South Carolina General Assembly
113th Session, 1999-2000
Journal of the House of Representatives

Tuesday, May 4, 1999
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 12:00 Noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark, as follows:

All wise and ever gracious God, help us this day to chose those things that are true and just and righteous in Your sight. Grant us the wisdom to speak prudently when we speak, to remain silent when it is appropriate, to learn by listening, to be unafraid of hard decisions, to act according to Your will as we understand it, and to leave the consequences to Your impeccable wisdom. Bring us to evening time at peace with ourselves, at peace with our fellow beings and at peace with our God. 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 Friday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. J. HINES moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Reverend Charles R. Conner, Sr. of Florence, which was agreed to.

REGULATIONS RECEIVED

The following were received and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration:

Document No. 2430
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 50-11-2200
Hunt Units and Wildlife Management Area Regulations
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives April 28, 1999

Referred to House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Legislative Review Expiration August 26, 1999 (Subject to Sine Die Revision)

Document No. 2424
Agency: Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-5-60 (3&6) and 59-39-100
Summer Programs
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives April 28, 1999
Referred to House Committee on Education and Public Works
Legislative Review Expiration August 26, 1999 (Subject to Sine Die Revision)

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4022 (Word version) -- Reps. Rhoad, Koon and Knotts: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SINCERE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO MS. JUNE M. JOHNSTON OF LEXINGTON COUNTY FOR HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND TO CONGRATULATE HER ON RECEIVING THE 1998 ACCESSIBILITY AWARD BY THE ARC OF THE MIDLANDS, ADVOCATES FOR THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS WITH DISABILITIES.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4023 (Word version) -- Rep. Sharpe: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO APPROVE AND ENACT THE SOUTHERN DAIRY COMPACT AND SPECIFICALLY URGING THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO VOTE FAVORABLY FOR ITS PASSAGE.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4024 (Word version) -- Rep. Wilkins: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 62, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TRUST ADMINISTRATION, BY ADDING PART 8 SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA UNIFORM PRUDENT INVESTOR ACT.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4025 (Word version) -- Reps. Govan, Allen, Askins, Bailey, Bales, Battle, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, T. Brown, Canty, Carnell, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Delleney, Gourdine, Hamilton, Harris, Harvin, Hayes, J. Hines, M. Hines, Howard, Inabinett, Jennings, Kennedy, Lee, Lloyd, Lourie, Mack, Maddox, McCraw, M. McLeod, W. McLeod, McMahand, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Neal, Neilson, Ott, Parks, Phillips, Pinckney, Rhoad, Rutherford, Scott, F. Smith, J. Smith, Stille, Taylor, Whipper, Wilder and Wilkes: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL FOR VIOLENCE AND READINESS TO RESPOND TO POTENTIAL AND ACTUAL ACTS OF VIOLENCE IN THE STATE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND TO REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 4026 (Word version) -- Reps. Martin, Allison and Littlejohn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 9-1-1140, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 9-11-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ESTABLISHING SERVICE CREDIT FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM NINETY TO ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DAYS OF UNUSED SICK LEAVE ADDED TO A MEMBER'S CREDITED SERVICE AT RETIREMENT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4027 (Word version) -- Rep. Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-7-1045 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT LAND TO BE SUBDIVIDED FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES MUST BE CLEARED AND PREPARED FOR DEVELOPMENT IN A MANNER APPEALING TO THE AESTHETIC FACULTIES BY PRESERVING THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE LAND.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 4028 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 127 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HEALTH CARE LIEN ACT", WHICH PROVIDES PROCEDURES FOR A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO PERFECT A LIEN EQUAL TO THE UNPAID BALANCE DUE THE PROVIDER FOR THE RENDERING OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

H. 4029 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DISSOLVE THE DILLON COUNTY APPLIED TECHNOLOGY CENTER BOARD AND PROVIDE THAT ALL ITS POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE DEVOLVED UPON THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DILLON COUNTY.
On motion of Rep. HAYES, with unanimous consent, the Joint Resolution was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 4030 (Word version) -- Rep. Maddox: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 9-11-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CREDITED SERVICE FOR MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO MOVE UP FROM 1976 TO 1983 THE YEAR BEFORE WHICH ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY SERVICE MUST HAVE BEEN PERFORMED IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH SERVICE CREDIT FOR SUCH SERVICE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 139 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Giese, Leventis, Russell and Reese: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 32 SO AS TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR BODY PIERCING IN THIS STATE, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR REGISTRATION, PAYMENT OF FEES, INSPECTIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, AND CRIMINAL OFFENSES AND PENALTIES.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

