Current Status Introducing Body:Senate Bill Number:369 Primary Sponsor:Passailaigue Committee Number:30 Type of Legislation:JR Subject:Battleship Missouri Memorial Commission Residing Body:House Current Committee:Ways and Means Date Tabled:19940405 Computer Document Number:369 Introduced Date:19930204 Last History Body:House Last History Date:19940405 Last History Type:Tabled in Committee Scope of Legislation:Statewide All Sponsors:Passailaigue Rose Richter Ford Greg Smith McConnell Washington Type of Legislation:Joint Resolution
Bill Body Date Action Description CMN Leg Involved ____ ______ ____________ ______________________________ ___ ____________ 369 House 19940405 Tabled in Committee 30 369 House 19930318 Introduced, read first time, 30 referred to Committee 369 Senate 19930317 Read third time, sent to House 369 Senate 19930316 Read second time, unanimous consent for third reading on Wednesday, March 17, 1993 369 Senate 19930311 Committee Report: Favorable 08 369 Senate 19930204 Introduced, read first time, 08 referred to CommitteeView additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
COMMITTEE REPORT
March 11, 1993
S. 369
Introduced by SENATORS Passailaigue, Rose, Richter, Ford, Greg Smith, McConnell and Washington
S. Printed 3/11/93--S.
Read the first time February 4, 1993.
To whom was referred a Joint Resolution (S. 369), to create the Battleship Missouri Memorial Commission for the purpose of negotiating with the Defense Department,, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:
THOMAS L. MOORE, for Committee.
TO CREATE THE BATTLESHIP MISSOURI MEMORIAL COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF NEGOTIATING WITH THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT, THROUGH THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION, FOR THE DONATION OF THE DECOMMISSIONED BATTLESHIP MISSOURI, TO THE PATRIOT'S POINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, AND TO RAISE THE NECESSARY FUNDING AND TAKE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO TRANSPORT THE VESSEL TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, it has come to the General Assembly's attention that the United States Navy is decommissioning the Battleship Missouri after it has given more than seventeen years of honorable and distinguished service to our country; and
Whereas, the Battleship Missouri has served under two separate commissions, having been originally commissioned on June 11, 1944, and decommissioned on December 26, 1955, and subsequently having been recommissioned on May 10, 1986, and decommissioned on March 30, 1992; and
Whereas, the Battleship Missouri is a ship of great historic significance having served with great distinction during World War II and as it was the site of the signing of the Japanese surrender to the allies on September 2, 1945; and
Whereas, the State of South Carolina established the Patriot's Point Development Authority in 1983 in Charleston where a National Naval Museum is located; and, presently, the aircraft carrier Yorktown and other navy and coast guard ships, submarines, and vessels are located at this National Naval Museum; and
Whereas, if the U.S.S. Missouri does become a permanent part of the National Naval Museum located in Charleston, South Carolina, its presence would heighten the state's international and national prestige and recognition, provide economic benefits from tourism, and provide definite educational benefits as the ship is a tangible piece of our country's history; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, hereby express their belief that the placement of the U.S.S. Missouri at Patriot's Point would be a fitting tribute to this great ship and a valued addition to the National Naval Museum. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. The Battleship Missouri Memorial Commission is created to negotiate with the U.S. Defense Department, through the South Carolina congressional delegation, to secure the donation of the decommissioned Battleship Missouri, to raise the necessary funding and take the steps necessary to relocate the vessel to the State of South Carolina. Any funds raised must be received and processed by the Patriot's Point Development Authority. The authority is responsible for the disbursement and appropriate accounting of all funds expended in furtherance of the efforts of the commission.
The commission shall be composed of five members: one member representing and appointed by the Governor, one member representing the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one member representing the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, one member representing and designated by the Patriot's Point Authority, and one member representing the town of Mount Pleasant to be appointed by the mayor or her designee.
The commission is required to file a report with the General Assembly which sets forth its efforts to implement this resolution, an analysis of the cost and benefits to be derived by the acquisition of the U.S.S. Missouri, and other actions which may be necessary to obtain and transport the vessel to the State of South Carolina.
SECTION 2. The commission shall cease to exist and operate upon submittal of its report to the General Assembly unless otherwise reauthorized by the General Assembly to continue in existence and operation.
SECTION 3. Members of the commission shall bear the cost for any travel or other expenses incurred as a result of duties undertaken in order to implement this resolution.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.