER objected to consideration of the Bill.

AMENDED, HOUSE BILL RETURNED

H. 4247 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-10, RELATING TO STATE COMMODITY CODE DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE STATE COMMODITY CODE BE THE SOUTH CAROLINA ATTORNEY GENERAL; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-40, RELATING TO TRANSACTIONS WHERE PROHIBITION IS NOT APPLICABLE, SO AS TO ADD AGENTS OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVES AS INDIVIDUALS SUBJECT TO AN ORDER TO DENY, SUSPEND, OR REVOKE A PERSON'S LICENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-60, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS, SO AS TO REPLACE SECTION 39-73-310 WITH SECTION 39-73-30; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-80, RELATING TO STATE SECURITIES LAWS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-315, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATOR ACTIONS TO PREVENT VIOLATIONS OR IMMINENT VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR CAN ISSUE AN ORDER RELATED TO ANY ACTION THAT MAY VIOLATE THIS CHAPTER; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-320, RELATING TO LEGAL, EQUITABLE, AND SPECIAL REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO A COURT FOR ENFORCEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR MAY MAINTAIN AN ACTION IN THE RICHLAND COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-325, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR MAY REFER VIOLATIONS TO THE APPROPRIATE DIVISION OF THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL OR OTHER AUTHORITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-330, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS CHAPTER, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-340, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, FORMS, AND ORDERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-350, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF SECTIONS 39-73-20, 39-73-50, AND 39-73-60 TO PERSONS WHO SELL, BUY, OR OFFER TO SELL OR BUY COMMODITIES IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR APPLICABLE RADIO AND TELEVISION COMMUNICATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-360, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-370, RELATING TO DEFENSE IN A CASE BASED ON FAILURE TO MAKE PHYSICAL DELIVERY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 39-73-375 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY RETAIN FUNDS FROM FINES AND PENALTIES TO OFFSET RELEVANT EXPENSES; BY ADDING SECTION 39-73-400 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SEVERABILITY OF THIS CHAPTER; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 39-73-355 RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.

Senator MARTIN proposed the following amendment (op), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 4-9-145(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(B)(1) The number of litter control officers vested with custodial arrest authority who are appointed and commissioned pursuant to subsection (A) must not exceed the greater of:

(a) the number of officers appointed and commissioned by the county on July 1, 2001; or

(b) one officer for every twenty-five thousand persons in the county, based upon the ~~2000~~ most recent census. Each county may appoint and commission at least one officer, without regard to the population of the county.

(2)(a) A litter control officer appointed and commissioned pursuant to subsection (A) may exercise the power of arrest with respect to his primary duties of enforcement of litter control laws and ordinances and other state and local laws and ordinances as may arise incidental to the enforcement of his primary duties only if the officer has been certified as a law enforcement officer pursuant to ~~Article 9, Chapter 6~~ Chapter 23, Title 23.

(b) In the absence of an arrest for a violation of the litter control laws and ordinances, a litter control officer authorized to exercise the power of arrest pursuant to subitem (a) may not stop a person or make an incidental arrest of a person for a violation of other state and local laws and ordinances.

(3) For purposes of this section, the phrase "litter control officer" means a code enforcement officer authorized to enforce litter control laws and ordinances.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MARTIN explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

AYES 40; NAYS 0; ABSTAIN 2

AYES

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

Total--40

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Bennett                   Climer

Total--2

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

Message From The House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

Received as information.

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. 4267 (Word version) -- Reps. Landing, Hager, Teeple, Hartnett, Vaughan, Wickensimer and Bustos: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-320 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE TWENTY-FIRST DAY OF NOVEMBER AS "MAYFLOWER COMPACT DAY."

OBJECTION

H. 3650 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, Wooten, Pope, Chapman, W. Newton, Bailey, Robbins, Crawford, Guest, Caskey, Forrest, B. Newton, Hixon and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-60, RELATING TO OFFENSES DEFINED AS VIOLENT CRIMES, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OFFENSE OF DISCHARGING FIREARMS AT OR INTO A DWELLING HOUSE, OTHER BUILDING, STRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT, WATERCRAFT, OR OTHER CONVEYANCE, DEVICE, OR EQUIPMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-23-440, RELATING TO DISCHARGING FIREARMS INTO A DWELLING HOUSE, OTHER BUILDING, STRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT, WATERCRAFT, OR OTHER CONVEYANCE, DEVICE, OR EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO CREATE A TIERED PENALTY STRUCTURE.

Senator CORBIN objected to consideration of the Bill.

OBJECTION

S. 256 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY AND RESILIENCE ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 39 TO TITLE 6 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, CREATE AND ESTABLISH THE PROGRAM, PROVIDE FOR APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION, ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR ASSESSING AND COLLECTING LIENS, PROVIDE FINANCING, AND TO DEVELOP STANDARDS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Senator CORBIN objected to consideration of the Bill.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, Senators VERDIN, RICE, OTT and PEELER were granted leave to attend a subcommittee meeting and were granted leave to vote from the balcony.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS OF COMMITTEES OF CONFERENCE AND FREE CONFERENCE.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has requested and was granted Free Conference Powers and has appointed Reps. Jeff Johnson, Robbins and Rose to the Committee of Free Conference on the part of the House on:

S. 156 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin, Garrett, Stubbs, Adams, Bennett, Kimbrell, Young, Turner, Peeler and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION, AND TO PROHIBIT AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO A LIST OF EXCEPTIONS FOR FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO ADD FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 156 --FREE CONFERENCE POWERS GRANTED
FREE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF FREE CONFERENCE ADOPTED

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, with unanimous consent, the Report of the Committee of Conference was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator HEMBREE spoke on the report.

S. 156--Free Conference Powers Granted
Free Conference Committee Appointed

Senator HEMBREE asked unanimous consent to be granted Free Conference Powers.

The question then was granting of Free Conference Powers.

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

Ayes 44; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--44

NAYS

Total--0

Free Conference Powers were granted.

Whereupon, Senators HEMBREE, SABB and ADAMS were appointed to the Committee of Free Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

The question then was adoption of the Report of the Committee of Free Conference.

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

Ayes 44; Nays 1

AYES

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

Total--44

NAYS

Matthews

Total--1

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Report of the Committee of Free Conference to S.156 was adopted as follows:

The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 07, 2025
The FREE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

S. 156 (WORD VERSION) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin, Garrett, Stubbs, Adams, Bennett, Kimbrell, Young, Turner, Peeler and Walker: TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION, AND TO PROHIBIT AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO A LIST OF EXCEPTIONS FOR FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO ADD FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE.

Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:
That the same do pass with the following amendments:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 16 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Section 16-3-80. (A) A person who knowingly and unlawfully delivers, dispenses, or otherwise provides fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance as defined in Section 44-53-190(B) and Section 44-53-210(c)(6) to another person, in violation of the provisions of Section 44-53-370, commits the felony offense of fentanyl-induced homicide if the proximate cause of the death of any other person is the injection, inhalation, absorption, or ingestion of any amount of the fentanyl or fentanyl-related substance that was unlawfully delivered, dispensed, or otherwise provided.

(B) A person convicted of a fentanyl-induced homicide pursuant to the provisions of this section must be imprisoned not more than thirty years.

(C) It is not a defense pursuant to this section that a decedent contributed to his own death by his purposeful, knowing, reckless, or negligent injection, inhalation, absorption, or ingestion of the controlled substance or by his consenting to the administration of the controlled substance by another person, unless there exists clear and convincing evidence that the decedent intended to commit suicide. This section does not prohibit a person from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted for any other applicable offense, whether or not the offense arises from the same circumstances as provided in this section.

(D) A person who knowingly injects, inhales, absorbs, or ingests any amount of fentanyl along with another consenting person, which is the proximate cause of the death of the consenting person, shall not be prosecuted under this section.
SECTION 2. Section 16-1-10(D) of the S.C. Code is amended by adding a new offense to read:

Section 16-3-80. Fentanyl-induced homicide
SECTION 3. The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Amend title to conform.

