South Carolina General Assembly
111th Session, 1995-1996
Journal of the House of Representatives

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1996

Wednesday, May 8, 1996
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 A.M.

Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark as follows:

Our Father God, closing the doors of the world around, we pause at this shrine of prayer in acknowledgement of our dependence upon You and to ask Your blessings. May the mystery of our failures not defeat us, but rather prove to be stepping stones to our better selves. Cleanse our lives of all that blinds our eyes of Yourself. Make us builders of that which makes rough places smooth and deep ruts level, and of bridges of understanding over which eager feet shall pass to and fro for a better world.

And Yours be the power and the glory both now and forevermore. Amen.

Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. MARCHBANKS moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of E. Harold Segers of Greenville, which was agreed to.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., May 7, 1996
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators Setzler, Washington and Cork of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate on S. 1195:
S. 1195 -- Education Committee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-15 SO AS TO DEFINE THE MISSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND OF EACH TYPE OF PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-20, RELATING TO STUDIES OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A COORDINATED, EFFICIENT, AND RESPONSIVE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION IN THIS REGARD; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-30 SO AS TO ESTABLISH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR ACADEMIC QUALITY IN THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE AND THE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS BY WHICH THESE SUCCESS FACTORS CAN BE MEASURED; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-35, RELATING TO THE SUBMISSION OF THE BUDGETS OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND THE APPROVAL AND REVIEW OF THE PROGRAMS OF THESE INSTITUTIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM'S ANNUAL BUDGET REQUEST IS DETERMINED AND REVISE THE COMMISSION'S RESPONSIBILITIES WITH REGARD TO AN INSTITUTION'S PROGRAMS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-45, RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR AND MEASUREMENT MECHANISMS OF THESE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, DIRECT THE COMMISSION TO BASE THE HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING FORMULA ON AN INSTITUTION'S ACHIEVEMENT OF THESE STANDARDS, PERMIT THE COMMISSION TO REDUCE, EXPAND, OR CONSOLIDATE ANY INSTITUTION INCLUDING THOSE WHICH DO NOT MEET THE STANDARDS OF ACHIEVEMENT, AND BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999, TO CLOSE SUCH INSTITUTIONS WHICH DO NOT MEET THESE STANDARDS, REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO REVIEW AND APPROVE EACH INSTITUTIONAL MISSION STATEMENT, AND ENSURE ACCESS AND EQUITY OPPORTUNITIES AT EACH INSTITUTION FOR ALL CITIZENS OF THIS STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-60, RELATING TO RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INSTITUTION'S REQUEST FOR NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAMS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION; BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH AN INSTITUTION SHALL BE CLOSED IF AN INSTITUTION BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999, IS CLOSED BY THE COMMISSION; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-110, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF NEW CONSTRUCTION AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH AN INSTITUTIONS' FACILITIES AND REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS AND AUTHORIZATIONS ARE APPROVED; TO AMEND CHAPTER 104 OF TITLE 59, RELATING TO INITIATIVES FOR RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, SO AS TO REVISE SUCH PROVISIONS TO INCORPORATE APPROPRIATE REFERENCES TO THE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS ABOVE-REFERENCED AND REFERENCES TO OTHER DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS CONFERRED ABOVE ON THE COMMISSION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-101-350, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY THE STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, SO AS TO REVISE THE CONTENTS OF THIS REPORT AND WHAT INSTITUTIONS MUST SUBMIT TO THE COMMISSION FOR PURPOSES OF PREPARING THE REPORT.
Very respectfully,
President

Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., May 7, 1996
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators Moore, Holland and Wilson of the Committee of Free Conference on the part of the Senate on S. 90:
S. 90 -- Senators Wilson, Rose, Giese and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-11-330, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CRIMES OF ARMED ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTED ARMED ROBBERY, SO AS TO EXTEND THE OFFENSE TO CASES IN WHICH A PERSON ALLEGES HE IS ARMED WHILE USING A REPRESENTATION OF A DEADLY WEAPON OR AN OBJECT WHICH A PERSON MAY REASONABLY BELIEVE TO BE A DEADLY WEAPON.
Very respectfully,
President

Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., May 7, 1996
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Free Conference on S. 90: Re:(Armed robbery crimes)
S. 90 -- Senators Wilson, Rose, Giese and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-11-330, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CRIMES OF ARMED ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTED ARMED ROBBERY, SO AS TO EXTEND THE OFFENSE TO CASES IN WHICH A PERSON ALLEGES HE IS ARMED WHILE USING A REPRESENTATION OF A DEADLY WEAPON OR AN OBJECT WHICH A PERSON MAY REASONABLY BELIEVE TO BE A DEADLY WEAPON.
Very respectfully,
President

Received as information.

H. 4600--COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE APPOINTED

The following was received from the Senate.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

Columbia, S.C., May 7, 1996
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it nonconcurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4600:

H. 4600 -- GENERAL APPROPRIATION BILL
Very respectfully,
President

On motion of Rep. H. BROWN, the House insisted upon its amendments.

Whereupon, the Chair appointed Reps. H. BROWN, BOAN and ROBINSON to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

H. 4602--COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE APPOINTED

The following was received from the Senate.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

Columbia, S.C., May 7, 1996
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it nonconcurs in the amendments proposed by the House to H. 4602:
H. 4602 -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995-96.
Very respectfully,
President

On motion of Rep. H. BROWN, the House insisted upon its amendments.

Whereupon, the Chair appointed Reps. H. BROWN, BOAN and ROBINSON to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

S. 699---CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED
CONFERENCE REPORT
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 7, 1996

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:
S. 699 -- Senator Richter: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-51-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REDEMPTION OF REAL PROPERTY SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE INTEREST RATE FROM EIGHT TO TWELVE PERCENT IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS OF THE REDEMPTION PERIOD FOR ALL REAL PROPERTY NOT ASSESSED AS OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.
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 therein the following:

/SECTION     1.     Section 12-51-90 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 12-51-90.     The defaulting taxpayer, any grantee from the owner, or any mortgage or judgment creditor may within twelve months from the date of the delinquent tax sale redeem each item of real estate by paying to the person officially charged with the collection of delinquent taxes, assessments, penalties, and costs, together with eight percent interest on the whole amount of the delinquent tax sale bid. In the case of a redemption in the last six months of the redemption period, for all real property except that classified pursuant to Section 12-43-220(c) at the time of the delinquent sale, the applicable rate of interest is twelve percent. If prior to the expiration of the redemption period, the purchaser assigns his interest in any real property purchased at a delinquent tax sale, the grantee from the successful bidder shall furnish the person officially charged with the collection of delinquent taxes a conveyance, witnessed and notarized. The person officially charged with the collection of delinquent taxes shall replace the successful bidder's name and address with the grantee's name and address in the delinquent tax sale book."

SECTION     2.     Section 12-51-60 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 12-51-60.     The successful bidder at the delinquent tax sale shall pay legal tender to the person officially charged with the collection of delinquent taxes in the full amount of the bid on the day of the sale. Upon payment, the person officially charged with the collection of delinquent taxes shall furnish the purchaser a receipt for the purchase money and attach a copy of the receipt to the execution with the endorsement of his actions which must be retained by him. Expenses of the sale must be paid first and the balance of all delinquent tax sale monies collected must be turned over to the treasurer. Upon receipt of the funds, the treasurer shall immediately mark the public tax records regarding the property sold as follows: Paid by tax sale held on (insert date). All other monies received, including any excess due the defaulting taxpayer after payment of delinquent taxes, assessments, penalties, and costs, must be retained, paid out, and accounted for by the delinquent tax collector. The defaulting taxpayer must be notified in writing by the delinquent tax collector of any excess due the taxpayer. The notice must be addressed and mailed to the defaulting taxpayer in the manner provided in Section 12-51-40(b) for taking exclusive possession of real property. Expenses of providing this notice are considered costs of the sale for purposes of determining the amount, if any, of the excess."

SECTION     3.     Section 12-51-120 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 12-51-120.     Neither more than forty-five days nor less than twenty days prior to the end of the redemption period for real estate sold for taxes, the person officially charged with the collection of delinquent taxes shall mail a notice by 'certified mail, return receipt requested-deliver to addressee only' to the owner of record immediately preceding the end of the redemption period at the best address of the owner available to the person officially charged with the collection of delinquent taxes that the real property described on the notice has been sold for taxes and if not redeemed by paying taxes, assessments, penalties, costs and eight percent interest at the applicable rate on the bid price in the total amount of --- dollars on or before ---- (twelve months from date of sale)

(date) -----,

a tax title will be delivered to the successful purchaser at the tax sale. Under this chapter, the return of the certified mail 'undelivered' is not grounds for a tax title to be withheld or be found defective and ordered set aside or canceled of record."

SECTION     4.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies with respect to delinquent tax sales occurring on and after that date./

Amend title to conform.

/s/Larry A. Martin                /s/Woodrow M. McKay
/s/Larry E. Richter               /s/Juanita M. White
/s/Thomas C. Alexander            /s/Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
On Part of the Senate.                 On Part of the House.

