South Carolina General Assembly
123rd Session, 2019-2020
Journal of the Senate

                                                    NO. 62

JOURNAL

OF THE

SENATE

OF THE

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019

_________

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

Wednesday, April 24, 2019
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:

Isaiah 40:31

"...those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

Let us pray. Gracious God, we begin this day with joyful hearts for the sheer delight of being alive and having the privilege of serving You. We are thankful for all that was accomplished last week through Your grace and the hard work and tenacity of our Senators. You have all power, O God, but You have chosen to work through these Senators to serve our State. Continue to inspire them with a positive attitude toward their work. Saturate their minds with Your wisdom and strengthen their wills with high resolve to trust that You will use them honorably and effectively to write another important page in our States history. Through our Lord and Savior we pray, Amen.

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

Point of Quorum

At 2:03 P.M., Senator SETZLER made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campbell                  Corbin                    Cromer
Davis                     Grooms                    Leatherman
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews, Margie
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rice                      Scott                     Setzler
Shealy                    Talley                    Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

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

Local Appointment

Initial Appointment, Dillon County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2019, and to expire April 30, 2023
Andrew Bethea, 1062 Highway 917 W., Latta, SC 29565-4731 VICE James F. Rogers

Doctor of the Day

Senator NICHOLSON introduced Dr. Dan Robinson of Greenwood, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator CROMER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 32 (Word version)     Sen. Campbell
S. 719 (Word version)     Sen. Fanning
S. 757 (Word version)     Sen. Fanning

RECALLED

H. 3662 (Word version) -- Rep. McCoy: A BILL TO ADOPT REVISED CODE VOLUMES 3 AND 4 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO THE EXTENT OF THEIR CONTENTS, AS THE ONLY GENERAL PERMANENT STATUTORY LAW OF THE STATE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2019.

Senator YOUNG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Judiciary.

The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Judiciary and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 782 (Word version) -- Senator Bennett: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DOROTHY BROWN GLOVER FOR THE ENDURING AND ARTISTIC DESIGNS OF HER TRADITIONAL QUILTS AND TO CONGRATULATE HER UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA ARTS COMMISSION'S 2019 FOLK HERITAGE AWARD.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 783 (Word version) -- Senator Nicholson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF DEACON BRANSON JULIAN ROBINSON OF GREENWOOD AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 784 (Word version) -- Senator Malloy: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AN INCREDIBLE GROUP OF SOUTH CAROLINA CITIZENS FROM DARLINGTON COUNTY FOR THEIR ROLE IN THE FIGHT FOR DESEGREGATION AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING RESILIENCY IN THE FACE OF TRAUMA.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 785 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Leatherman, Setzler and Massey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 9, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE, 1895, WHEN THE RESPECTIVE HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURN ON THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019, NOT LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., EACH HOUSE SHALL STAND ADJOURNED TO MEET IN STATEWIDE SESSION AT 12:00 NOON ON MONDAY, MAY 20, 2019, AND CONTINUE IN STATEWIDE SESSION, IF NECESSARY, UNTIL NOT LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019, FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN SPECIFIED MATTERS; TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN THE RESPECTIVE HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECEDE ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019, NOT LATER THAN 5:00 P.M., EACH HOUSE SHALL STAND IN RECESS SUBJECT TO THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE FOR THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT TIMES THEY CONSIDER APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE BODIES TO MEET FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN SPECIFIED MATTERS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN THE RESPECTIVE HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURN NOT LATER THAN TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL STAND ADJOURNED SINE DIE.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Operations and Management.