S. 153 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Elliott, Passailaigue, Leventis and Washington: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3385 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR THE TUITION TAX CREDIT TO PROVIDE THAT A STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT OR HAS BEEN CONVICTED OR PLED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO ANY ALCOHOL OR DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES IS ONLY INELIGIBLE FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR IN WHICH THE ADJUDICATION OCCURRED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-149-90 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO LIFE SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT OR HAS BEEN CONVICTED OR PLED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO ANY ALCOHOL OR DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES IS ONLY INELIGIBLE FOR ONE CALENDAR YEAR AFTER THE ADJUDICATION OCCURRED.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 206 (Word version) -- Senators J. Verne Smith, Elliott, Hayes, Leventis, McGill, Waldrep, Washington, Fair, Reese, Alexander, Leatherman, Martin, Grooms, Branton, Giese and Russell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 61-2-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO MINORS OVER THE INTERNET; TO AMEND SECTION 61-2-175, RELATING TO A FOREIGN ENTITY INTENTIONALLY SHIPPING BEER, WINE, OR ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS DIRECTLY TO A RESIDENT NOT HOLDING A VALID STATE LICENSE, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTICE TO CEASE AND DESIST AND TO PROVIDE A FINE FOR CONVICTION ON A FIRST OFFENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 61-4-50, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL SALE OF BEER AND WINE TO MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THE DEFINITION OF SALE BY MEANS OF THE INTERNET; TO AMEND ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 4 OF TITLE 61, RELATING TO THE PRODUCERS AND WHOLESALERS OF BEER AND WINE, SO AS TO ADD SECTION 61-4-360 WHICH PROVIDES A SHIPPING CONTAINER MUST BE CLEARLY LABELED TO INDICATE IT MUST NOT BE DELIVERED TO A MINOR; TO AMEND SECTION 61-4-730, RELATING TO THE SALE OF DOMESTIC WINE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE SHIPPING CONTAINER MUST BE CLEARLY LABELED TO INDICATE IT MUST NOT BE DELIVERED TO A MINOR; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-2900, RELATING TO THE SHIPPING OF IMPORTED LIQUORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE SHIPPING CONTAINER MUST BE CLEARLY LABELED TO INDICATE IT MUST NOT BE DELIVERED TO A MINOR; TO AMEND ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 6 OF TITLE 61, RELATING TO THE IMPORTATION OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS, SO AS TO ADD SECTION 61-6-2990 WHICH PROHIBITS THE USE OF THE INTERNET TO ADVERTISE OR SOLICIT ORDERS FOR ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-4080, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS TO MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THE DEFINITION OF SALE BY MEANS OF THE INTERNET; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-8920, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL PURCHASE OF BEER AND WINE BY MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THE DEFINITION OF PURCHASE BY MEANS OF THE INTERNET; AND TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-8925, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL PURCHASE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS BY MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THE DEFINITION OF PURCHASE BY MEANS OF THE INTERNET.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 226 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 5-1-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PREREQUISITES TO ISSUANCE OF A CORPORATE CERTIFICATE TO A PROPOSED MUNICIPALITY, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE AREA SEEKING TO BE INCORPORATED TO BE CONTIGUOUS, AND PROVIDE THAT CONTIGUITY IS NOT DESTROYED BY AN INTERVENING NAVIGABLE WATERWAY, MARSHLAND, OR LOWLAND WHETHER OR NOT IT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY INCORPORATED OR ANNEXED, AND PROVIDE THAT THE NAVIGABLE WATERWAY, MARSHLAND, OR LOWLAND DOES NOT PRECLUDE IT FROM BEING USED BY ANOTHER MUNICIPALITY TO ESTABLISH CONTIGUITY FOR PURPOSES OF AN INCORPORATION OR ANNEXATION PROVIDED THE DISTANCE FROM HIGHLAND TO HIGHLAND OF THE AREA BEING INCORPORATED OR ANNEXED IS NOT GREATER THAN ONE MILE.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 284 (Word version) -- Senators Holland, McConnell, Fair and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE AGENCY WITH JURISDICTION SHALL GIVE WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE PERSON'S ANTICIPATED RELEASE DATE; TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT FOR A PERSON UNDER THE JURISIDICTION OF THE DEPARMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE WHO IS INDEFINITELY TRANSFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE TREATMENT OF A SERIOUS EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE, NOTICE SHALL BE PROVIDED AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS BEFORE THE JUVENILE'S ANTICIPATED RELEASE DATE; TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ACT ARE NOT JURISDICTIONAL AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS DOES NOT PROHIBIT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FROM PROCEEDING AGAINST A PERSON WHO MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-50 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN RECORDS MUST BE GIVEN TO THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM WHEN THE AGENCY WITH JURISDICTION GIVES NOTICE; TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-70 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA OR A PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE STATE DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY FILING FEES FOR PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT UNDER THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-80 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE MAY USE HEARSAY EVIDENCE IN THE PROBABLE CAUSE HEARING; TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-90 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE VOLUNTARY EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BETWEEN PARTIES IS ENCOURAGED BUT FORMAL DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY MAY BE CONDUCTED; TO ADD SECTION 44-48-180 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR WHO IS SUBSEQUENTLY CONVICTED OF A CCRIMINAL OFFENSE AND SENTENCED TO INCARCERATION SHALL, UPON SERVING SUCH SENTENCE, BE RETURNED TO THE APPROPRIATE FACILITY FOR THE TREATMENT OF SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 304 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 47, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PHYSICIANS, SURGEONS, AND OSTEOPATHS, AND THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF DIETETICS; TO ESTABLISH THE COMMITTEE OF DIETETICS AS AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE BOARD AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS POWERS AND DUTIES; TO ESTABLISH FEES; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

S. 351 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Matthews, Courtney, Patterson, Reese, Hayes, Jackson and Passailaigue: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 29-3-325, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RECORDING SATISFACTION OR CANCELLATION OF A MORTGAGE, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS AND PROVIDE THAT, UPON PAYMENT IN FULL OF A MORTGAGE DEBT, WRITTEN REQUEST FOR SATISFACTION OF THE MORTGAGE, AND PAYMENT OF ANY REQUIRED SATISFACTION FEE, THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF THE MORTGAGE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RECORDING THE SATISFACTION OR CANCELLATION OF THE MORTGAGE IT HOLDS AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE DAMAGES AND PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO SO SATISFY THE MORTGAGE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 29-3-320, RELATING TO LIABILITY FOR FAILURE TO ENTER SATISFACTION OF A MORTGAGE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 434 (Word version) -- Senators Short, Jackson and Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 34-39-120 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS RELATING TO DEFERRED PRESENTMENT SERVICES, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "CASH ADVANCE"; TO AMEND SECTION 34-39-180, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFERRED PRESENTMENT OF A CHECK, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE FACE AMOUNT OF A CHECK TAKEN FOR DEFERRED PRESENTMENT OR DEPOSIT, INCLUDING THE CASH ADVANCE MADE TO THE CUSTOMER AND THE FEE IMPOSED BY THE DEFERRED PRESENTMENT SERVICE, SHALL NOT EXCEED THREE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE DOLLARS; TO AMEND SECTION 34-39-200, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE DEFERRED PRESENTMENT ACT, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 34-41-20, RELATING TO LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHECK CASHING SERVICES, SO AS TO REQUIRE A SEPARATE LICENSE FOR EACH BUSINESS LOCATION; TO AMEND SECTION 34-41-30, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM CHECK CASHING SERVICE LAW, SO AS TO REDEFINE THE EXEMPTION FOR RETAIL SELLERS TO ALLOW UP TO TWO DOLLARS, RATHER THAN NO CONSIDERATION; TO AMEND SECTION 34-41-40, RELATING TO CHECK CASHING SERVICE LICENSE APPLICATIONS, TO REVISE THE INVESTIGATION AND LICENSE FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 34-41-60, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CHECK CASHING SERVICES, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT OF A WRITTEN AGREEMENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 34-41-80, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CHECK CASHING LAW, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 561 (Word version) -- Senator Moore: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 58 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES FOR COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICERS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 581 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 434 OF 1998, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE PROHIBITIONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION AGAINST THE SALE OF MALT LIQUOR IN CONTAINERS GREATER THAN ONE LITER.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 619 (Word version) -- Senators Leventis, Land, Moore, McConnell, Hutto, Reese, Washington and Giese: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RECYCLING PROGRAM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE; TO IMPOSE A FIVE DOLLAR FEE ON EACH PIECE OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT CONTAINING A CATHODE RAY TUBE SOLD; TO REQUIRE THE STATE TREASURER TO DEPOSIT THE FEES COLLECTED IN THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RECYCLING FUND TO BE USED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO DETERMINE THE MOST EFFICIENT MEANS OF COLLECTING, TRANSPORTING, AND PROCESSING SCRAP ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AND TO AWARD GRANTS, CONTRACTS, AND LOANS TO FURTHER THE PROCESS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR RECYCLING THIS EQUIPMENT; TO ESTABLISH THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RECYCLING COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AND EVALUATE THE USE OF THE RECYCLING FUND; AND TO REQUIRE THE RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL TO EVALUATE THE PROGRAM AND RECOMMEND WHETHER THIS PROGRAM SHOULD CONTINUE AND BE MADE PERMANENT LAW.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 697 (Word version) -- Senator J. Verne Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 31-3-340, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COMMISSIONERS OF MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS, PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF NOT LESS THAN FIVE NOR MORE THAN SEVEN PERSONS AS COMMISSIONERS OF THE AUTHORITY, PROVIDE FOR AT LEAST ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO BE A PERSON WHO IS DIRECTLY ASSISTED BY THE AUTHORITY, PROVIDE FOR EXCEPTIONS, PROVIDE FOR TERMS OF OFFICE OR CONDITIONS FOR SERVICE, AND PROVIDE FOR THE MATTERS WHICH DISQUALIFY THE COMMISSIONER DIRECTLY ASSISTED BY THE AUTHORITY FROM VOTING; TO AMEND SECTION 31-3-370, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REMOVAL FROM OFFICE OF COMMISSIONERS OF MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES, SO AS TO ADD PROVISIONS REGARDING THE REMOVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER WHO IS DIRECTLY ASSISTED BY THE AUTHORITY; TO AMEND SECTION 31-3-960, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS OF REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, IF THE AREA OF OPERATION OF SUCH AUTHORITY AT ANY TIME CONSISTS OF AN EVEN NUMBER OF COUNTIES, THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE AUTHORITY APPOINTED BY THE SENATORS OF SUCH COUNTIES SHALL APPOINT NOT LESS THAN ONE NOR MORE THAN THREE PERSONS AS COMMISSIONERS, INSTEAD OF APPOINTING "ONE ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONER" UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, PROVIDE THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THESE COMMISSIONERS SO APPOINTED SHALL BE A PERSON WHO IS DIRECTLY ASSISTED BY THE AUTHORITY, PROVIDE FOR EXCEPTIONS, AND PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS CONCERNING THE MEMBER DIRECTLY ASSISTED BY THE AUTHORITY; TO AMEND SECTION 31-3-980, RELATING TO TERMS OF OFFICE OF COMMISSIONERS OF REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERM OF THE COMMISSIONER DIRECTLY ASSISTED BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL CONTINUE AS LONG AS HE REMAINS AN ASSISTED RESIDENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 31-3-990, RELATING TO REMOVAL OF COMMISSIONERS OF REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSIONER WHO IS DIRECTLY ASSISTED BY THE AUTHORITY MUST REMAIN AS AN ASSISTED RESIDENT IN ORDER TO CONTINUE SERVICE ON THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, AND PROVIDE THAT, IF THIS PERSON VACATES THE ASSISTED HOUSING UNIT OR IS EVICTED THEREFROM, HE SHALL BE AUTOMATICALLY REMOVED FROM THE BOARD WITH NO OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD OR TO CONTEST THE REMOVAL.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 721 (Word version) -- Senator Saleeby: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-7-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MANNER OF FUNDING THE SECOND INJURY FUND UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS, AND PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER OF ASSESSING SELF-INSUREDS AND INSURANCE CARRIERS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 726 (Word version) -- Senator Giese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO VARIOUS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISPENSING AND SALE OF DRUGS, SO AS TO CLARIFY CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A PHYSICIAN MAY DISPENSE NONCONTROLLED DRUGS AT A CLINIC PROVIDING FREE MEDICAL SERVICES AND TO CLARIFY WHICH NONNARCOTIC NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS MAY BE SOLD BY A RETAIL MERCHANT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-84, RELATING TO PHARMACY INTERNSHIPS, SO AS TO ALSO REFERENCE EXTERNSHIPS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-85 RELATING TO INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS FOR PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-86, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACIES, DUTIES OF PHARMACISTS-IN-CHARGE AND CONSULTANT PHARMACISTS, AND TO THE SALE OF NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN RECORDKEEPING AND FACILITY REQUIREMENTS, TO REVISE AND CLARIFY THE PHARMACIST TO TECHNICIAN RATIO IN CERTAIN FACILITIES, TO REVISE SPECIFIED CONSULTANT PHARMACIST DUTIES, TO CLARIFY PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SALE OF NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND TO PROHIBIT REQUIRING SUCH DRUGS TO BE SOLD BY PHARMACISTS OR IN A PHARMACY, AND TO PROHIBIT THE POSSESSION, DISPENSING, OR DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN DRUGS WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION OF A LICENSED PRACTITIONER; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-170, RELATING TO DISPENSING OF MEDICATIONS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A ONETIME EMERGENCY REFILL MAY BE DISPENSED.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