The Conference Report was adopted and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Rep. QUINN, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, on:

H. 4991 -- Reps. Cain and Cromer: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE TO DENY A PERMIT APPLICATION TO CONDUCT MINERAL PROSPECTING OPERATIONS ON PUBLIC LANDS IN THE UPPER CHAUGA RIVER WATERSHED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5003 -- Reps. J. Young, Canty, McElveen, Neal, Baxley, G. Brown, Harvin and Neilson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SORROW AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS UPON THE DEATH OF ONE OF THIS STATE'S MOST PROMINENT CITIZENS, MARGARET WEEKS "TOODY" OSTEEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF OSTEEN PUBLISHING COMPANY.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5004 -- Rep. P. Harris: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ON MAY 8, 1996, FOR PROVIDING CARE AND TREATMENT FOR THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA WHO SUFFER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS.

Whereas, 1996 is the 175th year of the creation of a public institution to provide care and treatment for citizens who suffer from mental illness; and

Whereas, an enactment of the General Assembly on December 20, 1821, made South Carolina the second state in the nation to recognize the need for and provide funds for such an institution; and

Whereas, this enactment was the foundation for the evolution of the Department of Mental Health which has been a leader in taking action to initiate and develop relationships and agreements with local, federal, and private agencies, hospitals, and clinics as it considers necessary to increase and enhance the accessibility and delivery of emergency and all types of mental health services; and

Whereas, it is fitting and proper for the General Assembly to recognize this historical occasion, because May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Month. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, do hereby recognize and commend the benevolence, compassion, and forward thinking displayed by their predecessors in the 1821 General Assembly for establishing the Department of Mental Health and as a result of this positive deed hereby establish May 8, 1996, as the day to recognize the 175th anniversary of the birth of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health for providing care and treatment for the citizens of South Carolina who suffer from mental illness.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mrs. Elizabeth Forrester, Chair, South Carolina Mental Health Commission, Box 162, Georgetown, South Carolina, 29442.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

INTRODUCTION OF BILL

The following Bill was introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committee:

S. 1167 -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-780, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RECORDS, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION PERTAINING TO JUVENILES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING JUVENILE OFFENDERS MUST BE PROVIDED TO ALL VICTIMS OF CRIMES RATHER THAN ONLY TO VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIMES.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1390 -- Senator Bryan: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ON MAY 8, 1996, FOR PROVIDING CARE AND TREATMENT FOR THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA WHO SUFFER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS.

Whereas, 1996 is the 175th year of the creation of a public institution to provide care and treatment for citizens who suffer from mental illness; and

Whereas, an enactment of the General Assembly on December 20, 1821, made South Carolina the second state in the nation to recognize the need for and provide funds for such an institution; and

Whereas, this enactment was the foundation for the evolution of the Department of Mental Health which has been a leader in taking action to initiate and develop relationships and agreements with local, federal, and private agencies, hospitals, and clinics as it considers necessary to increase and enhance the accessibility and delivery of emergency and all types of mental health services; and

Whereas, it is fitting and proper for the General Assembly to recognize this historical occasion, because May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Month. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives, concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, do hereby recognize and commend the benevolence, compassion, and forward thinking displayed by their predecessors in the 1821 General Assembly for establishing the Department of Mental Health and as a result of this positive deed hereby establish May 8, 1996, as the day to recognize the 175th anniversary of the birth of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health for providing care and treatment for the citizens of South Carolina who suffer from mental illness.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mrs. Elizabeth Forrester, Chair, South Carolina Mental Health Commission, Box 162, Georgetown, South Carolina, 29442.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

ROLL CALL

The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows.

Allison                Anderson               Breeland
Brown, H.              Brown, J.              Brown, T.
Cain                   Carnell                Cato
Cave                   Chamblee               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cooper                 Dantzler
Easterday              Felder                 Fleming
Fulmer                 Gamble                 Govan
Hallman                Harrell                Harris, J.
Harris, P.             Harrison               Haskins
Hines, J.              Hines, M.              Hodges
Howard                 Hutson                 Inabinett
Jaskwhich              Jennings               Keegan
Keyserling             Kinon                  Kirsh
Klauber                Koon                   Law
Lee                    Limehouse              Littlejohn
Lloyd                  Loftis                 Marchbanks
Mason                  McAbee                 McCraw
McKay                  McMahand               McTeer
Meacham                Phillips               Rice
Richardson             Riser                  Robinson
Sandifer               Scott                  Seithel
Sharpe                 Sheheen                Simrill
Smith, R.              Spearman               Stille
Stuart                 Thomas                 Trotter
Vaughn                 Waldrop                Walker
Wells                  Whatley                Whipper, L.
Whipper, S.            Wilder                 Wilkes
Wilkins                Williams               Witherspoon
Worley                 Wright                 Young-Brickell

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, May 8.

William D. Boan                   Alma W. Byrd
Bessie Moody-Lawrence             George H. Bailey
Joseph H. Neal                    L. Hunter Limbaugh
Doug Smith                        F.G. Delleney, Jr.
Eugene C. Stoddard                J. Michael Baxley
Denny W. Neilson                  John W. Tucker, Jr.
Juanita M. White                  Daniel L. Tripp
Timothy F. Rogers                 Ronald P. Townsend
Mark S. Kelley                    Grady A. Brown
Thomas N. Rhoad                   Steve P. Lanford
James L.M. Cromer, Jr.            Sandra S. Wofford
J.M. Knotts, Jr.                  W. Jeffrey Young
William F. Cotty                  Richard M. Quinn, Jr.
C. Alex Harvin III                Ralph W. Canty
G. Ralph Davenport, Jr.           June S. Shissias
Total Present--117

STATEMENT FOR JOURNAL

The Criminal Laws Sub-Committee met at 8:30 A.M. (Reference Omnibus Highway Safety). I was late for roll call due to volunteering to demonstrate the data master by being tested by SLED, verifying the validity of the machine. Signed in at 10:29 A.M.

Rep. J.M. KNOTTS, JR.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. RHOAD a temporary leave of absence.

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Francis Rushton of Beaufort is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

S. 944--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up.

S. 944 -- Senators Greg Smith and Rose: A BILL TO DEVOLVE THE AUTHORITY FOR APPOINTMENTS AND BUDGETARY APPROVALS FOR CERTAIN OFFICES, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS FROM THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION REPRESENTING GEORGETOWN COUNTY TO THE GOVERNING BODY OF GEORGETOWN COUNTY.

Rep. T. BROWN proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\amend\DKA\3714DW.96), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, SECTION 1, (A), by striking beginning on line 21 /the appointment of members of the Georgetown Water and Sewer District as provided for in Act 733 of 1957, and the appointment of members of the Georgetown County Board of Elections and Registration as provided in Act 591 of 1995,/.

Amend further, SECTION 1, (B), page 2, by adding after line 27:

/(13)     Board of Elections

& Registration     Act 591 of 1995/

Renumber items to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Rep. T. BROWN explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

S. 1375--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. SHARPE moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Wednesday, May 15, which was adopted.

S. 1375 -- Senator Matthews: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT ORANGEBURG COUNTY ON JULY 1, 1997, SHALL CONSIST OF THREE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS, EACH TO BE COMPOSED OF CERTAIN OF THE EIGHT PRESENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THE COUNTY WITH THESE EIGHT PRESENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THE COUNTY BEING ABOLISHED ON JULY 1, 1997; TO PROVIDE THAT EACH CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES WHO SHALL BE ELECTED IN NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS ON SPECIFIED DATES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPOSITION AND MANNER OF ELECTION OF EACH CONSOLIDATED BOARD; TO ESTABLISH AN ORANGEBURG COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ON JULY 1, 1997, TO BE COMPOSED OF SEVEN MEMBERS ELECTED IN NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED; TO PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COUNTY BOARD AND THE CONSOLIDATED BOARDS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH SCHOOL BUDGETS MUST BE PREPARED AND SCHOOL TAX MILLAGE DETERMINED AND LEVIED; TO AUTHORIZE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1997-98 ONLY TO ENCOURAGE THE RETIREMENT OF SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL CURRENTLY WORKING BEYOND RETIREMENT AGE; TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE ASSETS, LIABILITIES, AND BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OF THE EIGHT PRESENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO THE COUNTY BOARD WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEBT LIMITATION OF THE COUNTY BOARD FOR THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS MUST BE DETERMINED; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE REALIZATION OF CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE COST SAVINGS BY JULY 1, 2000.

RETURNED TO THE SENATE WITH AMENDMENTS

The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments.

S. 1293 -- Senators Thomas, Giese, Courson, Fair, Hayes, Jackson, Passailaigue, Russell and Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-1535 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SHALL PROVIDE CRIME VICTIMS WITH A COPY OF THE CRIME INCIDENT REPORT RELATING TO THEIR CASE AND CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION; TO ADD SECTION 16-3-1537 SO AS TO REQUIRE A CRIMINAL SENTENCING JUDGE TO APPLY AMOUNTS FORFEITED TO THE COURT BY A PERSON PURSUANT TO SECTION 17-15-90 TOWARD THE PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION THE COURT ORDERS THE PERSON TO PAY; TO ADD SECTION 17-1-18 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE SUPREME COURT TO PROMULGATE RULES TO ALLOW AN APPEAL OF CERTAIN COURT ORDERS IF A VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT WAS NOT CONSIDERED BY THE COURT OR IF A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF RESTITUTION WAS NOT ORDERED; TO ADD SECTION 24-21-490 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, PAROLE, AND PARDON SERVICES SHALL COLLECT AND DISTRIBUTE RESTITUTION, THE PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTING AND DISTRIBUTING RESTITUTION, THE MAINTENANCE OF A MINIMUM NUMBER OF RESTITUTION BEDS AND PUBLISHING OF AN ANNUAL REPORT CONCERNING THE STATE'S EFFORTS TO COLLECT RESTITUTION AND OTHER FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONTAINED IN CERTAIN PROVISIONS REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF VICTIMS OF CRIME, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION OF "RESTITUTION"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1530, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS AND WITNESSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE AMOUNT OF RESTITUTION A JUDGE MUST ORDER AN OFFENDER TO PAY.