/s/Sen. Hembree                   /s/Rep. J.E. Johnson
/s/Senator Sabb                   /s/Rep. Robbins
/s/Senator Adams                  /s/Rep. Rose
On part of the Senate.            On part of the House.

, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

S. 156--REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF FREE CONFERENCE
ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The Report of the Committee of Free Conference having been adopted by both Houses, ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and the Act enrolled for Ratification.

A message was sent to the House accordingly.

ACTING PRESIDENT PRESIDES

Senator MARTIN assumed the Chair.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE CONTESTED STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

CARRIED OVER

S. 183 (Word version) -- Senators Adams, Fernandez, Alexander, Garrett, Leber, Kimbrell, Matthews and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DRUG-INDUCED HOMICIDE AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO THE EXEMPTION FROM THE CATEGORIZATION OF FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE DRUG-INDUCED HOMICIDE.

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

CARRIED OVER

S. 12 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 58-31-205 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY TO JOINTLY OWN, AS TENANTS-IN-COMMON OR THROUGH A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, WITH INVESTOR-OWNED UTILITIES, ELECTRICAL GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION FACILITIES.

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

AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME
SENT TO THE HOUSE

S. 121 (Word version) -- Senators Garrett, Cash and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-40(B), RELATING TO SAFE HAVEN FOR ABANDONED BABIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SAFE HAVEN MUST OFFER THE PERSON LEAVING THE INFANT INFORMATION PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNING THE LEGAL EFFECT OF LEAVING THE INFANT WITH THE SAFE HAVEN; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(A), RELATING TO PERMANENCY PLANNING, SO AS TO DECREASE THE TIME IN WHICH A PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING MUST BE HELD FROM NO LATER THAN ONE YEAR TO NO LATER THAN NINE MONTHS AFTER THE CHILD IS FIRST PLACED IN FOSTER CARE; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(E), RELATING TO THE FILING OF A PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE COURT A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND REPORT REGARDING THE CHILD WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF THE FILING OF A PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(F) AND SECTION 63-7-1700(H), RELATING TO AN EXTENSION FOR REUNIFICATION, SO AS TO DECREASE THE TIME IN WHICH AN EXTENSION MAY BE GRANTED FOR REUNIFICATION EFFORTS FROM EIGHTEEN MONTHS TO FIFTEEN MONTHS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(I), RELATING TO PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARINGS, BY PROVIDING THAT A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING MAY SERVE AS THE NEXT PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING ONLY IF IT IS HELD NO LATER THAN NINE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE PREVIOUS PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING, AND SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING MUST BE HELD QUARTERLY INSTEAD OF ANNUALLY AFTER THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1710, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE COURT A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND REPORT REGARDING THE CHILD WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF THE FILING OF A PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2550, RELATING TO SERVICE OF PETITION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER MUST RECEIVE SERVICE OF A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2570, RELATING TO GROUNDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN FINDING THAT TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF A CHILD, THE COURT MUST FIND THAT THE HOME OF THE CHILD'S PARENTS IS NOT SAFE FOR THE RETURN OF THE CHILD AT THE TIME OF THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-730, RELATING TO NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF NOTICE OF AN ADOPTION PROCEEDING CANNOT BE EFFECTED BY PERSONAL SERVICE, THEN NOTICE MAY BE GIVEN BY PUBLICATION OF THE SUMMONS IN WHICH THE REQUESTED RELIEF OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, OR ADOPTION, OR BOTH, IS SET FORTH; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-760, RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF A FINAL ADOPTION DECREE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE FINAL DECREE IS NOT AFFECTED BY A POSTADOPTION AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BEFORE OR AFTER THE ADOPTION; BY ADDING SECTION 63-9-765, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR POSTADOPTION CONTACT AGREEMENTS TO BE ENFORCEABLE IF AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-820, RELATING TO THE PUTATIVE FATHER REGISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REGISTRANT MUST INCLUDE ANY ALIASES WHEN HE REGISTERS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3595, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A TAX CREDIT FOR ANY RESIDENT TAXPAYER THAT CLAIMS THE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED ADOPTION EXPENSES RELATED TO A DOMESTIC ADOPTION.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.

Senator GARRETT proposed the following amendment (SR-121.QG0002S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2.A., by striking Section 63-7-1700(A) and inserting:
(A) The family court shall review the status of a child placed in foster care upon motion filed by the department to determine a permanent plan for the child. The permanency planning hearing must be held no later than ~~one year~~ nine months after the date the child was first placed in foster care. At the initial permanency planning hearing, the court shall review the status of the child and the progress being made toward the child's return home or toward any other permanent plan approved at the removal hearing. The court's order shall make specific findings in accordance with this section. An action for permanency planning must be brought for a child who enters the custody of the department by any mechanism, including subarticle 3 or Section 63-7-1660 or 63-9-330. If the child enters the custody of the department pursuant to Section 63-9-330 and no action is pending in the family court concerning the child, the department may initiate the permanency planning hearing with a summons and petition for review. All parties must be served with the motion or the summons and petition at least ten days before the hearing, and no responsive pleading is required. Upon motion by the department and if the court determines it is in the best interest of the child, the court may allow the permanency planning hearing to be held later than nine months, but no later than one year after the date the child was first placed in foster care. The case may not be dismissed for failure to hold the permanency planning hearing after nine months. If the hearing has not been held within nine months, a party aggrieved by the delay may motion the court to set the hearing for a date certain.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator GARRETT explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The question being third reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 45; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--45
NAYS

Total--0

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

PRESIDENT PRESIDES

The PRESIDENT assumed the Chair.

CARRIED OVER

S. 454 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-40, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO CHANGE REFERENCES FROM "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 GOVERNOR TO REMOVE A MEMBER FOR CHRONIC UNEXCUSED ABSENTEEISM, MEDICAL INCOMPETENCY, OR MEDICAL INCAPACITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-90, RELATING TO APPEALS TO THE 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 A 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.

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

CARRIED OVER

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

AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME
SENT TO THE HOUSE

The following Resolution was read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S. 318 (Word version) -- Senators Goldfinch, Alexander, Johnson, Fernandez, Gambrell, Stubbs, Grooms, Climer, Leber, Cash, Kimbrell, Davis, Young, Peeler, Corbin, Turner, Rice, Verdin, Garrett, Bennett, Martin, Kennedy, Cromer, Adams and Zell: 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.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Resolution.

Senator HUTTO proposed the following amendment (SMIN-318.KR0005S), which was adopted:

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking the Section 2 paragraph B and inserting:
(B) The voting members of the commission may not be a member of the General Assembly or otherwise have a conflict of interest. If aA commission member has a 'conflict of interest' if a commission member shall recuse themselves from participating in any matter where it is reasonably foreseeable that the commission member will derive a direct financial benefit or suffer a direct financial loss as a result of a particular outcome that might reasonably be reached by the commission.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HUTTO explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator HUTTO proposed the following amendment (SR-318.CEM0002S), which was adopted:

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended,, by adding an undesignated paragraph to Section 2 to read:
(G) The commission shall not have the power to issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HUTTO explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator SUTTON spoke on the Resolution.

Senator MASSEY asked unanimous to waive the two hour time limit under the provisions of Rule 15A.

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

Ayes 32; Nays 12

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Elliott
Fernandez                 Gambrell                  Garrett
Goldfinch                 Hembree                   Johnson
Kennedy                   Kimbrell                  Leber
Massey                    Nutt                      Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Stubbs                    Turner                    Verdin
Young                     Zell

Total--32

NAYS

Allen                     Devine                    Graham
Hutto                     Jackson                   Matthews
Ott                       Sabb                      Sutton
Tedder                    Walker                    Williams

Total--12

The motion was adopted.

Motion Under Rule 15A Adopted

At 4:25 P.M., Pursuant to Rule 15A, Senator MASSEY moved that the debate on the entire matter of S. 318 be brought to a close, that debate be limited to no more than two amendments, and debate on the amendments be limited to 2 minutes for proponents and 2 minutes for opponents and then the Senate proceed to a vote on the Resolution.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 31; Nays 13

AYES

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

Total--31

NAYS

Allen                     Devine                    Graham
Hutto                     Jackson                   Martin
Matthews                  Rankin                    Sabb
Sutton                    Tedder                    Walker
Williams

Total--13

The motion was adopted.

Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (SMIN-318.MW0001S), which was not adopted:

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, page 2, by striking lines 14 through 16 and inserting the following:
(6) conduct other reviews and make other recommendations that the commission identifies as being necessary and proper to reduce spending, increase efficiency, and reduce the state government's burden on our citizens' quality of life or economic development, and.

(7) identify government programs, agencies, departments, boards, and commissions that are underfunded, or understaffed, in order to increase government efficiency.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator OTT spoke in favor of the amendment.

Senator HUTTO spoke in opposition to the amendment.

The question being the adoption of the amendment.

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

Ayes 12; Nays 33

AYES

Allen                     Devine                    Graham
Hutto                     Jackson                   Matthews
Ott                       Sabb                      Sutton
Tedder                    Walker                    Williams

Total--12

NAYS

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

Total--33

The amendment was not adopted.

Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (SMIN-318.MW0003S), which was not adopted:

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 4 and inserting:
SECTION 4. The commission shall first undertake the review of expenditures of the House and Senate to identify areas where spending reductions are appropriate. The commission shall ~~first~~ then undertake the review of appropriations in the state budget to identify areas where spending reductions are appropriate. The commission's findings shall identify the amount of recommended reductions and identify the source of the reductions as specifically as possible, down to the program or subprogram level if possible. The commission shall report its findings to the President of the Senate, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, and the Governor not later than October 1, 2025. Upon receipt of this report, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee may request that the chair of the commission present specific findings at a regular meeting of the relevant budget subcommittee or of the full standing committee. The commission's report shall be published on the General Assembly's and the Governor's website.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator OTT spoke in favor of the amendment.

Senator DEVINE spoke against the amendment.

The question being the adoption of the amendment.

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

Ayes 10; Nays 35

AYES

Allen                     Graham                    Hutto
Jackson                   Matthews                  Ott
Sabb                      Sutton                    Tedder
Walker

Total--10

NAYS

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Hembree
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Peeler                    Rankin
Reichenbach               Rice                      Stubbs
Turner                    Verdin                    Williams
Young                     Zell

Total--35

The amendment was not adopted.

The question then being third reading of the Resolution.

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

Ayes 34; Nays 11

AYES

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

Total--34

NAYS

Allen                     Devine                    Graham
Hutto                     Jackson                   Matthews
Ott                       Sabb                      Sutton
Tedder                    Walker

Total--11

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

DEBATE INTERRUPTED

H. 3007 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, W. Newton, Taylor, B. Newton, Pope, Pedalino, Hixon, Robbins, Mitchell, Yow, Ligon and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MAKE APPLICATION BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION FOR A CONVENTION OF THE STATES TO BE CALLED, RESTRICTED TO PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO IMPOSE FISCAL RESTRAINTS ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH A BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Resolution.

Senator KIMBRELL explained the Resolution.

Senator HUTTO spoke on the Resolution.

Motion Adopted

Senator MASSEY moved to waive the two hour time limit under the provisions of Rule 15A.

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

Ayes 32; Nays 12

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Corbin                    Cromer
Davis                     Elliott                   Fernandez
Gambrell                  Garrett                   Goldfinch
Hembree                   Johnson                   Kennedy
Kimbrell                  Leber                     Martin
Massey                    Nutt                      Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Stubbs                    Turner                    Verdin
Young                     Zell

Total--32

NAYS

Allen                     Devine                    Graham
Hutto                     Jackson                   Matthews
Ott                       Sabb                      Sutton
Tedder                    Walker                    Williams

Total--12

The motion was adopted.

Motion Adopted

Senator MASSEY moved under the provisions of Rule 15A that no further amendments be allowed on the desk other than one amendment by the Majority Leader and one amendment by the Minority Leader.

Senator MATTHEWS moved that the Senate stand adjourned.

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

Ayes 11; Nays 32

AYES

Allen                     Devine                    Graham
Hutto                     Jackson                   Matthews
Sabb                      Sutton                    Tedder
Walker                    Williams

Total--11

NAYS

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Elliott
Fernandez                 Gambrell                  Garrett
Goldfinch                 Hembree                   Johnson
Kennedy                   Kimbrell                  Leber
Martin                    Ott                       Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Stubbs                    Turner                    Verdin
Young                     Zell

Total--32

The Senate refused to adjourn.

The question then was the adoption of the Rule 15A motion.

Senator ALLEN moved that a Call of the Senate be made.

Motion Adopted

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

STATEWIDE APPOINTMENTS
Confirmations

Having received a favorable report from the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:

On motion of Senator CLIMER, the question was confirmation of John Mayfield.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of John Mayfield was confirmed.

Having received a favorable report from the Corrections and Penology Committee, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:

Reappointment, South Carolina Board of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, with the term to commence March 15, 2025, and to expire March 15, 2031
4th Congressional District:
Reno R. Boyd, 107 Nightingale Lane, Greenville, SC 29607-5539

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the question was confirmation of Reno R. Boyd.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Reno R. Boyd was confirmed.

Having received a favorable report from the Education Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Commission on Archives and History, with term coterminous with Governor
At-Large:
William Cain, Jr., 132 Old Mill Circle, Columbia, SC 29206 VICE Mark B. Kent

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the question was confirmation of William Cain, Jr..

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of William Cain, Jr. was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Arts Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2022, and to expire June 30, 2025
At-Large:
David G. Hodges, 1600 Saint Julian Place, Columbia, SC 29204 VICE Delores H. Crawford

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the question was confirmation of David G. Hodges.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of David G. Hodges was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina Arts Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2028
At-Large:
David G. Hodges, 1600 Saint Julian Place, Columbia, SC 29204

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the question was confirmation of David G. Hodges.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of David G. Hodges was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Arts Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2023, and to expire June 30, 2026
At-Large:
Jessica Rourke, 1307 Devonshire Dr., Columbia, SC 29204 VICE Sarah Lynn D. Hayes

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the question was confirmation of Jessica Rourke.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Jessica Rourke was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina Arts Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2029
At-Large:
Jessica Rourke, 1307 Devonshire Dr., Columbia, SC 29204

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the question was confirmation of Jessica Rourke.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Jessica Rourke was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Arts Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2027
At-Large:
Danielle Thompson, 100 North Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150 VICE Dacey P. Bell
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the question was confirmation of Danielle Thompson.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Danielle Thompson was confirmed.

Having received a favorable report from the Family and Veterans' Services Committee, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Social Work Examiners, with term coterminous with Governor
Director:
Anthony Catone, P. O. Box 1520, Columbia, SC 29202 VICE Michael Leach

On motion of Senator YOUNG, the question was confirmation of Anthony Catone.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Anthony Catone was confirmed.

Having received a favorable report from the Judiciary Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Reappointment, State Inspector General, with the term to commence May 10, 2025, and to expire May 10, 2029
Brian D. Lamkin, Office of the Inspector General 111 Executive Center Drive, Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29210

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Brian D. Lamkin.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Brian D. Lamkin was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2030
At-Large:
R. Michael Campbell II, 131 High Knoll Rd., Columbia, SC 29223

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of R. Michael Campbell II.

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

Ayes 29; Nays 0; Abstain 14

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Elliott                   Goldfinch
Graham                    Jackson                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Zell

Total--29

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Allen                     Davis                     Devine
Fernandez                 Garrett                   Hembree
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Matthews
Rankin                    Sabb                      Stubbs
Walker                    Young

Total--14

The appointment of R. Michael Campbell II was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2020, and to expire June 30, 2026
At-Large:
John Coggiola, 3314 Heyward Street, Columbia, SC 29205 VICE Avery B. Wilkerson, Jr.

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of John Coggiola.

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

Ayes 29; Nays 0; Abstain 14

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Elliott                   Goldfinch
Graham                    Jackson                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Zell

Total--29

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Allen                     Davis                     Devine
Fernandez                 Garrett                   Hembree
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Matthews
Rankin                    Sabb                      Stubbs
Walker                    Young

Total--14

The appointment of John Coggiola was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2030
At-Large:
Henry Gene McCaskill, 604 Kirkwood Circle, Camden, SC 29020

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Henry Gene McCaskill.