S. 739 (Word version) -- Senators McGill and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 46, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AGRICULTURE, BY ADDING CHAPTER 30, ARTICLE 3 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA TOBACCO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, AND DUTIES RELATING TO THE ALLOCATION OF PRIVATE TRUST FUNDS AMONG TOBACCO GROWERS AND TOBACCO QUOTA HOLDERS; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-10, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE BOARD FROM ITS SCOPE; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-770, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST LEGISLATIVE MEMBERS SERVING ON STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE TOBACCO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AS AN EXCEPTION TO THIS PROHIBITION, AND TO AMEND SECTION 15-78-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE EXCEPTIONS TO THE WAIVER OF IMMUNITY UNDER THE TORT CLAIMS ACT, SO AS TO ADD AS AN EXCEPTION THE ACTIONS OF THE TOBACCO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 757 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 27 OF THE CODE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY AN CONVEYANCES, BY ADDING CHAPTER 42, SO AS TO ENACT "THE SOUTH CAROLINA VACATION RENTAL ACT" TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE REGULATORY GUIDELINES FOR PERSONS AND BUSINESSES ENGAGED IN THE RENTING OR MANAGING OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES FOR VACATION PURPOSES.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 764 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORT ON THE STATUTORY AND CONSTITUTIONAL RAMIFICATIONS OF VARIOUS METHODS FOR IMPROVING AND ASSURING THE SPEEDY DISPOSITION OF CIVIL CASES IN CIRCUIT COURTS AND MAGISTRATES COURTS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4031 (Word version) -- Reps. G. Brown, Canty, M. McLeod, Neal and Woodrum: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF CLAYTON LOWDER, SR., FROM SUMTER COUNTY.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4032 (Word version) -- Reps. Lourie, Allen, Allison, Altman, Askins, Bailey, Bales, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Beck, Bowers, Breeland, G. Brown, H. Brown, J. Brown, T. Brown, Campsen, Canty, Carnell, Cato, Chellis, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Emory, Fleming, Gamble, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, Hamilton, Harrell, Harris, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hawkins, Hayes, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Howard, Inabinett, Jennings, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Law, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Maddox, Martin, Mason, McCraw, McGee, McKay, M. McLeod, W. McLeod, McMahand, Meacham, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Neal, Neilson, Ott, Parks, Phillips, Pinckney, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, D. Smith, F. Smith, J. Smith, R. Smith, Stille, Stuart, Taylor, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Walker, Webb, Whatley, Whipper, Wilder, Wilkes, Wilkins, Witherspoon, Woodrum and Young-Brickell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE BEST WISHES AND HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE RICHLAND NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL'S MODEL UNITED NATIONS TEAM AND THEIR FACULTY ADVISER AND SPONSOR, MS. LYN WASHINGTON, ON CAPTURING THE FIRST PLACE GOLD MEDAL AWARD OF DISTINCTION AT THE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE HELD ANNUALLY IN NEW YORK CITY.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

On motion of Rep. LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the following was taken up for immediate consideration:

H. 4033 (Word version) -- Rep. Lourie: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE RICHLAND NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL'S MODEL UNITED NATIONS TEAM AND OTHER SCHOOL OFFICIALS OF RICHLAND NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1999, AT A TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND CONGRATULATED ON THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the privilege of the floor of the House of Representatives be extended to the Richland Northeast High School's Model United Nations Team and other school officials of Richland Northeast High School on Thursday, May 6, 1999, at a time to be determined by the Speaker for the purpose of being recognized and congratulated on their achievements.

The Resolution was adopted.

