Legislative Update
February 13, 2021
Vol. 38, No. 5

South Carolina House of Representatives
James H. "Jay" Lucas, Speaker of the House

OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND CONSTITUENT SERVICES
Room 212, Blatt Building, P.O. Box 11867, Columbia, S.C. 29211, (803) 734-3230


CONTENTS

HOUSE WEEK IN REVIEW

HOUSE COMMITTEE ACTION

BILLS INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE THIS WEEK


NOTE: These summaries are prepared by the staff of the South Carolina House of Representatives and are not the expression of the legislation's sponsor(s) or the House of Representatives. They are strictly for the internal use and benefit of members of the House of Representatives and are not to be construed by a court of law as an expression of legislative intent.


HOUSE WEEK IN REVIEW

The House of Representatives amended Senate amendments to H.3707, a joint resolution making appropriations for the state's public health response to the COVID-19 virus, including vaccinations. The House adopted an amendment that largely returns the legislation to the House-passed version, but incorporates certain changes made by the Senate. Debate was adjourned on the legislation until Tuesday, February 16, to allow the House to address its major point of difference with the Senate regarding whether COVID-19 Vaccine Regional Advisory Panels should assist the Department of Health and Environmental Control in planning vaccination initiatives, as approved by the House, or whether DHEC should coordinate vaccine deployment without advice from the regional panels, as approved by the Senate.

Under the legislation, a total of $208 million is appropriated from the Contingency Reserve Fund. $63 million is allocated to the Department of Health and Environmental Control and $45 million is allocated to the Medical University of South Carolina to allow DHEC and MUSC, in consultation, cooperation, and collaboration with the South Carolina Hospital Association, the South Carolina Primary Care Association and any other Federally Qualified Heath Centers, and other appropriate entities and associations, to: (1) expand statewide vaccination capacity; and (2) continue to administer the statewide COVID-19 testing plan. The use of these funds includes costs related to COVID-19 such as vaccination, continued testing and contact tracing, personal protective equipment and medical supplies, personnel costs, education and marketing campaigns, quarantine, transportation and storage, and mobile health units. Participation in contact-tracing programs shall be solely on a voluntary basis, and data collection must comply with confidentiality requirements and be limited to public health information. DHEC, in coordination with MUSC, the South Carolina Hospital Association, the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare, and other relevant stakeholders, shall implement a plan to reach rural and underserved populations who are eligible to be vaccinated. $100 million of the Contingency Reserve Fund appropriation is deposited in a COVID-19 Vaccine Reserve account that is created to pay for administering COVID-19 vaccines, addressing costs associated with such issues as staffing, facility rental, security, traffic control, storage, transportation, and mobile health units. Of these reserve account funds, up to $75 million is allocated to hospitals, or political subdivisions partnering with them, and up to $25 million is allocated to other COVID-19 vaccination providers that are enrolled and activated by DHEC, or political subdivisions partnering with them. In approving expenses, DHEC must give priority to hospitals and other providers with a high demand for the vaccine and the ability to administer the vaccine in high quantities. No reserve account funds may be released to any vaccine provider that is not offering vaccine appointments to the public. On the first day of each month, the Executive Budget Office must provide a detailed accounting of vaccine reserve account funds in a report that is to be transmitted to the Governor and the General Assembly and made available on the website of the Executive Budget Office. Additionally, any recipient must provide an accounting of the expenditures to DHEC and DHEC must post the accounting on its website.

The legislation provides that all vaccines received by the state must be allocated to the four DHEC public health regions in a per capita manner with considerations taken into account for such factors as poverty level, infection rates, age, and high-risk populations. MUSC shall coordinate with DHEC and partner with local healthcare providers to ensure that gaps in statewide vaccination delivery are covered, with priority given to rural and underserved areas. Provisions are made for a COVID-19 Vaccine Regional Advisory Panel in each of the four public health regions to make recommendations to DHEC on vaccine deployment. Under the planning process, available vaccines must be administered to South Carolinians as rapidly as possible, to ensure that no doses are permitted to expire, and to position South Carolina favorably in the event that any future federal allocations to states may be based in part upon a state's ability to expeditiously administer the vaccine. DHEC is charged with record-keeping responsibilities and daily reporting requirements to keep the public informed of vaccine availability, doses administered, and progress towards attaining the state's vaccination goals.

