South Carolina General Assembly
120th Session, 2013-2014
Journal of the Senate

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 2:00 P.M., 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 Genesis we read:

"But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites   out of Egypt?' And God said, 'I will be with you'."
(Genesis 3:11-12a)

Please, join me as we bow in prayer:

Loving Lord, just as Moses faced overwhelming obstacles, so do these leaders know that they also must turn to You, fervently seeking Your blessing and guidance during these challenging days of 2013. In an unsettled, unpredictable world, we all can surely do no less. Embrace each of these Senators in Your care and grant them the wisdom, insight, and yes, even the courage they might need as they work together to move South Carolina further along   the roadway to prosperity and promise. Strengthen and bless each one of these, Your servants. In Your name we pray, O Lord.
Amen.

Point of Quorum

At 2:03 P.M., Senator LARRY MARTIN made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

Senator LARRY MARTIN moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Campsen                   Cleary                    Corbin
Courson                   Cromer                    Davis
Fair                      Gregory                   Grooms
Hayes                     Hembree                   Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Lourie                    Malloy                    Martin, Larry
Martin, Shane             Massey                    Matthews
McElveen                  McGill                    Nicholson
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Pinckney
Rankin                    Reese                     Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Thurmond                  Turner                    Williams
Young

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Recorded Presence

Senator FORD recorded his presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.

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

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

The following appointment was transmitted by the Honorable Nikki Randhawa Haley:

Local Appointment

Initial Appointment, Greenwood County Board of Voter Registration, with the term to commence March 15, 2012, and to expire March 15, 2014

David Conner, Jr., 214 Sample Rd., Greenwood, SC 29649 VICE Percy A. Jackson

Doctor of the Day

Senator ALEXANDER introduced Dr. Ed Evans of Seneca, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator BRIGHT, at 2:05 P.M., Senator VERDIN was granted a leave of absence beginning at 12:00 Noon for the balance of the day.

Leave of Absence

At 3:59 P.M., Senator GROOMS requested a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator HEMBREE rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator HUTTO rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator MALLOY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator LARRY MARTIN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator CROMER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 76 (Word version)     Sen. Ford
S. 503 (Word version)     Sen. Ford

RECALLED

S. 636 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-430, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN OCONEE COUNTY, SO AS TO ADD THE "NEW HOPE" PRECINCT, TO DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE NAMES OF THESE PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND TO CORRECT ARCHAIC LANGUAGE.

Senator LARRY MARTIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Judiciary.

The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Judiciary and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator CLEARY, with unanimous consent, Senators ALEXANDER, CAMPBELL, CLEARY, McGILL, LOURIE, JACKSON and SHANE MARTIN were granted leave to attend a meeting and were granted leave to vote from the balcony.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 648 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-22-50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MUST NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR INTERVENTION IF THE PERSON HAS BEEN ACCEPTED INTO AN INTERVENTION PROGRAM IN THE PREVIOUS TEN YEARS; TO AMEND SECTION 17-22-60, RELATING TO STANDARDS OF ELIGIBILITY FOR PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INTERVENTION IS APPROPRIATE ONLY WHERE THE OFFENDER HAS NOT BEEN ACCEPTED IN A PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM IN THE PREVIOUS TEN YEARS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 17-22-130, RELATING TO REPORTS AND IDENTIFICATION AS TO OFFENDERS ACCEPTED FOR PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION MAY ONLY BE USED BY SLED AND THE STATE PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM COORDINATOR'S OFFICE IN THOSE CASES WHERE A CIRCUIT SOLICITOR INQUIRES AS TO WHETHER A PERSON HAS BEEN ACCEPTED IN A PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM IN THE PREVIOUS TEN YEARS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 649 (Word version) -- Senators Bryant, Shealy, Bright, Corbin and Davis: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE BUSINESSES AND FIREARMS MANUFACTURERS FROM OUT OF STATE TO LOCATE IN THE PALMETTO STATE.
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Senator BRYANT spoke on the Resolution.

The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

S. 650 (Word version) -- Senator Pinckney: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-31-30, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A FIREARMS DEALER SHALL CONDUCT VARIOUS BACKGROUND CHECKS, EVALUATIONS, AND INTERVIEWS TO DETERMINE IF A PERSON IS MENTALLY FIT PRIOR TO SELLING OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRING AN ASSAULT RIFLE TO THE PERSON.
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Senator PINCKNEY spoke on the Bill.

