South Carolina General Assembly
117th Session, 2007-2008
Journal of the Senate

Tuesday, May 29, 2007
(Statewide Session)


Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

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

In the book of Esther, we read how she wrote to Mordecai about her plans to have her people all fast to the Lord on her behalf. She concluded:   " 'And if I perish, I perish'."     (Esther 4:16c)

Please, pray with me:

O Lord, we have spent time this past weekend reflecting upon those who gave their all for what they knew to be right and just, even as Esther proposed to do centuries ago. We give everlasting praise for those heroes of old, dear God. And in like manner do we offer heartfelt thanksgiving for modern-day heroes-those serving in Iraq, in Afghanistan, even these serving here in the Senate Chamber. Lead these Senators as they give their all and do their best, wrestling with issues as thorny and as challenging as any can be. In Your loving name we pray, Lord.
Amen.

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

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Mark C. Sanford:

Local Appointments

Initial Appointment, Beaufort County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence June 6, 2003, and to expire June 6, 2009

Marvin H. Dukes III, 791 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29902 VICE Curtis L. Coltrane

Initial Appointment, Colleton County Magistrate, with term to commence April 30, 2006, and to expire April 30, 2010

Travis Lee Avant, 255 Longleaf Drive, Walterboro, S.C. 29488 VICE Norris O. Rearden

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
State of South Carolina
Office of the Governor
P. O. Box 11369
Columbia, SC 29211
May 15, 2007

The Honorable Andre Bauer
President of the Senate
State House, 1st Floor East Wing
Columbia, SC 29202

Dear Mr. President and Members of the Senate:

(R41, S348 (Word version))) -- Senators Hutto and Land: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ENACT "CHANDLER'S LAW" BY ADDING CHAPTER 26 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING A REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON FIFTEEN YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER WHO OPERATES AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE MUST POSSESS A SAFETY CERTIFICATE INDICATING SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SAFETY COURSE, AND MUST WEAR A SAFETY HELMET AND EYE PROTECTION WHEN OPERATING AN ATV, MAKING IT UNLAWFUL FOR A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN TO KNOWINGLY PERMIT HIS CHILD OR WARD UNDER AGE SIX TO OPERATE AN ATV, AND PROVIDING FURTHER RESTRICTIONS WHEN OPERATING AN ATV ON LANDS THAT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THAT ALLOW OPERATION OF AN ATV, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES ARE EXEMPT FROM AD VALOREM TAXES BEGINNING WITH CALENDAR YEAR 2007, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 10A SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR THE TITLING OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES.

I am hereby vetoing and returning without my approval S. 348, R-41.

I have met and spoken with Chandler's parents several times over the last two years regarding the background of this legislation and their position on the bill, and I am genuinely sorry for the profound loss they have experienced.

In the course of these discussions, I have come to admire Steve and Pamela Saylor for honoring Chandler by setting up a scholarship fund and working on this legislation. However, as commendable as their work is, I find myself in the same position on this bill that I took last year. I am still concerned that this legislation will bring about the unintended consequences of growing government, impinging on private property rights, and diminishing parental responsibility.

The legislation hinges on the notion that all children between the ages of 6-15 must complete and receive certification for completing a safety course before operating an ATV. The course is a four-hour class, typically taught in a single afternoon. While the course is useful and I would encourage riders to take it, we should not use the law to make parents think that their children will somehow know how to operate their ATV's safely.

Furthermore, this mandate would impose a hidden tax on families, the consequences of which would be deeply felt. Some supporters of this legislation claim that the safety courses are free of charge. This is true for the purchase of most new ATV's, but not on ATV's already owned or purchased used. Thus, for families across South Carolina who already own an ATV, this legislation would require them to pay for the course before some members of the family could use the ATV they already own. According to the ATV Safety Institute, there is a $75 per child charge for the course and $125 per adult. So, under this legislation, a family of four that already owns an ATV would be required to spend $150 for a safety course and up to $400 if the parents wanted to take the course with them. Simply put, we don't believe the government should be allowed to exercise this kind of power over citizens' use of their own property on their own land.

I am also concerned about the practical issue of enforcement. The bill requires certification, along with wearing a helmet and goggles in operation of an ATV. While the thinking behind this part of the legislation may be sound, there will likely never be enough will or manpower to put agents in every corner of the State to enforce it. In fact, the probable cause portion of this bill may make it difficult to enforce in a variety of cases.

Proponents of this bill argue that setting these common sense standards for ATV use is similar to the boater safety laws that were passed in 1999. Those laws applied to activity on public waters, not private property. Moreover, the state mandates motorcycle helmets for riders under the age of 21-again as part of the public, not private, roadways. On the other hand, neither moped riders nor bicyclists are mandated to wear helmets by state law. The difference between bicycling accidents and ATV accidents is telling: in the case of bicycling, an injury or death occurs every 16.8 minutes versus roughly every 12.5 hours for an ATV. According to estimates, 90 percent of all injuries sustained by children on ATV's happen because they are riding an ATV designed for an adult-a consideration this legislation would do little to address.

Finally, there should be a practical application of the law when it comes to experience. When South Carolina enacted a mandate for hunters' safety, current youth hunters were "grandfathered," a provision implicitly acknowledging that experience was more valuable than a training course. The present legislation ignores the fact, for example, that a 14-year-old who has been riding an ATV since age 8 has far more experience than any one-day safety course could provide.

Today, law enforcement officers can cite an individual, regardless of age, for operating a motorized vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner in state parks, forests, or wildlife areas. However, even in the best of circumstances, tragic accidents occur.

At the same time, I believe there should be a balance between using our law enforcement powers to increase safety against the private property rights and parental responsibility. While Chandler's story is a tragic one, I respectfully and regretfully believe that the benefit to the public falls short of the threshold that warrants an erosion of these core values.

For these reasons, I am vetoing S. 348, R-41, and returning it without my approval.

Sincerely,
/s/ Mark Sanford

VETO SUSTAINED

(R41, S348 (Word version))) -- Senators Hutto and Land: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ENACT "CHANDLER'S LAW" BY ADDING CHAPTER 26 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING A REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON FIFTEEN YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER WHO OPERATES AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE MUST POSSESS A SAFETY CERTIFICATE INDICATING SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SAFETY COURSE, AND MUST WEAR A SAFETY HELMET AND EYE PROTECTION WHEN OPERATING AN ATV, MAKING IT UNLAWFUL FOR A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN TO KNOWINGLY PERMIT HIS CHILD OR WARD UNDER AGE SIX TO OPERATE AN ATV, AND PROVIDING FURTHER RESTRICTIONS WHEN OPERATING AN ATV ON LANDS THAT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THAT ALLOW OPERATION OF AN ATV, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES ARE EXEMPT FROM AD VALOREM TAXES BEGINNING WITH CALENDAR YEAR 2007, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 10A SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR THE TITLING OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES.

The veto of the Governor was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator HUTTO argued contra to the Governor's veto.

Senator CAMPSEN argued in favor of the Governor's veto.

Senator GROOMS argued in favor of the Governor's veto.

Senator LEVENTIS argued contra to the Governor's veto.

Senator KNOTTS argued contra to the Governor's veto.

Senator HUTTO moved that the veto of the Governor be overridden.

The question was put, "Shall the Act become law, the veto of the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding?"

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 25; Nays 17

AYES

Anderson                  Drummond                  Ford
Gregory                   Hayes                     Hutto
Jackson                   Knotts                    Land
Leatherman                Leventis                  Lourie
Malloy                    Matthews                  McGill
Moore                     Patterson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Setzler
Sheheen                   Short                     Thomas
Williams

Total--25

NAYS

Alexander                 Bryant                    Campsen
Cleary                    Courson                   Cromer
Fair                      Grooms                    Hawkins
Martin                    McConnell                 O'Dell
Ritchie                   Ryberg                    Scott
Vaughn                    Verdin

Total--17

The necessary two-thirds vote not having been received, the veto of the Governor was sustained, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Privilege of the Chamber

On motion of Senator FAIR, with unanimous consent, the Privilege of the Chamber to that area behind the rail was extended to Mr. Jay Haas, outstanding professional golfer from Greenville, South Carolina, and his family.

Motion to Ratify Adopted

At 12:59 P.M., Senator McCONNELL asked unanimous consent to make a motion to invite the House of Representatives to attend the Senate Chamber for the purpose of ratifying Acts at 1:30 P.M.

There was no objection and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator McCONNELL, with unanimous consent, the Senate agreed that, when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned to meet at 11:00 A.M. tomorrow.

OBJECTION

H. 4111 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE DILLON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO CONSTRUCT, RENOVATE, AND REPAIR SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN THE COUNTY USING LEASE-PURCHASE FINANCING AGREEMENTS IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED, IN THE AGGREGATE, SIXTY MILLION DOLLARS AND TO GIVE SPECIFIC POWERS TO THE BOARD AND PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN LIMITATIONS REGARDING LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENTS; TO DIRECT THE DILLON COUNTY AUDITOR TO LEVY MILLAGE IN SPECIFIED AMOUNTS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS; TO AUTHORIZE A REFERENDUM TO BE CONDUCTED IN DILLON COUNTY TO IMPOSE A SALES AND USE TAX FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING REVENUES TO PAY FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO A LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE METHOD OF IMPOSING, ADMINISTERING, AND COLLECTING THE TAX; AND TO REPEAL ACT 197 OF 2005, RELATING TO THE IMPOSITION OF A SALES AND USE TAX FOR SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS.

Senator WILLIAMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Finance.

Senator McCONNELL objected.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 794 (Word version) -- Senators Moore, Setzler and Ryberg: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND DR. LINDA B. ELDRIDGE FOR HER TWELVE YEARS OF OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE AS AIKEN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION UPON HER RETIREMENT AND TO WISH HER MUCH SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 795 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) RENAME SHUTES-FOLLY REACH IN CHARLESTON HARBOR FOR THE LATE REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD E. BENNIS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 796 (Word version) -- Senator Pinckney: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 95 IN JASPER COUNTY FROM MILE MARKER THREE TO MILE MARKER FIVE THE "CORPORAL MARK D. JONES HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "CORPORAL MARK D. JONES HIGHWAY".
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On motion of Senator GROOMS, with unanimous consent, the Concurrent Resolution was introduced and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 3782 (Word version) -- Reps. Rice, Hiott and Owens: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 260 OF 1981, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PICKENS COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO REDUCE FROM THREE TO ONE THE NUMBER OF AT-LARGE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT THE AT-LARGE MEMBER OF THE BOARD SHALL SERVE AS ITS CHAIRMAN, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE ABOVE PROVISIONS INCLUDING PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTION OF THE AT-LARGE MEMBER TO SERVE AS CHAIRMAN.

Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

H. 3857 (Word version) -- Rep. Jennings: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 17-15-90 SO AS TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN THE PERSON HAS BEEN RELEASED ON BOND; TO AMEND SECTION 38-53-50, RELATING TO SURETY RELIEVED ON BOND AND SURRENDER OF A DEFENDANT, SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES WHEN A BENCH WARRANT MAY BE ISSUED FOR ARREST OF A DEFENDANT AND TO PROVIDE THAT NONPAYMENT OF FEES ALONE DOES NOT WARRANT IMMEDIATE INCARCERATION OF THE DEFENDANT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-53-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BENCH WARRANT AND THE REMISSION OF JUDGMENT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE THE BOND IS FORFEITED FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR FROM THIRTY TO NINETY DAYS FROM THE ISSUANCE OF THE BENCH WARRANT AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE BENCH WARRANT MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP BY THE SURETY WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF ISSUANCE.

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

H. 3911 (Word version) -- Reps. Lucas and Neilson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-210, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN DARLINGTON COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS IN DARLINGTON COUNTY AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

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

H. 4087 (Word version) -- Reps. G. Brown, Lowe, J. H. Neal, G. M. Smith and Weeks: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERCHANGE LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 521 AND SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 441 IN SUMTER COUNTY THE "C. FRED MCLAUGHLIN MEMORIAL INTERCHANGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERCHANGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "C. FRED MCLAUGHLIN MEMORIAL INTERCHANGE".

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

H. 4097 (Word version) -- Reps. Ballentine, Huggins, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Crawford, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Govan, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, Kirsh, Knight, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, Moss, Mulvaney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF OLD TAMAH ROAD IN RICHLAND COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH KOON ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH OLD BRICKYARD ROAD "CORPORAL DAVID G. WEIMORTZ MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "CORPORAL DAVID G. WEIMORTZ MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".

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

H. 4136 (Word version) -- Reps. Lowe and Crawford: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE REMAINS OF THE CSS PEE DEE, A CONFEDERATE NAVAL VESSEL WHICH SANK IN THE GREAT PEE DEE RIVER, AS WELL AS ALL OTHER ARTIFACTS LYING IN THE GREAT PEE DEE RIVER IN THE AREA BELOW THE ORDINARY HIGH WATER MARK BETWEEN FLORENCE AND MARION COUNTIES, IN A ZONE TWO MILES ABOVE AND TWO MILES BELOW THE UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 76 BRIDGE, ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO COLLECT ANY ARTIFACTS FROM THE AREA; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ACT IS AUTOMATICALLY REPEALED AFTER FIVE YEARS.

Read the first time and, on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, with unanimous consent, H. 4136 was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 4136--Ordered to a Second and Third Reading

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, with unanimous consent, H. 4136 was ordered to receive a second and third reading on the next two consecutive legislative days.

H. 4161 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, Govan, Hart, J. H. Neal, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Crawford, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, Kirsh, Knight, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, Moss, Mulvaney, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2007 AS GANG AWARENESS MONTH IN ALL OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN ORDER TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THIS INCREASING PROBLEM IN OUR STATE.

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

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Senator PEELER from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4099 (Word version) -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, RELATING TO OFFICE BASED SURGERY, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3079, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 29, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the appointment:

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Initial Appointment, Beaufort County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence June 6, 2003, and to expire June 6, 2009

Marvin H. Dukes III, 791 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29902 VICE Curtis L. Coltrane
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 24, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Young, Merrill and Anthony to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

S. 355 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Richardson, Verdin, Campsen and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-105 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION IS ABOLISHED AND THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS A BOARD AS PROVIDED BY LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 1-3-240, RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN OFFICIALS FROM OFFICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEMBER MAY BE REMOVED BY THE GOVERNOR FOR MALFEASANCE, MISFEASANCE, INCOMPETENCY, ABSENTEEISM, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, MISCONDUCT, PERSISTENT NEGLECT OF DUTY IN OFFICE, OR INCAPACITY; TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 57, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO RECONSTITUTE THE COMMISSION AS A BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD SHALL BE COMPOSED OF SEVEN MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SCREENED BY THE JOINT TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE, AND SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, TO ESTABLISH THE LENGTH OF TERMS THAT BOARD MEMBERS MAY SERVE, AND DEFINE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD EMPLOYS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO SERVES AT THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD EMPLOYS A CHIEF HIGHWAY ENGINEER WHO MAY BE REMOVED BY THE BOARD FOR MALFEASANCE, MISFEASANCE, INCOMPETENCY, ABSENTEEISM, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, MISCONDUCT, PERSISTENT NEGLECT OF DUTY IN OFFICE, OR INCAPACITY AND WHO, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BOARD, MUST CREATE THE STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (STIP); AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 1 OF TITLE 57, SO AS TO CREATE THE JOINT TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BOARD MEMBERS ARE SCREENED.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 24, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it refuses to concur in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 327 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 7-5-10, 7-5-35, AND 7-13-70, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF REGISTRATION AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND THE COMPOSITIONS OF THESE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE CERTIFICATION BE ISSUED WHEN A MEMBER OR DESIGNATED STAFF PERSON HAS COMPLETED A TRAINING PROGRAM AND TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO REMOVE A MEMBER OF THESE BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS, APPOINTED ON OR AFTER THE ACT'S EFFECTIVE DATE, WHO HAS NOT FULFILLED THE TRAINING REQUIREMENT WITHIN EIGHTEEN MONTHS.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 327--SENATE INSISTED ON THEIR AMENDMENTS
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

S. 327 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 7-5-10, 7-5-35, AND 7-13-70, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF REGISTRATION AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND THE COMPOSITIONS OF THESE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE CERTIFICATION BE ISSUED WHEN A MEMBER OR DESIGNATED STAFF PERSON HAS COMPLETED A TRAINING PROGRAM AND TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO REMOVE A MEMBER OF THESE BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS, APPOINTED ON OR AFTER THE ACT'S EFFECTIVE DATE, WHO HAS NOT FULFILLED THE TRAINING REQUIREMENT WITHIN EIGHTEEN MONTHS.

On motion of Senator SHEHEEN, the Senate insisted upon its amendments to S. 327 and asked for a Committee of Conference.

Whereupon, Senators KNOTTS, SHEHEEN and CAMPSEN were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 25, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it insists upon the amendments proposed by the House to:

S. 282 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3005 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS FOR STATE PROCUREMENTS RELATING TO INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3015 SO AS TO SPECIFY THE SOURCE SELECTION METHODS FOR THE TYPES OF AUTHORIZED PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3021 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SUBCONTRACTOR SUBSTITUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3023 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PREQUALIFICATION ON STATE CONSTRUCTION; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3024 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CONTENTS OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND EVALUATION FACTORS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3035 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REQUIREMENT OF ERRORS AND OMISSIONS INSURANCE TO COVER CERTAIN SERVICES DELIVERED PURSUANT TO CERTAIN PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3037 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER FORMS OF SECURITY TO ENSURE PERFORMANCE; BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-3070 SO AS TO ALLOW THE GOVERNING BODY TO APPROVE NONMATERIAL CHANGE ORDERS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO REDEFINE "CONSTRUCTION"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-1510, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO METHODS OF SOURCE SELECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SELECTION METHODS IN CONNECTION WITH PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-1530, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS, SO AS TO REQUIRE COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS FOR CONTRACTS FOR CERTAIN PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-2410, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FINALITY OF DETERMINATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING, SO AS TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO CHOICE OF DELIVERY METHOD AND PREQUALIFICATION ON STATE CONSTRUCTION; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-2910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CERTAIN SERVICES, SO AS TO INCLUDE DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO THE VARIOUS AUTHORIZED PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS INCLUDING "DESIGN REQUIREMENTS", "INDEPENDENT PEER REVIEWER SERVICE", AND "INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITY"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3010, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE PROJECT DELIVERY METHOD FOR THE PROCESS AND "GOVERNMENTAL BODY" FOR "USING AGENCY"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3020, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES, SO AS TO DELETE SOURCE SELECTION LANGUAGE, TO INCORPORATE NEW PROVISIONS ADDED IN EARLIER SECTIONS AND TO DELETE LANGUAGE DUPLICATIVE OF NEW PROVISIONS ADDED; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3030, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO BOND AND SECURITY SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CONTRACT PRICE FOR PURPOSES OF A PAYMENT BOND OR PERFORMANCE BOND DOES NOT INCLUDE THE COST OF OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND FINANCE, AND TO ALLOW FOR NO SURETY DURING PRECONSTRUCTION OR DESIGN PHASES; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3210, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPLICABILITY AND POLICY IN CONNECTION WITH CERTAIN SERVICES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISIONS REFERRING TO APPLICABILITY TO THOSE SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE "GOVERNMENTAL BODY" FOR "USING AGENCY"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3230, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SMALL ARCHITECT-ENGINEERING AND LAND SURVEYING CONTRACTS, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE "GOVERNMENTAL BODY" FOR "USING AGENCY"; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3245, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PERFORMING OTHER WORK, SO AS TO LIMIT ITS APPLICATION TO PROCUREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION USING THE DESIGN-BID-BUILD PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-3310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INDEFINITE DELIVERY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, SO AS TO ADD A CROSS REFERENCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 11-35-1825, RELATING TO PREQUALIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION BIDDERS.
asks for a Committee of Conference, and has appointed Reps. White, Edge and Jennings to the committee on the part of the House.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 282--CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators SETZLER, ALEXANDER and FAIR were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 24, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it refuses to concur in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 446 (Word version) -- Senators Malloy, McConnell, Ford, Rankin, Knotts, Cleary, Anderson, Vaughn, Hawkins, Scott, Williams, Drummond, Mescher, Thomas, Short, Hutto, Leatherman, Richardson, Leventis, Elliott, Patterson, Pinckney, Land, Lourie, Jackson, Peeler, Sheheen, Moore and McGill: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "INDIGENT DEFENSE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 17-3-5 SO AS TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS FOR PURPOSES OF THE CHAPTER; BY ADDING ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 17 SO AS TO ESTABLISH CIRCUIT PUBLIC DEFENDER SELECTION PANELS, PROVIDE FOR THEIR MEMBERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO THE APPOINTMENT OF CIRCUIT PUBLIC DEFENDERS, PROVIDE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CIRCUIT PUBLIC DEFENDERS AND ESTABLISH THEIR DUTIES, AND AUTHORIZE THE CIRCUIT PUBLIC DEFENDERS TO EMPLOY CHIEF COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDERS AND OTHER NECESSARY PERSONNEL; TO AMEND SECTION 17-3-30, RELATING TO THE AFFIDAVIT REGARDING A PERSON'S INABILITY TO EMPLOY COUNSEL AND PAYMENT OF AN INDIGENT PERSON'S ASSETS TO THE STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THOSE ASSETS ARE TO BE PAID TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 17-3-50, RELATING TO FEES FOR APPOINTED COUNSEL AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS, SO AS TO DELETE OBSOLETE LANGUAGE REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL IN ACCORDANCE WITH A PLAN PROMULGATED BY THE BAR OF EACH COUNTY; TO AMEND SECTION 17-3-90, RELATING TO PAYMENT VOUCHERS FOR PRIVATE, APPOINTED COUNSEL, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES AND TO AUTHORIZE THE OFFICE OF INDIGENT DEFENSE TO PRESENT THE VOUCHER TO THE TRIAL JUDGE FOR APPROVAL; BY REVISING ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 17, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE ARTICLE IN RELATION TO THE ADDITION OF ARTICLE 5; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 17-3-60 RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHING PUBLIC DEFENDER SYSTEMS IN COUNTIES AND SECTION 17-3-70 RELATING TO APPROPRIATIONS FOR MAINTENANCE OF DEFENDER CORPORATIONS AND COMPENSATION OF APPOINTED COUNSEL.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 446--SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Senate insisted upon its amendments to S. 446 and asked for a Committee of Conference.