ROLL CALL

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

Allison                Altman                 Askins
Bailey                 Bales                  Barfield
Barrett                Battle                 Beck
Bowers                 Breeland               Brown G.
Brown H.               Campsen                Carnell
Cato                   Chellis                Cobb-Hunter
Cooper                 Dantzler               Davenport
Delleney               Easterday              Emory
Fleming                Gamble                 Gilham
Gourdine               Govan                  Harrell
Harris                 Harrison               Haskins
Hawkins                Hayes                  Hines J.
Hines M.               Hinson                 Howard
Inabinett              Jennings               Keegan
Kelley                 Kirsh                  Klauber
Knotts                 Koon                   Leach
Lee                    Limehouse              Littlejohn
Lloyd                  Loftis                 Lourie
Lucas                  Mack                   Maddox
Martin                 Mason                  McGee
McKay                  McLeod M.              McMahand
Meacham                Miller                 Neal
Neilson                Ott                    Parks
Phillips               Rice                   Riser
Robinson               Rodgers                Rutherford
Sandifer               Scott                  Sharpe
Sheheen                Simrill                Smith D.
Smith J.               Smith R.               Stille
Stuart                 Taylor                 Townsend
Vaughn                 Walker                 Webb
Wilder                 Wilkes                 Wilkins
Witherspoon            Woodrum                Young-Brickell

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Tuesday, May 4.

Donald Allen                           William Clyburn
Bill Cotty                                  Tracy Edge
Fletcher Smith                         Alex Harvin
Joe Brown                                   Kenneth Kennedy
Steve Lanford                          James Law
DeWitt McCraw                          Clementa Pinckney
Thomas Rhoad                           Theodore Brown
Daniel Tripp                                Walton McLeod
Michael Whatley                        Jackson Whipper
Total Present--114

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. MOODY-LAWRENCE a leave of absence for the day due to illness.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. TAYLOR and the Laurens Delegation presented to the House the District 55 High School Lady Raiders Basketball Team, the 1999 Class AAAA Champions, their coaches, support personnel and other school officials.

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Pierre G. Jaffe is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2     Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. After a bill or resolution has been presented and given first reading, no further names of co-sponsors may be added. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:     H. 3968 (Word version)
Date:         ADD:
05/04/99     ALLEN

SENT TO THE SENATE

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

H. 3106 (Word version) -- Rep. Harris: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE PER DIEM AND MILEAGE FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND TO REPEAL ACT 235 OF 1981, RELATING TO PER DIEM AND MILEAGE FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND MAKE THESE PROVISIONS EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1999.

H. 3235 -- DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. WILDER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, May 18, which was adopted:

H. 3235 (Word version) -- Reps. J. Brown, R. Smith, Gilham, Lourie and Emory: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR ACT BY ADDING SECTIONS 44-61-160 AND 44-61-170, WHICH REQUIRE CERTAIN TRAINING FOR DESIGNATED USERS OF A DEFIBRILLATOR, NOTIFICATION OF POSSESSION OF A DEFIBRILLATOR WITH THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM, AND ACTIVATION OF THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION WHERE A DEFIBRILLATOR IS USED, AND WHICH PROVIDE IMMUNITY TO THOSE ACTING IN GOOD FAITH AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-61-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, SO AS TO DEFINE "AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR" AND "AED".

H. 3037 -- REQUEST FOR DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3037 (Word version) -- Rep. Miller: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 7 TO TITLE 31 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF INDEBTEDNESS BY COUNTIES IN CONNECTION WITH REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND THE PAYMENT OF SUCH INDEBTEDNESS FROM ADDED INCREMENTS OF TAX REVENUES.

The Ways and Means Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name KGH\AMEND\15636HTC99):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION     1.     Title 31 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"CHAPTER 7
Tax Increment Financing for Counties

Section 31-7-10.     This chapter may be cited as the 'Tax Increment Financing Act for Counties'.

Section 31-7-20.     (A)     The General Assembly finds that:

(1)     Section 14(10) of Article X of the Constitution of South Carolina provides that the General Assembly may authorize by general law that indebtedness for the purpose of redevelopment within counties may be incurred and that the debt service of such indebtedness be provided from the added increments of tax revenues to result from the project.

(2)     An increasing demand for public services must be provided from a limited tax base. Incentives must be provided for redevelopment in areas which are, or threaten to become, predominantly slum or blighted.

(3)     There exist in many counties of this State blighted, conservation, and sprawl areas; the sprawl and conservation areas are rapidly deteriorating and declining and may soon become blighted areas if their decline is not checked; the stable economic and physical development of the blighted areas, conservation areas, and sprawl areas are endangered by the presence of blighting factors as manifested by progressive and advanced deterioration of structures, by the overuse of housing and other facilities, by a lack of physical maintenance of existing structures, by obsolete and inadequate community facilities, and a lack of sound community planning, by obsolete platting, diversity of ownership, excessive tax, and special assessment delinquencies, or by a combination of these factors; that as a result of the existence of blighted areas, areas requiring conservation, and sprawl areas, there is an excessive and disproportionate expenditure of public funds, inadequate public and private investment, unmarketability of property, growth in delinquencies and crime, and housing and zoning law violations in such areas together with an abnormal exodus of families and businesses so that the decline of these areas impairs the value of private investments and threatens the sound growth and the tax base of taxing districts in such areas, and threatens the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the public.

(4)     In order to promote and protect the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the public, blighted conditions need to be eradicated and conservation measures instituted, sprawl areas controlled, and redevelopment of such areas undertaken; to remove and alleviate adverse conditions it is necessary to encourage private investment and restore and enhance the tax base of the taxing districts in such areas by the redevelopment of project areas. The eradication of blighted areas and treatment and improvement of sprawl areas and conservation areas by redevelopment projects is declared to be essential to the public interest.

(5)     The use of incremental tax revenues derived from the tax rates of various taxing districts in redevelopment project areas for the payment of redevelopment project costs is of benefit to the taxing districts because taxing districts located in redevelopment project areas would not derive the benefits of an increased assessment base without the benefits of tax increment financing, all surplus tax revenues are turned over to the taxing districts in redevelopment project areas, and all taxing districts benefit from the removal of blighted conditions, the eradication of conditions requiring conservation measures, and control of sprawl conditions.

(B)     The General Assembly intends to implement the authorization granted in Article X, Section 14 of the Constitution of this State. The authorization in this chapter provides for this State an essential method for financing redevelopment. The governing bodies of the counties are vested with all powers consistent with the Constitution necessary, useful, and desirable to enable them to accomplish redevelopment in areas which are or threaten to become blighted and to sufficiently meet all constitutional requirements pertaining to incurring indebtedness for the purpose of redevelopment and funding the debt service of such indebtedness from the added increment of tax revenues to result from such redevelopment as provided in Section 14(10) of Article X of the Constitution of this State. The indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 14(10) of Article X of the Constitution is exempt from all debt limitations imposed by Article X. The powers granted in this chapter must be in all respects exercised for the benefit of the inhabitants of the State, for the increase of its commerce, and for the promotion of its welfare and prosperity.

(C)     All action taken by any county in carrying out the purposes of this chapter shall perform essential governmental functions.

(D)     Pursuant to the authorization granted in Article VIII, Section 13, of the Constitution of this State, if a redevelopment project area is located in more than one county, the powers granted herein may be exercised jointly.