The legislation includes temporary authority for a wide array of health care professionals to administer COVID-19 vaccines that includes retired physicians and nurses, students at medical schools and nursing schools, as well as licensed dentists and optometrists who have completed COVID-19 vaccine training. These temporary exemptions from professional scope of practice provisions are set to terminate when South Carolina is no longer under a declared public health emergency concerning COVID-19.

The House passed and ordered enrolled for ratification S.478, a local bill, relating to the consolidation of Clarendon County School Districts One and Three into Clarendon County School District Four. This bill would increase the initial membership of the Clarendon County School District board of trustees from seven to nine members and provide that the board of trustees shall be comprised of seven members beginning with the 2024 general election.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ACTION

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

This committee did not meet.

Education And Public Works

The House Education and Public Works Committee met Wednesday, February 10 and passed out several bills:

In an effort to achieve increased retention in college among LIFE scholarship recipients, the Committee amended and passed H.3588, a bill that would strengthen course requirements of high school seniors seeking LIFE scholarships by requiring successful completion of at least one unit of credit in mathematics or computer science and one unit of credit in English/language arts during the senior year of high school (which may be accomplished by dual enrollment during the senior year beginning in July 2025). The bill also establishes a minimum ACT score of 22 for LIFE eligibility instead of having the ACT score tied to concordance with a score of 1100. The bill excludes members of the 2024 - 2025 senior class from these requirements. In an effort to ensure clarity, an easily identifiable and uniform notation that shall be prominently included on an eligible student's official high school transcript shall evidence achievement of this particular requirement.

The committee passed, as amended, H.3501, which creates a special commemorative license plate for the two hundred fiftieth (250th) year anniversary of the American Revolution. The biennial fee for this commemorative license plate is the regular license plate fee. The South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission shall submit the design, emblem, seal, logo, or other symbols it desires to be used for this special license plate to the DMV for approval. The bill exempts this special plate from the requirement of a $6,800 upfront fee from the sponsoring individual or organization before seeking issuance of the plate. The bill's effective date is January 1, 2022. This would provide sufficient time to design and implement the plate. The production of this plate will cease January 1, 2033.

The Committee passed H.3029, a bill that would require the Midlands Technical College Enterprise Campus Authority to file certain documents with the Fiscal Accountability Authority regarding the sale of surplus property. The exemption provided only applies to the sale of the college enterprise authority property when the sale price is not less than market value and the transfer of title is by quitclaim deed. This bill would permanently authorize Act 189 of 2018 and repeal the sunset provision.

The Committee passed H.3017, a bill that would provide that two-year institutions of higher learning and technical colleges be among institutions of higher learning whose students may be eligible for Palmetto Fellows Scholarships. Currently the Palmetto Fellows scholarship is available only to students attending an eligible four-year institution in South Carolina. The bill specifically deletes the current exclusion of two-year and technical institutions. Moreover, a student who uses the Palmetto Fellows scholarship to attend eligible two-year institution shall receive a maximum of four continuous semesters and may continue to use the scholarship to attend an eligible four-year institution.

The Committee passed H.3502, regarding emergency services personnel. This bill would revise the definition of the term "emergency services personnel" to include tow truck operators. Towing vehicles (but not their operators) are already authorized under the definition of authorized emergency vehicle.

The Committee passed H.3689 regarding the international registration plan. This bill would provide that if a commercial motor vehicle is registered through the international registration plan and is operated under a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number assigned to a person other than the vehicle's owner, then the person to whom the USDOT number is assigned may register the commercial motor vehicle by submitting the appropriate application and fees to the Department of Motor Vehicles. This bill codifies existing agency procedures.

The House Education Committee amended and passed H.3610. This bill would provide revised accountability measures available to the state Superintendent of Education for public schools and public school districts, with provisions for assistance and intervention.

The following definitions are used throughout the bill:

"Turnaround plan" outlines goals for a school or district's educational improvement. Plans must have specific strategies for improving student achievement.

"Underperforming school," means:

An elementary school or middle school where fewer than twenty-five percent of its students are at " meets" or "exceeds expectations" on the English/language arts and mathematics SC READY assessment works or its successor.

A high school where fewer than twenty-five percent of its students receive a grade of "D" or better on the End of Course assessments in English and mathematics, or fewer than twenty-five percent of its students fail to achieve at least a "bronze" level on the career readiness assessment.

"Underperforming district" means a district in which sixty-five percent or more of the schools in the district are considered an "underperforming school" (as defined in the "underperforming school" definition, see above).