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

Ayes 29; Nays 0; Abstain 14

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Elliott                   Goldfinch
Graham                    Jackson                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Zell

Total--29

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Allen                     Davis                     Devine
Fernandez                 Garrett                   Hembree
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Matthews
Rankin                    Sabb                      Stubbs
Walker                    Young

Total--14

The appointment of Henry Gene McCaskill was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission Chairman, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2026
Chairman:
Thomas Scott Beck, 422 Gold Nugget Point, Prosperity, SC 29127

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Thomas Scott Beck.

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

Ayes 29; Nays 0; Abstain 14

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Elliott                   Goldfinch
Graham                    Jackson                   Kimbrell
Leber                     Martin                    Massey
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Zell

Total--29

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Allen                     Davis                     Devine
Fernandez                 Garrett                   Hembree
Johnson                   Kennedy                   Matthews
Rankin                    Sabb                      Stubbs
Walker                    Young

Total--14

The appointment of Thomas Scott Beck was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire January 1, 2030
Governor Appointed:
Helen Munnerlyn, P.O. Box 23205, Columbia, SC 29224 VICE Ms. Brandolyn T. Pinkston

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Helen Munnerlyn.

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

Ayes 35; Nays 0; Abstain 8

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Devine                    Elliott
Fernandez                 Garrett                   Goldfinch
Graham                    Jackson                   Johnson
Kennedy                   Kimbrell                  Leber
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Stubbs
Turner                    Verdin                    Walker
Williams                  Zell

Total--35

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Allen                     Davis                     Hembree
Rankin                    Sabb                      Sutton
Tedder                    Young

Total--8

The appointment of Helen Munnerlyn was confirmed.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the appointment:

STATEWIDE APPOINTMENT

Initial Appointment, State Ethics Commission, with term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire April 1, 2030:

Governor's Appointee

Helen F. Munnerlyn, P.O. Box 23205, Columbia, SC 29224 VICE Brandolyn T. Pinkston
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire April 1, 2030
Senate - Majority:
Sara Parrish, 165 Etiwan Pointe Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29492 VICE Mr. Scott E. Frick

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Sara Parrish.

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

Ayes 36; Nays 0; Abstain 7

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Devine                    Elliott
Fernandez                 Garrett                   Goldfinch
Graham                    Jackson                   Johnson
Kennedy                   Kimbrell                  Leber
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Stubbs
Sutton                    Turner                    Verdin
Walker                    Williams                  Zell

Total--36

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Allen                     Davis                     Hembree
Rankin                    Sabb                      Tedder
Young

Total--7

The appointment of Sara Parrish was confirmed.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 8, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the appointment:

STATEWIDE APPOINTMENT

Initial Appointment, State Ethics Commission, with term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire April 1, 2030:

Sara Parrish, 165 Etiwan Pointe Drive, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29492 VICE Scott E. Frick
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2023, and to expire June 30, 2026
2nd Congressional District:
Patrick Palmer, 220 Windsor Point Road, Columbia, SC 29223 VICE Kimberly Snipes

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Patrick Palmer.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Patrick Palmer was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2027
4th Congressional District:
James A. Wilson, 208 Wakelon Drive, Greer, SC 29651-1985 VICE Mr. Stephen E. Hall

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of James A. Wilson.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of James A. Wilson was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, with the term to commence January 1, 2025, and to expire January 1, 2029
5th Congressional District:
Brian Frerichs, 40 Hunters Pond Court, Sumter, SC 29150 VICE Charles H. Leaird

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Brian Frerichs.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Brian Frerichs was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, with the term to commence January 1, 2025, and to expire January 1, 2029
Georgetown County:
Timothy M. Tilley, P. O. Box 857, Georgetown, SC 29442 VICE Danny Joe Ray

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Timothy M. Tilley.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Timothy M. Tilley was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, with the term to commence January 1, 2023, and to expire January 1, 2027
7th Congressional District:
Hugh L. Wilcox, Jr. P. O. Box 1909, Florence, SC 29503 VICE Merrell W. Floyd

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Hugh L. Wilcox, Jr.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43
NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Hugh L. Wilcox, Jr. was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire April 1, 2030
Governor Appointed:
F. Xavier Starkes, P.O. Box 1497, Columbia, SC 29202-1497

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of F. Xavier Starkes.

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

Ayes 36; Nays 0; Abstain 7

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Devine                    Elliott
Fernandez                 Garrett                   Goldfinch
Graham                    Jackson                   Johnson
Kennedy                   Kimbrell                  Leber
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews
Nutt                      Ott                       Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Stubbs
Sutton                    Turner                    Verdin
Walker                    Williams                  Zell

Total--36

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Allen                     Davis                     Hembree
Rankin                    Sabb                      Tedder
Young

Total--7

The appointment of F. Xavier Starkes was confirmed.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., March 25, 2025

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the appointment:

STATEWIDE APPOINTMENT

Reappointment, State Ethics Commission, with term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire April 1, 2030:

Governor's Appointee

F. Xavier Starkes, Esquire, P.O. Box 1497, Columbia, S.C. 29202 VICE Self
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Having received a favorable report from the Medical Affairs Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Nursing, with the term to commence December 31, 2024, and to expire December 31, 2028
5th Congressional District, Registered Nurse:
Lisa James, 1279 Retreat Way, Ridgeway, SC 29130-7441 VICE Samuel McNutt

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Lisa James.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Lisa James was confirmed.

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

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Teresa Pettigrew.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Teresa Pettigrew was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Pharmacy, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2031
5th Congressional District - Pharmacist:
Larry Meek, R. Ph., 1313 Yellowood Court, Rock Hill, SC 29732 VICE Ms. Heather C. Harris

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Larry Meek, R. Ph..

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Larry Meek, R. Ph. was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Pharmacy, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2031
7th Congressional District, Pharmacist:
Jarrod Tippins, PharmD, 524 Ridgewood Dr., Florence, SC 29501 VICE Archie L. McKnight II

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Jarrod Tippins, PharmD.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43
NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Jarrod Tippins, PharmD was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Podiatry Examiners, with the term to commence March 1, 2024, and to expire March 1, 2028
Podiatrist - Lower District:
Jamelah Lemon, 2602 Poplar Grove Place, Summerville, SC 29483 VICE Rahn A. Ravenell

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Jamelah Lemon.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Jamelah Lemon was confirmed.

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.

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Dennis Lofe.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Dennis Lofe was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy, with the term to commence September 30, 2023, and to expire September 30, 2026
Occupational Therapist:
Megan Dubose, 21 Calhoun Street, Sumter, SC 29150 VICE Mr. Todd A. Laliberte

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Megan Dubose.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Megan Dubose was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Panel for Dietetics, with the term to commence May 30, 2025, and to expire May 30, 2027
Dietician, Clinical:
Heather Barraco, 4471 Newmans Alley, North Charleston, SC 29405 VICE Robert Lee Duffell-Hoffman

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Heather Barraco.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Heather Barraco was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Panel for Dietetics, with the term to commence May 30, 2025, and to expire May 30, 2027
Dietetics Educator:
Deborah Hutcheon, DCN, 607 Dills Farm Way, Greer, SC 29651 VICE Elizabeth A. Weikle

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Deborah Hutcheon, DCN.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Deborah Hutcheon, DCN was confirmed.

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

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Michael Leonard.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Blackmon                  Campsen
Cash                      Chaplin                   Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Devine                    Elliott                   Fernandez
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Graham
Hembree                   Jackson                   Johnson
Kennedy                   Kimbrell                  Leber
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews
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 Leonard was confirmed.