S. 786 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE WEEK OF MAY 6 THROUGH MAY 12, 2019, AS NATIONAL NURSES WEEK IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO JOIN IN SHOWING APPRECIATION FOR THE NATION'S REGISTERED NURSES, IN HONORING THEM AS THEY CARE FOR THEIR PATIENTS, AND IN CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF REGISTERED NURSES AND THEIR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.
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The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

S. 787 (Word version) -- Senators Gambrell and Cash: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE TIMKEN COMPANY'S HONEA PATH PLANT AT THE CELEBRATION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY, TO CONGRATULATE THE PLANT ON A HALF-CENTURY OF OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEURIAL ENDEAVORS, AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE YEARS TO COME.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 4256 (Word version) -- Rep. Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-19-295 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DIVIDING OF FEES OR OTHER COMPENSATION CHARGED OR RECEIVED BY LICENSEES OF THE BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE WITH ANOTHER PERSON, PARTNERSHIP, CORPORATION, ASSOCIATION, OR LEGAL ENTITY FOR THE DELIVERY OR PERFORMANCE OF FUNERAL SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 32-7-100, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF PROVISIONS REGULATING PRENEED FUNERAL CONTRACTS, SO AS TO INCREASE FINE RANGES AND PERMANENTLY BAR PERSONS CONVICTED OF A FELONY FROM CONDUCTING PRENEED CONTRACT SALES; TO AMEND SECTION 32-7-110, RELATING TO THE INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST UNLICENSED PRENEED CONTRACT SALES PROVIDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE COMPLAINTS TO WHICH THE DEPARTMENT SHALL RESPOND MAY BE WRITTEN OR ORAL; TO AMEND SECTION 32-8-360, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE SAFE CREMATION ACT, SO AS TO INCREASE MONETARY FINES AND REQUIRE IMMEDIATE REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS TO THE BOARD; TO AMEND SECTION 32-8-385, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS THAT CREMATORIES EMPLOY CERTAIN TRAINED STAFF TO PERFORM CREMATIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL CREMATIONS BE PERFORMED BY THESE TRAINED STAFF MEMBERS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-10, RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD, SO AS TO REQUIRE SEVEN OF THE NINE LICENSEE MEMBERS BE APPOINTED ONE FROM EACH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE GRADUAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROVISION AS THE TERMS OF CURRENT MEMBERS EXPIRE ON A STAGGERED BASIS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-30, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF LICENSURE TO PRACTICE FUNERAL SERVICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE CONDUCT CONSTITUTING THE PRACTICE OF FUNERAL SERVICE INCLUDES PARTIES WHO EXERCISE ANY CONTROL OR AUTHORITY OVER A FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENT OR ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO PROHIBIT CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, OR INDIVIDUALS IN WHOSE NAME APPEARS THE NAME OF A PERSON WITH A REVOKED OR LAPSED LICENSE FROM HAVING A LICENSE TO OPERATE A FUNERAL HOME; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-70, RELATING TO POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD, SO AS TO PROVIDE BOARD MEMBERS, COMMITTEES, OR EMPLOYEES MAY NOT BE LIABLE FOR ACTS PERFORMED IN THE COURSE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES IN THE ABSENCE OF MALICE SHOWN AND PROVEN IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-80, RELATING TO INSPECTORS EMPLOYED BY THE BOARD, SO AS TO INSTEAD REQUIRE THE BOARD TO EMPLOY AT LEAST TWO INVESTIGATORS WHO MAY BE LICENSED EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS WITH CERTAIN EXPERIENCE BUT WHO HAVE NOT BEEN DISCIPLINED; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CONDUCT CONSTITUTING UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT BY A LICENSEE OF THE BOARD, SO AS TO MAKE GRAMMATICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-115, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD, SO AS TO INCLUDE UNLICENSED PERSONS WITH THIS JURISDICTION; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-200, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF PROVISIONS PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE OF FUNERAL SERVICES WITHOUT A LICENSE OR USING FALSE INFORMATION TO OBTAIN SUCH LICENSURE, SO AS TO INCREASE MONETARY FINES, AND TO SUBJECT PERSONS WHO AID AND ABET UNLICENSED PERSONS OR ENTITIES IN ENGAGING IN THE PRACTICE OF FUNERAL SERVICE WITHOUT LICENSURE TO THESE PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-250, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN COURSEWORK IN ETHICS, TO REQUIRE FOUR HOURS OF TOTAL ANNUAL COURSEWORK, TO REQUIRE A CERTAIN PORTION OF THIS COURSEWORK TO BE IN ETHICS, AND TO REQUIRE A CERTAIN PORTION OF THIS COURSEWORK BE COMPLETED IN PERSON; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-19-290, RELATING TO THE FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENTS WITH RESPECT TO PAYMENTS RECEIVED FOR FUNERAL MERCHANDISE BEING PURCHASED, SO AS TO PROVIDE THESE PAYMENTS MUST BE KEPT IN A TRUST ACCOUNT UNTIL THE MERCHANDISE IS DELIVERED FOR ITS INTENDED USE OR IS DELIVERED INTO THE PHYSICAL POSSESSION OF THE PURCHASER.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