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

S. 651 (Word version) -- Senator Allen: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE REVEREND ALONZO GREGG, JR., OF STAUNTON COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH IN GREENVILLE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS THIRTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF GOSPEL MINISTRY AT STAUNTON AND TO WISH HIM GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 652 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fair, Ford, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McElveen, McGill, Nicholson, O'Dell, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Scott, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Thurmond, Turner, Verdin, Williams and Young: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE DEATH OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS BARRETT AUSTIN OF EASLEY, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
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Senator LARRY MARTIN spoke on the Resolution.

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 653 (Word version) -- Senator Williams: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND ALFRED SCHRELL MCFADDEN, PRINCIPAL OF MARION HIGH SCHOOL, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-THREE YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS AN EDUCATOR, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 3354 (Word version) -- Reps. King, Knight, Hart, Howard, J. E. Smith, Cobb-Hunter, Neal, Douglas and Powers Norrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-63-84, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS TO WHOM DEATH CERTIFICATES MAY BE ISSUED, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COUNTY REGISTRAR SHALL ISSUE, UPON REQUEST, DEATH CERTIFICATES THAT WERE FILED ELECTRONICALLY; AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

H. 3609 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield, Clemmons and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 77 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE SALE, POSSESSION, AND USE OF CERTAIN LASER POINTING DEVICES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, EXEMPTIONS, AND REMEDIES.

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

H. 3751 (Word version) -- Rep. Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO CONFORM WITH FEDERAL MANDATES ENACTED BY THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS IN THE TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE EXTENSION ACT OF 2011; BY ADDING SECTION 41-41-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE SHALL IMPOSE A PENALTY ON FRAUDULENT OVERPAYMENTS OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS; BY ADDING SECTION 41-33-910 SO AS TO CREATE THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE INTEGRITY FUND AND PROVIDE FOR ITS SOURCE AND USE; BY ADDING SECTION 41-35-135 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CHARGE THE ACCOUNT OF AN EMPLOYER WHEN THE EMPLOYER FAILS TO RESPOND TIMELY OR ADEQUATELY TO A REQUEST BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING A CLAIM FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WHEN THE EMPLOYER HAS DEMONSTRATED A PATTERN OF FAILING TO TIMELY OR ADEQUATELY RESPOND TO THESE REQUESTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 43-5-598, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYABLES PROGRAM ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "NEW HIRE" TO APPLY WHERE THE SEPARATION OF AN EMPLOYEE FROM EMPLOYMENT IS FOR AT LEAST SIXTY CONSECUTIVE DAYS.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator LARRY MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary polled out S. 19 favorable:

S. 19 (Word version) -- Senators Ford and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-15-55, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO BOND AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE CIRCUIT COURT TO REVOKE BOND UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE COMMISSION OF A SUBSEQUENT VIOLENT CRIME BY A PERSON RELEASED ON BOND IN THE PURVIEW OF THE STATUTE AND TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY IF A PERSON COMMITS A GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OFFENSE WHILE ON RELEASE ON BOND.

Poll of the Judiciary Committee
Polled 21; Ayes 21; Nays 0; Not Voting 2

AYES

Martin, Larry             Rankin                    Hutto
Sheheen                   Campsen                   Massey
Bright                    Martin, Shane             Nicholson
Scott                     Gregory                   Allen
Bennett                   Corbin                    Hembree
Johnson                   McElveen                  Shealy
Thurmond                  Turner                    Young

Total--21

NAYS

Total--0

NOT VOTING

Malloy                    Coleman

Total--2

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a majority favorable with amendment and Senator BRIGHT a minority unfavorable report on:

S. 412 (Word version) -- Senators Thurmond, Lourie, Hayes, McElveen, Turner and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1308 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE CONTENTS OF CERTIFIED CAMPAIGN REPORTS OF CANDIDATES AND COMMITTEES, AND TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1309, RELATING TO THE CONTENTS OF CERTIFIED CAMPAIGN REPORTS OF BALLOT MEASURE COMMITTEES, TO REQUIRE A CANDIDATE OR COMMITTEE OR BALLOT MEASURE COMMITTEE TO ELECTRONICALLY REPORT DURING THE TWENTY DAY PERIOD PRIOR TO AN ELECTION THE RECEIPT OF A CONTRIBUTION FROM A PERSON THAT EXCEEDS TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS BY A SINGLE CONTRIBUTION OR WHEN COMBINED WITH ALL OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS MADE DURING THE PERIOD.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LARRY MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary polled out S. 495 majority favorable and SHANE MARTIN a minority unfavorable report:

S. 495 (Word version) -- Senator Lourie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-115, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FEES FOR CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCHES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS WHICH PAY A REDUCED FEE TO INCLUDE LOCAL PARK AND RECREATION VOLUNTEERS THROUGH A COMMISSION, MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OR THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM.