"Chronically underperforming" school:

An elementary school or middle school where fewer than twenty-five percent of its students are at "meets" or "exceeds expectations" on the English/language arts and mathematics SC READY assessment works or its successor assessment for three consecutive years. (Emphasis added)

A high school where fewer than twenty-five percent of its students receive a grade of "D" or better on the End of Course assessments in English and mathematics, or fewer than twenty-five percent of its students fail to achieve at least a "bronze" level on the career readiness assessment for three consecutive years. (Emphasis added)

The bill creates a tiered system for assistance, professional development, and monitoring. The Superintendent must annually report to the General Assembly about the system's progress relating to assistance provided to schools.

Once a school and district is determined to be underperforming, the State Department of Education must immediately place the school and district into a tiered status and provide assistance. The legislative delegation, parents, and students must be informed of the rating, and a public meeting must be held. The district must create a turnaround plan containing specific and measurable goals, and broad-based community input is required. The school and district's strategic plan must be reviewed and revised. After the local school board adopts the plan, SDE must also approve. Plans must be posted on the SDE, district, and school websites, and parents must be informed of the school or district rating and turnaround plan. The Superintendent may seek a state-of-education emergency declaration for a school or school district. The state board must approve the declaration.

The following are the reasons and steps for the respective measures:

School Takeover

Chronic underperformance, denial of accreditation, or an insufficient turnaround plan (or district refusal to submit a turnaround plan).

Notification to the Governor, General Assembly, local board and superintendent.

Assume management of the school.

Appeal to administrative law court is available.

State Board may end the emergency if the school sustains improvement for at least three years.

District Takeover

Underperformance for three consecutive years or for five out of the last seven years. A year in which a report card was not issued shall be disregarded and not included in determining whether a declaration is authorized.

Accreditation denial, turnaround plan is insufficient or fiscal emergency.

Notification to the Governor, General Assembly, local board and superintendent.

Assume management of the district.

Local board is dissolved, Superintendent assumes authority and responsibility of the district.

If there is a sustained improvement for at least three years, the State Board may appoint an interim local board. The interim board must serve for a minimum of three years.

After the emergency, SDE shall develop a plan and timeline for returning management to a local board.

Fiscal authority (taxing and millage) is transferred to the county council until the emergency is over.

This summary for H. 3610 borrows from the House Education staff summary. (With collegial understanding and appreciation)

Judiciary

The committee gave a favorable report on S.1 the "South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act," which is legislation that delays a pregnant woman from having an abortion until a doctor first checks her for a fetal heartbeat by performing an obstetric ultrasound on her. She may view this ultrasound while it is performed. Any doctor violating this requirement would commit a felony punishable by a ten thousand dollar fine or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. These penalties would not apply in medical emergencies, or when no heartbeat is detected. Once a fetal heartbeat is detected, no abortion could be conducted unless the pregnancy is the result of a rape or incest event, the pregnant woman's life is at risk, or a fetal anomaly has presented, and the fetus has gestated for less than 20 weeks. Doctors would be required to report rape or incest events to their county sheriff within 24 hours of performing those abortions. Doctors would have to tell pregnant women that they are making a report to the county sheriff. Doctors would have to document these conversations. Nothing in this proposed legislation prohibits the sale, use, prescription, or administration of any drug, device, or chemical for contraceptive purposes. No pregnant women could be criminally prosecuted for violations of this proposed legislation. They would instead be able to file a civil cause of action when provisions of this bill are violated, and recover their damages as well as attorney fees and costs.

Labor, Commerce And Industry

This committee did not meet.

Medical, Military, Public And Municipal Affairs

This committee did not meet.

Ways And Means

This committee did not meet.


BILLS INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE THIS WEEK

Agriculture, Natural Resources, And Environmental Affairs

S.107 Beach Preservation Policy Sen. Campsen

The bill applies certain exceptions to the establishment of a baseline for coastal erosion zones and to remove the study requirement in cases where primary oceanfront sand dunes do not exist.

H.3850 Shooting Ranges Rep. Ott

A shooting range established or expanded after July 1, 2021, must develop a written safety plan for the protection of shooting range participants and the public.

H.3865 Adoption of Ordinance for Watercraft or Water Devices Rep. Wetmore

This bill prohibits a local government from adopting an ordinance relating to watercraft or water devices used or held for the use on waters. The bill provides for exceptions.