Having received a favorable report from the Transportation Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ports Authority, with the term to commence February 13, 2023, and to expire February 13, 2028
At-Large:
James Burns, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP 1320 Main Street, Floor 17, Columbia, SC 29201 VICE David J. Posek

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the question was confirmation of James Burns.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of James Burns was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ports Authority, with the term to commence June 4, 2023, and to expire June 4, 2028
At-Large:
G. Daniel Ellzey, 4028 Claremont Drive, Columbia, SC 29205 VICE Kurt D. Grindstaff

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the question was confirmation of G. Daniel Ellzey.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of G. Daniel Ellzey was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ports Authority, with the term to commence March 19, 2024, and to expire March 19, 2029
At-Large:
John Barnwell Fishburne, 1123 St. Peters Road, Walterboro, SC 29488 VICE Whitemarsh S. Smith III

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the question was confirmation of John Barnwell Fishburne.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of John Barnwell Fishburne was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ports Authority, with the term to commence February 13, 2025, and to expire February 13, 2030
At-Large:
Robert Edward Rain, 1038 Glendalyn Circle, Spartanburg, SC 29302 VICE Willie E. Jeffries

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the question was confirmation of Robert Edward Rain.

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

Ayes 42; Nays 0; Abstain 1

AYES

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

Total--42

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Campsen

Total--1

The appointment of Robert Edward Rain was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina State Ports Authority, with the term to commence February 13, 2025, and to expire February 13, 2030
At-Large:
William H. Stern, 2134 Bermuda Hills, Columbia, SC 29223

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the question was confirmation of William H. Stern.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of William H. Stern was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina State Ports Authority, with the term to commence February 13, 2025, and to expire February 13, 2030
At-Large:
Mark D. Buyck, P.O. Box 1909, Florence, SC 29503-1909

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the question was confirmation of Mark D. Buyck.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Mark D. Buyck was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina State Ports Authority, with the term to commence February 13, 2025, and to expire February 13, 2030
At-Large:
Pamela P. Lackey, 1672 Tanglewood Road, Columbia, SC 29204

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the question was confirmation of Pamela P. Lackey.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

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

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Pamela P. Lackey was confirmed.

LOCAL APPOINTMENT
Confirmation

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

Reappointment, Chester County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Olivia Williford, 1024 Center Road, Chester, SC 29706

RATIFICATION OF ACTS

Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on May 08, 2025, at 1:25 P.M. and the following Acts and Joint Resolutions were ratified:

(R46, S. 77 (Word version)) -- Senators Hembree, Grooms and Zell: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-85 SO AS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC ACCESS TO SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS BY REQUIRING SCHOOL BOARDS TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES THAT PROVIDE LIVESTREAM OR ALTERNATE ELECTRONIC MEANS TRANSMISSION OF SUCH MEETINGS, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION; AND TO REQUIRE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT MUST BE IMPLEMENTED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2026.
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(R47, S. 78 (Word version)) -- Senators Hembree, Young, Zell and Devine: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-25-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL AWARD YEARS OF EXPERIENCE CREDIT FOR CERTAIN RELEVANT NON-TEACHING OCCUPATIONAL EXPERIENCE TO CERTIFICATES OF EDUCATORS WHO SATISFY CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE SUCH EXPERIENCE CREDIT MAY BE AWARDED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADVANCEMENT ON THE TEACHER SALARY SCHEDULE, TO PROVIDE OTHER EXISTING CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS REMAIN UNCHANGED BY THIS ACT; AND TO PROVIDE DIRECTIVES TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT.
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(R48, S. 79 (Word version)) -- Senators Hembree and Zell: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-18-1115 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A FIVE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM TO PERMIT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO HIRE NONCERTIFIED TEACHERS IN A RATIO UP TO TEN PERCENT OF THE ENTIRE TEACHING STAFF OF THE DISTRICT, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED PARTICIPATION AND IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-90 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE AGENCY REQUESTS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS.
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(R49, S. 89 (Word version)) -- Senator Young: AN ACT 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.
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(R50, S. 101 (Word version)) -- Senator Gambrell: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-80-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIREFIGHTERS EMPLOYMENT AND REGISTRATION ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "FIRE DEPARTMENT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-80-40, RELATING TO FIREFIGHTER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CLARIFICATION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-80-50, RELATING TO FIREFIGHTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIRED FOR DOCUMENTATION MUST BE ISSUED BY THIS STATE.
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(R51, S. 171 (Word version)) -- Senators Gambrell and Garrett: AN ACT 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, 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, 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; AND TO DIRECT THE CODE COMMISSIONER TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
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(R52, S. 176 (Word version)) -- Senator Climer: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-2-30, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR USE OF PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS FOR CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTS, SO AS TO APPLY THESE REQUIREMENTS TO USAGES IN ELECTRONIC FILES AND METADATA; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-2-35, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE BY THE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY, SO AS TO REVISE THE EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE UNIFORM CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT EXAM REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-2-40, RELATING TO ENTITIES REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE BOARD TO PRACTICE AS CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS, SO AS TO REQUIRE SUCH REGISTRATION OF FIRMS THAT PERFORM COMPILATION SERVICES, AND TO PROVIDE OWNERSHIP OF SUCH FIRMS MAY BE HELD THROUGH A REVOCABLE GRANTOR TRUST; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-2-70, RELATING TO POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD, SO AS TO ADD REVIEW AND PROVIDE INPUT ON PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE CHANGES RELATED TO THE PRACTICE OF ACCOUNTING AS A POWER OF THE BOARD; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-2-80, RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS OF COMPLAINTS OR OTHER INFORMATION SUGGESTING VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE INSPECTOR-INVESTIGATORS MUST HAVE BEEN LICENSED AS CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR AT LEAST THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-2-240, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS LICENSED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS TO OBTAIN LICENSURE BY THE BOARD, SO AS TO PROVIDE RECIPROCITY LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-2-245, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS LICENSED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS TO PRACTICE IN THIS STATE WITHOUT LICENSURE BY THE BOARD, SO AS TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 40-2-20(18) RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY, SECTION 40-2-35(H) RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE BY THE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY, AND SECTION 40-2-35(I) RELATING TO RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE BY THE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY.
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(R53, S. 221 (Word version)) -- Senator Ott: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 20 TO CHAPTER 53, TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF THE SALE OF KRATOM PRODUCTS BY RETAILERS AND PROCESSORS AND TO CREATE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ARTICLE.
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(R54, S. 269 (Word version)) -- Senators Turner, Elliott and Zell: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-275 SO AS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH MORE THAN FIFTEEN THOUSAND STUDENTS MAY USE SECURITY PERSONNEL LICENSED AS A PROPRIETARY SECURITY BUSINESS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-18-60, RELATING TO PROPRIETARY SECURITY BUSINESS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS CONCERNING PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS APPLYING FOR LICENSURE, TO PROVIDE THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION SHALL DEVELOP RELATED STANDARDS, GUIDELINES, AND APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-18-80, RELATING TO SECURITY OFFICER REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION SHALL IMPLEMENT CERTAIN RELATED TRAINING REQUIREMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-18-140, RELATING TO EXCEPTIONS FROM THE APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER 18, TITLE 40, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF THE CHAPTER TO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
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(R55, S. 618 (Word version)) -- Senator Peeler: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 389 OF 1907, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR THE CITY OF GAFFNEY, SO AS TO RESTATE THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS, TO ADD TWO ADDITIONAL MEMBERS, AND TO SPECIFY THE MANNER OF ELECTION AND OF ELECTIONS; AND TO REPEAL ACT 205 OF 1953 AND ACT 128 OF 1967 RELATED TO THE BOARD.
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(R56, H. 3058 (Word version)) -- Reps. Wooten, Pope, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, Taylor, Cobb-Hunter, Govan, Erickson, Bradley, Guffey, W. Newton, B. Newton and Willis: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-330 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS FOR THE OFFENSE OF UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE OF INTIMATE IMAGES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-332 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE OF INTIMATE IMAGES, TO PROVIDE GRADUATED PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
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(R57, H. 3127 (Word version)) -- Reps. Robbins, Wooten, Lawson, Pope, Chapman, Pedalino, W. Newton, Sanders, Duncan, Hixon, Taylor, Gagnon, Oremus, Hartz, Davis, M.M. Smith, Vaughan, Williams, Erickson, Bradley, Cromer and Gilreath: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-750, RELATING TO FAILURE TO STOP MOTOR VEHICLES WHEN SIGNALED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES, TO CREATE AN ADDITIONAL FELONY OFFENSE WHEN A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS LED ON A HIGH-SPEED PURSUIT, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
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(R58, H. 3175 (Word version)) -- Reps. Collins, Mitchell, Forrest and Calhoon: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-1230, RELATING TO SPECIFICATIONS OF LICENSE PLATES, THE PERIODIC ISSUANCE OF NEW PLATES, AND THE ISSUANCE OF REVALIDATION STICKERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL ISSUE LICENSE PLATES COMMEMORATING THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
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(R59, H. 3276 (Word version)) -- Reps. Pope, Robbins, Chapman, W. Newton, Taylor, Forrest, McGinnis, Calhoon, Bernstein, Wooten, Hart, Erickson, Bradley, Ligon, Anderson, Schuessler, Hixon, M.M. Smith and Hartnett: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HANDS-FREE AND DISTRACTED DRIVING ACT" BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-3890, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL USE OF WIRELESS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES WHILE OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS, TO DEFINE THE TERM "MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE," TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES MAY NOT BE USED WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE, TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING AND PROVIDE PENALTIES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF FINES IMPOSED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH THIS SECTION MAY BE ENFORCED, TO PROVIDE FOR THE SHARING OF CERTAIN INFORMATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, AND TO PROVIDE THIS SECTION IS NOT SUBJECT TO PROVISIONS RELATED TO CITIZENS ARRESTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-720, RELATING TO POINTS THAT MAY BE ASSESSED AGAINST A PERSON'S DRIVING RECORD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A TWO-POINT VIOLATION; TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL ERECT SIGNS ADVISING MOTORISTS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE ONLY WARNINGS MAY BE ISSUED FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD; AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL FILE A REPORT WITH CERTAIN OFFICIALS CONTAINING INFORMATION ABOUT PERSONS STOPPED PURSUANT TO THIS ACT.