Poll of the Judiciary Committee
Polled 22; Ayes 19; Nays 2; Not Voting 2

AYES

Martin, Larry             Rankin                    Hutto
Sheheen                   Campsen                   Massey
Nicholson                 Scott                     Gregory
Allen                     Bennett                   Corbin
Hembree                   Johnson                   McElveen
Shealy                    Thurmond                  Turner
Young

Total--19

NAYS

Bright                    Martin, Shane

Total--2

NOT VOTING

Malloy                    Coleman

Total--2

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LARRY MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary polled out S. 562 favorable:

S. 562 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 27-27-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO RECOVERY FOR IMPROVEMENTS MADE IN GOOD FAITH, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEFENDANT SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER THE FULL VALUE OF ALL IMPROVEMENTS IF HE HAS PURCHASED OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRED TITLE TO THE LANDS AND TENEMENTS IN THE ACTION.

Poll of the Judiciary Committee
Polled 21; Ayes 21; Nays 0; Not Voting 2

AYES

Martin, Larry             Rankin                    Hutto
Malloy                    Sheheen                   Campsen
Massey                    Martin, Shane             Nicholson
Scott                     Gregory                   Allen
Bennett                   Corbin                    Hembree
Johnson                   McElveen                  Shealy
Thurmond                  Turner                    Young

Total--21

NAYS

Total--0

NOT VOTING

Bright                    Coleman

Total--2

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:

S. 503 (Word version) -- Senators Thurmond, Hembree, Campsen, Cleary, Rankin and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 6 OF THE 1976 CODE, BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO ENACT THE "BEACH PRESERVATION ACT", TO ALLOW A QUALIFIED COASTAL MUNICIPALITY TO IMPOSE A FEE NOT TO EXCEED ONE PERCENT ON THE GROSS PROCEEDS DERIVED FROM THE RENTAL OR CHARGES FOR ACCOMMODATIONS FURNISHED TO TRANSIENTS SUBJECT TO THE MUNICIPALITY'S LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS TAX, TO PROVIDE THAT THE MUNICIPALITY MAY IMPOSE THE FEE ONLY AFTER ITS APPROVAL IN A REFERENDUM HELD IN THE MUNICIPALITY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE FEE IS IN ADDITION TO ALL OTHER LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS TAXES IMPOSED AND MUST NOT BE DEEMED CUMULATIVE TO OTHER LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS TAXES IMPOSED BY THE MUNICIPALITY, TO PROVIDE USES FOR WHICH THE FEE REVENUE MUST BE APPLIED, TO PROVIDE FOR REPORTING AND FOR REMITTANCE OF THESE FEES, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 535 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, L. Martin, McGill, Coleman, Jackson, Campbell, Setzler, Cromer, O'Dell, Sheheen, Turner, Fair, Ford, Nicholson, Hayes and Pinckney: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 119, TITLE 59, ENACTING THE "CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISE ACT", SO AS TO ALLOW THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CLEMSON UNIVERSITY BY RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH AN ENTERPRISE DIVISION AS PART OF CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN ASSETS, PROGRAMS, AND OPERATIONS OF CLEMSON UNIVERSITY MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO THE ENTERPRISE DIVISION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ENTERPRISE DIVISION IS EXEMPT FROM VARIOUS STATE LAWS GOVERNING PROCUREMENT, HUMAN RESOURCES, PERSONNEL, AND DISPOSITION OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY WITH SOME SUCH EXEMPTIONS APPLYING AUTOMATICALLY AND OTHERS REQUIRING ADDITIONAL ACTIONS BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, TO PROVIDE THAT BONDS, NOTES, OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS MAY BE ISSUED FOR THE ENTERPRISE DIVISION AND PROVIDE AUDIT AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; AND TO AMEND SECTIONS 8-11-260, 8-17-370, AND 11-35-710, ALL AS AMENDED, AND RELATING RESPECTIVELY TO EXEMPTIONS FROM STATE PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATIONS, THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ACT, AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO ADDEXEMPTIONS CONFORMING TO THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISE ACT.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LARRY MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary polled out S. 601 favorable:

S. 601 (Word version) -- Senators Thurmond, Ford, Sheheen and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-17-10, RELATING TO TERMS REGARDING LOBBYISTS AND LOBBYING, TO DEFINE THE TERMS "LOBBYING", "LOBBYIST", "PUBLIC BODY", AND "PUBLIC OFFICIAL" TO INCLUDE MEMBERS OF AND THE GOVERNING BODIES OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS.