Section 31-7-30.         Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1)     'Blighted area' means any improved or vacant area within the boundaries of a redevelopment project area located within the territorial limits of a county where:

(a)     if improved, industrial, commercial, and residential buildings or improvements, because of a combination of five or more of the following factors: age; dilapidation; obsolescence; deterioration; illegal use of individual structures; presence of structures below minimum code standards; excessive vacancies; overcrowding of structures and community facilities; lack of ventilation, light, or sanitary facilities; inadequate utilities; excessive land coverage; deleterious land use or layout; depreciation of physical maintenance; lack of community planning, are detrimental to the public safety, health, morals, or welfare or;

(b)     if vacant, the sound growth is impaired by:

(i)         a combination of two or more of the following factors: obsolete platting of the vacant land; diversity of ownership of such land; tax and special assessment delinquencies on such land; deterioration of structures or site improvements in neighboring areas adjacent to the vacant land; or

(ii)     the area immediately prior to becoming vacant qualified as a blighted area. Any area within a redevelopment plan established by Chapter 10 of Title 31 is deemed to be a blighted area.

(2)     'Conservation area' means any vacant or improved area within the boundaries of a redevelopment project area located within the territorial limits of a county that is not yet a blighted area but, because of a combination of three or more of the following factors: dilapidation; obsolescence; deterioration; illegal use of structures; presence of structures below minimum code standards; abandonment; excessive vacancies; overcrowding of structures and community facilities; lack of ventilation, light, or sanitary facilities; inadequate utilities; excessive land coverage; depreciation of physical maintenance; or lack of community planning, is detrimental to the public safety, health, morals, or welfare and may become a blighted area.

(3)     'Sprawl area' means a vacant or improved area within the boundaries of a redevelopment project area located within the territorial limits of the unincorporated area of a county that is not yet a blighted area nor a conservation area but, because of the existence of one or more of the following conditions, has the potential to become blighted or in need of conservation:

(a)     The sprawl area is an unincorporated urban zone, UUZ, which is an area within the unincorporated portion of the county issuing the finding and has a population density equal to or greater than the average population density of the incorporated municipalities within the territorial limits of the county issuing the finding.

(b)     The sprawl area is a linear service zone, LSZ, which is an area within the unincorporated portion of the county issuing the finding which is or is likely to become an area no more than two miles wide at its widest point and no less than three miles in length and which, due to development within the zone, represents an impediment to vehicular and pedestrian traffic so that the county finds its existence a detriment to the:

( i)     economic health and well-being of the county;

( ii)     health or safety of the persons living, working, or traveling through the zone; or

(iii)     efficient provision of governmental services both within and without the zone.

(c)     The sprawl area is a rural redevelopment zone, RRZ, which is an area within the unincorporated portion of the county issuing the finding which consists primarily of vacant land which, if provided with certain environmental, energy, transportation, or communications infrastructure, could be developed as a planned community consisting of a minimum of one thousand contiguous acres of land, inclusive of flooded land.

(4)     'Municipality' means an incorporated municipality of this State.

(5)     'Obligations' means bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued by the county to carry out a redevelopment project or to refund outstanding obligations.

(6)     'Redevelopment plan' means the comprehensive program of the county for redevelopment intended by the payment of redevelopment costs to reduce or eliminate those conditions which qualified the redevelopment project area as a blighted area, conservation area, or sprawl area, or combination of two or three of them, and to enhance the tax bases of the taxing districts which extend into the project redevelopment area. Each redevelopment plan shall set forth in writing the program to be undertaken to accomplish the objectives and shall include, but not be limited to, estimated redevelopment project costs, the anticipated sources of funds to pay costs, the nature and term of any obligations to be issued, the most recent equalized assessed valuation of the project area, an estimate as to the equalized assessed valuation after redevelopment, and the general land uses to apply in the redevelopment project area. A redevelopment plan established by Chapter 10 of Title 31 is deemed a redevelopment plan for purposes of this paragraph.

(7)     'Redevelopment project' means any buildings, improvements, including street improvements, water, sewer and storm drainage facilities, parking facilities, and recreational facilities. Any project or undertaking authorized under Section 6-21-50 may also qualify as a redevelopment project under this chapter. All such projects are to be publicly owned.

(8)     'Redevelopment project area' means an area designated by the county, which is not less in the aggregate than one and one-half acres and in respect to which the county has made a finding that there exist conditions that cause the area to be classified as a blighted area, a conservation area, or a sprawl area, or a combination of two or three of them. The total aggregate amount of all redevelopment project areas of any one county may not exceed five percent of the total acreage of the county.

(9)     'Redevelopment project costs' means and includes the sum total of all reasonable or necessary costs incurred or estimated to be incurred and any costs incidental to a redevelopment project. The costs include, without limitation:

(a)     costs of studies and surveys, plans, and specifications; professional service costs including, but not limited to, architectural, engineering, legal, marketing, financial, planning, or special services;

(b)     property assembly costs including, but not limited to, acquisition of land and other property, real or personal, or rights or interest therein, demolition of buildings, and the clearing and grading of land;

(c)     costs of rehabilitation, reconstruction, repair, or remodeling of a redevelopment project;

(d)     costs of the construction of a redevelopment project;

(e)     financing costs including, but not limited to, all necessary and incidental expenses related to the issuance of obligations and which may include payment of interest on any obligations issued under the provisions of this chapter accruing during the estimated period of construction of any redevelopment project for which the obligations are issued and including reasonable reserves related thereto;

(f)     relocation costs to the extent that a county determines that relocation costs must be paid or required by federal or state law.

(10)     'Taxing districts' means counties, incorporated municipalities, schools, special purpose districts, and public and any other municipal corporations or districts with the power to levy taxes. Taxing districts include school districts which have taxes levied on their behalf.

(11)     'Vacant land' means any parcel or combination of parcels of real property without industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.

(12)     'County' means any county in the State.

Section 31-7-40.     Obligations secured by the special tax allocation fund set forth in Section 31-7-70 for the redevelopment project area may be issued to provide for redevelopment project costs. The obligations, when so issued, must be retired in the manner provided in the ordinance authorizing the issuance of the obligations by the receipts of taxes levied as specified in Section 31-7-110 against the taxable property included in the area and other revenue as specified in Section 31-7-110 designated by the county which source does not involve revenues from any tax or license. In the ordinance the county may pledge all or any part of the funds in and to be deposited in the special tax allocation fund created pursuant to Section 31-7-70 to the payment of the redevelopment project costs and obligations. Any pledge of funds in the special tax allocation fund must provide for distribution to the taxing districts of monies not required for payment and securing of the obligations and the excess funds are surplus funds. In the event a county only pledges a portion of the monies in the special tax allocation fund for the payment of redevelopment project costs or obligations, any funds remaining in the special tax allocation fund after complying with the requirements of the pledge are also considered surplus funds. All surplus funds must be distributed annually to the taxing districts in the redevelopment project area by being paid by the county to the county treasurer. The county treasurer shall immediately thereafter make distribution to the respective taxing districts in the same manner and proportion as the most recent distribution by the county treasurer to the affected districts of real property taxes from real property in the redevelopment project area. In addition to obligations secured by the special tax allocation fund, the county may pledge for a period not greater than the term of the obligations toward payment of the obligations any part of the revenues remaining after payment of operation and maintenance, of all or part of any redevelopment project. The obligations may be issued in one or more series, may bear such date or dates, may mature at such time or times not exceeding thirty years from their respective dates, may bear such rate or rates of interest as the governing body shall determine, may be in such denomination or denominations, may be in such form, either coupon or registered, may carry such registration and conversion privileges, may be executed in such manner, may be payable in such medium of payment, at such place or places, may be subject to such terms of redemption, with or without premium, may be declared or become due before the maturity date thereof, may provide for the replacement of mutilated, destroyed, stolen, or lost bonds, may be authenticated in such manner and upon compliance with such conditions, and may contain such other terms and covenants, as may be provided by the governing body of the county. If the governing body determines to sell any obligations the obligations must be sold at public or private sale in such manner and upon such terms as the governing body considers best for the interest of the county.