Whereupon, Senators RANKIN, MALLOY and RYBERG were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 29, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 367 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Setzler, Matthews, Short, Fair, Richardson and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 11-11-155 AND 11-11-156, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FUND AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THE STATE RECEIVE REVENUES FROM THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FUND, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE METHOD OF DETERMINING AND CALCULATING THESE PAYMENTS, PROVIDING THE SCHEDULE OF THE PAYMENTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS, SPECIFYING THE SOURCE OF THE TWO AND ONE-HALF MILLION DOLLAR MINIMUM PAYMENT TO A COUNTY FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN A COUNTY, AND SPECIFYING WHEN A REMAINING BALANCE IN THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FUND IS REMITTED TO COUNTIES FOR PURPOSES OF THE COUNTY OPERATING MILLAGE PROPERTY TAX CREDIT FOR OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 6-1-320, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE LIMIT ON PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE INCREASES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REDUCTION IN POPULATION AND A DECLINE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX DOES NOT DECREASE THE APPLICABLE LIMIT AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS MILLAGE INCREASE LIMIT DOES NOT AMEND OR REPEAL ANY MORE RESTRICTIVE LIMIT APPLICABLE IN OTHER LAW.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 24, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

S. 657 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Lourie, Setzler, Matthews, Hayes, Land, Pinckney, Courson, Fair, McGill and Short: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 110 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CRITICAL NEEDS NURSING INITIATIVE ACT" INCLUDING PROVISIONS ESTABLISHING THE CRITICAL NEEDS NURSING INITIATIVE FUND, TO IMPROVE THE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED NURSES IN THIS STATE BY PROVIDING NURSING FACULTY SALARY ENHANCEMENTS, CREATING NEW FACULTY POSITIONS, PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL NURSING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS, LOANS, AND GRANTS, ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE FOR HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE RESEARCH TO ANALYZE HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE SUPPLY AND DEMAND, AND PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT IN THE EDUCATION OF NURSES.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 24, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 3525 (Word version) -- Reps. Bedingfield, G.R. Smith, Pinson, J.H. Neal, F.N. Smith, Allen, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Brantley, Cato, Frye, Funderburk, Gullick, Haley, Harrell, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hodges, Howard, Kelly, Knight, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, Moss, Mulvaney, Neilson, J.R. Smith, W.D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Walker and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-950 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND WHOSE DRIVER'S LICENSE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER FOR CHILD SUPPORT MAY OBTAIN A SPECIAL ROUTE-RESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 24, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 3490 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, E.H. Pitts, Delleney, Harrison, Hart, Lucas, Rutherford, Sandifer, Stavrinakis, Thompson, Weeks, Whitmire and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 22, TITLE 17, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM BY DESIGNATING THE EXISTING SECTIONS AS ARTICLE 1 AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 SO AS TO CREATE THE "ALCOHOL EDUCATION PROGRAM ACT", TO PROVIDE THAT EACH SOLICITOR HAS THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WHO COMMIT CERTAIN ALCOHOL-RELATED OFFENSES, AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF A PROGRAM AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS DESIRING TO ENTER A PROGRAM.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 29, 2007

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:

H. 3659 (Word version) -- Reps. Kirsh, Simrill, Owens, Scott and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-33-245, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE EXCISE TAX ON ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT A STATE AGENCY OR LOCAL ENTITY THAT DOES NOT RECEIVE THE SAME AMOUNT OF REVENUE FROM THE EXCISE TAX AS IT DID FROM THE MINIBOTTLE TAX IN FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005, IT IS TO RECEIVE THE DIFFERENCE FROM THE GENERAL FUND WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE CLOSE OF EACH QUARTER IN A CALENDAR YEAR.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

RATIFICATION OF ACTS

Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on May 29, 2007, at 1:30 P.M. and the following Acts and Joint Resolutions were ratified:

(R57, S. 95 (Word version)) -- Senators Cleary and Ford: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 40-15-172, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOBILE DENTAL FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REGISTRANT MUST KEEP RECORDS AT A CENTRAL OFFICE LOCATION OR AT THE PORTABLE DENTAL OPERATION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT IN THE INSTANCE OF A FEE FOR SERVICE PATIENT, THE REGISTRANT MUST PROVIDE THE PATIENT WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE TREATMENT.
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(R58, S. 174 (Word version)) -- Senator Elliott: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 452 OF 2000, RELATING TO PAYMENT FOR THE ATTENDANCE OF MEETINGS BY THE HORRY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE HORRY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MUST BE PAID ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH HE IS IN ATTENDANCE AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HORRY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MUST BE PAID AN ADDITIONAL ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH HE IS IN ATTENDANCE.
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(R59, S. 322 (Word version)) -- Senators Hayes, Hawkins, Vaughn, Peeler, Leatherman, Leventis, O'Dell, McConnell, Cromer, Patterson, Knotts, Land, Mescher, Martin and Alexander: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 114, TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD TUITION ASSISTANCE ACT, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD COLLEGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ACT", TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, TO PROVIDE FOR COLLEGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANTS TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, TO PROVIDE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THE GRANTS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THE GRANTS SHALL BE DISBURSED AND REIMBURSEMENTS MADE IF REQUIRED, TO PROVIDE THAT THESE GRANTS ARE SUBJECT TO FUNDS BEING APPROPRIATED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-111-75, RELATING TO THE LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD SERVING IN AREAS OF CRITICAL NEED, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM MAY NOT ACCEPT NEW PARTICIPANTS, PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD WHO HAVE RECEIVED LOANS BEFORE THE 2007-2008 ACADEMIC YEAR MAY CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THEIR LOANS AND HAVE THEIR LOANS FORGIVEN PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS UNDER WHICH THE LOAN PROGRAM BEGAN, TO REVISE THE ADMINISTRATION FEE THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION MAY RETAIN FOR THE COST OF ADMINISTERING THE LOAN PROGRAM, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ANY FUNDS REMAINING IN THE LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM SHALL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE COLLEGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; AND TO REPEAL ARTICLE 6, CHAPTER 111, TITLE 59 RELATING TO ONE-HALF TUITION FOR MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD.
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(R60, S. 389 (Word version)) -- Senators Campsen, Bryant, Vaughn, Grooms, Martin, Verdin, Scott, Richardson, Fair, Ryberg, Thomas and Gregory: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 33, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO AGE OF CONSENT, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT NO UNMARRIED WOMAN SHALL LEGALLY CONSENT TO SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WHO SHALL NOT HAVE ATTAINED THE AGE OF FOURTEEN YEARS.
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(R61, S. 481 (Word version)) -- Senators Anderson and Fair: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 24, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, BY ADDING SECTION 24-1-285 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR PROGRAM IN THE DEPARTMENT; TO PROVIDE WHO MAY MAKE A DONATION AND IN WHAT MANNER DONATIONS MAY BE MADE; TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION REGARDING BONE MARROW DONATIONS MUST BE PROVIDED TO PRISONERS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH TESTS OR PROCEDURES REQUIRED TO MAKE AN ORGAN OR TISSUE DONATION; TO PROVIDE THAT WITHIN PRISONER HOUSING UNITS THE DEPARTMENT MUST DISPLAY SIGNAGE INFORMING PRISONERS OF THE DONOR PROGRAM AND UPON REQUEST PROVIDE A PRISONER WITH CERTAIN DONOR FORMS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH APPROPRIATE MEDICAL AUTHORITIES, MUST ESTABLISH PROCEDURES TO FACILITATE PRISONER PARTICIPATION IN BONE MARROW DONOR PROGRAMS AND ENSURE THAT ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATIONS MADE BY PRISONERS MUST COMPLY WITH CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF LAW; AND TO PROVIDE THAT ALL ORGAN, TISSUE, AND BONE MARROW DONATIONS MADE UNDER THE PROGRAM BE VOLUNTARY.
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(R62, S. 484 (Word version)) -- Senators Fair and Jackson: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 59-113-50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF INDEPENDENT INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING FOR PURPOSES OF PROVIDING TUITION GRANTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THE DEFINITION AN INDEPENDENT BACHELOR'S LEVEL INSTITUTION CHARTERED BEFORE 1962 WHOSE MAJOR CAMPUS AND HEADQUARTERS ARE LOCATED WITHIN SOUTH CAROLINA.
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(R63, S. 603 (Word version)) -- Senators Grooms, Pinckney and Matthews: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 117 OF 1961, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS OF THE COLLETON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL RECEIVE AN ANNUAL SALARY AND PER-MEETING EXPENSE ALLOWANCE IN AN AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE BOARD NOT EXCEED A SPECIFIED AMOUNT.
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(R64, S. 657 (Word version)) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Lourie, Setzler, Matthews, Hayes, Land, Pinckney, Courson, Fair, McGill and Short: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 110 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CRITICAL NEEDS NURSING INITIATIVE ACT" INCLUDING PROVISIONS ESTABLISHING THE CRITICAL NEEDS NURSING INITIATIVE FUND, TO IMPROVE THE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED NURSES IN THIS STATE BY PROVIDING NURSING FACULTY SALARY ENHANCEMENTS, CREATING NEW FACULTY POSITIONS, PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL NURSING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS, LOANS, AND GRANTS, ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE FOR HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE RESEARCH TO ANALYZE HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE SUPPLY AND DEMAND, AND PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT IN THE EDUCATION OF NURSES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-83, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO IN-STATE FACILITIES DISPENSING DRUGS BEING REQUIRED TO BE PERMITTED BY THE BOARD OF PHARMACY AND BEING REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH OTHER PROVISIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FROM CERTAIN OF THESE REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-86, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACIES, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT FOR A PHARMACIST-IN-CHARGE, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FROM CERTAIN OF THESE REQUIREMENTS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 44-1-215 SO AS TO PERMIT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO RETAIN CERTAIN FUNDS DERIVED FROM RADIATION SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
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(R65, S. 661 (Word version)) -- Senators Gregory, Campsen and Ford: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND UNTIL JANUARY 31, 2008, THE TIME IN WHICH THE EMINENT DOMAIN STUDY COMMITTEE, ESTABLISHED TO FORMULATE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE CONDEMNATION AUTHORITY OF ALL ENTITIES THAT POSSESS THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN IN SOUTH CAROLINA, THE EFFECT OF GOVERNMENTAL POLICY ON THE VALUE AND OWNERSHIP OF PRIVATE PROPERTY, AND THE NEED FOR REVISION OF CURRENT SLUM CLEARANCE AND REDEVELOPMENT USES OF EMINENT DOMAIN IN SOUTH CAROLINA, HAS TO PRESENT ITS REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, AND THE GOVERNOR.
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(R66, S. 666 (Word version)) -- Senators Hayes, Peeler, Gregory and Short: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 59-125-20 AND 59-125-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WINTHROP UNIVERSITY AND THEIR SELECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR TWO ADDITIONAL AT-LARGE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND FOR THE MANNER OF THEIR ELECTION AND TERMS OF OFFICE.
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(R67, H. 3289 (Word version)) -- Rep. Vick: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT FROM SALES TAX THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES OR SALES PRICE OF GOLD, SILVER, AND PLATINUM BULLION, LEGAL TENDER COINS, AND CURRENCY AND TO REQUIRE THE RETAILER TO MAINTAIN PROPER DOCUMENTATION AS REQUIRED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE FOR EACH EXEMPT SALE.
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(R68, H. 3290 (Word version)) -- Reps. Breeland, R. Brown, Mack, Miller, Scarborough, Stavrinakis and Whipper: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VOTING PRECINCTS IN CHARLESTON COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.
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(R69, H. 3409 (Word version)) -- Reps. Scarborough and Limehouse: AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHARLESTON COUNTY AVIATION AUTHORITY'S MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE INCREASED BY TWO MEMBERS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THESE MEMBERS SHALL BE THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHARLESTON COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, OR THEIR DESIGNEES.
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(R70, H. 3428 (Word version)) -- Rep. G.M. Smith: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 28 OF TITLE 23, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RESERVE POLICE OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OF THE STATE TO APPOINT RESERVE OFFICERS IN THE SAME MANNER AS MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
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(R71, H. 3456 (Word version)) -- Reps. M.A. Pitts, Pinson and Parks: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-150 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A LOCAL OFFICIAL OR LANDOWNER TO SEEK TO REMOVE AND SELL OR REMOVE AND DESTROY A DERELICT MOBILE HOME BY APPLYING TO THE MAGISTRATES COURT AND TO ALLOW A LOCAL GOVERNING BODY TO IMPOSE A FEE TO DEFRAY THE COST OF LOCATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND INSPECTION OF DERELICT MOBILE HOMES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-49-85, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO UNCOLLECTIBLE REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES, SO AS TO ALLOW THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO WAIVE AND REMOVE FROM THE TAX DUPLICATE CURRENT AND DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES, ASSESSMENTS, COSTS, AND FEES FROM A MANUFACTURED HOME DEMOLISHED AND DISPOSED OF PURSUANT TO SECTION 6-1-150; AND BY ADDING SECTION 6-29-1145 SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT IF A LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY HAS NOTICE OF A RESTRICTIVE COVENANT ON A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, THE LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY MUST NOT ISSUE A PERMIT FOR ACTIVITY THAT IS CONTRARY TO, CONFLICTS WITH, OR IS PROHIBITED BY THE RESTRICTIVE COVENANT UNLESS THE LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY RECEIVES CONFIRMATION FROM THE APPLICANT THAT THE RESTRICTIVE COVENANT HAS BEEN WAIVED FOR THE TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND EITHER BY ACTION OF THE OTHER PROPERTY HOLDERS SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIVE COVENANT OR BY COURT ORDER.
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(R72, H. 3490 (Word version)) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, E.H. Pitts, Delleney, Harrison, Hart, Lucas, Rutherford, Sandifer, Stavrinakis, Thompson, Weeks, Whitmire and McLeod: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 22, TITLE 17, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM BY DESIGNATING THE EXISTING SECTIONS AS ARTICLE 1 AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 SO AS TO CREATE THE "ALCOHOL EDUCATION PROGRAM ACT", TO PROVIDE THAT EACH SOLICITOR HAS THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WHO COMMIT CERTAIN ALCOHOL-RELATED OFFENSES, AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF A PROGRAM AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS DESIRING TO ENTER A PROGRAM.
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(R73, H. 3525 (Word version)) -- Reps. Bedingfield, G.R. Smith, Pinson, J.H. Neal, F.N. Smith, Allen, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Brantley, Cato, Frye, Funderburk, Gullick, Haley, Harrell, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hodges, Howard, Kelly, Knight, Littlejohn, Mahaffey, Moss, Mulvaney, Neilson, J.R. Smith, W.D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Walker and McLeod: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-171 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHOSE DRIVER'S LICENSE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER FOR CHILD SUPPORT MAY OBTAIN A SPECIAL ROUTE-RESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
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(R74, H. 3711 (Word version)) -- Reps. Sandifer and Whitmire: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 25, TITLE 6, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY REDESIGNATING THE CHAPTER KNOWN AS THE "JOINT MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEMS ACT" AS THE "JOINT AUTHORITY WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS ACT", SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF A JOINT AUTHORITY WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE THAT A NEW COMMISSION MAY CONSIST OF NO MORE THAN ELEVEN MEMBERS, TO PROVIDE THAT A CHANGE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF A JOINT SYSTEM IS NOT FINAL UNTIL NOTICE OF THE CHANGE IS FILED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE, TO PROVIDE THAT A JOINT SYSTEM MAY ENTER A CONTRACT TO SELL WATER OR PROVIDE SEWER SERVICE, AMONG OTHER THINGS; AND TO MAKE CONFORMING AND TECHNICAL CHANGES THROUGHOUT THE CHAPTER.
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(R75, H. 3795 (Word version)) -- Reps. Govan, Hosey, Sellers, Howard and J.H. Neal: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION TO ASSIST AND ENHANCE THE DEPARTMENT'S EFFORTS TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE HISTORIC PROPERTIES REFLECTING THE STATE'S AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE STAFF ASSISTANCE AND FUNDING FOR THE COMMISSION.
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(R76, H. 3818 (Word version)) -- Reps. Bowers and Brantley: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 286 OF 1989, RELATING TO THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF HAMPTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS 1 AND 2, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TRUSTEES, AT THEIR DISCRETION, MAY RECEIVE AN ANNUAL SALARY UP TO THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS.
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(R77, H. 3833 (Word version)) -- Reps. Moss, Littlejohn and Phillips: AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE ELECTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 AND THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR THE CITY OF GAFFNEY MUST BE HELD AT THE SAME TIME AS THE ELECTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF GAFFNEY AND TO PROVIDE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE RESULTS OF THESE ELECTIONS ARE DETERMINED.
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(R78, H. 3890 (Word version)) -- Reps. Harvin and Kirsh: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 57-23-825 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TOWN OF SUMMERTON MAY MOW BEYOND THIRTY FEET FROM THE PAVEMENT ROADSIDE VEGETATION ADJACENT TO THE INTERCHANGES OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 95 AND S14-102 (EXIT 108) IN CLARENDON COUNTY.
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(R79, H. 3915 (Word version)) -- Education and Public Works Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, RELATING TO TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING SCHOOLS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3094, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R80, H. 3923 (Word version)) -- Reps. M.A. Pitts and Duncan: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 779 OF 1988, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS 55 AND 56, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ELECTIONS FOR SCHOOL BOARDS OF TRUSTEES FOR THE DISTRICTS MUST BE HELD AT THE TIME OF THE GENERAL ELECTION INSTEAD OF THE SECOND TUESDAY OF MARCH, IN APPROPRIATE YEARS, BEGINNING IN 2010 AND 2012.
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(R81, H. 3953 (Word version)) -- Rep. Vick: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 205 OF 1993, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DATE FOR ELECTIONS FOR TRUSTEES, AND THE FILING PERIOD FOR DECLARATIONS OF CANDIDACY; AND TO AMEND ACT 1010 OF 1968, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE LOCAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCILS IN THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE MEMBERSHIP OF CERTAIN ADVISORY COUNCILS IS DETERMINED AND THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF EACH ADVISORY COUNCIL.
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(R82, H. 3960 (Word version)) -- Reps. Viers, Barfield, Clemmons, Edge, Hardwick, Hayes, Witherspoon, Miller, Govan and Anderson: A JOINT RESOLUTION THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS DIRECTED TO CHANGE ALL HIGHWAY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS IN THE HIGHWAY RIGHTS-OF-WAY UNDER ITS JURISDICTION IN HORRY COUNTY FROM "WACCAMAW POTTERY", WHICH IS NOW CLOSED, AND FANTASY HARBOUR TO "HARD ROCK PARK".
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(R83, H. 3976 (Word version)) -- Rep. Ott: AN ACT TO ABOLISH THE CALHOUN COUNTY BOARD OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND THE CALHOUN COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION AND TO CREATE THE CALHOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION.
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(R84, H. 4029 (Word version)) -- Rep. Barfield: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 114 OF 1959, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE HORRY COUNTY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ARE APPOINTED, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR WHERE THE COMMISSION WILL MEET, AND TO REVISE OR DELETE OBSOLETE LANGUAGE.
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THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The following Bill and Joint Resolution were read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the titles be changed to that of Acts and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3510 (Word version) -- Reps. Vick, M.A. Pitts, Lowe and Bedingfield: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-530, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MIGRATORY WATERFOWL STAMPS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE COST OF THE STAMPS AND THE MANNER THEY ARE SOLD; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-535, RELATING TO MIGRATORY GAME BIRD PERMITS, FEES, AND INTEGRATION WITH OTHER HUNTING LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT STATE RESIDENTS AT LEAST SIXTY-FOUR AND WHO HOLD A LIFETIME HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A MIGRATORY GAME BIRD PERMIT; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MIGRATORY WATERFOWL COMMITTEE, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE MIGRATORY WATERFOWL COMMITTEE; AND TO ADD SECTION 50-11-22 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL TO HARM, DISTURB, OR TAKE ACTIVELY NESTING WATERFOWL OR TO DISTURB OR DAMAGE A WATERFOWL NEST BOX, AND PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.