S. 1164--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. TUCKER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill, which was adopted.

S. 1164 -- Judiciary Committee: A BILL TO AMEND PART I, ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 62, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INTESTATE SUCCESSION, BY ADDING SECTION 62-2-114, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE PARENTS, WHO ARE HEIRS OF A CHILD PURSUANT TO 62-2-103(2), ARE DIVORCED, SEPARATED, OR LIVING APART, UPON MOTION OF EITHER PARENT, THE PROBATE COURT MAY DENY OR LIMIT EITHER PARENT'S ENTITLEMENT FOR A SHARE OF THE PROCEEDS IF THE COURT DETERMINES, BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE, THAT THE PARENT HAS REFUSED TO REASONABLY SUPPORT THE DECEDENT AS DEFINED IN SECTION 20-7-40 AND HAS OTHERWISE NOT PROVIDED FOR THE NEEDS OF THE DECEDENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 42-9-140, RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION PAYMENTS WHEN A DECEASED EMPLOYEE LEAVES NO DEPENDENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION MAY DENY OR LIMIT PAYMENTS TO A PARENT WHO IS OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO RECOVER AMOUNTS PROVIDED FOR A DECEASED EMPLOYEE IF THE COMMISSION DETERMINES, BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE, THAT THE PARENT HAS REFUSED TO REASONABLY SUPPORT THE DECEDENT AS DEFINED IN SECTION 20-7-40 AND HAS OTHERWISE NOT PROVIDED FOR THE NEEDS OF THE DECEDENT.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bills were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:

S. 1345 -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 54-7-100, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE HUNLEY COMMISSION IS EXEMPT FROM THE STRICTURES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE FOR PURPOSES OF THE HUNLEY PROJECT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE HUNLEY COMMISSION IS PROHIBITED FROM RELINQUISHING SOUTH CAROLINA'S CLAIM OF TITLE TO THE HUNLEY UNLESS PERPETUAL SITING OF THE SUBMARINE IN SOUTH CAROLINA IS ASSURED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN AN AGREEMENT.

Rep. D. SMITH explained the Bill.

S. 1395 -- Senator Courtney: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 5-5-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FORMS AND SELECTION OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MUNICIPALITY WHICH FAILED TO ADOPT ONE OF THE SPECIFIED FORMS OF GOVERNMENT WITHIN FIFTEEN MONTHS OF DECEMBER 31, 1977, IS CONSIDERED TO HAVE FORFEITED ITS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION UNTIL IT CERTIFIES THE ADOPTION OF ONE OF THE FORMS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION MUST BE REINSTATED UPON THE CERTIFICATION OF THE ADOPTION.

Rep. LANFORD explained the Bill.

S. 1176 -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 34, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS BY ADDING CHAPTER 26 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CREDIT UNION ACT OF 1996", WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ORGANIZATION, OPERATION, AND SUPERVISION OF COOPERATIVE NONPROFIT THRIFT AND CREDIT ASSOCIATIONS KNOWN AS CREDIT UNIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR DUTIES, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 27 OF TITLE 34 RELATING TO COOPERATIVE CREDIT UNIONS.

Rep. GAMBLE explained the Bill.

S. 1305 -- Senators McConnell and Rose: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-1095 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PRIVATE INSURER LICENSED TO UNDERWRITE "ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE" MAY FILE AND USE CERTAIN RATES FOR THE COVERAGES DETAILED IN SECTION 38-75-310(1) AND THE PROCESS FOR FILING AND HAVING THE RATES APPROVED; AND BY ADDING SECTION 38-75-386 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LIABILITY OR A CAUSE OF ACTION MAY NOT ARISE AGAINST CERTAIN PERSONS FOR CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE TO OR INFORMATION PROVIDED TO AN INSURER TO FACILITATE THE UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE OR TO FACILITATE COMPETITION FOR THE UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE.

Rep. LAW explained the Bill.

S. 62--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up.

S. 62 -- Senators McConnell, Rose, Ryberg, Rankin, Elliott, Courson, Wilson and O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 24-3-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONFINEMENT OF PRISONERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PRISONER WHO ESCAPES OR ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY MAY NOT SERVE HIS SENTENCE FOR THE ORIGINAL CONVICTION OR AN ADDITIONAL SENTENCE FOR THE ESCAPE OR ATTEMPTED ESCAPE IN A MINIMUM SECURITY FACILITY AND TO DELETE AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\amend\GJK\22784SD.96), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding a new SECTION to be appropriately numbered to read:

/SECTION     ____.     Section 24-13-410 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 24-13-410.     (A)     It is unlawful for a person, lawfully confined in prison or upon the public works of a county or while in the custody of a superintendent, guard, or officer, to escape, to attempt to escape, or to have in his possession tools or weapons which may be used to facilitate an escape.

(B)     A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than five fifteen years.

(C)     The term of imprisonment is consecutive to the original sentence and to other sentences previously imposed upon the escapee by a court of this State. When the original sentence is three years or less, the sentence imposed in addition to any remaining unserved portion of the original sentence must not be longer than the original sentence.

(D)     If the escapee is recaptured outside of this State, the term of imprisonment must be in addition to any remaining unserved portion of the original sentence and must not be less than one year nor more than five fifteen years.

(E)     This sentence is consecutive to other sentences previously imposed upon the escapee by any court of this State."/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. MARTIN explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

H. 4631--OBJECTION WITHDRAWN

Rep. MASON withdrew his objection to H. 4631 however, other objections remained upon the Bill.

H. 4631--RECONSIDERED

The motion of Rep. ROBINSON to reconsider the vote whereby the following Bill was given second reading was taken up.

H. 4631 -- Reps. Wilkes, G. Brown, Bailey, Simrill, Meacham, J. Young, Fulmer, Sharpe, Shissias, Wofford, Young-Brickell, Limehouse, Wright, Davenport, Whatley, Cain, Tucker, Carnell, Hodges, R. Smith, Whatley, Breeland, Wilder, Stoddard, Richardson, Cromer, McMahand, Fulmer, L. Whipper, J. Brown, Scott, J. Hines, Knotts, Marchbanks, Neilson, Kennedy and Kinon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-910, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SERVICES ON WHICH THE SALES TAX APPLIES INCLUDING NON COIN-OPERATED LAUNDRY, DRY-CLEANING, DYEING, AND PRESSING SERVICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH SERVICES ARE EXEMPT FROM THE SALES TAX IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTION 12-36-2120; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE SALES TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF NON COIN-OPERATED LAUNDRY, DRY-CLEANING, DYEING, AND PRESSING SERVICES BEGINNING JULY 1, 1997.

Rep. WILKES spoke in favor of the motion to reconsider.

The motion to reconsider was agreed to.

S. 1197--RECALLED FROM THE
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES
AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

On motion of Rep. SHARPE, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

S. 1197 -- Senators Drummond and Land: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-17-845 SO AS TO REQUIRE NONRESIDENTS OWNING OR OPERATING SHAD NETS IN THE SAVANNAH RIVER TO BE LICENSED AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING LICENSES, SO AS TO REVISE CURRENT LAW TO PROVIDE FOR A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF LICENSING FOR FRESHWATER FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE, TO PROVIDE FOR HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISBURSAL OF REVENUE FROM LICENSES AND PERMITS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2200, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON HUNTING DEER ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LANDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM MARINE RECREATIONAL FISHING STAMP REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE EXEMPTIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 50-1-150 RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF HUNTING AND FISHING FINES, FORFEITURES, AND FEES, SECTION 50-1-170 RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF FINES COLLECTED IN BEAUFORT COUNTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF FISH AND GAME LAWS, SECTION 50-1-230 RELATING TO THE USE OF FUNDS COLLECTED IN THE SANTEE COOPER AREA, SECTION 50-11-2240 RELATING TO HUNTING DEER IN GAME MANAGEMENT AREAS IN GAME ZONE FIVE, AND SECTION 50-13-1140 RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION TO FISH FOR NONGAME FISH UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

S. 1266--RECALLED FROM THE
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES
AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

On motion of Rep. HODGES, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

S. 1266 -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FROM PROVIDING A BREAK IN THE SEASON ON PRIVATE LANDS IN GAME ZONE 4.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. MOODY-LAWRENCE asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4050 from the Committee on Ways and Means.

Rep. LOFTIS objected.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. INABINETT a temporary leave of absence.

H. 4693--OVERRIDDEN

The veto on the following Act was taken up.

(R351) H. 4693 -- Reps. Phillips and McCraw: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ERECT TRAFFIC SIGNALS ON SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 198 AT EXIT 102 ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 85.