A certified copy of the ordinance authorizing the issuance of the obligations must be filed with the treasurer of each county in which any portion of a redevelopment project is situated and shall constitute the authority for the extension and collection of the taxes to be deposited in the special tax allocation fund.

A county also may issue its obligations to refund in whole or in part obligations previously issued by the county under the authority of this chapter, whether at or prior to maturity, and all references in this chapter to 'obligations' are considered to include these refunding obligations. The debt incurred by a county pursuant to this chapter is exclusive of any statutory limitation upon the indebtedness a taxing district may incur. All obligations issued pursuant to this chapter shall contain a statement on the face of the obligation specifying the sources from which payment is to be made and shall state that the full faith, credit, and taxing powers are not pledged for the obligations.

The trustee or depositary under any indenture may be such persons or corporations as the governing body designates, or they may be nonresidents of South Carolina or incorporated under the laws of the United States or the laws of other states of the United States.

Section 31-7-50.     The proceeds from obligations issued under authority of this chapter must be applied only for the purpose for which they were issued. Any premium and accrued interest received in any such sale must be applied to the payment of the principal of or the interest on the obligations sold. Any portion of the proceeds not needed for redevelopment project costs must be applied to the payment of the principal of or the interest on the obligations.

Section 31-7-60.     The obligations authorized by this chapter and the income from the obligations and all security agreements and indentures executed as security for the obligations made pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and the revenue derived from the obligations are exempt from all taxation in the State of South Carolina except for inheritance, estate, or transfer taxes and all security agreements and indentures made pursuant to the provisions of this chapter are exempt from all state stamp and transfer taxes.

Section 31-7-70.     A county, within five years after the date of adoption of an ordinance providing for approval of a redevelopment plan pursuant to Section 31-7-80, may issue obligations under this chapter to finance the redevelopment project upon adoption of an ordinance providing that:

(1)     after the issuance of the obligations; and

(2)     after the total equalized assessed valuation of the taxable real property in a redevelopment project area exceeds the certified 'total initial equalized assessed value' established in accordance with Section 31-7-100(B) of all taxable real property in the project area, the ad valorem taxes, if any, arising from the levies upon taxable real property in the project area by taxing districts and tax rates determined in the manner provided in Section 31-7-100(B) each year after the obligations have been issued until obligations issued under this chapter have been retired and redevelopment project costs have been paid must be divided as follows:

(a)     that portion of taxes levied upon each taxable lot, block, tract, or parcel of real property which is attributable to the total initial equalized assessed value of all taxable real property in the redevelopment project area must be allocated to and when collected must be paid by the county treasurer to the respective affected taxing districts in the manner required by law in the absence of the adoption of the redevelopment plan; and

(b)     that portion, if any, of taxes which is attributable to the increase in the current total equalized assessed valuation of all taxable real property in the redevelopment project area over and above the total initial equalized assessed value of taxable real property in the redevelopment project area must be allocated to and when collected must be paid to the county which shall deposit the taxes into a special fund called the special tax allocation fund of the county for the purpose of paying redevelopment project costs and obligations incurred in the payment of the costs and obligations. The county may pledge in the ordinance the funds in and to be deposited in the special tax allocation fund for the payment of the costs and obligations.

Any ordinance adopted based on acts of the county occurring before the effective date of this chapter must incorporate by reference and adopt those prior acts undertaken in accordance with the procedures of this chapter as if they had been undertaken pursuant to this chapter.

When obligations issued under this chapter have been retired and redevelopment project costs incurred under this chapter have been paid or budgeted pursuant to the redevelopment plan, as evidenced by resolution of the governing body of the county, all surplus funds then remaining in the special tax allocation fund must be paid by the county treasurer immediately to the taxing districts in the redevelopment project area in the same manner and proportion as the most recent distribution by the treasurer to the affected districts of real property taxes from real property in the redevelopment project area.

Upon the payment of all redevelopment project costs, retirement of all obligations of a county issued under this chapter, and the distribution of any surplus monies pursuant to this section, the county shall adopt an ordinance dissolving the tax allocation fund for the project redevelopment area and terminating the designation of the redevelopment project area as a redevelopment project area for purposes of this chapter. Thereafter, the rates of the taxing districts must be extended and taxes levied, collected, and distributed in the manner applicable in the absence of the adoption of a redevelopment plan and the issuance of obligations under this chapter.

If five years have passed from the time a redevelopment project area is designated and the county has not issued obligations under this chapter to finance the redevelopment project, upon the expiration of the five-year term, the county shall adopt an ordinance terminating the designation of the redevelopment project area.

Section 31-7-75.     If a municipality annexes a tract of property located in a redevelopment project area, the value of each parcel of real property therein for purposes of the ad valorem taxes of the municipality shall be that which is attributable to its initial equalized assessed value before the redevelopment project and not to the increase in its equalized assessed value due to the redevelopment project.

Section 31-7-80.         (A)     Prior to the issuance of any obligations under this chapter, the county shall set forth by way of ordinance the following:

(1)     a copy of the redevelopment plan containing a statement of the objectives of a county with regard to the plan;

(2)     a statement indicating the need for and proposed use of the proceeds of the obligations in relationship to the redevelopment plan;

(3)     a statement containing the cost estimates of the redevelopment plan and redevelopment project and the projected sources of revenue to be used to meet the costs including estimates of tax increments and the total amount of indebtedness to be incurred;

(4)     a list of all real property in the redevelopment project area;

(5)     the duration of the redevelopment plan;

(6)     a statement of the estimated impact of the redevelopment plan upon the revenues of all taxing districts in which a redevelopment project area is located and, if residential development is included in the plan, the estimated impact on public school enrollment;

(7)     findings that:

(a)     the redevelopment project area is a blighted, conservation, or sprawl area and that private initiatives are unlikely to alleviate these conditions without substantial public assistance,

(b)     property values in the area would remain static or decline without public intervention, and

(c)     redevelopment is in the interest of the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the county.

(B)     Before approving any redevelopment plan under this chapter, the governing body of the county must hold a public hearing on the redevelopment plan after published notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the county and any taxing district affected by the redevelopment plan is located not less than fifteen days and not more than thirty days prior to the hearing. The notice shall include:

(1)     the time and place of the public hearing;

(2)     the boundaries of the proposed redevelopment project area;

(3)     a notification that all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing;

(4)     a description of the redevelopment plan and redevelopment project; and

(5)     the maximum estimated term of obligations to be issued under the redevelopment plan.

Not less than forty-five days prior to the date set for the public hearing, the county shall give notice to all taxing districts of which taxable property is included in the redevelopment project area, and in addition to the other requirements of the notice set forth in the section, the notice shall request each taxing district to submit comments to the county concerning the subject matter of the hearing prior to the date of the public hearing.