H.3884 Electronic Documents Rep. Hiott

The bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to transmit certain documents electronically for a certificate of title. In addition, the bill allows for the collection of a transmission fee.

Education And Public Works

H.3852 "South Carolina Learn Everywhere Act" Rep. Elliott

This bill would enact the "South Carolina Learn Everywhere Act". The bill would provide for the creation and use of extended learning opportunities that may provide credits for high school graduation and for partial fulfilment of occupational licensure requirements. It would also provide related obligations of the Department of Education, the Department of Employment and Workforce, the Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, and the Commission on Higher Education.

H.3857 Private and Public Roads Rep. W. Newton

This bill would relate to certain provisions that regulate traffic from the state's public roads to private roads, so as to provide this section does not preempt or prevent any private limitations or restrictions regarding the use of a private road.

H.3868 Mediation Required Before Litigation Rep. West

This bill would provide that school board trustees shall attempt mediation of disputes among board members or with the board itself before initiating litigation to resolve disputes. The bill would also provide requirements for mediation and litigation and provide that board members must pay mediation costs in their personal capacity and not corporately by local school boards.

H.3883 Competency-Based Education Rep. Collins

This bill would provide a process for the exemption of competency-based schools from certain applicable laws and regulations and provide requirements for implementing competency-based education in schools.

S.242 "Drivers for a Cure" Special License Plates Sen. Young

This bill would provide that the DMV may issue "Drivers for a Cure" special license plates.

Judiciary

H.3849 "Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act of 2021" Rep. W. Newton

A proposed "Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act of 2021" would establish a presumption of abandonment of property as well as procedures for disposition of abandoned and unclaimed property that could be escheated to the state. Any such property could then be sold or otherwise deaccessed.

H.3851 SCDPS Out of the Police Cruiser Monitoring Business/In-Car Video Camera Fund Rep. Wooten

The SC Department of Public Safety would be released from monitoring law enforcement vehicles used for traffic enforcement under this bill. Also proposes an "In-Car-Video Cameras Fund."

H.3853 Petitions to Convene the General Assembly Rep. W. Cox

A proposed state Constitutional amendment to allow joint written requests signed by at least sixty percent of the membership of each chamber, to compel a Session no later than fifteen days this written request is received by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

H.3856 Research Authority Executive Committee Rep. Elliott

Members of the South Carolina Research Authority Executive Committee would be comprised of certain university presidents or their designees, and two more members elected by it. Designees would have to be working at the vice presidential, or comparable responsibility, level. They would also be empowered to allow a company to remain in an innovation center for up to five years, or until exceeding five million dollars in annual commercial revenue.

H.3861 No Law Enforcement Officer Use of Chemical Agents on Minors Rep. McKnight

A proposal to make it unlawful for law enforcement officers to use any chemical agents, including, but not limited to, capsicum, pepper spray, or tear gas, to incapacitate minors under the age of 12.

H.3866 "Ethical Policing Transparency and Accountability Act" Rep. Cobb-Hunter

The "Ethical Policing Transparency and Accountability Act" proposes citizen review boards with comprehensive responsibilities. It also sets out forms to record law enforcement officer conduct complaints, and requires law enforcement agencies to record all disciplinary actions against officers. Mandates ethical policing standards and accountability. Requires all agencies to make annual reports and track trends. Certain police conduct could result in officers being permanently expelled from any future law enforcement work under this bill.

H.3869 Presidential Executive Order Accountability Rep. Taylor

The General Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, any standing committee, the House Speaker, the Senate President, or not less than five members of the General Assembly would have authority to review any presidential executive order not affirmed by Congress under this proposed legislation. They may also recommend that our attorney general review a presidential executive order to determine its constitutionality under certain circumstances.

H.3870 Law Enforcement Body Cam Recording Accessibility Rep. J. L. Johnson

Anyone recorded by a body-worn camera could request and then must receive the recording without obtaining a court order under this proposal.

H.3871 Road Hazard Hotline Rep. J. L. Johnson

SCDOT would maintain a toll-free hotline system for drivers to report road hazard-caused damages under this proposed legislation.

H.3872 "Human Life Nondiscrimination Act" Rep. McGarry

The effect of this bill would be to prohibit abortions based on an unborn human being's race, sex, or genetic abnormality, with exceptions. Doctors would have the duty to ensure that abortions are not being performed on these bases. SC DHEC would receive specified reporting forms. This bill also contains civil and criminal penalties against noncomplying doctors, which include a presumption of unprofessional conduct.