H. 4332 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Gilliard and Simrill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 11-41-20, 11-41-30, AND 11-41-70, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO THE STATE GENERAL OBLIGATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOND ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FURTHER FINDINGS, TO PROVIDE FOR STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, AND TO ALLOW FOR FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION AS INFRASTRUCTURE.

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

H. 4470 (Word version) -- Rep. Ridgeway: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO WELCOME THE MARCH OF DIMES TO THE STATE HOUSE AND DECLARE WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2019, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA HEALTHY MOTHER'S DAY."

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

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:

S. 635 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 147, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ISSUE "DRIVERS FOR A CURE" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:

S. 656 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-5640 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SALE OF UNCLAIMED VEHICLES AND THE DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSFER OF A VEHICLE TO AN AUTOMOTIVE DISMANTLER OR RECYCLER OR SECONDARY METALS RECYCLER FOR DEMOLITION, WRECKING, OR DISMANTLING; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-5670 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF DEMOLISHERS AND THE DISPOSAL OF A VEHICLE TO A DEMOLISHER OR SECONDARY METALS RECYCLER, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-5945 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF DEMOLISHERS AND THE DISPOSAL OF A VEHICLE, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-19-480(A) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF THE CERTIFICATES, LICENSE PLATES, REGISTRATION CARDS, AND MANUFACTURERS' SERIAL PLATES OF VEHICLES SOLD AS SALVAGE, ABANDONED, SCRAPPED, OR DESTROYED, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-1380 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE RETURN OF A REGISTRATION CARD AND LICENSE PLATES FOR A WRECKED OR DISMANTLED VEHICLE, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 16-17-680(D), (E), AND (J)(1)(e) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO A SECONDARY METALS RECYCLER PERMIT TO PURCHASE NONFERROUS METALS AND A PERMIT TO TRANSPORT AND SELL NONFERROUS METALS, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 3035 (Word version) -- Reps. Funderburk, Thigpen, W. Newton, R. Williams and Wheeler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO POLL MANAGERS AND THEIR ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT POLL WORKERS MUST BE RESIDENTS AND REGISTERED ELECTORS OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 3145 (Word version) -- Reps. Ott, Clary, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Jefferson, Kirby, Willis, Cogswell, D.C. Moss, G.R. Smith, Elliott, Sandifer, Lucas, Ballentine, Caskey, Simrill, West, Murphy, McKnight, Mace, Kimmons, Davis, Magnuson, Sottile, Hewitt, Hiott, B. Newton, Pope, Forrest, Bales, Rutherford, R. Williams, Gilliam, Norrell, Funderburk, G.M. Smith, Weeks, Ridgeway, Yow, W. Newton, Bamberg, Stavrinakis, McCoy, Erickson, Blackwell, Wheeler, Fry, Bannister, Calhoon, Huggins, Gilliard and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 33-49-150 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF IS VESTED WITH THE AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION TO CONDUCT AUDITS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES IN THE SAME MANNER, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS IT IS AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT AUDITS OF REGULATED PUBLIC UTILITIES AS PROVIDED BY LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 33-49-420, RELATING TO ANNUAL MEETINGS OF MEMBERS OF AN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, SO AS TO REVISE THE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN MEETINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 33-49-430, RELATING TO A QUORUM AT MEETINGS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, SO AS TO ALLOW PERSONS CASTING EARLY VOTING BALLOTS FOR THE ELECTION OF TRUSTEES TO BE