(C)     If a taxing district does not file an objection to the redevelopment plan at or prior to the date of the public hearing, the taxing district is considered to have consented to the redevelopment plan and the issuance of obligations under this chapter to finance the redevelopment project, provided that the actual term of obligations issued is equal to or less than the term stated in the notice of public hearing. The municipality county may issue obligations to finance the redevelopment project if less than all taxing districts consent to the redevelopment plan. The tax increment for a taxing district that does not consent to the redevelopment plan must not be included in the special tax allocation fund after the first fifteen years after the initial issuance of obligations to finance such plan. No consent is required of any taxing district if the term of the proposed initial obligations is fifteen years or less or, in the case of any additional or refunding obligations, if the term of the obligations is not greater than the later of (a) fifteen years from the date of issuance of the initial or refunded obligations or (b) the remaining term of the initial or refunded obligations.

(D)     If the redevelopment plan includes residential development, then to the extent that the findings pursuant to subsection (A)(6) demonstrate increased public school enrollment because of this development, then an amount of the increment equal to the average property tax collected per pupil in the district multiplied by the estimated increased enrollment is not credited to the special tax allocation fund but is instead allocated to the affected school district as other school tax revenue.

(E)     Prior to the adoption of an ordinance approving a redevelopment plan pursuant to Section 31-7-80, changes may be made in the redevelopment plan which do not alter the exterior boundaries or do not substantially affect the general land use established in the plan or substantially change the nature of the redevelopment project, without further hearing or notice, provided that notice of the changes is given by mail to each affected taxing district and by publication in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation within the taxing districts not less than ten days prior to the adoption of the changes by ordinance. Notice of the adoption of the ordinance must be published by the county in a newspaper having general circulation in the affected taxing districts. Any interested party may, within twenty days after the date of publication of the notice of adoption of the redevelopment plan, but not afterwards, challenge the validity of such adoption by action de novo in the court of common pleas in the county in which the redevelopment plan is located.

(F)     After adoption of an ordinance approving a redevelopment plan, any alteration in the exterior boundaries, general land uses established pursuant to the redevelopment plan, maximum term of maturity of obligations to be issued under the plan, or the redevelopment project must be approved by resolution of each affected taxing district in accordance with the procedures provided in this chapter for the initial approval of a redevelopment project and designation of a redevelopment project area.

Section 31-7-90.     When there are any persons residing in the area covered by the redevelopment plan:

(1)     the redevelopment plan shall include:

(a)     an assessment of the displacement impact of the redevelopment project and provisions for the relocation of all persons who would be displaced by the project, provided that no residents may be displaced by a redevelopment project unless housing is made available to them pursuant to the terms of this section;

(b)     provisions for the creation of housing opportunities to the extent feasible to enable a substantial number of the displaced persons to relocate within or in close proximity to the area covered by the redevelopment plan.

(2)     Prior to authorizing the demolition of any residential units in connection with a tax increment financing plan, the governing body of the county must ensure that the redevelopment plan complies with the requirements of this section and further that standard housing is made available to all persons to be displaced.

(3)     Persons displaced by a redevelopment plan are entitled to the benefits and protections available under Section 28-11-10. The costs of the relocation are proper expenditures for the proceeds of any obligations issued under this chapter.

Section 31-7-100.     (A)     If a county by ordinance approves a redevelopment plan pursuant to Section 31-7-80, the auditor of the county, immediately after adoption of the ordinance pursuant to Section 31-7-80, upon request of the county, must determine and certify:

(1)     the most recently ascertained equalized assessed value of all taxable real property within the redevelopment project area, as of the date of adoption of the ordinance adopted pursuant to Section 31-7-80, which value is the 'initial equalized assessed value' of the property; and

(2)     the total equalized assessed value of all taxable real property within the redevelopment project area and certifying the amount as the 'total initial equalized assessed value' of the taxable real property within the redevelopment project area.

(B)     After the county auditor has certified the total initial equalized assessed value of the taxable real property in the area, then in respect to every taxing district containing a redevelopment project area, the county auditor or any other official required by law to ascertain the amount of the equalized assessed value of all taxable property within the district for the purpose of computing the rate percent of tax to be extended upon taxable property within such district, shall in every year that obligations are outstanding for redevelopment projects in the redevelopment area ascertain the amount of value of taxable property in a project redevelopment area by including in the amount the certified total initial equalized assessed value of all taxable real property in the area in lieu of the equalized assessed value of all taxable real property in the area. The rate percent of tax determined must be extended to the current equalized assessed value of all property in the redevelopment project area in the same manner as the rate percent of tax is extended to all other taxable property in the taxing district. The method of extending taxes established under this section terminates when the county adopts an ordinance dissolving the special tax allocation fund for the redevelopment project.

Section 31-7-110.     Revenues received by the county from any property, building, or facility owned by the county or any agency or authority established by the county in the redevelopment project area may be used to pay redevelopment project costs or reduce outstanding obligations of the county incurred under this chapter for redevelopment project costs. If the obligations are used to finance the extension or expansion of a system as defined in Section 6-21-40 in the redevelopment project area, all or a portion of the revenues of the system, whether or not located entirely within the redevelopment project area, including the revenues of the redevelopment project, may be pledged to secure the obligations issued under this chapter. The county is fully empowered to use any of the powers granted by either or both of the provisions of Chapter 17 of Title 6 (The Revenue Bond Refinancing Act of 1937) or the provisions of Chapter 21 of Title 6 (Revenue Bond Act for Utilities). In exercising the powers conferred by the provisions, the county may make any pledges and covenants authorized by any provision of those chapters. The county may place the revenues in the special tax allocation fund or a separate fund which must be held by the county or financial institution designated by the county. Revenue received by the county from the sale or other disposition of real property acquired by the county with the proceeds of obligations issued under the provisions of this chapter must be deposited by the county in the special tax allocation fund or a separate fund which must be held by the county or financial institution designated by the county. Proceeds of grants may be pledged by the county and deposited in the special tax allocation fund or a separate fund.

Section 31-7-120.     Counties and municipalities may jointly adopt redevelopment plans and authorize obligations as provided under the provisions of this chapter and Chapter 6 of this title."
SECTION     2.     Items (6) and (9) of Section 31-6-30 of the 1976 Code are amended to read:

"(6)     'Redevelopment project' means any buildings, improvements, including street improvements, water, sewer and storm drainage facilities, parking facilities, and recreational facilities. Any project or undertaking authorized under SECTION 6-21-50 may also qualify as a redevelopment project under this chapter. All such projects are to be owned by the municipality publicly owned.

(9)     'Taxing districts' means counties, incorporated municipalities, schools, special purpose districts, and public and any other municipal corporations or districts with the power to levy taxes. Taxing districts include school districts which have taxes levied on their behalf."
SECTION     3.     The undesignated paragraph of Section 31-6-80 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"After adoption of an ordinance approving a redevelopment plan, any alteration in the exterior boundaries, general land uses established pursuant to the redevelopment plan, maximum term of maturity of obligations to be issued under the plan, or nature of the redevelopment project must be approved by ordinance resolution of the municipality each affected taxing district in accordance with the procedures provided in this chapter for the initial approval of a redevelopment project and designation of a redevelopment project area."
SECTION     4.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. R. SMITH explained the amendment.