H. 3990 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3096, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

HOUSE BILLS RETURNED

The following House Bills and Joint Resolutions were read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:

H. 3135 (Word version) -- Reps. J.E. Smith, Funderburk and Cotty: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A STUDY COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP A STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR PERSONS WITH EPILEPSY IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE.

H. 3233 (Word version) -- Reps. Scarborough and Umphlett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-23-295, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES ON A WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTOR TO BE CURRENT BEFORE THE TITLE TO THESE ITEMS MAY BE TRANSFERRED, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS PROHIBITION ON THE TRANSFER OF TITLE APPLIES ONLY FOR PROPERTY TAXES DUE FOR PROPERTY TAXES FOR PROPERTY TAX YEARS BEGINNING AFTER 1999 AND TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY LANGUAGE AND MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, TO PROVIDE THAT USED WATERCRAFT AND USED OUTBOARD MOTORS OBTAINED FROM A LICENSED DEALER ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 3, 2000, ARE FREE OF THE LIEN FOR THE PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES FOR PROPERTY TAX YEARS BEFORE 2000, AND TO PROVIDE THAT NO REFUNDS OF PROPERTY TAXES ON WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTORS ARE PAYABLE FOR PROPERTY TAX YEARS BEFORE 2000 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND TO REPEAL ACT 451 OF 2002 RELATING TO TRANSFER OF TITLES TO WATERCRAFT IN LEXINGTON COUNTY.

H. 3249 (Word version) -- Reps. Scarborough, Umphlett and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AGENCY PROCEDURES FOR PROMULGATING REGULATIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY REVIEW OF REGULATIONS, SO AS TO REVISE PROCEDURES GOVERNING THIS REVIEW BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, REQUIRING AGENCIES TO STRIKE THROUGH TEXT BEING DELETED FROM EXISTING REGULATIONS AND TO UNDERLINE TEXT BEING ADDED, REQUIRING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO PROVIDE NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WHEN REGULATIONS ARE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW, DELETING THE PROVISIONS ESTABLISHING AUTOMATIC APPROVAL OF REGULATIONS AFTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS AND PROVIDING THAT REGULATIONS MAY ONLY BE EFFECTIVE BY ENACTMENT OF A JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REGULATION, PROVIDING THAT A REGULATION IS DEEMED WITHDRAWN IF IT HAS NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE BY THE END OF THE TWO-YEAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION DURING WHICH THE REGULATION WAS SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW AND PROVIDING EXPEDITED PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING THE SAME REGULATION FOR LEGISLATIVE REVIEW IN THE NEXT SESSION, AND DELETING PROVISIONS REQUIRING AGENCIES TO CONDUCT FORMAL REVIEWS OF THEIR REGULATIONS EVERY FIVE YEARS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-125, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL, DISAPPROVAL, AND MODIFICATION OF REGULATIONS, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT, TO DELETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE ONE-HUNDRED-TWENTY-DAY AUTOMATIC APPROVAL PROCEDURES, AND TO AUTHORIZE, RATHER THAN PROHIBIT, AN AGENCY TO WITHDRAW REGULATIONS UNDER GENERAL ASSEMBLY REVIEW ANYTIME AND TO PROVIDE EXPEDITED PROCEDURES FOR RESUBMISSION OF SUCH WITHDRAWN REGULATIONS.

H. 3379 (Word version) -- Reps. D.C. Smith, J.R. Smith, Perry, Clyburn and Stewart: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 59-104-20 AND 59-149-50, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP AND THE LIFE SCHOLARSHIP, RESPECTIVELY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENT ATTENDING AN OUT-OF-STATE HIGH SCHOOL IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP OR A LIFE SCHOLARSHIP AND PROVIDE THAT THE EXISTING HIGH SCHOOL RANK AND GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF A SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENT ATTENDING AN OUT-OF-STATE HIGH SCHOOL MAY BE USED PROVIDED IT IS CALCULATED PURSUANT TO A STATE-APPROVED, STANDARDIZED GRADING SCALE AT THE RESPECTIVE OUT-OF-STATE HIGH SCHOOL.

H. 3721 (Word version) -- Reps. Howard, Perry, Haskins, Witherspoon, Harrison, Brady, Walker and Merrill: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-380 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A PERSON TO PRACTICE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION; AND BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-385 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN OPERATING ROOM CIRCULATOR MUST BE A REGISTERED NURSE, AND TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST MAY ASSIST IN PERFORMING OPERATING ROOM CIRCULATION DUTIES.

H. 3933 (Word version) -- Reps. Mitchell, Whipper, Branham, Cotty, Merrill, Loftis, Clyburn, Anderson, J.H. Neal, McLeod, F.N. Smith, Govan, Brantley, Ott, Alexander, Crawford, Bedingfield, Cato, Hosey, Lucas, Knight, Bingham, Agnew, Allen, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Ceips, Chellis, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lowe, Mack, Mahaffey, Miller, Moss, Mulvaney, Neilson, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E.H. Pitts, M.A. Pitts, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D.C. Smith, G.M. Smith, G.R. Smith, J.R. Smith, W.D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon, Young and Frye: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE A MULTI-AGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION PROJECTS IN THIS STATE.

SECOND READING BILLS

The following Bills, having been read the second time, were ordered placed on the Third Reading Calendar:

H. 3319 (Word version) -- Reps. M.A. Pitts, Pinson and Parks: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 595 OF 1994, RELATING TO THE MANNER IN WHICH MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 50 ARE ELECTED, SO AS TO CHANGE THE FILING PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER TO AUGUST.

H. 3319--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator O'DELL, H. 3319 was ordered to receive a third reading on Wednesday, May 30, 2007.

S. 770 (Word version) -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-501, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN SUMTER COUNTY, SO AS TO RENAME AND REVISE CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS OF SUMTER COUNTY AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND TO CORRECT ARCHAIC LANGUAGE.

S. 770--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator LEVENTIS, with unanimous consent, S. 770 was ordered to receive a third reading on Wednesday, May 30, 2007.

H. 3991 (Word version) -- Reps. McLeod, Haley, Toole, Spires, Huggins, Ott, E.H. Pitts, Bingham, Ballentine and Frye: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-380, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN LEXINGTON COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS OF LEXINGTON COUNTY AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 793 (Word version) -- Senator Cleary: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY MAY MEET IN LOCATIONS OTHER THAN CONWAY AND TO PROVIDE THAT ALL PROPERTY, REAL AND PERSONAL, AND RIGHTS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION VESTED IN COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY LOCATED IN HORRY COUNTY SHALL BE VESTED IN "COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY".

Senator CLEARY asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the second reading of the Bill.

Senator CLEARY asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Bill be given second and third readings on the next two successive days.

Senator HUTTO spoke on the motion.

Point of Order Withdrawn

Senator LEVENTIS raised a Point of Order that the motion to give the Bill readings on the next two successive legislative days required unanimous consent inasmuch as the Bill was improperly on the Local and Uncontested Calendar and was statewide in nature.

Point of Order

Senator RITCHIE raised a Point of Order that the Point of Order raised by Senator LEVENTIS came too late.

Senator LEVENTIS spoke on the Point of Order.

On motion of Senator LEVENTIS, with unanimous consent, the Point of Order raised by Senator LEVENTIS was withdrawn.

Senator CLEARY asked unanimous consent to make a motion that the Bill be placed on the Statewide Uncontested Calendar.

There was no objection and the Bill was placed on the Statewide Uncontested Calendar.

On motion of Senator CLEARY, with unanimous consent, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

S. 793--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator CLEARY, with unanimous consent, S. 793 was ordered to receive a third reading on Wednesday, May 30, 2007.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED
READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 360 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 48-52-215 TO DEFINE "RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES" FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACT.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources proposed the following amendment (360R001.DBV), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, page 1, by striking line 26 and inserting:

/     resources, biomass energy, nuclear energy, and landfill gas."