COUNTED FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING A QUORUM AT THE MEETING FOR THE ELECTION, AND TO PROHIBIT VOTING BY PROXY; TO AMEND SECTION 33-49-440, RELATING TO VOTING BY MEMBERS AND SECTION 33-49-620, RELATING TO VOTING DISTRICTS FROM WHICH SOME MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MAY BE ELECTED, SO AS TO PERMIT EARLY VOTING FOR MEETINGS AT WHICH TRUSTEES ARE TO BE ELECTED AND THE PROCEDURES FOR EARLY VOTING; TO AMEND SECTION 33-49-610, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF A COOPERATIVE, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH VACANCIES OCCURRING FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN EXPIRATION OF A TERM ARE FILLED WHICH MUST BE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM ONLY; BY ADDING SECTION 33-49-615 SO AS TO REQUIRE ANNUAL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PAID TO OR PROVIDED FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES; BY ADDING SECTION 33-49-625 SO AS TO REQUIRE SPECIFIED NOTICE OF MEETINGS TO THE COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP, TO REQUIRE VOTES OF TRUSTEES TO BE TAKEN IN OPEN SESSION WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, TO REQUIRE VOTES TAKEN IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO BE RATIFIED IN OPEN SESSION, AND TO REQUIRE MINUTES OF ALL MEETINGS TO BE PROVIDED TO COOPERATIVE MEMBERS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 33-49-645 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS BY A COOPERATIVE, IT MUST PROHIBIT ADVOCACY OR CAMPAIGNING WITHIN A CERTAIN DISTANCE OF THE POLLING PLACE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3357 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, Collins, Brawley, Huggins, Taylor, Hixon and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ADD A NOTATION TO A PRIVATE PASSENGER-CARRYING MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION TO INDICATE THE VEHICLE OWNER MAY BE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 3601 (Word version) -- Reps. Rose, McCoy and Caskey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-17-530, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PUBLIC DISORDERLY CONDUCT, SO AS TO ALLOW AND PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE FOR FIRST TIME OFFENDERS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:

H. 3789 (Word version) -- Reps. Willis, Allison, Bennett, Elliott, Brown, Erickson, Bradley, Huggins, Forrest, Taylor and R. Williams: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 56-1-35, 56-1-40, 56-1-140, 56-1-210, 56-1-2100, AND 56-1-3350, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE, RENEWAL, AND EXPIRATION OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE, BEGINNER'S PERMIT, COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE, AND SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD, AND THE PLACEMENT OF A VETERAN DESIGNATION ON A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD, SO AS TO REVISE THE PERIOD IN WHICH A DRIVER'S LICENSE AND CERTAIN COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSES ARE VALID, TO REVISE THE FEE TO OBTAIN A DRIVER'S LICENSE, CERTAIN COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSES, AND SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS, TO REVISE THE DOCUMENTS THAT MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO OBTAIN A VETERAN DESIGNATION ON A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR A SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS PERMITTED TO ONLY HAVE ONE DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 3973 (Word version) -- Reps. Crawford, Mace, Erickson, Thayer, Davis, Magnuson, Bennett, Allison, Bernstein, Cobb-Hunter, Henegan, McDaniel, Norrell, Funderburk, Brawley, Simmons, Henderson-Myers, Robinson, Collins, Calhoon, Dillard, Kimmons, Trantham, Caskey, Weeks and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 20 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 16 SO AS TO PROHIBIT GENITAL MUTILATION OF A FEMALE UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN YEARS AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION OF A MINOR; AND TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO TERMS DEFINED IN THE CHILDREN'S CODE, SO AS TO ADD FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION OF A MINOR TO THE DEFINITION OF "CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT" OR "HARM".