Reps. WALKER, KIRSH, LITTLEJOHN, DAVENPORT, MASON, R. SMITH, KELLEY, CLYBURN, ALLISON and MILLER requested debate on the Bill.

H. 3641 -- DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. R. SMITH moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Wednesday, May 5, which was adopted:

H. 3641 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison, Seithel, Altman, Wilkins and Edge: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 6, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPOSITION OF A DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE BY A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY BY ORDINANCE; TO PROVIDE FOR AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR RECOMMENDING, AND PROCEDURES FOR ADOPTING, LAND USE ASSUMPTIONS, A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN, AND IMPACT FEES; TO PROVIDE FOR COMPUTATION OF THE PROPORTIONATE SHARE OF COSTS OF NEW PUBLIC FACILITIES NEEDED TO SERVE NEW GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT; AND TO LIMIT THE USES OF THE REVENUE COLLECTED FROM A DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE TO APPLICATION TOWARD THE INCREASED COST OF SERVING NEW GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

H. 3359 -- AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3359 (Word version) -- Reps. Dantzler, Bailey, R. Smith, Hinson, Rodgers, Witherspoon, Chellis, McKay, McGee, Law, Simrill, Rhoad, Littlejohn and Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-224 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MOTOR HOME ON WHICH THE INTEREST PORTION OF INDEBTEDNESS IS DEDUCTIBLE PURSUANT TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AS AN INTEREST EXPENSE ON A QUALIFIED PRIMARY OR SECOND RESIDENCE IS ALSO A PRIMARY OR SECOND RESIDENCE FOR PURPOSES OF AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAXATION IN THIS STATE AND IS CONSIDERED REAL PROPERTY RATHER THAN PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR PROPERTY TAX PURPOSES.

Rep. WITHERSPOON proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name PSD\AMEND\7441AC99), which was adopted.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

/     SECTION _____

SECTION     __.     The 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-37-225.     A boat on which the interest portion of any indebtedness thereon is or would be deductible under the Internal Revenue Code as an interest expense on a qualified primary or second residence is also deemed to be a primary or second residence for purposes of ad valorem property taxation in this State and as such is considered real rather than personal property for these purposes."
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. WITHERSPOON explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

Rep. H. BROWN explained the Bill.

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

H. 4007 -- DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. KOON moved to adjourn debate upon the following Joint Resolution until Tuesday, May 18, which was adopted:

H. 4007 (Word version) -- Reps. Sheheen, G. Brown and Harris: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REINSTATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION ON SPORTING DOGS AND FIELD TRIALS TO ASSESS THE IMPACT ON THE STATE FOR DEVELOPING FIELD TRIAL FACILITIES AND TO DEVELOP A PLAN FOR THE FACILITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION AND AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE; TO AUTHORIZE CONSULTATION WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS; AND TO PROVIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND FOR TERMINATION OF THE COMMISSION JANUARY 1, 2002.

H. 4012 -- POINT OF ORDER

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

H. 4012 (Word version) -- Reps. Neal, J. Brown, Quinn, Bales, Cotty, Harrison, Lourie, Rutherford, F. Smith, J. Smith and Scott: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ESTABLISH FORTY-FIVE MILE AN HOUR SPEED ZONES AND INSTALL FLASHING TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT CHURCHES LOCATED ON HIGHWAY 601 FROM THE KERSHAW COUNTY LINE TO HIGHWAY 378.
Rep. NEAL explained the Joint Resolution.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. RICE raised a Point of Order that the Joint Resolution was out of order in that it did not have an attached fiscal impact statement as required under Rule 5.3.
SPEAKER WILKINS sustained the Point of Order and stated that the Joint Resolution required a fiscal impact statement.

H. 4017 -- REQUESTS FOR DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4017 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE FINDINGS OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS TO MAINTAIN MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY IN MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-123-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ORGANIZATION AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SHALL CONSTITUTE THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A HIGH LEVEL OF MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY TO THE AUTHORITY AND REMOVE THE HOSPITALS AND CLINICS FROM CENTRAL STATE PROGRAM REGULATION OF PROCUREMENT, REAL PROPERTY, AND HUMAN RESOURCES, TO SET FORTH THE DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY; TO AMEND SECTION 8-11-260, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM STATE PERSONNEL POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO EXEMPT EMPLOYEES OF THE HOSPITALS AND CLINICS FROM BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION; TO AMEND SECTION 8-17-370, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES, SO AS TO EXEMPT MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND CLINIC EMPLOYEES FROM THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE ACT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-710, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO ADD AN EXEMPTION TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE FOR THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.
Rep. KEEGAN explained the Bill.

Reps. SCOTT, LITTLEJOHN, LLOYD, BALES, PINCKNEY, MARTIN, CLYBURN, ROBINSON, KEEGAN, H. BROWN, KELLEY and D. SMITH requested debate on the Bill.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

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

S. 543 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 22-2-190, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO JURY AREAS FOR MAGISTRATES' COURTS ESTABLISHED FOR LANCASTER COUNTY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A COUNTYWIDE JURY AREA.

S. 758 (Word version) -- Senators Patterson, Courson, Giese and Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-465, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN RICHLAND COUNTY, SO AS TO ESTABLISH NEW PRECINCTS AND RENAME CERTAIN EXISTING PRECINCTS.

H. 3894 -- POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3894 (Word version) -- Rep. D. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 9-8-50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CREDITED SERVICE AND TRANSFER OF CREDITED SERVICE FOR PURPOSES OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS, SO AS TO CONFORM THE VESTING REQUIREMENT FOR TRANSFERRING CREDITED SERVICE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR A JUDGE OR SOLICITOR WHO ON TERMINATION DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR A BENEFIT UNDER THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM FROM TWELVE YEARS TO THE CURRENT REQUIREMENT FOR VESTING UNDER THE JUDICIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF TEN YEARS FOR JUDGES AND EIGHT YEARS FOR SOLICITORS.
Rep. D. SMITH explained the Bill.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. GOVAN made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

Rep. H. BROWN moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.

RETURNED WITH CONCURRENCE

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 4008 (Word version) -- Rep. Harvin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICERS, SERGEANT TIMOTHY BAXLEY AND CORPORAL DON "BUBBA" MORRIS, FOR THEIR QUICK ACTION IN RESCUING A SUMTER GIRL THROWN FROM A BOAT IN WYBOO CREEK IN THE CLARENDON COUNTY AREA OF LAKE MARION.

H. 4009 (Word version) -- Reps. Harvin, Ott and M. McLeod: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE SINCERE GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO SHERIFF JOHN J. MCDOUGALL OF LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA, FOR HIS TRULY GOOD SAMARITAN DEED OF RESCUING NINE YEAR-OLD KENDALL COGDILL OF PINEWOOD FROM THE MIDDLE OF INTERSTATE 95 IN CLARENDON COUNTY DURING A BLINDING RAINSTORM WHEN KENDALL WAS FRANTICALLY SEEKING HELP AFTER A TRAGIC AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT WHICH CLAIMED THE LIFE OF HIS GRANDMOTHER, MRS. JEAN B. PARKS.

ADJOURNMENT

At 1:10 P.M. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. J. HINES adjourned in memory of Reverend Charles R. Conner, Sr. of Florence, to meet at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow.

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