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator VERDIN explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED
READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 3828 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Loftis, Alexander, Duncan, Perry, Scott, Talley, Bales, Haskins, Witherspoon, Huggins, Bedingfield, Harrison, G.R. Smith, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Branham, Chellis, Clemmons, Cooper, Crawford, Edge, Gambrell, Hardwick, Hayes, Jennings, Leach, Limehouse, Lowe, Mahaffey, Mitchell, Ott, Pinson, Rice, Sandifer, Scarborough, W.D. Smith, Taylor, Thompson, Vick, Viers, Walker and White: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN OFF THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS COMPOSITION, APPOINTMENT, POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND TO REQUIRE THE COMMITTEE TO MAKE A REPORT ON ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE JANUARY 8, 2008, AT WHICH TIME IT IS DISSOLVED.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources proposed the following amendment (3828R001.DBV):

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, on page 2, by striking lines 3 - 4 and inserting:

/   (B)   The study committee is comprised of twenty members to include:     /

Amend the joint resolution further, as and if amended, on page 2, after line 20 by inserting appropriately numbered new items to read:

/   ( )   one at-large member selected by the Chairman of the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee;

( )   one at-large member selected by the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee;     /

Amend the joint resolution further, as and if amended, SECTION 1, page 3, by striking line 20 and inserting:

/     to the General Assembly before February 1, 2008, at which time it /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator VERDIN explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Resolution was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT AMENDED, OBJECTION

H. 3170 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, W.D. Smith, Cato, Chellis, Cooper, Harrison, Walker, Witherspoon, Merrill, Ott, Ballentine, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bingham, Brady, Ceips, Clemmons, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Gambrell, Haley, Haskins, Hardwick, Herbkersman, Hinson, Leach, Littlejohn, Limehouse, Loftis, Lowe, Lucas, Mahaffey, Owens, Perry, Pinson, E.H. Pitts, Rice, Sandifer, Scarborough, Simrill, Skelton, D.C. Smith, G.M. Smith, G.R. Smith, J.R. Smith, Spires, Taylor, Thompson, Umphlett, Viers, Whitmire, Young, Bales, Kirsh, Huggins, Bowen, Jefferson, Alexander, R. Brown, Breeland, Bannister, White, Edge, Harvin, Kennedy, Crawford, Jennings, Miller, Gullick, Anthony, Phillips, Coleman, Mitchell, F.N. Smith, J.E. Smith, Clyburn, Sellers, Cobb-Hunter, Agnew, Bowers, Knight, Mulvaney, Neilson, Williams, Branham, Toole, Battle, Duncan, Hodges and Talley: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-104-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A RESIDENT STUDENT WHO IS AT LEAST A SOPHOMORE ATTENDING A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE INSTITUTION IN THIS STATE, MAJORING IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS, AND RECEIVING A PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP SHALL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP STIPEND FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS UNDERGRADUATE TERM IF HE MEETS CERTAIN CONDITIONS INCLUDING MAKING SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS TOWARD RECEIVING AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS MAJOR INCLUDES AN ENGINEERING MAJOR; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-149-15 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A RESIDENT STUDENT WHO IS AT LEAST A SOPHOMORE ATTENDING A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE INSTITUTION IN THIS STATE, MAJORING IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS, AND RECEIVING A LIFE SCHOLARSHIP SHALL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL LIFE SCHOLARSHIP STIPEND FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS UNDERGRADUATE TERM IF HE MEETS CERTAIN CONDITIONS INCLUDING MAKING SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS TOWARD RECEIVING AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS MAJOR INCLUDES AN ENGINEERING MAJOR.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Education.

Amendment No. P-1

Senators COURSON and SETZLER proposed the following Amendment No. P-1 (3170R002.NGS), which was adopted:

Amend the committee amendment, as and if amended, by striking the committee amendment in its entirety and inserting:

/     SECTION   1.   Chapter 104, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-104-25.   (A)   A resident student who has completed at least sixty credit hours and is attending a four-year public or private institution of higher learning in this State, who has a declared major of science or mathematics, or a declared major in education and has been admitted to a teacher education program approved by the State Department of Education, and who is receiving a Palmetto Fellows Scholarship for his current year, shall receive an additional Palmetto Fellows Loan equal to the cost of attendance after applying all scholarships or grants not to exceed three thousand three hundred dollars each year for not more than two years of instruction if enrolled in a four-year degree program or for not more than three years of instruction if enrolled in a five-year degree program or enrolled in a 3 plus 2 program. A year is defined as thirty credit hours of instruction or its equivalent each year. To receive the additional Palmetto Fellows Loan each year, a student must receive the underlying Palmetto Fellows Scholarship for that year and must be making satisfactory academic progress each year toward receiving a degree in his science, mathematics, or education major.

(B)   The Commission on Higher Education, by regulation, shall define what constitutes a science or mathematics qualifying degree for purposes of this section, but at minimum shall include majors and degrees in science or mathematics disciplines, computer science or informational technology, engineering, and health care and related disciplines including medicine and dentistry; provided, that nothing herein prevents a student from changing majors within acceptable science, mathematics, or education disciplines. The Commission on Higher Education, by regulation, shall also define what constitutes enrollment in an accredited graduate program.

(C)   This additional Palmetto Fellows Loan, if lost, may be regained in the same manner the underlying Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, if lost, may be regained.

(D)(1)   A recipient of the Palmetto Fellows Loan who obtains at least a qualifying degree pursuant to subsection (B) may have up to one hundred percent of the amount of the loan plus interest on the loan canceled. The loan is canceled at a rate of twenty percent of the total principal amount of the loan plus interest on the unpaid balance for each complete year a recipient with a science, mathematics, or education degree is employed in this State and files a South Carolina residential income tax return, or for each complete year a recipient with an education degree is employed as a certified teacher in this State and files a South Carolina residential income tax return. The loan must be canceled beginning from the actual date of employment of a recipient. A recipient of a loan shall notify the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation and provide supporting documentation verifying employment within six months of graduation if he is entitled to have his loan canceled. A recipient seeking loan cancellation also shall provide the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation with evidence that he has filed taxes in South Carolina by May first of each year.

(2)   Notwithstanding subsection (D)(1), if a recipient enrolls in an accredited graduate program that furthers their education in science, mathematics, or education within five years and six months following undergraduate graduation and is otherwise entitled to have his loan canceled, the recipient remains entitled to have his loan canceled. During the time the recipient is enrolled in an accredited graduate program, the payments on the loan, including principal and interest, shall be deferred. A recipient seeking loan deferment shall provide the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation with evidence that he has enrolled in an accredited graduate program. Within six months of the recipient no longer being enrolled in an accredited graduate program, the recipient shall notify the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation and provide supporting documentation verifying employment if he is entitled to have his loan canceled. A recipient seeking loan cancellation also shall provide the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation with evidence that he has filed taxes in South Carolina by May first of each year.

(3)   In case of failure to make a scheduled repayment of any installment, failure to apply for cancellation of deferment of the loan on time, failure by a recipient to notify the commission within thirty days that he no longer meets the employment, graduate education, or residency requirements of subsection (D)(1), or noncompliance by a borrower with the intent of the loan, the entire unpaid indebtedness including accrued interest, at the option of the commission, shall become immediately due and payable in accordance with regulations promulgated pursuant to this subsection and subject to the terms of the promissory note. A recipient shall execute the necessary legal documents to secure his obligation and the terms and conditions of the loan.

(4)   Failure by a recipient to inform the commission in writing within thirty days that he no longer meets the employment, graduate education, or residency requirements of subsection (D)(1) subjects a recipient to liability for administrative costs incurred by the commission in determining the actual date of termination for purposes of applying interest charges.

(5)   The loan program is to be administered by the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation. Funds generated from repayments to the loan program must be retained in a separate account and utilized as a revolving account for the purpose that the funds were originally appropriated.

(6)   The Commission on Higher Education shall promulgate regulations to implement this loan program."

SECTION   2.   Chapter 149, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-149-15.   (A)   A resident student who has completed at least sixty credit hours and is attending a four-year public or private institution of higher learning in this State, who has a declared major of science or mathematics, or a declared major in education and has been admitted to a teacher education program approved by the State Department of Education, and who is receiving a LIFE Scholarship for his current year shall receive an additional LIFE Loan equal to the cost of attendance after applying all scholarships or grants not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars each year for not more than two years of instruction if enrolled in a four-year degree program or for not more than three years of instruction if enrolled in a five-year degree program or enrolled in a 3 plus 2 program. A year is defined as thirty credit hours of instruction or its equivalent each year. To receive the additional LIFE Loan each year, a student must receive the underlying LIFE Scholarship for that year and must be making satisfactory academic progress each year toward receiving a degree in his science, mathematics, or education major.

(B)   The Commission on Higher Education, by regulation, shall define what constitutes a science or mathematics qualifying degree for purposes of this section, but at a minimum shall include majors and degrees in science or mathematics disciplines, computer science or informational technology, engineering, and health care and related disciplines including medicine and dentistry; provided, that nothing herein prevents a student from changing majors within acceptable science, mathematics, or education disciplines. The Commission on Higher Education, by regulation, shall also define what constitutes enrollment in an accredited graduate program.

(C)   This additional LIFE Loan, if lost, may be regained in the same manner the underlying LIFE Scholarship, if lost, may be regained.

(D)(1)   A recipient of the Life Loan who obtains at least a qualifying degree pursuant to subsection (B) may have up to one hundred percent of the amount of the loan plus interest on the loan canceled. The loan is canceled at a rate of twenty percent of the total principal amount of the loan plus interest on the unpaid balance for each complete year a recipient with a science, mathematics, or education degree is employed in this State and files a South Carolina residential income tax return, or for each complete year a recipient with an education degree is employed as a certified teacher in this State and files a South Carolina residential income tax return. The loan must be canceled beginning from the actual date of employment of a recipient. A recipient of a loan shall notify the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation and provide supporting documentation verifying employment within six months of graduation if he is entitled to have his loan canceled. A recipient seeking loan cancellation also shall provide the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation with evidence that he has filed taxes in South Carolina by May first of each year.

(2)   Notwithstanding subsection (D)(1), if a recipient enrolls in an accredited graduate program that furthers their education in science, mathematics, or education within five years and six months following undergraduate graduation and is otherwise entitled to have his loan canceled, the recipient remains entitled to have his loan canceled. During the time the recipient is enrolled in an accredited graduate program, the payments on the loan, including principal and interest, shall be deferred. A recipient seeking loan deferment shall provide the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation with evidence that he has enrolled in an accredited graduate program. Within six months of the recipient no longer being enrolled in an accredited graduate program, the recipient shall notify the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation and provide supporting documentation verifying employment if he is entitled to have his loan canceled. A recipient seeking loan cancellation also shall provide the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation with evidence that he has filed taxes in South Carolina by May first of each year.