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(R60, H. 3309 (Word version)) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, Gatch, Herbkersman, Pope, B. Newton, Wooten, Robbins, Mitchell, Chapman, W. Newton, Taylor, Forrest, Hewitt, Kirby, Schuessler, Yow, Long, M.M. Smith, Hardee, Montgomery, Atkinson, Hixon, Ligon, Anderson, Weeks, Willis, Govan and Williams: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ENERGY SECURITY ACT" BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-140, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION'S POWERS TO REGULATE PUBLIC UTILITIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE FOR CERTAIN TESTIMONY AND DISCOVERY IN CONTESTED PROCEEDINGS, TO PERMIT ELECTRICAL UTILITY CUSTOMERS TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION AS PUBLIC WITNESSES, AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY CONSULTANT HIRED BY THE COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-250, RELATING TO SERVICE OF ORDERS AND DECISIONS ON PARTIES, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-4-10, RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF AND ITS REPRESENTATION OF PUBLIC INTEREST BEFORE THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO ESTABLISH ITS CONSIDERATIONS FOR PUBLIC INTEREST; BY ADDING SECTION 58-4-150 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO PREPARE A COMPREHENSIVE STATE ENERGY ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS PLAN; BY ADDING SECTION 58-33-195 SO AS TO ENCOURAGE DOMINION ENERGY, THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY, DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, AND DUKE ENERGY PROGRESS TO EVALUATE CERTAIN ELECTRICAL GENERATION FACILITIES AND PROVIDE FOR CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO THESE FACILITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 58-31-205 SO AS TO PERMIT THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY TO JOINTLY OWN ONE OR MORE NATURAL GAS-FIRED GENERATION FACILITIES AND RELATED TRANSMISSION FACILITIES WITH DOMINION ENERGY SOUTH CAROLINA IN COLLETON COUNTY, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINT OWNERSHIP; BY ADDING SECTION 6-29-1220 SO AS TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM PLANS IF A COUNTY DOES NOT HAVE RELATED RURAL ZONING OR ORDINANCES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS REQUIRING MORE THAN THIRTEEN ACRES OF LAND; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 9 OF CHAPTER 7, TITLE 13, RELATING TO THE GOVERNOR'S NUCLEAR ADVISORY COUNCIL, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE COUNCIL IN THE SC NEXUS FOR ADVANCED RESILIENT ENERGY AT THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS DUTIES AND MEMBERSHIP, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COUNCIL'S DIRECTOR; BY ADDING ARTICLE 24 TO CHAPTER 27, TITLE 58 SO AS TO ALLOW ELECTRIC UTILITIES TO REQUEST THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ADJUST THEIR RATES ANNUALLY, ADJUST UTILITY RATES, ESTABLISH THE BASELINE RATE ORDER AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ADJUSTMENTS IN RATES, TO PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FOR CUSTOMERS, AND TO AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL POSITIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF; BY ADDING SECTION 58-33-196 SO AS TO ENCOURAGE CONSIDERATION OF DEPLOYMENT OF FUSION ENERGY AND ADVANCED NUCLEAR FACILITIES AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-70 SO AS TO PERMIT THE EVALUATION OF SMALL MODULAR NUCLEAR FACILITIES IN THIS STATE AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 37, TITLE 58 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR STATE AGENCY REVIEW OF ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT APPLICATIONS, TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE A SUNSET PROVISION, AND TO DESIGNATE ALL SECTIONS CURRENTLY IN CHAPTER 37 AS ARTICLE 1, ENTITLED "PLANNING FOR ENERGY SUPPLY"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-40-10, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "CUSTOMER-GENERATOR," SO AS TO ESTABLISH CHARACTERISTICS FOR A "CUSTOMER-GENERATOR"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-41-30, RELATING TO VOLUNTARY RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR THESE PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-41-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITION OF "ENERGY STORAGE FACILITIES"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-41-20, RELATING TO THE REVIEW OF AND APPROVAL PROCEEDINGS FOR ELECTRICAL UTILITIES' AVOIDED COST METHODOLOGIES, STANDARD OFFERS, FORM CONTRACTS, AND COMMITMENT TO SELL FORMS, SO AS TO REITERATE THE SECTION; BY ADDING CHAPTER 42 TO TITLE 58 SO AS TO ESTABLISH COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM STANDARDS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY STORAGE, AND TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO OPEN A DOCKET TO ESTABLISH A COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM FOR ENERGY STORAGE FACILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-33-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITION "LIKE FACILITY" AND AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "MAJOR UTILITY FACILITY," SO AS TO REITERATE THE DEFINITION; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 3 OF CHAPTER 33, TITLE 58, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF MAJOR UTILITY FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A LIKE FACILITY, TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROPOSED FACILITIES, TO PROVIDE WHAT ACTIONS MAY BE TAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE COMMISSION, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-40, RELATING TO INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLANS, SO AS TO ADD CONSIDERATION OF A UTILITY'S TRANSMISSION REPORT, TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION BY THE COMMISSION, AND REQUIRE PARTIES TO BEAR THEIR OWN COSTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-260, RELATING TO COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE COMMISSION AND PARTIES, SO AS TO MODIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALLOWABLE EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS AND BRIEFINGS, AND TO PERMIT COMMISSION TOURS OF UTILITY PLANTS OR OTHER FACILITIES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-270, RELATING TO EX PARTE COMMUNICATION COMPLAINT PROCEEDINGS AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SO AS TO PERMIT AN ORDER TOLLING ANY DEADLINES ON A PROCEEDING SUBJECT TO A COMPLAINT IF TRUE TO THE EXTENT THE PROCEEDING WAS PREJUDICED SO THAT THE COMMISSION COULD NOT CONSIDER THE MATTER IMPARTIALLY; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-33-310, RELATING TO AN APPEAL FROM A FINAL ORDER OR DECISION OF THE COMMISSION ISSUED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 33, TITLE 58, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A TIMELINE FOR A PETITION FOR REHEARING OR RECONSIDERATION, AND TO REQUIRE A FINAL ORDER BE IMMEDIATELY APPEALABLE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-33-320, RELATING TO JUDICIAL JURISDICTION, SO AS TO REITERATE THE SECTION; BY ADDING SECTION 58-4-160 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO EVALUATE VARIOUS THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR MODELS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD A REFERENCE TO "DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM" AND PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR "COST-EFFECTIVE" AND "DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAM"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-20, RELATING TO COMMISSION PROCEDURES ENCOURAGING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS, SO AS TO EXPAND COMMISSION CONSIDERATIONS FOR COST-EFFECTIVE, DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS, REQUIRE EACH INVESTOR-OWNED ELECTRICAL UTILITY TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMISSION REGARDING ITS DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS, AND TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO REVIEW THESE PORTFOLIOS ON AT LEAST A TRIENNIAL BASIS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-30, RELATING TO REPORTS ON DEMAND-SIDE ACTIVITIES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-35 SO AS TO PERMIT PROGRAMS AND CUSTOMER INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE OR PROMOTE DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR CUSTOMER-SITED DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES, AND TO PROVIDE CONSIDERATIONS FOR THESE PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-50, RELATING TO AGREEMENTS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION MEASURES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN TERMS AND RATE RECOVERY FOR AGREEMENTS FOR FINANCING AND INSTALLING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION MEASURES, AND FOR APPLICATION TO A RESIDENCE OCCUPIED BEFORE THE MEASURES ARE TAKEN; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-70, RELATING TO COMPENSATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION MEMBERS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH SALARIES IN AMOUNTS EQUAL TO NINETY PERCENT OF SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICES; BY ADDING SECTION 58-41-50 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATION FOR CO-LOCATED RESOURCES BETWEEN AN ELECTRICAL UTILITY AND ITS CUSTOMER UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF A DIVERSE MIX OF LONG-LEAD, CLEAN GENERATION RESOURCES, AND TO PERMIT THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO FIND CERTAIN ACTIONS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO PERMIT AN ELECTRICAL UTILITY TO CAPTURE AVAILABLE INCENTIVES FOR RATEPAYERS; TO PERMIT DEFERRAL OF CERTAIN REASONABLE AND PRUDENT COSTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-40-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCE"; BY ADDING CHAPTER 43 TO TITLE 58, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CONSIDERATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY RATE AND CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-135 SO AS TO TRANSFER A PENDING APPEAL REGARDING ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PERMITS TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-530, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE'S DUTIES, SO AS TO REQUIRE AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER ADVOCACY RELATED TO ITS REPRESENTATION OF CONSUMERS IN UTILITY MATTERS; BY ADDING SECTION 58-3-65 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION'S CHIEF CLERK'S SALARY BE BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE AGENCY HEAD SALARY COMMISSION; BY ADDING SECTION 58-33-200 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO RETAIN AN INDEPENDENT CONSTRUCTION ANALYST FOR ANY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BUDGET OF AT LEAST FIVE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS; TO REQUIRE A REPORT BY THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 24, CHAPTER 27, TITLE 58; TO REQUIRE DOMINION ENERGY TO EVALUATE CONVERTING THE WATEREE GENERATION STATION TO BIOMASS-FIRED GENERATION, AND TO PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-4-50, RELATING TO OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF DUTIES, SO AS TO INCLUDE CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS.
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(R61, H. 3430 (Word version)) -- Reps. B. Newton, Murphy, Caskey, Mitchell, Pope, W. Newton, Bannister, Sessions, Jordan, Robbins, Collins, Martin, Lawson, Wickensimer, Landing, Long, Hiott, Forrest, Sanders, Teeple, Oremus, Hartz, Guest, Pedalino, M.M. Smith, Schuessler, Chapman, Gatch, McGinnis, Neese, Hardee, Ligon, Taylor, Willis, Vaughan, Brittain, Erickson, Bradley, Rankin, Hager, Whitmire, Gilliam, Crawford, Hewitt, Yow, Hixon, Ballentine, Gagnon and Brewer: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-38-15, RELATING TO JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY AND THE APPORTIONMENT OF PERCENTAGES OF FAULT AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OR DRUG EXCEPTIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SO AS TO FURTHER MODIFY PROVISIONS RELATING TO JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY, TO REMOVE THE EXCEPTION TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECTION APPLYING TO THE USE, SALE, OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL, TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL TORTFEASORS IN A CAUSE OF ACTION AND FOR THE TRIER OF FACT TO ALLOCATE FAULT TO ADDITIONAL TORTFEASORS, AND TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH ADDITIONAL NONDEFENDANT TORTFEASORS SHALL BE ADDED TO A VERDICT FORM AND CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THEY SHALL NOT BE ADDED; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-2220, RELATING TO ALCOHOL SALES, SO AS TO PROHIBIT A PERSON FROM KNOWINGLY SELLING ALCOHOL TO AN INTOXICATED PERSON; BY ADDING CHAPTER 3 TO TITLE 61 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING REQUIREMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-60, RELATING TO REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE REGULATIONS FOR THE ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-4-580, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS BY HOLDERS OF PERMITS AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF BEER OR WINE, SO AS TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 61-4-523 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE AT COLLEGIATE SPORTING EVENTS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-550 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO MAKE CERTAIN REPORTS REGARDING LIQUOR LIABILITY COVERAGE IN THIS STATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-20, RELATING TO LICENSING, REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION, FEES, AND RENEWAL, SO AS TO INCLUDE LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-145, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR LIQUOR LIABILITY RISK MITIGATION; AND BY ADDING SECTION 61-2-147 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT TORTFEASORS CHARGED WITH CERTAIN DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OFFENSES SHALL APPEAR ON THE JURY VERDICT FORM UPON MOTION OF THE DEFENDANT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE IF A VERDICT IS RENDERED AGAINST BOTH A LICENSEE AND A DEFENDANT CHARGED WITH CERTAIN DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OFFENSES THAT THE LICENSEE IS JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY LIABLE FOR FIFTY PERCENT OF THE PLAINTIFF'S ACTUAL DAMAGES.
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(R62, H. 3563 (Word version)) -- Reps. Davis, B.J. Cox, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, Taylor, Chapman, Kirby, Cromer, Gilreath, Weeks, Williams, Holman and Govan: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 25-11-50, RELATING TO COUNTY VETERANS' AFFAIRS OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECRETARY SHALL EVALUATE EACH COUNTY VETERANS' AFFAIRS OFFICE NO MORE THAN TWICE PER YEAR.