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

INVITATIONS ACCEPTED

The PRESIDENT ordered the following invitations placed on the Calendar:
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 - 8:00am-10:00am
Members and Staff, Breakfast, 112 Blatt Building, by the SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATIONS OF CONVENIENCE STORES

Wednesday, May 1, 2019 - 8:00am-10:00am
Members Only, Breakfast, Palmetto Club, by the SOUTH CAROLINA FAITH AND FREEDOM COALITION

Wednesday, May 1, 2019 - 11:30am-2:00pm
Members and Staff, Luncheon, SC State House Grounds, by the SOUTH CAROLINA TIRE MANUFACTURERS COUNCIL

Thursday, May 2, 2019 - 8:00am-10:00am
Members and Staff, Breakfast, 112 Blatt Building, by the SOUTH CAROLINA INSURANCE ASSOCIATION

Appointment Reported

Senator SHEALY from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a report without recommendation on:

Statewide Appointment

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Department on Aging, with term coterminous with Governor
Director:
Stephen F. Morris, 320 Country Club Drive, Columbia, SC 29296-3202

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 623 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE FEBRUARY 25 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2019, AS "EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO COINCIDE WITH NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK, AND TO RECOGNIZE FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019, AS "EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

Motion to Ratify Adopted

At 12:18 P.M., Senator MASSEY made a motion to invite the House of Representatives to attend the Senate Chamber for the purpose of ratifying Acts at a mutually convenient time.

The motion was adopted and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

DEBATE INTERRUPTED

S. 678 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Climer, Davis and Fanning: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNOR SHALL UTILIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO CONDUCT A COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS FOR THE SALE OF SANTEE COOPER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION SHALL EVALUATE BIDS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNOR SHALL EXECUTE THE SALE OF SANTEE COOPER TO THE BIDDER WHOSE BID BEST PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF SANTEE COOPER'S RATEPAYERS AND THE STATE'S TAXPAYERS, AND TO TRANSMIT THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION COMMITTEE'S WORK PRODUCT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Joint Resolution.

The Committee on Finance proposed the following amendment (678R001.KMM.HSP):

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking the joint resolution in its entirety and inserting:

  /A JOINT RESOLUTION

TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION SHALL CONDUCT A COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS FOR THE SALE OF SANTEE COOPER, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION SHALL EVALUATE BIDS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION SHALL MAKE A RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING THE SALE AND FORWARD THE RECOMMENDATION TO THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW, TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL BE CONVENED TO CONSIDER LEGISLATION CONCERNING THE SALE, TO PROVIDE THAT A SALE OF SANTEE COOPER MAY NOT BE FINALIZED UNTIL AFTER A JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE IS ENACTED, TO PROVIDE THAT SANTEE COOPER MUST PROVIDE ANY AND ALL RESOURCES NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE A SALE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE WORK PRODUCT OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION COMMITTEE MUST BE TURNED OVER TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION   1.   (A)   The Department of Administration shall conduct a competitive bidding process for the sale of some or all of the Public Service Authority ("Santee Cooper"). The department shall procure such professional services, including but not limited to financial institutions, legal counsel, and industry consultants, as are necessary to conduct the sale, the evaluation of bids received, and related activities.

(B)   Staff from the State Fiscal Accountability Authority's Procurement Services Division shall assist the department in conducting the competitive bidding process and procuring necessary professional services.