The question was put, shall the Act become a part of the law, the veto of his Excellency, the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding, the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 3; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Littlejohn             McCraw                 Phillips

Total--3

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

So, the veto of the Governor was overridden and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

H. 3961--SENATE AMENDMENTS AMENDED
AND RETURNED TO THE SENATE

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

H. 3961 -- Reps. Wilkins, Harrison, D. Smith, Huff, Cromer, Fulmer, Wells, Meacham, Cotty, Witherspoon, Wright, Tripp, H. Brown, Sharpe, Sandifer, Cain, Fair, Rice, Fleming, Mason, A. Young, Kelley, Herdklotz, Seithel, Riser, Haskins, Simrill, Keegan, Trotter, Hutson, R. Smith, Marchbanks, Harrell, Stuart, Klauber, Waldrop and Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 6 TO TITLE 14 SO AS TO CREATE THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION AND TO ESTABLISH ITS POWERS, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-23-510, 1-23-520, 1-23-525, 1-23-530, AND 1-23-550, RELATING TO JUDGES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DIVISION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE JUDGES MUST BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM A LIST OF NOMINEES SUBMITTED BY THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION; 2-19-10, RELATING TO THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW CANDIDATES, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS ON ELECTING THE MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY; 14-1-215, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RETIRED JUDGES OR JUSTICES PRESIDING IN CERTAIN COURTS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER AND CONDITIONS OF THIS SERVICE; 14-3-10, RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE SUPREME COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE JUSTICES THEREOF SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN THE MANNER PROVIDED ABOVE INSTEAD OF ELECTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; 14-3-20, RELATING TO THE QUALIFICATIONS OF JUSTICES TO THE SUPREME COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR INSTEAD OF ELECTION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; 14-3-40, RELATING TO THE VACANCIES IN THE SUPREME COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR APPOINTMENTS TO FILL A VACANCY; 14-5 110, RELATING TO THE QUALIFICATIONS OF CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES, SO AS TO REFER TO THEIR APPOINTMENT RATHER THAN THEIR ELECTION; 14-5-160, RELATING TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF A JUDGE TO FILL A VACANCY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE TO FILL A VACANCY; 14-5-610, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JUDICIAL CIRCUITS AND ELECTION OF JUDGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR; 14-8-20, RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF JUDGES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR; 14-8-30, RELATING TO THE QUALIFICATIONS OF JUDGES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR; 14-8-40, RELATING TO THE OATH OF OFFICE OF JUDGES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR; 14-8-60, RELATING TO THE VACANCIES ON THE COURT OF APPEALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROCEDURE TO FILL A VACANCY; 20-7-1370, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS OF FAMILY COURT JUDGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR; 20-7-1410, RELATING TO THE INITIAL ELECTION OF FAMILY COURT JUDGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 2-19-70 AND 2-19-80, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST PLEDGING AND REOPENING OF FILING WHERE INCUMBENT JUDGES WITHDRAW, DIE, OR ARE FOUND NOT QUALIFIED, RESPECTIVELY; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE ABOVE PROVISIONS TAKE EFFECT UPON RATIFICATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE ESTABLISHING THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION TO ASSIST THE GOVERNOR IN APPOINTING JUDGES FOR THE ABOVE-REFERENCED COURTS.

Rep. WILKINS proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name P:\amend\GJK\22738SD.96), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/Part I

SECTION     1.     Title 14 of the 1976 code is amended by adding:

"CHAPTER 6
Judicial Merit Selection Commission

Section 14-6-10.     (A) There is created a Judicial Merit Selection Commission to assist the General Assembly in the selection of qualified justices and judges for all judicial vacancies in the Administrative Law Judge Division and on the Family Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court. The commission shall consist of the following:

(1)     four members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and of these appointments:

(a)     three must be serving members of the General Assembly notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-13-770; and

(b)     one member must not be a member of the General Assembly;

(2)     four members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and of these appointments:

(a)     three must be serving members of the General Assembly notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-13-770; and

(b)     one member must not be a member of the General Assembly;

(3)     three members appointed by the Governor, who are not members of the General Assembly or employees of the office of the Governor. The Governor shall consult with and receive the advice of the President of the South Carolina Bar prior to making one of these appointments.

(B)     The terms of office of the members of the commission who are not members of the General Assembly are for four years, and until their successors are appointed and qualify. A member of the commission who is a serving member of the General Assembly shall serve for his elected term of office as a member of the General Assembly.

Section 14-6-20.     Vacancies on the Judicial Merit Selection Commission must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as provided for the original selection.

Section 14-6-30.     No member of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission is eligible for nomination and appointment as a judge or justice of the state court system or Administrative Law Judge Division while serving on the commission and for one year after he ceases to be a member of the commission.

Section 14-6-40.     The Judicial Merit Selection Commission shall meet at least once annually and at other times as may be designated by the chairman. The commission, at its first meeting and then annually, shall elect a chairman who shall serve for a term of one year and until his successor is elected and qualifies. A member may succeed himself as chairman. In the event that the chairman must be absent, the commission shall choose a member to act as temporary chairman. The commission at its first meeting also shall organize and adopt rules for the purpose of governing its proceedings. Six members of the commission constitute a quorum at all meetings. No act of the commission is valid except by concurrence of six of its members.

Section 14-6-50.     All organizational meetings of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission are open to the public. A notice outlining the topics to be discussed must be given to the public not less than seventy-two hours before the meeting. Public participation is allowed at each organizational meeting. For purposes of this chapter, an 'organizational meeting' is an initial meeting to discuss the commission's procedures and requirements for a vacancy.

Section 14-6-60.     The General Assembly shall provide funding for the staff and operating expenses of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission in the annual Appropriations Act. No member of the commission shall receive any compensation for commission services, except those set by law for travel, board, and lodging expenses incurred in the performance of commission duties.

Section 14-6-70.     (A)     It is the responsibility of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission to determine when judicial vacancies are to occur in the Administrative Law Judge Division and on the Family Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, or Supreme Court and to expeditiously investigate in advance the qualifications of those who seek nomination. For purposes of this chapter, a vacancy is created in the Administrative Law Judge Division or on the Family Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, or Supreme Court when any of the following occurs: a term expires; a new judicial position is created; or a judge can no longer serve due to resignation, retirement, disciplinary action, disability or death.

(B)     The commission, upon receiving notice of a judicial vacancy, ascertaining that a judicial vacancy shall occur, or receiving the decision of an incumbent judge regarding his reelection after contacting him regarding the upcoming expiration of his term, shall notify the Supreme Court of the vacancy for publication in the advance sheets provided by the Clerk of the Supreme Court at least thirty days prior to accepting applications for the vacancy. The commission also shall notify the South Carolina Bar, other professional legal organizations it considers appropriate, and each newspaper of this State with daily circulation of the vacancy at least thirty days prior to accepting applications for the vacancy. This notice must include, but not be limited to, the judicial office in which the vacancy occurs, the address to which, and the date by which interested candidates may apply.

Section 14-6-80.     The Judicial Merit Selection Commission shall announce and publicize vacancies and forthcoming vacancies in the Administrative Law Judge Division or on the Family Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, or Supreme Court. A person who may desire to be considered for nomination as justice or judge may make application to the commission. The commission shall announce the names of those persons who have applied.

Section 14-6-90.     (A)     The responsibility of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission is to investigate and consider the qualifications of the candidates for judicial office in the Administrative Law Judge Division or on the Family Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, or Supreme Court. Investigations and consideration of the commission should include, but are not limited to the following areas:

(1)     constitutional qualifications;

(2)     ethical fitness;

(3)     professional and academic ability;

(4)     character;

(5)     reputation;

(6)     physical health;

(7)     mental stability;

(8)     experience; and

(9)     judicial temperament.

(B)     In making nominations, race, gender, national origin, and other demographic factors should be considered by the commission to assure nondiscrimination, inclusion, and representation to the greatest extent possible of all segments of the population of the State.

Section 14-6-100.     The Judicial Merit Selection Commission is authorized to investigate and obtain information relative to any candidate from any state agency or other group, including, but not limited to, court administration, any law enforcement agency, and the South Carolina Bar, to the extent permitted by law, and shall have the power to issue subpoenas requiring the appearance of persons or the production of documents or other tangible things.

The commission in the discharge of its duties may administer oaths and affirmations, take depositions, and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, and other records considered necessary for the investigation of candidates.

No person may be excused from attending and testifying or from producing books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, or other records before the commission on the ground that the testimony or evidence, documentary, or otherwise, required of him may tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture. No individual may be prosecuted or subjected to any criminal penalty based upon testimony or evidence submitted or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he is compelled, after having claimed his privilege against self incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise. However, the individual testifying is not exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury and false swearing committed in so testifying.

In case of contumacy by a person or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to a person, any Circuit Court of this State or circuit judge within the jurisdiction of which the person guilty of contumacy or refusal to obey is found, resides, or transacts business, upon application by the commission may issue an order requiring the person to appear before the commission to produce evidence if so ordered or to give testimony concerning the matter under investigation. The failure to obey an order of the court may be punished as a contempt. Subpoenas must be issued in the name of the commission and must be signed by the commission chairman. Subpoenas must be issued to any person the commission designates.