H.3875 Pornography as a Public Health Hazard Rep. G. R. Smith

This House Resolution proposes to identify pornography as a public health hazard causing a broad spectrum of individual and societal harms. It further underscores the need for education, prevention, research, and policy changes to reduce internet pornography through regulation, research, education, prevention, and policy changes to ensure compliance with state obscenity laws.

H.3877 No State or County Election Commissions Gifts Reps. G. R. Smith

Proposed legislation to ban the State Election Commission, and the county boards of voter registration and elections, from receiving, accepting, or expending gifts, donations, or funding from private individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, or any third party. Not covered in this proposal are items contained in ordinary state or county appropriations.

H.3878 "Child Welfare Providers Protection Act" Rep. G. R. Smith

The "Child Welfare Providers Protection Act" proposes to protect anyone providing adoption or foster care services from governmental discriminatory actions. In particular, services provided or declined in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction would be covered by this bill.

H.3881 Pausing Civil Lawsuit Statutes of Limitations Rep. McGarry

A bill to pause any applicable statutes of limitations for civil lawsuits arising after March 13, 2020, or civil lawsuits with statutes of limitations expiring after March 13, 2020. This pause would be in effect until gubernatorial emergency declarations due to the COVID-19 pandemic expire.

H.3885 "Child Online Safety Act" Rep. Pope

The "Child Online Safety Act" would make it a crime to provide pornographic websites available to minors. Our attorney general would set up safeguards to keep minors away from it and enforce civil penalties for certain violations.

S.131 Clarifying Sergeant at Arms Jurisdictional Territory to the Entire Capitol Complex Sen. Massey

Among other things, this bill expands the statutory definition of "capitol grounds" to add "grounds" and include the entire area inward from the vehicular traveled surfaces of Gervais, Sumter, Pendleton, and Assembly Streets in Columbia. Clarifies acts that are unlawful in any building on the capitol grounds. Expands authority of the Senate and House of Representatives Sergeants at Arms, and their staffs, to these defined boundaries. It further authorizes them to make requests for assistance with incidents within these boundaries.

Labor, Commerce And Industry

S.158 Exemption from Real Estate Broker and Salesperson Continuing Education Requirements Sen. Scott

This bill provides that a real estate broker or salesperson with twenty-five years or more of experience in South Carolina who is sixty-five years of age or more is exempt from continuing education requirements.

H.3859 Electronic Dissemination of Third-Party Commercial Recordings or Audiovisual Works Rep. Jordan

This bill requires someone who owns or operates a website or online service dealing in substantial part in the electronic dissemination of third-party commercial recordings or audiovisual works, directly or indirectly, and who electronically disseminates the works to consumers in this state to disclose clearly and conspicuously his correct name, physical address, telephone number, and e-mail address on his website or online service in a location readily accessible to a consumer using or visiting the website or online service. The legislation establishes a private cause of action for violations, and provides that a violation constitutes an unfair trade practice. The legislation is supplemental to state and federal criminal and civil law.

H.3863 "South Carolina Home Attainability Act" Rep. Govan

This bill enacts the "South Carolina Home Attainability Act" as a means of reducing certain administrative and permitting costs and barriers to the construction of housing while maintaining safety, public health, and the general welfare with respect to construction and occupancy.

H.3867 Telemedicine Services Rep. Sandifer

This bill establishes guidelines for contracting for telemedicine services. The legislation revises requirements to practice telemedicine to allow for the provision of out-of-state telemedicine services.

Medical, Military, Public And Municipal Affairs

S.287 Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistants Sen. Gambrell

This bill outlines that the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation may require a state and national criminal records check, supported by fingerprints, as part of eligibility for applicants applying for initial license.

S.454 Authorized Provision of Medications by Unlicensed Persons in Correctional Facilities Sen. Martin

Currently, unlicensed persons in community residential facilities are authorized to provide medications. This bill extends that authorization to include correctional facilities.

H.3833 Psychology Inter-jurisdictional Compact (Psypact) Rep. Erickson

This bill provides for the entry of South Carolina into the Psychology Inter-jurisdictional Compact (Psypact). The bill outlines the structure, functions, powers and duties of the governing body of the compact, as well as the obligations, benefits and rights of membership.