SECTION   2.   The department shall conduct a thorough evaluation of all bids received through the competitive bidding process. The evaluation must take into account at least the following:

(1)   the financial capability of each bidder;

(2)   the bidder's complete defeasement of all of Santee Cooper's bonds and other indebtedness;

(3)   the bidder's agreement to provide meaningful short-term and long-term rate relief for all customer classes;

(4)   the bidder's provision of reasonable financial and other protections for Santee Cooper employees and retirees in a manner that would not impact South Carolina's pension system liability or the liability associated with providing health insurance coverage to employees who have retired from employment at Santee Cooper;

(5)   the bidder's proposed location for its headquarters post-acquisition;

(6)   the bidder's agreement to comply with all applicable federal and state environmental protections regarding Lakes Marion and Moultrie, their rivers and tributaries, and other recreational assets of Santee Cooper, including a covenant to maintain the present status quo regarding these lakes and other resources and the quality of and access to them; and

(7)   the bidder's agreement to partner with the State for future economic development projects.

At the conclusion of its evaluation of the bids, the department shall make a recommendation regarding the bid that the department considers to be in the best interest of the State, its taxpayers, and the ratepayers of Santee Cooper.

SECTION   3.   The department shall present to the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee its full evaluation of each bid and its recommendation for a proposed purchaser for Santee Cooper, justifications for its recommendation, a proposed contract to execute the sale, and any supporting documents. The Finance Committee and the Ways and Means Committee shall each meet as soon as practicable to review and make a recommendation regarding the proposed sale. Upon receipt of the recommendation from their respective committees, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall convene their respective bodies to consider any legislation concerning the sale.

The department must execute any documents necessary in order to effectuate the sale upon the enactment of a joint resolution approving the sale. The net proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in the State Retirement Systems Group Trust.

SECTION   4.   Santee Cooper is directed to provide any and all resources necessary to conduct the competitive bidding process and evaluation of the bids received.

SECTION   5.   The Public Service Authority Evaluation and Recommendation Committee, as created pursuant to Proviso 117.162 of Act 264 of 2018, shall provide to the department all of the committee's work product.

SECTION   6.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator SETZLER spoke on the amendment.

Point of Quorum

At 12:47 P.M., Senator MASSEY made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was present. The Senate resumed.

Call of the Senate

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campbell                  Campsen                   Cash
Climer                    Cromer                    Davis
Fanning                   Gambrell                  Goldfinch
Gregory                   Grooms                    Harpootlian
Hembree                   Jackson                   Johnson
Kimpson                   Leatherman                Loftis
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            McElveen                  Peeler
Reese                     Rice                      Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Williams                  Young

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Senator SETZLER resumed speaking on the amendment.

Senator HUTTO spoke on the amendment.

ACTING PRESIDENT PRESIDES

Senator ALEXANDER assumed the Chair.

Senator DAVIS spoke on the amendment.

Point of Quorum

At 3:22 P.M., Senator MARTIN made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was present. The Senate resumed.

Senator DAVIS resumed speaking on the amendment.

PRESIDENT PRESIDES

At 3:26 P.M., the PRESIDENT assumed the Chair.

Point of Quorum

At 3:26 P.M., Senator LEATHERMAN made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

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

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campbell                  Campsen                   Cash
Climer                    Corbin                    Davis
Fanning                   Gambrell                  Goldfinch
Grooms                    Harpootlian               Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson
Kimpson                   Leatherman                Loftis
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Rice                      Sabb
Scott                     Senn                      Setzler
Shealy                    Talley                    Turner
Williams                  Young

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Senator DAVIS resumed speaking on the amendment.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator DAVIS, with unanimous consent and with Senator DAVIS retaining the floor on S. 678, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.

Debate was interrupted by adjournment.

LOCAL APPOINTMENT
Confirmation

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

Initial Appointment, Dillon County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2019, and to expire April 30, 2023
Andrew Bethea, 1062 Highway 917 W., Latta, SC 29565-4731 VICE James F. Rogers

Motion Adopted

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

ADJOURNMENT

At 4:13 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

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This web page was last updated on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 4:54 P.M.