Section 14-6-110.     (A)     Upon completion of the investigation, the Chairman of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission shall schedule a public hearing concerning the qualifications of the candidates. A person who desires to testify at the hearing, including candidates, shall furnish a written statement of his proposed testimony to the chairman of the commission. The statements must be furnished no later than forty-eight hours before the date and time set for the hearing. The commission shall determine the persons who shall testify at the hearing. All testimony, including documents furnished to the commission, must be submitted under oath and persons knowingly furnishing false information either orally or in writing are subject to the penalties provided by law for perjury and false swearing.

(B)     During the course of the investigation, the commission may schedule an executive session at which each candidate, and other persons whom the commission wishes to interview, may be interviewed by the commission on matters pertinent to the candidate's qualification for the office to be filled. All final deliberations of the commission are secret and confidential. Within a reasonable time thereafter the commission shall render its tentative findings with its reasons to each candidate.

(C)     As soon as possible after the completion of the hearing a verbatim copy of the testimony, documents submitted at the hearing, and findings of fact must be transcribed and published before the date of the scheduled election and a copy must be furnished to each candidate and anyone else upon request. A charge for these copies may be made as authorized in the Freedom of Information Act.

(D)     A candidate may withdraw at any stage of the proceedings and in that event no further inquiry, report on, or consideration of his candidacy may be made.

Section 14-6-120.     Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, when there is no known opposition to candidates for a particular judgeship, and there appears to be no substantial reason for having a public hearing, whether or not a candidate is an incumbent, and no request is made by at least six members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission for a public hearing, the commission chairman, upon recommendation of the commission, may determine that a public hearing is unnecessary, and it may not be held.

Section 14-6-130.     All records, information, and other material that the Judicial Merit Selection Commission has obtained or used to make its findings of fact, except materials, records, and information presented under oath at the public hearing, must be kept strictly confidential. After the commission has reported its findings of fact, or after a candidate withdraws his name from consideration, all records, information, and material required to be kept confidential must be destroyed.

Section 14-6-140.     (A)     The commission shall make nominations to the General Assembly of candidates for election to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, Family Court, and the Administrative Law Judge Division. It shall review the qualifications of all applicants for a judicial office and select therefrom and submit to the General Assembly the names of three candidates whom it considers best qualified for the judicial office under consideration. If fewer than three persons apply to fill a vacancy or if the commission concludes there are fewer than three candidates qualified for a vacancy, it shall submit to the General Assembly only the names of those who are considered to be qualified, with a written explanation for submitting fewer than three names.

(B)     The nominations of the commission for any judgeship are binding on the General Assembly and it may not elect a person not nominated by the commission. Nothing shall prevent the General Assembly from rejecting all persons nominated. In this event, the commission shall submit another group of names for that position. Further nominations in the manner required by this chapter must be made until the office is filled.

(C)     (1)     If an incumbent justice or judge does desire reelection, his name must be submitted by the commission to the General Assembly if the commission finds him qualified to serve in the judicial office held. The commission, if it finds an incumbent justice or judge qualified and submits his name to the General Assembly, may also submit to the General Assembly up to two other nominations for that judicial office or it may submit only the name of the incumbent justice or judge if it finds him qualified.

(2)     If the commission does not find the incumbent justice or judge qualified for the judicial office held and sought, his name shall not be submitted to the General Assembly for reelection and upon expiration of his then current term of office, he shall cease serving in that judicial position.

(3)     If the commission finds an incumbent judge not qualified for the office sought, or if an incumbent judge dies, withdraws, or becomes otherwise disqualified for the office sought between the time he makes application for the office and the date of the election therefor, the election for such office may not be held at that scheduled time and the commission shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to make other nominations for the office as though a new vacancy without an incumbent exists in that office including reopening the application process with all required notices. Nothing prevents the commission from including in its new nominations the names of persons other than the incumbent judge it included in its previous nominations.

(D)     If the commission submits more than one nomination to the General Assembly for a particular judgeship, including the name of an incumbent justice or judge it finds qualified, the General Assembly shall elect one of these nominees to that judicial office; provided that nothing herein prevents the General Assembly from rejecting all persons so nominated. In this event, the commission shall submit other nominations to the General Assembly for that judicial vacancy, and this procedure shall continue until the judicial vacancy is filled.

(E)     If only the name of an incumbent judge or justice is submitted by the commission to the General Assembly, the General Assembly in joint session by recorded public vote shall determine whether or not the judge or justice is to be retained in office. If a majority of those voting vote to retain the judge or justice in office, he is deemed reelected for a new term. If a majority of those voting vote against retaining the judge or justice in office, he is deemed to not be reelected for a new term, and the commission shall then expeditiously proceed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to submit other nominees to the General Assembly for the vacancy which is created by the expiration of the term of the judge or justice who is not retained in office.

(F)     The commission may accompany its nominations to the General Assembly with those reports or recommendations as to the qualifications of particular candidates that it deems appropriate.

(G)     A period of at least three weeks must elapse between the date of the commission's nominations to the General Assembly, and the date the General Assembly conducts the election for these judgeships.

Section 14-6-160.     (A)     Before a sitting member of the General Assembly may submit an application with the commission for his nomination by the commission for election to a judicial office and before the commission may accept or consider such an application, the member of the General Assembly shall first resign his office.

(B)     The privilege of the floor in either House of the General Assembly may not be granted to a former member during the time his application is pending before the commission and during the time his nomination by the commission for election to a particular judicial office is pending in the General Assembly.

(C)     No person may seek directly or indirectly the pledge of a member of the General Assembly's vote or contact a member of the General Assembly regarding the judicial office until the qualifications of all candidates for that office have been determined by the judicial merit selection commission and the commission has furnished the names of its nominees for the vacancy to the General Assembly. No member of the General Assembly may offer his pledge until the qualifications of all candidates for that office have been determined by the judicial merit selection commission and the commission has furnished the names of its nominees to the General Assembly. For purposes of this section, indirectly seeking a pledge means the candidate, or someone acting on behalf of and at the request of the candidate, requesting a person to contact a member of the General Assembly on behalf of the candidate before nominations for that office are made by the commission. Violations of this section may be considered by the merit selection commission when it considers the applicant's qualifications. Violations of this section by judicial candidates are also a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, the violator shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or by a term of imprisonment not exceeding ninety days.

Section 14-6-170.     The Judicial Merit Selection Commission shall adopt rules necessary to the purposes of the commission which shall be subject to review as are rules of procedure promulgated by the Supreme Court under Article V of the Constitution. The rules shall address, among other things:

(1)     the confidentiality of records and other information received concerning candidates for judicial office;

(2)     prohibition against ex parte communication with individual members of the commission concerning the qualifications of candidates;

(3)     the conduct of proceedings before the commission;

(4)     receipt of public statements in support of, or in opposition to, any of the candidates;

(5)     private or public hearings when the commission considers it necessary;

(6)     meetings in executive session when the commission considers it necessary; and

(7)     contacting incumbent judges regarding their desire to seek reelection.

Section 14-6-180.     The provisions of Chapter 19 of Title 2 do not apply to the selection and screening of candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, Family Court, and the Administrative Law Judge Division."

PART II

SECTION     2.     Section 1-23-510(C) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 181 of 1993, is deleted.

SECTION     3.     Section 2-19-10 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 2-19-10.     Whenever an election is to be held by the General Assembly in Joint Session, including except for members of the judiciary, a joint committee, composed of eight members, four of whom shall must be members of the House of Representatives and four of whom shall must be members of the Senate, shall must be appointed to consider the qualifications of the candidates. Each body shall determine how its respective members shall be are selected. Each joint committee shall meet as soon after its appointment as may be practicable and shall elect one of its members as chairman, one as secretary, and such other officers as it may deem considers desirable."

SECTION     4.     Section 14-1-215 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 89 of 1995, is further amended to read:

"Section 14-1-215.     (A)     A retired judge or justice from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or Circuit Court of this State may be assigned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to preside over any official proceeding in any Circuit Court of this State. A retired judge or justice from the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals of this State may be assigned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to act as an associate justice or judge in any proceeding before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals. A retired judge from the Family Court of this State may be assigned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to preside over any official proceeding in any Family Court of this State.

In order to be eligible to be appointed by the Chief Justice to serve, any retired justice or judge of this State must have been screened in the manner provided in Section 2-19-10 reviewed by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission established pursuant to Chapter 6 of Title 14 under procedures it shall establish and found by the committee commission to be qualified to serve in these situations within two years of the date of his appointment to serve, except that if a justice or judge retired before the expiration of his then current term, no further screening review of that justice or judge is required until that term would have expired.

(B) Except as provided by subsection (A), prior to any person appointed or elected to serve as a justice of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Court Judge, or Family Court Judge acting in that capacity, that person shall be screened in the manner provided by Section 2-19-10 and found by the committee to be qualified to serve."

SECTION     5.     Section 20-7-1370(A) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 17 of 1989, is further amended to read:

"(A)     No person shall be eligible to the office of Family Court judge who is not at the time of his assuming the duties of such office a citizen of the United States and of this State, and has not attained the age of twenty-six thirty-two years, has not been a licensed attorney at law for at least five ten years, and has not been a resident of this State for five years next preceding his election, and is not a resident of the circuit wherein the Family Court of which he is a judge is located. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any former member of the General Assembly may be elected to the office of Family Court judge.