H.3838 Individuals Identified as Eligible for Vaccination under Phase 1a of South Carolina COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Rep. Martin

The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall identify certified teachers, school support staff and all first responders including, but not limited to, law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, or paramedic, as mission critical workers and individuals who are eligible for vaccination under Phase 1a.

H.3839 County Veterans' Affairs Officers Rep. B. Cox

The bill revises the manner by which county veterans' affairs officers are appointed and accredited. In addition, it repeals Section 25-11-45 relating to county veterans' affairs offices.

H.3840 "Audiology and Speech Language Interstate Compact Act" Rep. Erickson

The bill establishes this compact to facilitate interstate practice of audiology and speech language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech language pathology services.

H.3860 Optometry Mobile Units Rep. Cogswell

In regards to locations where optometry mobile unit may visit, this bill includes Title 1 public schools if the services are rendered as part of not for profit programs.

H.3876 Community Residential Care Facilities Assisting with Voter Registration Rep. Murray

The bill outlines that the Board of Voter Registration and Elections in each county shall provide, upon request, voter registration application forms to directors of licensed nursing homes or community residential care facilities.

H.3888 Study Committee to Examine the State of Mental Health of South Carolina Residents Rep. King

This bill creates a study committee to examine the state of mental health of South Carolina residents including, but not limited to, trends in mental health treatment and diagnoses, the availability of mental health services, the use of telemedicine, prescribing practice trends, and rates of voluntary or involuntary hospital commitment due to mental illness or due to a chemical dependency to alcohol or other drugs.

Ways And Means

S.271 Revitalization Incentives Sen. Talley

This bill extends the provisions of the South Carolina Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act until December 31, 2025. The legislation also includes railroad rights of way within a provision of the South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization Act.

S.516 COVID-19 Vaccination of Teachers and School Support Staff Sen. Massey

This joint resolution makes provisions for the Department of Health and Environmental Control, in coordination with the Department of Education and local school districts, to implement a plan that will designate teachers as mission-critical and eligible for Phase 1a. This bill would offer the opportunity to certified teachers and school support staff to be fully vaccinated within thirty days of the effective date of this legislation. After certified teachers and support staff have been offered the opportunity to be fully vaccinated, every school district must offer five-day, in-person classroom instruction to students no later than March 22, 2021. DHEC must ensure that all South Carolina residents who are eligible under Phase 1a of the South Carolina COVID-19 Vaccination Plan who have received a first vaccine dose are offered the opportunity for full vaccination within the appropriate recommended time period. The 37,500 doses originally allocated for the long term care facilities shall be set aside as a portion of the allocation for teacher vaccinations.

H.3834 Overtime and Bonus Pay under Income Taxes Rep. Finlay

This bill revises income tax provisions to provide that South Carolina gross income does not include any overtime pay received by an individual under the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act nor does it include the first $2,500 of bonus pay received by an individual in the tax year.

H.3858 COVID-19 Vaccination of Teachers and Other School Personnel Rep. Ott

This joint resolution directs the Department of Health and Environmental Control to include public and private K-12 school teachers and anyone whose condition of employment requires them to be located in a public or private school building in Phase 1a of the Department's COVID-19 vaccine plan so as to allow schools to return to in-person instruction five days a week. This requirement includes such individuals as support staff, janitors, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and substitute teachers, but does not apply to district office employees.

H.3882 Scholarship Reserve Account Rep. White

This bill creates a Scholarship Reserve Account, funded by Education Lottery unclaimed prize money and surplus funds, that is to be used for the exclusive purpose of maintaining funding of the Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and HOPE scholarships, need based and tuition grants, grants to teachers for advanced education, and National Guard and tuition assistance for two-year institutions if certified net lottery proceeds and investment earnings fall below a level sufficient to fund these scholarships. The amount of the reserve is limited to five percent of the Education Lottery Account revenue for the latest completed fiscal year.

H.3886 COVID-19 Vaccination of Teachers and Other School Personnel Rep. Brawley

This joint resolution directs the Department of Health and Environmental Control to include any employee of a private or public K-12 school or school district in Phase 1a of the Department's COVID-19 vaccine plan to allow schools to return to in-person instruction five days a week.

H.3887 Education Capital Improvements Sales and Use Tax Rep. Daning

This bill revises provisions that determine the counties in which the Education Capital Improvements Sales and Use Tax may be imposed to provide that the tax also may be imposed in a county with only one school district that encompasses the entire county and the school district has more than thirty thousand students.