(3)   In case of failure to make a scheduled repayment of any installment, failure to apply for cancellation of deferment of the loan on time, failure by a recipient to notify the commission within thirty days that he no longer meets the employment, graduate education, or residency requirements of subsection (D)(1), or noncompliance by a borrower with the intent of the loan, the entire unpaid indebtedness including accrued interest, at the option of the commission, shall become immediately due and payable in accordance with regulations promulgated pursuant to this subsection and subject to the terms of the promissory note. A recipient shall execute the necessary legal documents to secure his obligation and the terms and conditions of the loan.

(4)   Failure by a recipient to inform the commission in writing within thirty days that he no longer meets the employment, graduate education, or residency requirements of subsection (D)(1) subjects a recipient to liability for administrative costs incurred by the commission in determining the actual date of termination for purposes of applying interest charges.

(5)   The loan program is to be administered by the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation. Funds generated from repayments to the loan program must be retained in a separate account and utilized as a revolving account for the purpose that the funds were originally appropriated.

(6)   The Commission on Higher Education shall promulgate regulations to implement this loan program."

SECTION   3.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor, and applies beginning with the academic year beginning in the fall of 2007.         /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator SETZLER explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator LEATHERMAN objected to further consideration of the Bill.

OBJECTION

S. 422 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Campsen and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VALUATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF THE PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OWNER-OCCUPANT OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY QUALIFIES FOR THE SPECIAL FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO ALLOWED OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IF THE OWNER HAS MADE THE PROPER CERTIFICATE TO THE COUNTY ASSESSOR AND THE RESIDENCE IS THE OWNER'S ADDRESS ON THE OWNER'S SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER'S LICENSE OR VOTER REGISTRATION CARD, IS THE ADDRESS ON THE OWNER'S PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX NOTICES, AND THE RESIDENCE IS NOT RENTED FOR MORE THAN NINETY DAYS A YEAR, AND TO DELETE OTHER REFERENCES TO RENTAL OF THESE RESIDENCES.

Senator HUTTO objected to further consideration.

OBJECTION

H. 3254 (Word version) -- Reps. Clyburn, Neilson, Whipper, W.D. Smith, Anderson, Bales, Breeland, R. Brown, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Dantzler, Delleney, Harrison, Hayes, Hosey, Howard, Jennings, Limehouse, Mack, Merrill, J.H. Neal, Ott, Owens, Rutherford, Scarborough, Sellers, Umphlett, Viers, Walker and Bedingfield: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-18-1600 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SCHOOL THAT HAS RECEIVED AN UNSATISFACTORY ABSOLUTE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE RATING ON ITS MOST RECENT REPORT CARD SHALL OFFER AN ORIENTATION CLASS ON CERTAIN SCHOOL ISSUES AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A STUDENT SCORING BELOW BASIC ON ANY PORTION OF THE STATE ASSESSMENT WHO IS REGISTERED TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL SHALL ATTEND THE ORIENTATION CLASS.

Senator McCONNELL objected to further consideration.

OBJECTION

H. 3820 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Viers, Clemmons, Bales, Hardwick, Miller, Haley, Perry, Leach, Anderson, Witherspoon, Barfield, Battle, Dantzler, Edge, Herbkersman and Hodges: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ENACTING THE "OMNIBUS COASTAL PROPERTY INSURANCE REFORM ACT OF 2007", TO ALLOW AN INSURANCE POLICYHOLDER TO ESTABLISH A CATASTROPHE SAVINGS ACCOUNT, TO ALLOW A TAX CREDIT FOR CERTAIN EXPENDITURES, TO ALLOW A THREE PERCENT SALES TAX ON SPECIFIED BUILDING MATERIALS USED ON HOMES TO MITIGATE DAMAGE FROM WIND, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE HAS AUTHORITY TO ISSUE GENERAL ORDERS APPLICABLE TO ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES AFTER THE GOVERNOR DECLARES A STATE OF EMERGENCY, TO ALLOW TAX CREDIT INCENTIVES TO INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT PROVIDE FULL INSURANCE COVERAGE TO PROPERTY OWNERS ALONG THE COAST, TO REGULATE CERTAIN INSURANCE RATES, TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL GENERAL CORPORATE POWERS AND DUTIES FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA WIND AND HAIL UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION AND TO REGULATE THEIR RATES, TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HURRICANE GRANT DAMAGE MITIGATION PROGRAM" WHICH PROVIDES FOR A GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE MITIGATION OF DAMAGE TO OR THE ENHANCEMENT OF MANUFACTURED HOMES, AND TO INCREASE THE TIME PERIOD FOR NOTIFYING AN INSURED OF THE CANCELLATION OR REFUSAL TO RENEW AN INSURANCE POLICY. (Abbreviated Title)

Senator HAYES objected to further consideration.

CARRIED OVER

H. 3304 (Word version) -- Reps. J.M. Neal, McLeod, Branham, Chalk, Frye, Gambrell, Littlejohn, Lucas, Mulvaney, Neilson, Rice, Spires, Viers and Agnew: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 61, TITLE 44 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES EMPLOYMENT ACT" AND TO REQUIRE AFTER JUNE 30, 2007, A PERSON SEEKING EMPLOYMENT AS AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT) TO UNDERGO A CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT, TO PROHIBIT EMPLOYMENT OF A PERSON AS AN EMT IF THE PERSON HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF CERTAIN FELONY CRIMES OR CRIMES AGAINST CERTAIN VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS, TO EXEMPT AN EMT EMPLOYED ON JULY 1, 2007, FROM A CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK UNLESS AND UNTIL THE EMT CHANGES HIS EMT EMPLOYMENT, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY.

On motion of Senator THOMAS, the Bill was carried over.

H. 3362 (Word version) -- Reps. Parks, Sandifer, Scott, Pinson, Allen, Agnew, Alexander, Cato, Cobb-Hunter, Davenport, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Howard, Jefferson, Leach, Miller, J.H. Neal, M.A. Pitts, Sellers, F.N. Smith, Taylor, Weeks, Whipper, Whitmire and Mahaffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-63-72 SO AS TO REQUIRE AN EMBALMER OR FUNERAL DIRECTOR WHO FILES A DEATH CERTIFICATE TO PROVIDE HIS EMBALMER OR FUNERAL HOME DIRECTOR LICENSE NUMBER ON THE DEATH CERTIFICATE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-63-70, RELATING TO THE STATE REGISTRAR'S OBLIGATION TO PRESCRIBE DEATH CERTIFICATE FORMS, AMONG OTHER VITAL STATISTICS FORMS, TO COUNTY REGISTRARS AND APPROPRIATE AGENCIES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE REGISTRAR TO INCLUDE ON DEATH CERTIFICATE FORMS A SPACE WHERE AN EMBALMER OR FUNERAL DIRECTOR MAY PROVIDE HIS LICENSE NUMBER WHEN FILING A DEATH CERTIFICATE.

On motion of Senator KNOTTS, the Bill was carried over.

H. 3623 (Word version) -- Rep. Thompson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-11-340, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 14-1-206, 14-1-207, AND 14-1-208, ALL AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MONETARY ASSESSMENTS LEVIED AGAINST FINES IMPOSED IN GENERAL SESSIONS, MAGISTRATES, AND MUNICIPAL COURTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY"; TO AMEND SECTION 23-11-110, RELATING TO CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS THAT A SHERIFF MUST POSSESS, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE; TO AMEND SECTION 23-23-70, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO SECTION 23-6-440 AND REPLACE IT WITH REFERENCES TO SECTION 23-23-60; TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-28-20, 23-28-60, AND 23-28-90, ALL RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF RESERVE POLICE OFFICERS, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO 911 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE; TO AMEND SECTION 24-5-320, RELATING TO THE JAIL PRE-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND REPLACE THEM WITH REFERENCES TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 24-5-360, RELATING TO TRAINING OFFERED TO RESERVES WHO WISH TO BECOME FULL-TIME JAILERS OR DETENTION OFFICERS, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND REPLACE THEM WITH REFERENCES TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, AND TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2950, RELATING TO A PERSON WHO DRIVES A MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING GIVEN CONSENT TO SUBMIT TO CHEMICAL TESTS OF HIS BREATH, BLOOD, OR URINE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND REPLACE IT WITH A REFERENCE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-18-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING COUNCIL AND TO REPLACE IT WITH A REFERENCE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY.

On motion of Senator MALLOY, the Bill was carried over.

H. 3373 (Word version) -- Reps. M.A. Pitts and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-55-825 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF A PERMIT IS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO INSTALL AN INDIVIDUAL WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM THE DEPARTMENT IS ONLY REQUIRED TO CONDUCT RANDOM FINAL INSPECTIONS ON THREE PERCENT OF THESE INSTALLED SYSTEMS.

On motion of Senator SETZLER, the Bill was carried over.

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Senate agreed to dispense with the Motion Period.

HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS OF COMMITTEES OF CONFERENCE AND FREE CONFERENCE.