Any Family Court judge serving in office on the effective date of the provisions of this section requiring a Family Court judge to be thirty-two years of age and to have ten years of service as a licensed attorney at law who is not of that age or who has not been licensed for this required period of time may continue to serve for the remainder of his current term and is considered to have the requisite age and years of service as a licensed attorney at law for purposes of future reelections to the office of Family Court judge."

SECTION     6.     Sections 2-19-70 and 2-19-80 of the 1976 Code are repealed.

Part III

SECTION     7.     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     8.     (A)     This act, except as otherwise provided in subsections (B) and (C), takes effect July 1, 1997, and is contingent upon a ratification of an amendment to Article V of the Constitution of this State authorizing the establishment of a Judicial Merit Selection Commission to assist the General Assembly in the election of Supreme Court justices, judges of the Court of Appeals and the Circuit Court, and judges of other courts of this State who are elected by the General Assembly.

(B)     Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (A), upon the approval of this act by the Governor, the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Joint Committee to Review Judicial Candidates pursuant to Chapter 19 of Title 2 of the 1976 Code are hereby devolved upon the Judicial Merit Selection Commission established by this act and for this purpose the members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission may be appointed and at this time the commission may organize and adopt rules of procedure. The commission in performing these screening duties shall apply existing provisions of law as applicable without regard to the provisions contained in Chapter 6 of Title 14 as added by this act, and its findings as to candidates' qualifications shall be advisory only and not binding on the General Assembly in the same manner the findings of the legislative screening committee for judicial candidates in regard to their qualifications applied to the General Assembly.

When the amendment to Article V of the Constitution authorizing the establishment of the commission is ratified, the commission shall begin making binding nominations to the General Assembly for judicial vacancies which occur on or after July 1, 1997, in the manner provided in this act. If this amendment to Article V of the Constitution authorizing the establishment of the commission is not ratified, the commission after July 1, 1997, shall continue to act as the legislative screening committee for judicial vacancies which are filled by election of the General Assembly as above provided.

(C)     Section 5 of this act takes effect upon ratification of an amendment to Section 15 of Article V of the Constitution of this State providing for a thirty-two-year-old age requirement and a ten-year requirement as a licensed attorney at law for Supreme Court justices and judges of the Court of Appeals and the Circuit Court./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. ROGERS spoke against the amendment.

SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE IN CHAIR

Rep. ROGERS continued speaking.

Rep. WILKINS spoke in favor of the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

The Senate amendments, as amended, were then agreed to and the Bill ordered returned to the Senate.

SPEAKER IN CHAIR
H. 4676--SENATE AMENDMENTS
CONCURRED IN AND BILL ENROLLED

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

H. 4676 -- Rep. Kirsh: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-3320, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REGULATION OF BINGO GAMES AND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION".

Rep. CARNELL explained the Senate amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

H. 3962--SENATE AMENDMENTS AMENDED AND
RETURNED TO THE SENATE

The Senate amendments to the following Joint Resolution were taken up for consideration.

H. 3962 -- Reps. Wilkins, Harrison, D. Smith, Huff, Wells, Witherspoon, H. Brown, Sharpe, Meacham, Fulmer, Fleming, Mason, Wright, A. Young, Keegan, Cain, Tripp, Rice, Riser, Herdklotz, Seithel, Kelley, Trotter, Haskins, Simrill, Hutson, Wofford, Marchbanks, Cotty, Fair, R. Smith, Harrell, Stuart, Klauber, Walker and Sandifer: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 3, ARTICLE V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE SUPREME COURT; SECTION 8, ARTICLE V, RELATING TO THE COURT OF APPEALS; SECTION 13, ARTICLE V, RELATING TO THE JUDICIAL CIRCUITS AND THE COURTS THEREOF; SECTION 17, ARTICLE V, RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OR RETIREMENT OF JUDGES OF THE UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM; AND SECTION 18, ARTICLE V, RELATING TO VACANCIES IN THE SUPREME COURT, COURT OF APPEALS, AND THE CIRCUIT COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT JUDGES OF THESE COURTS MUST BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM A LIST OF NOMINEES SUBMITTED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION; AND TO AMEND ARTICLE V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE RELATING TO THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT BY ADDING SECTION 27 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR THE ABOVE JUDICIAL OFFICES AND FOR JUDGES OF OTHER COURTS OF UNIFORM JURISDICTION AS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY PROVIDE BY LAW.

Reps. WILKINS and HARRISON proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name P:\amend\GJK\22822SD.96), which was adopted.

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION     1.     It is proposed that Section 15, Article V of the Constitution of South Carolina, 1895, is amended to read:

"Section 15.     No person shall be eligible to the office of Chief Justice, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of Appeals, or judge of the Circuit Court who is not at the time of his election a citizen of the United States and of this State, and has not attained the age of twenty-six thirty-two years, has not been a licensed attorney at law for at least five ten years, and has not been a resident of this State for five years next preceding his election.

Any justice or judge serving in office on the effective date of the provisions of this section requiring a justice or judge to be thirty-two years of age and to have ten years of service as a licensed attorney at law who is not of that age or who has not been licensed for this required period of time may continue to serve for the remainder of his current term and is considered to have the requisite age and years of service as a licensed attorney for purposes of future reelections to that judicial office."

SECTION     2.     The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives. Ballots must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballots:

"Must Section 15 of Article V of the Constitution of this State relating to qualifications for justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals and the Circuit Court be amended so as to increase from twenty-six to thirty-two the age requirement for election to these offices, to increase from five to ten the number of years which a person must have been a licensed attorney at law in order to be eligible for election to these offices, and to provide that any justice or judge serving in office on the effective date of the provisions of this section requiring a justice or judge to be thirty-two years of age and to have ten years of service as a licensed attorney at law who is not of that age or who has not been licensed for this required period of time may continue to serve for the remainder of his current term and is considered to have the requisite age and years of service as a licensed attorney at law for purposes of future reelections to that judicial office?

Yes     _
No     _

Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'No'."

SECTION     3.     It is proposed that Article V of the Constitution of this State be amended by adding:

"Section 27.     In addition to the qualifications for Circuit Court and Court of Appeals judges and Supreme Court justices contained in this article, the General Assembly by law shall establish a Judicial Merit Selection Commission to consider the qualifications and fitness of candidates for all judicial positions on these courts and on other courts of this State which are filled by election of the General Assembly. The General Assembly must elect the judges and justices from among the nominees of the commission to fill a vacancy on these courts.

No person may be elected to these judicial positions unless he or she has been found qualified by the commission. Before a sitting member of the General Assembly may submit an application with the commission for his nomination to a judicial office, and before the commission may accept or consider such an application, the member of the General Assembly must first resign his office."

SECTION     4.     The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives. Ballots must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballots:

"Must Article V of the Constitution of this State be amended by adding Section 27 so as to provide that the General Assembly by law shall establish a judicial merit selection commission to nominate candidates for election to judicial positions on the courts of this State which are filled by election of the General Assembly, to provide that the General Assembly must elect judges and justices for these courts from among these nominees, to provide that no person may be elected to these judicial positions unless he or she has been found qualified by the commission, and to provide that before a sitting member of the General Assembly may submit an application with the commission for his nomination to a judicial office, and before the commission may accept or consider such an application, the member of the General Assembly must first resign his office?

Yes     _
No     _

Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'No'."/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

The Senate amendments, as amended, were then agreed to and the Joint Resolution ordered returned to the Senate.

H. 4716--CONTINUED

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

H. 4716 -- Reps. D. Smith, Tucker, Jennings and Hodges: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 61-9-1015 SO AS TO MAKE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN A BEER WHOLESALER AND AN IMPORTER OF BEER PRODUCED BY A BREWER OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES BINDING ON ANY SUCCESSOR IMPORTER OF BEER PRODUCED BY THAT FOREIGN BREWER AND TO GIVE THIS PROVISION PROSPECTIVE APPLICATION.

Rep. CATO moved to continue the Bill, which was agreed to.

H. 3909--SENATE AMENDMENTS
CONCURRED IN AND BILL ENROLLED

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

H. 3909 -- Reps. Wright, Askins, Bailey, Gamble, Harvin, Herdklotz, Kirsh, Knotts, McCraw, Riser, Robinson, Simrill, Spearman and Wilder: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 42-1-660 SO AS TO PROVIDE UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW THAT NO ARCHITECT, ENGINEER, LAND SURVEYOR, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, OR THEIR EMPLOYEES OR A CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, OR FIRM OFFERING THESE SERVICES WHO IS RETAINED TO PERFORM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ON A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IS LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM THE EMPLOYER'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY STANDARDS ON A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT FOR WHICH COMPENSATION IS RECOVERABLE, UNLESS RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY PRACTICES IS SPECIFICALLY ASSUMED BY CONTRACT, AND PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

Rep. CATO explained the Senate amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

H. 4136--SENATE AMENDMENTS
CONCURRED IN AND BILL ENROLLED

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

H. 4136 -- Judiciary Committee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-29-250 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO COLLECTS AND SUBMITS AN ANONYMOUS SAMPLE OF THE PERSON'S OWN BODY FLUID OR TISSUE FOR HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) TESTING IS NOT REQUIRED TO REPORT A POSITIVE TEST RESULT AND THAT THE RESULTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL; AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT A POSITIVE RESULT MUST BE REPORTED BY THE LABORATORY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL WITHOUT IDENTIFYING INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE REPORT.