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(R63, H. 3632 (Word version)) -- Reps. Erickson, Spann-Wilder and Bauer: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-149-15, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL LIFE SCHOLARSHIP STIPENDS, AND SECTION 59-104-25, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP STIPENDS, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN COURSEWORK IN ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS STATISTICS MUST COUNT TOWARDS CERTAIN REQUIRED FRESHMAN YEAR COURSEWORK IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE, AND TO CLARIFY THESE PROVISIONS APPLY BEGINNING WITH ACCOUNTING MAJORS WHO COMPLETED SUCH COURSEWORK AS FRESHMEN IN THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR.
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(R64, H. 3800 (Word version)) -- Reps. W. Newton, Bannister, Herbkersman, White, Kilmartin and Frank: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION ON DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO DELETE AN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT THAT THE SELLER HAVE A PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IN THIS STATE.
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(R65, H. 3813 (Word version)) -- Rep. Hixon: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-11-430, RELATING TO BEAR HUNTING, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO A REGISTERED PARTY DOG HUNT IN GAME ZONE 1.
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(R66, H. 3862 (Word version)) -- Reps. Erickson, G.M. Smith, Gilliam, Mitchell and M.M. Smith: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-50, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL ADMISSIONS, SO AS TO REVISE ADMISSIONS PREFERENCE CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES, AND TO ADD PROVISIONS CONCERNING STUDENTS WITH MULTIPLE ENROLLMENT PREFERENCES.
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(R67, H. 3877 (Word version)) -- Reps. Gilliam, Rankin and Willis: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 779 OF 1988, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 56, SO AS TO REAPPORTION THE SEVEN SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS FROM WHICH MEMBERS OF THE LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 56 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MUST BE ELECTED, TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS ARE DELINEATED, AND TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE REAPPORTIONED ELECTION DISTRICTS.
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(R68, H. 3878 (Word version)) -- Reps. Gilliam, Rankin and Willis: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 779 OF 1988, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 55, SO AS TO REAPPORTION THE SEVEN SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS FROM WHICH MEMBERS OF THE LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 55 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MUST BE ELECTED, TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS ARE DELINEATED, AND TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE REAPPORTIONED ELECTION DISTRICTS.
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(R69, H. 3910 (Word version)) -- Reps. Davis, G.M. Smith and B.J. Cox: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 3-1-150 AND 63-3-510, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OVER CERTAIN LANDS RELINQUISHED BY THE UNITED STATES AND THE EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF THE FAMILY COURT, RESPECTIVELY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CONCURRENT JURISDICTION WITH THE UNITED STATES IN CERTAIN MATTERS INVOLVING JUVENILES WITHIN A MILITARY INSTALLATION AND EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL JURISDICTION THEREAFTER FOR CERTAIN MATTERS.
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(R70, H. 3969 (Word version)) -- Reps. Rutherford, Ballentine, Bauer, Bernstein, Garvin, Grant, Hart, Howard, J.L. Johnson, McDaniel, Reese and Rose: AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES IN RICHLAND COUNTY.
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(R71, H. 3973 (Word version)) -- Rep. Bannister: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 432 OF 1947, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE GREENVILLE HEALTH SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO REVISE THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES' DISTRICTS CONSTITUTING THE DISTRICTS WHICH COMPRISE HOUSE DISTRICT RESIDENCY SEATS ON THE BOARD.
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(R72, H. 3996 (Word version)) -- Reps. Sessions and Chapman: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-1250, RELATING TO SUPERVISION OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANTS THAT AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST MAY SUPERVISE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-1240, RELATING TO LICENSURE OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT LICENSURE APPLICANTS MUST APPEAR BEFORE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND PRESENT EVIDENCE OF CERTAIN RELEVANT ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS AND KNOWLEDGE.
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(R73, H. 4003 (Word version)) -- Reps. Vaughan, Willis, Burns, B.J. Cox and Bannister: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 1543 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE GREATER GREENVILLE SANITATION DISTRICT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION SHALL NOT PROVIDE REFUSE, GARBAGE, OR TRASH COLLECTING SERVICES OUTSIDE OF THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT AFTER JUNE 30, 2026, TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR SUCH SERVICES PROVIDED PURSUANT TO CERTAIN EXISTING INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS, TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSION MAY DEVELOP CERTAIN PROPERTY SUBJECT TO CERTAIN USE RESTRICTIONS, AND TO REVISE THE ANNEXATION AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION SO AS TO INCREASE THE PERCENTAGE OF FREEHOLDERS REQUIRED FOR A PETITION TO REQUEST SUCH ANNEXATIONS.
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(R74, 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.
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(R75, H. 4067 (Word version)) -- Reps. Davis, Sessions, Forrest and Henderson-Myers: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-268 SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL HOSPITALS WITH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE PHYSICIAN PHYSICALLY PRESENT ON SITE WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT ALL TIMES THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IS OPEN.
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(R76, H. 4160 (Word version)) -- Reps. W. Newton, G.M. Smith, Jordan, Caskey, Bannister, Pope, Mitchell and Yow: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-5-610, RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF THE STATE INTO SIXTEEN JUDICIAL CIRCUITS, THE NUMBER OF JUDGES TO BE ELECTED FROM EACH CIRCUIT, AND THE ELECTION OF AT-LARGE JUDGES WITHOUT REGARD TO COUNTY OR CIRCUIT OF RESIDENCE, SO AS TO CONVERT NINE AT-LARGE CIRCUIT COURT SEATS TO RESIDENT SEATS IN THE THIRD, THIRTEENTH, TWELFTH, FIFTH, NINTH, ELEVENTH, AND SEVENTH CIRCUITS.
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(R77, H. 4261 (Word version)) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, J. Moore, Rivers and Anderson: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-320 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AS "BLOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH."
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(R78, H. 4296 (Word version)) -- Reps. Mitchell, Gilliam, Yow and T. Moore: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 25-1-90, RELATING TO SERVICE WITHIN THE STATE OF MILITARY FORCES FROM ANOTHER STATE, SO AS TO REMOVE A REFERENCE TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY; BY AMENDING SECTION 25-1-510, RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD APPOINTMENTS, SO AS TO REMOVE CERTAIN AGE REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 25-1-1330, RELATING TO ANNUAL SETTLEMENTS FOR FEDERAL AND STATE PROPERTY, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO FEDERAL PROPERTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 25-1-1370, RELATING TO ALLOWANCES FOR MAINTENANCE, SO AS TO REMOVE A REQUIREMENT THAT UNITS ARE ENTITLED TO CERTAIN MAINTENANCE FUND ALLOWANCES; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-7-40, RELATING TO APPLICATION TO THE STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER PERSONS CALLED INTO ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-7-65, RELATING TO AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES DESIGNATED FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF EMPLOYEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER PERSONS CALLED INTO ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-7-75, RELATING TO STATE AGENCIES' REQUIREMENT TO PAY WORKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADJUTANT GENERAL MAY USE CERTAIN METHODS FOR PAYING WORKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUMS IN CERTAIN CASES; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-360 RELATING TO RULES AND REGULATIONS; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-380 RELATING TO THE ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL FOR ARMY; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-390 RELATING TO THE ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL FOR AIR; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-410 RELATING TO AUDITS AND ALLOWANCES OF DEPARTMENT EXPENSES; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-560 RELATING TO PUBLICATIONS OF RELATIVE RANK LIST OF OFFICERS; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-580 RELATING TO OFFICERS IN COMMAND OF SUBORDINATE OR DETACHED UNITS OR DIFFERENT UNITS ON DUTY TOGETHER; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-810 RELATING TO PROMOTIONS UNDER THE FEDERAL PERSONNEL ACT; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-830 RELATING TO OFFICER SELECTION BOARDS; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-860 RELATING TO VACANCIES IN STAFF OF HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-870 RELATING TO VACANCIES IN GRADE OF MAJOR GENERAL; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-880 RELATING TO VACANCIES IN GRADE OF BRIGADIER GENERAL; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-890 RELATING TO VACANCIES IN GRADE OF COLONEL; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-930 RELATING TO VACANCIES IN GRADE OF WARRANT OFFICER; BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-1350 RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR SHARING IN APPROPRIATIONS; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 25-1-3105 RELATING TO MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY FORCES TO SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
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(R79, H. 4307 (Word version)) -- Rep. B. Newton: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-350, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN LANCASTER COUNTY, SO AS TO COMBINE CERTAIN PRECINCTS AND REDESIGNATE MAP NUMBERS ON WHICH THESE PRECINCTS ARE DESIGNATED.
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(R80, H. 4350 (Word version)) -- Reps. Herbkersman, W. Newton, Hager, Rivers, Erickson and Bradley: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-110, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN BEAUFORT COUNTY, SO AS TO SPLIT CERTAIN PRECINCTS AND TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED.
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(R81, H. 4402 (Word version)) -- Rep. Herbkersman: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND THE PROVISION IN SECTION 58-3-20(C) THAT PROHIBITS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM HOLDING AN ELECTION UNTIL A FINAL DETERMINATION IS MADE BY THE COURTS REGARDING ITS REVIEW OF CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2025 AND 2026; AND TO SUSPEND SECTION 2-20-15 FOR ELECTIONS BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DURING CALENDAR YEARS 2025 AND 2026.
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MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator CLIMER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Joe Lynch Blackwell of Lake Wylie, S.C. Joe was an Eagle Scout and a United States Air Force Veteran. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University and was a talented programmer for Celanese where his program received a patent and eventually sold to IBM. Joe received an Eisenhower Silver Dollar and retired from Celanese Americas Corporation. He was a radio operator for man years and was active in the Carolina DX Association. Joe loved to travel and spend time with his family. Joe was a loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather who will be dearly missed.

ADJOURNMENT

At 4:59 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned under the provisions of S. 292, the Sine Die Resolution.

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