S. 332--CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

S. 332 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, Ritchie and Vaughn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-55-530, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT "FALSE STATEMENT AND MISREPRESENTATION" INCLUDES A FALSE BUSINESS ACTIVITY REPORT, MISCOUNT OR MISCLASSIFICATION BY AN EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE, OR A FALSE CLAIM MADE BY AN EMPLOYEE TO OBTAIN AN ECONOMIC BENEFIT; TO AMEND SECTION 38-55-540, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR A FALSE STATEMENT AND MISREPRESENTATION, SO AS TO INCREASE PENALTIES AND CREATE ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES; TO AMEND SECTION 38-55-560 BY ADDING SUBPARAGRAPH (E) AUTHORIZING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO HIRE A FORENSIC ACCOUNTANT TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE INSURANCE FRAUD DIVISION; TO AMEND SECTION 42-1-160, WHICH DEFINES "INJURY" AND "PERSONAL INJURY", SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE EMPLOYEE'S BURDEN OF PROOF AND FURTHER EXCLUDE CERTAIN CONDITIONS FROM "PERSONAL INJURY" AND EXCLUDE CERTAIN EVENTS FROM "ACCIDENT"; TO ADD SECTION 42-1-172, RELATING TO A REPETITIVE TRAUMA INJURY, SO AS TO ESTABLISH WHEN A REPETITIVE TRAUMA INJURY MAY BE COMPENSABLE; TO AMEND SECTION 42-1-375 SO AS TO EXEMPT AN OWNER-OPERATOR OF A VEHICLE LEASED TO A MOTOR CARRIER WHO HAS SIGNED AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT WITH A MOTOR CARRIER; TO AMEND SECTION 42-9-30 SO AS TO LIMIT THE DISABILITY AWARD TO TEN PERCENT GREATER THAN THE MEDICAL IMPAIRMENT RATING UNLESS THE COMMISSIONER FINDS EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES AND LISTS FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES AND TO PRESUME FIFTY PERCENT OR MORE LOSS OF USE OF THE BACK IS TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 42-11-10, RELATING TO OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE, SO AS TO ESTABLISH EMPLOYEE'S BURDEN OF PROOF, EXCLUDE CERTAIN TYPES OF CONDITIONS, AND PROVIDE THAT COMPENSATION IS NOT PAYABLE UNLESS CLAIMANT SUFFERS PERMANENT OR PARTIAL DISABILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 42-15-20, RELATING TO NOTICE FOR A REPETITIVE TRAUMA INJURY, SO AS TO REQUIRE NOTICE BE GIVEN NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER EMPLOYEE COULD HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE CONDITION IS COMPENSABLE; TO AMEND SECTION 42-15-40 SO AS TO BAR THE RIGHT TO COMPENSATION FOR A REPETITIVE TRAUMA INJURY UNLESS THE CLAIM IS FILED WITHIN TWO YEARS AFTER THE DEATH, DISABILITY, OR LAST DATE OF EMPLOYMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 42-15-60, RELATING TO EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THAT AFTER TEN WEEKS AFTER DATE OF EMPLOYEE'S INJURY, EMPLOYEE MUST ESTABLISH BY MEDICAL RECORDS OR EXPERT MEDICAL TESTIMONY THAT ADDITIONAL TIME IS NEEDED TO LESSEN THE EMPLOYEE'S DEGREE OF IMPAIRMENT AND TO CLARIFY THAT AN EMPLOYER'S DUTY TO EMPLOYEE TERMINATES WHEN THERE IS NO FURTHER MEDICAL CARE THAT WOULD LESSEN THE DEGREE OF MEDICAL IMPAIRMENT AND IN NO CASE WOULD MEDICAL BENEFITS EXTEND FOR MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED WEEKS AFTER THE DATE OF INJURY, EXCEPT IN CASES INVOLVING PARAPLEGIA, QUADRIPLEGIA AND PHYSICAL BRAIN DAMAGE; TO AMEND SECTION 42-15-95, RELATING TO THE RELEASE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION IN WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN EMPLOYEE SEEKING TREATMENT IS CONSIDERED TO HAVE GIVEN CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF MEDICAL RECORDS AND TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATION OPTIONS AMONG INTERESTED PARTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 42-17-90 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A ONE-YEAR PERIOD FOR CHANGE OF CONDITION IN CASES INVOLVING REPETITIVE TRAUMA OR OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-495 SO AS TO ACCOUNT FOR THIRD-PARTY REIMBURSEMENTS IN EXPERIENCE MODIFICATION; TO AMEND SECTION 42-7-310 SO AS TO REDUCE THE SECOND INJURY FUND ASSESSMENT FORMULA TO ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE PERCENT AND TO REQUIRE THE SECOND INJURY FUND DIRECTOR TO ANNUALLY SUBMIT INFORMATION TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON COMPENSATION INSURANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 42-9-400, RELATING TO THE SECOND INJURY FUND, SO AS TO ELIMINATE "COMBINED EFFECTS OF PREEXISTING IMPAIRMENT AND SUBSEQUENT INJURY", TO FURTHER INCREASE THE NUMBER OF WEEKS TO ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR, TO INCREASE THE THRESHOLD FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR MEDICAL PAYMENT FROM THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS, TO ELIMINATE "ARTHRITIS" AND "ANY OTHER PRE-EXISTING DISEASE, CONDITION OR IMPAIRMENT" FROM THE LIST OF PRESUMPTIONS FOR PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT, AND TO PROVIDE NOTICE PROVISIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 42-9-410 SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF WEEKS TO ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR FOR SECOND INJURY FUND REIMBURSEMENT ELIGIBILITY; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 73, TITLE 38.

Whereupon, Senators MARTIN, HUTTO and RITCHIE were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM THE HOUSE.

CONCURRENCE

S. 235 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Thomas and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 34-26-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CREDIT UNION ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "DEPOSIT ACCOUNT" AND "SHARE ACCOUNT"; 34-26-350, RELATING TO THE PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS OF A CREDIT UNION, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE CREDIT UNION MAY ESTABLISH AND CLOSE BRANCHES WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; 34-26-420, RELATING TO POWERS INCIDENTAL TO THE PURPOSE OF CREDIT UNIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE POWERS GRANTED BY STATE LAW OR REGULATION TO A STATE-CHARTERED CREDIT UNION NOT EXCEEDING THOSE FOR A FEDERALLY-INSURED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION; 34-26-500, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF MEMBERSHIP OF A CREDIT UNION, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT A CREDIT UNION PRESENTLY DOES NOT HAVE A CREDIT UNION SERVICE AVAILABLE, AND PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD APPROVAL IS NOT NECESSARY TO ADD GROUPS WITH NOT MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY POTENTIAL MEMBERS INSTEAD OF ONE HUNDRED; 34-26-605, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF A CREDIT UNION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BYLAWS MAY OFFER THE OPTION OF USING LOAN OFFICERS INSTEAD OF A CREDIT COMMITTEE; 34-26-750, RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN SHARE ACCOUNTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT CREDIT UNION BYLAWS MUST ESTABLISH MEMBERSHIP AND MEMBER'S RIGHT TO VOTE, OBTAIN LOANS, OR HOLD OFFICE; AND 34-26-860, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE LIMITATION ON THE SIZE OF LOAN SECURED BY REAL ESTATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LOAN TERMS FOR RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS MAY NOT EXCEED FORTY INSTEAD OF THIRTY YEARS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT LOANS FOR CERTIFIED APPRAISALS MUST BE THE SAME AS FOR STATE-CHARTERED BANKS.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

On motion of Senator HAYES, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.

CONCURRENCE

S. 459 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, Leventis, Lourie, Bryant, Ford, Knotts and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-116-130 SO AS TO ENACT THE "JESSICA HORTON CAMPUS CRIME ACT" TO PROVIDE THAT CAMPUS POLICE OFFICERS SHALL NOTIFY AND WORK WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON THE INVESTIGATION OF A DEATH OR A RAPE RESULTING FROM AN INCIDENT OCCURRING ON THE CAMPUS OF AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

On motion of Senator SHEHEEN, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.

NONCONCURRENCE

H. 3355 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, Mulvaney, Bedingfield, Shoopman, Leach, Gullick, Duncan, Hamilton, Kelly, M.A. Pitts, Rice, Talley, Walker, Haskins, Simrill, Vick, Owens, Viers, Loftis, G.M. Smith, Toole, G.R. Smith, Pinson and Bingham: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-41-330 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PREREQUISITES FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF AN ABORTION, INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED, CERTIFICATION, WAITING PERIOD, SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR MINORS OR MENTALLY INCOMPETENT PERSONS, RETENTION OF RECORDS, AND UNAVAILABILITY OF RECORDS, TO PROVIDE THAT A PHYSICIAN WHO PERFORMS AND ULTRASOUND PRIOR TO PERFORMING AN ABORTION MUST INFORM THE WOMAN THAT SHE HAS THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE ULTRASOUND IMAGES AND UPON HER REQUEST THE PHYSICIAN MUST SHOW THE IMAGES TO THE WOMAN AND PROVIDE A MEDICAL EXPLANATION OF THE IMAGES, TO PROVIDE THAT A PHYSICIAN NOT REQUIRED TO PERFORM AN ULTRASOUND PRIOR TO PERFORMING AN ABORTION MUST INFORM THE WOMAN THAT ULTRASOUND SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO HER AND PROVIDE HER WITH A LIST OF LOCATIONS WHERE AN ULTRASOUND MAY BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE, TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE PHYSICIAN OR ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL PERFORMS AN ABORTION THE PRINTED MATERIALS MAY NOT BE PRESENTED TO HER SOONER THAN TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE ULTRASOUND IS PERFORMED, TO PROVIDE THAT THE WOMAN MUST CERTIFY IN WRITING BEFORE THE ABORTION IS PERFORMED THAT SHE HAS BEEN INFORMED OF HER RIGHT TO VIEW THE IMAGES, TO PROVIDE THAT UNEMANCIPATED MINORS AND PEOPLE ADJUDICATED TO BE INCOMPETENT ARE EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT, TO AMEND CHAPTER 41, TITLE 44 TO ADD SECTION 44-41-35 TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH AN ULTRASOUND MUST BE PERFORMED PRIOR TO PERFORMING AN ABORTION, AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-41-340, TO PROVIDE FOR THE INFORMATION THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF FACILITIES THAT PROVIDE ULTRASOUNDS FREE OF CHARGE.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

On motion of Senator PEELER, the Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

LOCAL APPOINTMENTS
Confirmations

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

Initial Appointment, Beaufort County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence June 6, 2003, and to expire June 6, 2009

Marvin H. Dukes III, 791 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29902 VICE Curtis L. Coltrane

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

Initial Appointment, Colleton County Magistrate, with term to commence April 30, 2006, and to expire April 30, 2010

Travis Lee Avant, 255 Longleaf Drive, Walterboro, S.C. 29488 VICE Norris O. Rearden

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mrs. Margie Carn McKissick-Jones, 71, former Clerk of Court of Dorchester County, S.C.

ADJOURNMENT

At 2:29 P.M., on motion of Senator McCONNELL, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

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This web page was last updated on Monday, June 22, 2009 at 2:02 P.M.