Rep. JENNINGS explained the Senate amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

H. 4502--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

H. 4502 -- Reps. Simrill, Herdklotz, Cain, Sandifer, Haskins, Meacham, Hallman, Trotter, Cato and R. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-1-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MARRIAGES BETWEEN PERSONS OF THE SAME SEX VALID IN ANOTHER STATE ARE VOID IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Rep. THOMAS explained the Senate amendments and moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate amendments, which was adopted.

S. 507--NON-CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

S. 507 -- Senator Wilson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-17-55, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF A PRIVATE DETECTIVE BUSINESS, SO AS TO REVISE THE QUALIFICATIONS AN APPLICANT WHO DESIRES TO OPERATE A PRIVATE DETECTIVE BUSINESS MUST POSSESS, AND TO ESTABLISH THE QUALIFICATIONS A PRIVATE DETECTIVE EMPLOYED BY A PRIVATE DETECTIVE BUSINESS MUST POSSESS.

The House refused to agree to the Senate amendments, and a message was ordered sent accordingly.

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate.

H. 4477 -- Reps. Stille, J. Hines, Wilder, Simrill, Sandifer, Kirsh, Meacham, Easterday, Allison, Neilson, Herdklotz, Walker, Cotty, Shissias, Cromer, Klauber, Fleming, Baxley, Trotter, Wells, Davenport, Littlejohn, McMahand, Stuart, Witherspoon, Williams, Dantzler, McCraw, Marchbanks and Phillips: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-6245 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVEN BY A PERSON WHO IS NOT A LICENSED DRIVER OR WHOSE LICENSE TO DRIVE HAS BEEN CANCELED, SUSPENDED, OR REVOKED MUST BE IMPOUNDED UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH IMPOUNDING THE MOTOR VEHICLE MUST BE BORNE BY THE DRIVER.

RETURNED TO THE SENATE WITH AMENDMENTS

The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments.

S. 1054 -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Drummond, Hayes, Elliott and Glover: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-23-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FILING OF A PETITION PRIOR TO THE ACQUISITION OF A PROJECT BY A JOINT AGENCY, SO AS TO FURTHER ALLOW THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO APPROVE CERTAIN TYPES OF PROJECTS WHICH CONSIST OF CERTAIN KINDS OF ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANTS AND PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION'S APPROVAL IS NOT NECESSARY FOR PROJECTS FOR TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, OR TRANSFORMATION OF ELECTRIC POWER AND ENERGY; TO AMEND SECTION 6-23-90, RELATING TO THE RIGHTS AND POWERS OF A JOINT AGENCY, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO SECTION 6-23-120, DELETE THE PROVISION WHICH PROVIDES FOR JOINT AGENCIES TO ACQUIRE NOT LESS THAN TEN PERCENT OF RATED CAPACITY FROM AN ELECTRIC SUPPLIER, ADDING A PROVISION FOR JOINT AGENCIES TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER CONTRACTS WITH ANY PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION, WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE STATE, AUTHORIZING JOINT AGENCIES TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS MAKING THEM OBLIGATED TO MAKE PAYMENTS REQUIRED BY A CONTRACT WHERE THE FACILITIES FROM WHICH SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ARE COMPLETED, OPERABLE AND OPERATING, AND THAT THESE PAYMENTS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO REDUCTIONS AND ARE NOT CONDITIONED UPON THE PERFORMANCE OR NONPERFORMANCE OF ANY PARTY; TO AMEND SECTION 6-23-170, RELATING TO INVESTMENTS OF A JOINT AGENCY OF MONIES PENDING DISBURSEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE INVESTMENT DECISIONS ON BEHALF OF JOINT AGENCIES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE TRUSTEES AND SUBJECT TO THE PRUDENT INVESTOR STANDARD; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 6-23-120, RELATING TO THE SALE OF EXCESS POWER OR OUTPUT OF A PROJECT NOT THEN REQUIRED BY ANY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT AGENCY.

MOTION PERIOD

The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. KLAUBER.

H. 4631--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 4631 -- Reps. Wilkes, G. Brown, Bailey, Simrill, Meacham, J. Young, Fulmer, Sharpe, Shissias, Wofford, Young-Brickell, Limehouse, Wright, Davenport, Whatley, Cain, Tucker, Carnell, Hodges, R. Smith, Whatley, Breeland, Wilder, Stoddard, Richardson, Cromer, McMahand, Fulmer, L. Whipper, J. Brown, Scott, J. Hines, Knotts, Marchbanks, Neilson, Kennedy and Kinon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-910, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SERVICES ON WHICH THE SALES TAX APPLIES INCLUDING NON COIN-OPERATED LAUNDRY, DRY-CLEANING, DYEING, AND PRESSING SERVICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH SERVICES ARE EXEMPT FROM THE SALES TAX IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTION 12-36-2120; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE SALES TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF NON COIN-OPERATED LAUNDRY, DRY-CLEANING, DYEING, AND PRESSING SERVICES BEGINNING JULY 1, 1997.

Rep. H. BROWN proposed the following Amendment No. 4 (Doc Name P:\amend\GJK\22828SD.96), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION     1.     Section 12-36-910(B)(1) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 361 of 1992, is further amended to read:

"(1) gross proceeds accruing or proceeding from the business of providing or furnishing any laundering, dry-cleaning, dyeing, or pressing service, but does not apply to the gross proceeds derived from coin-operated laundromats and dry-cleaning machines; provided, that beginning June 30, 1997, the sales tax shall not apply to these services in the manner provided in Section 12-36-2120;"

SECTION     2.     Section 12-36-2120 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an appropriately numbered item to read:

"( )     laundry, dry-cleaning, dyeing, and pressing services according to the following schedule:

(a)     two percent of the gross proceeds of such sales are exempt beginning June 30, 1997;

(b)     four percent of the gross proceeds of such sales are exempt beginning June 30, 1998; and

(c)     five percent of the gross proceeds of such sales beginning June 30, 1999.

The term 'laundry, dry-cleaning, dyeing, and pressing services' as used in this item does not include coin-operated laundromats and dry-cleaning machines which are exempt from the sales tax as provided in Section 12-36-910 and shall continue to be so exempt after the effective date of this item."

SECTION     3.     Section 12-36-2120(24) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 506 of 1994, is further amended to read:

"(24)     supplies and machinery used by laundries, cleaning, dyeing, or pressing, or establishments and supplies and machinery used by garment or other textile rental establishments in the direct performance of their primary function, but not sales of supplies and machinery used by coin-operated laundromats;"

SECTION     4.         This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor, except that Section 3 takes effect on July 1, 1998./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Rep. WILKES explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the yeas and nays were taken on the passage of the Bill, as amended, on second reading resulting as follows:

Yeas 100; Nays 4

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anderson               Bailey
Baxley                 Breeland               Brown, G.
Brown, H.              Brown, J.              Byrd
Cain                   Carnell                Cato
Cave                   Chamblee               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cooper                 Cotty
Cromer                 Dantzler               Davenport
Delleney               Easterday              Felder
Fleming                Fulmer                 Gamble
Hallman                Harrell                Harris, J.
Harris, P.             Harrison               Harvin
Haskins                Hines, J.              Hines, M.
Hodges                 Howard                 Hutson
Jaskwhich              Jennings               Keegan
Kelley                 Keyserling             Kinon
Kirsh                  Klauber                Knotts
Koon                   Lanford                Law
Lee                    Limbaugh               Limehouse
Littlejohn             Lloyd                  Loftis
Mason                  McAbee                 McCraw
McElveen               McKay                  McMahand
Meacham                Moody-Lawrence         Neal
Neilson                Phillips               Quinn
Rhoad                  Rice                   Richardson
Riser                  Sandifer               Scott
Seithel                Sheheen                Shissias
Simrill                Smith, D.              Smith, R.
Spearman               Stille                 Stoddard
Townsend               Tripp                  Vaughn
Waldrop                Walker                 Wells
Whatley                Wilder                 Wilkes
Wilkins                Witherspoon            Wofford
Worley                 Wright                 Young
Young-Brickell

Total--100

Those who voted in the negative are:

Marchbanks             Robinson               Stuart
Trotter

Total--4

So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. YOUNG-BRICKELL moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5005 -- Reps. L. Whipper, Breeland, Dantzler, Fulmer, Hallman, Harrell, Hutson, Inabinett, Limehouse, Seithel, Whatley and S. Whipper: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND OFFER THE SINCERE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO MIRIAM COLLETON GREEN OF AWENDAW, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR HER OUTSTANDING CAREER, LIFETIME ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND GENEROSITY IN SERVING THE PEOPLE OF CHARLESTON COUNTY.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5006 -- Reps. J. Brown, Allison, Baxley, Breeland, G. Brown, H. Brown, T. Brown, Byrd, Cain, Carnell, Cato, Cave, Chamblee, Clyburn, Cooper, Cromer, Dantzler, Delleney, Easterday, Felder, Fleming, Gamble, Hallman, J. Harris, Haskins, J. Hines, M. Hines, Howard, Inabinett, Keegan, Kinon, Kirsh, Klauber, Koon, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Martin, Mason, McCraw, McKay, McMahand, Meacham, Moody-Lawrence, Neilson, Phillips, Rice, Richardson, Riser, Sandifer, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, R. Smith, Spearman, Stoddard, Thomas, Vaughn, Waldrop, Walker, Wells, Whatley, L. Whipper, S. Whipper, Wilder, Williams, Witherspoon, Wofford, Worley, Wright and Young-Brickell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND ON ITS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FOR THE THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE BLIND AND SEVERELY VISUALLY IMPAIRED CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT STATE.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

S. 1164--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up.

S. 1164 -- Judiciary Committee: A BILL TO AMEND PART I, ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 62, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INTESTATE SUCCESSION, BY ADDING SECTION 62-2-114, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE PARENTS, WHO ARE HEIRS OF A CHILD PURSUANT TO 62-2-103(2), ARE DIVORCED, SEPARATED, OR LIVING APART, UPON MOTION OF EITHER PARENT, THE PROBATE COURT MAY DENY OR LIMIT EITHER PARENT'S ENTITLEMENT FOR A SHARE OF THE PROCEEDS IF THE COURT DETERMINES, BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE, THAT THE PARENT HAS REFUSED TO REASONABLY SUPPORT THE DECEDENT AS DEFINED IN SECTION 20-7-40 AND HAS OTHERWISE NOT PROVIDED FOR THE NEEDS OF THE DECEDENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 42-9-140, RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION PAYMENTS WHEN A DECEASED EMPLOYEE LEAVES NO DEPENDENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION MAY DENY OR LIMIT PAYMENTS TO A PARENT WHO IS OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO RECOVER AMOUNTS PROVIDED FOR A DECEASED EMPLOYEE IF THE COMMISSION DETERMINES, BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE, THAT THE PARENT HAS REFUSED TO REASONABLY SUPPORT THE DECEDENT AS DEFINED IN SECTION 20-7-40 AND HAS OTHERWISE NOT PROVIDED FOR THE NEEDS OF THE DECEDENT.

Reps. COTTY and LIMBAUGH proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name P:\amend\GJK\22831SD.96), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION     1.     Part I, Article 2, Chapter 2, Title 62 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 62-2-114.     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the parents of the deceased would be the intestate heirs pursuant to Section 62-2-103(2), upon the motion of either parent or any other party of potential interest based upon the decedent having died intestate, the probate court may deny or limit either or both parent's entitlement for a share of the proceeds if the court determines, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the parent or parents failed to reasonably provide support for the decedent as defined in Section 20-7-40 and did not otherwise provide for the needs of the decedent during his or her minority."

SECTION     2.     Section 42-9-140 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 58 of 1989, is further amended to read:

"Section 42-9-140.     (A)     If the deceased employee leaves no dependents, the employer shall pay the commuted amounts provided for in Section 42-9-290 for whole dependents, less burial expenses which must be deducted from those commuted amounts, to his surviving nondependent children.

(B)     If the deceased employee leaves no dependents or nondependent children, the employer shall pay the commuted amounts provided for in Section 42-9-290 for whole dependents, less burial expenses which must be deducted from those commuted amounts, to his father and mother, irrespective of age or dependency.

(C)     If the deceased employee leaves a partial dependent or dependents as defined in Section 42-9-120, the employer shall pay compensation to those dependents, in accordance with Section 42-9-290, and the remainder of the commuted amounts provided for in Section 42-9-290, less burial expenses, which must be deducted from the commuted amounts, to his nondependent children. If no children survive the deceased employee, then the remainder must be paid to his father and mother, irrespective of age or dependency.

(D)     If the deceased employee leaves no dependents or nondependent children or mother or father, then his employer shall pay to the deceased's personal representative the actual costs for burial expenses and the administration of the deceased's estate, and to the commission the commuted amounts provided for dependents under Section 42-9-290, to be expended in accordance with Section 42-9-400.

(E)     If the deceased employee leaves partial dependents as defined in Section 42-9-120 and no children or mother or father, then his employer shall pay to that partial dependent in accordance with provisions found in Section 42-9-290 and shall pay to the deceased's personal representative the actual cost of burial expenses and the administration of the deceased's estate, and to the commission the remaining compensation, commuted as provided under Section 42-9-290, to be expended in accordance with Section 42-9-400.

(F)     If amounts are payable to the mother and father of the deceased employee pursuant to subsections (B) and (C), upon the motion of either parent or any other potential party of interest based upon the decedent having died intestate, the commission may deny or limit either or both parent's entitlement for a share of the benefits if the commission determines, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the parent or parents failed to reasonably provide support for the decedent as defined in Section 20-7-40 and did not otherwise provide for the needs of the decedent during his or her minority.

(G)     Payment as prescribed in this section releases the employer from all death benefit liability."

SECTION     3.     Section 15-51-40 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Section 2, Act 470 of 1994, is further amended to read:

"Section 15-51-40.     In every such action the jury may give damages, including exemplary damages when the wrongful act, neglect, or default was the result of recklessness, wilfulness, or malice, as they may think proportioned to the injury resulting from the death to the parties respectively for whom and for whose benefit such action shall be brought. The amount so recovered shall be divided among the before-mentioned parties in those shares as they would have been entitled to if the deceased had died intestate and the amount recovered had been personal assets of his or her estate. However, in the event of a wrongful death of a minor, upon motion by either parent or any other party of potential interest based upon the decedent having died intestate, the probate court may deny or limit either or both parent's entitlement for a share of the proceeds if the court determines, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the parent or parents has refused failed to reasonably provide support for the decedent as defined in Section 20-7-40 and has otherwise did not otherwise provided provide for the needs of the decedent during his or her minority."

SECTION     4.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. COTTY explained the amendment.

The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

H. 4502--SENATE AMENDMENTS
CONCURRED IN AND BILL ENROLLED

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

H. 4502 -- Reps. Simrill, Herdklotz, Cain, Sandifer, Haskins, Meacham, Hallman, Trotter, Cato and R. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-1-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MARRIAGES BETWEEN PERSONS OF THE SAME SEX VALID IN ANOTHER STATE ARE VOID IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Rep. THOMAS explained the Senate amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

Rep. MARCHBANKS moved that the House do now adjourn, which was adopted.

RETURNED WITH CONCURRENCE

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 4997 -- Reps. Walker and Richardson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF AMERICA, INC., (IIAA) ON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY.

H. 4998 -- Reps. Sandifer and Klauber: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER FIVE HURMAN FRANKLIN HUGHES FOR THIRTY-SEVEN YEARS OF SERVICE TO SOUTH CAROLINA AND THIS NATION.

H. 5000 -- Rep. Harvin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FAMILY OF MR. HERBERT MELLETTE, JR., OF TURBEVILLE, UPON HIS DEATH.

H. 5001 -- Reps. L. Whipper, Breeland, Dantzler, Fulmer, Hallman, Harrell, Hutson, Inabinett, Limehouse, Seithel, Whatley and S. Whipper: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROUDLY COMMENDING AND EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE REVEREND W.H. "BILL" ALSTON OF AWENDAW, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR HIS GENEROSITY AND COMPASSION TO THE CITIZENS OF HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, AND STATE.

H. 5003 -- Reps. J. Young, Canty, McElveen, Neal, Baxley, G. Brown and Neilson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SORROW AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS UPON THE DEATH OF ONE OF THIS STATE'S MOST PROMINENT CITIZENS, MARGARET WEEKS "TOODY" OSTEEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF OSTEEN PUBLISHING COMPANY.

H. 5004 -- Rep. P. Harris: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ON MAY 8, 1996, FOR PROVIDING CARE AND TREATMENT FOR THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA WHO SUFFER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS.

H. 5005 -- Reps. L. Whipper, Breeland, Dantzler, Fulmer, Hallman, Harrell, Hutson, Inabinett, Limehouse, Seithel, Whatley and S. Whipper: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND OFFER THE SINCERE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO MIRIAM COLLETON GREEN OF AWENDAW, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR HER OUTSTANDING CAREER, LIFETIME ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND GENEROSITY IN SERVING THE PEOPLE OF CHARLESTON COUNTY.

H. 5006 -- Reps. J. Brown, Allison, Baxley, Breeland, G. Brown, H. Brown, T. Brown, Byrd, Cain, Carnell, Cato, Cave, Chamblee, Clyburn, Cooper, Cromer, Dantzler, Delleney, Easterday, Felder, Fleming, Gamble, Hallman, J. Harris, Haskins, J. Hines, M. Hines, Howard, Inabinett, Keegan, Kinon, Kirsh, Klauber, Koon, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Martin, Mason, McCraw, McKay, McMahand, Meacham, Moody-Lawrence, Neilson, Phillips, Rice, Richardson, Riser, Sandifer, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, R. Smith, Spearman, Stoddard, Thomas, Vaughn, Waldrop, Walker, Wells, Whatley, L. Whipper, S. Whipper, Wilder, Williams, Witherspoon, Wofford, Worley, Wright and Young-Brickell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND ON ITS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FOR THE THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE BLIND AND SEVERELY VISUALLY IMPAIRED CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT STATE.

ADJOURNMENT

At 11:35 A.M. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. MARCHBANKS adjourned in memory of E. Harold Segers of Greenville, to meet at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow.

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