Poll of the Judiciary Committee
Polled 22; Ayes 20; Nays 1; Not Voting 2

AYES

Martin, Larry             Rankin                    Hutto
Sheheen                   Campsen                   Massey
Martin, Shane             Nicholson                 Gregory
Allen                     Bennett                   Corbin
Hembree                   Johnson                   McElveen
Shealy                    Thurmond                  Turner
Young                     Bright

Total--20

NAYS

Scott

Total--1

NOT VOTING

Malloy                    Coleman

Total--2

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator LEATHERMAN from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:

S. 610 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin, Cleary, Hembree and McGill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-41-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE STATE GENERAL OBLIGATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOND ACT, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE DEFINITION OF "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT", INCLUDING A NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW CENTER OWNED BY A PUBLIC ENTITY INCLUDES AN ADJACENT FACILITY ALLOWING SPECIFIC EVENTS THEREBY MAKING ADDITIONAL TIME AND SPACE AVAILABLE FOR THE MAJOR CONVENTIONS, TRADE SHOWS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS CONTEMPLATED BY THE ACT AND REQUIRE JOINT BOND REVIEW COMMITTEE REVIEW AND COMMENT ON SUCH AN ADJACENT FACILITY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-41-70, RELATING TO PURPOSES OF THE ISSUE OF BONDS PURSUANT TO THE STATE GENERAL OBLIGATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOND ACT AND SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO A PUBLIC ENTITY RECEIVING BOND PROCEEDS, SO AS TO EXTEND FROM TEN TO FIFTEEN YEARS THE PERIOD IN WHICH A NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW CENTER MUST BE COMPLETED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 602 (Word version) -- Senators Coleman, Hayes, Jackson, Sheheen, Peeler and Gregory: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 901 IN YORK COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 72 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH CHERRY ROAD "STATE REPRESENTATIVE BESSIE MOODY-LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "STATE REPRESENTATIVE BESSIE MOODY-LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

THIRD READING BILLS

The following Bills and Joint Resolution were read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S. 463 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-53-95 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT A PERSON APPLYING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE FOR LICENSURE AS A PROFESSIONAL SURETY BONDSMAN OR RUNNER MUST PROVIDE HIS BUSINESS, MAILING, RESIDENTIAL, AND EMAIL ADDRESSES WITH THE APPLICATION, TO PROVIDE HE MUST NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF A CHANGE OF ANY OF THESE ADDRESSES OR A LEGAL NAME CHANGE WITHIN THIRTY DAYS, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-43-107, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON APPLYING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE FOR LICENSURE AS AN INSURANCE PRODUCER MUST PROVIDE HIS BUSINESS, MAILING, AND RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES WITH THE APPLICATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE HE ALSO MUST PROVIDE HIS EMAIL ADDRESS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-47-15, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON APPLYING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE FOR LICENSURE AS AN ADJUSTER MUST PROVIDE HIS BUSINESS, MAILING, AND RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES WITH THE APPLICATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE HE ALSO MUST PROVIDE HIS EMAIL ADDRESS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-48-30, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON APPLYING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE FOR LICENSURE AS A PUBLIC ADJUSTER MUST PROVIDE HIS BUSINESS, MAILING, AND RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES WITH THE APPLICATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE HE ALSO MUST PROVIDE HIS EMAIL ADDRESS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-49-25, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON APPLYING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE FOR LICENSURE AS A MOTOR VEHICLE PHYSICAL DAMAGE APPRAISER MUST PROVIDE HIS BUSINESS, MAILING, AND RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES WITH THE APPLICATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE HE ALSO MUST PROVIDE HIS EMAIL ADDRESS.

S. 290 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary, Hutto, Hembree, Davis and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA TELEMEDICINE INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-300 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS AND TO REQUIRE COVERAGE OF TELEMEDICINE SERVICES BY INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS.

S. 551 (Word version) -- Senator Corbin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, TO PROVIDE THAT OPEN SEASON IN GAME ZONE 1, WITH ARCHERY EQUIPMENT AND FIREARMS, IS OCTOBER 11 THROUGH JANUARY 1, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ON WMA LANDS, THE DEPARTMENT MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT TO ESTABLISH SEASONS FOR THE HUNTING AND TAKING OF DEER.

S. 559 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen and McGill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-1705 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CATCH LIMITS, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO TAKE OR POSSESS MORE THAN FIFTEEN FLOUNDER TAKEN BY MEANS OF GIG, SPEAR, HOOK AND LINE, OR SIMILAR DEVICE IN ANY ONE DAY, NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY FLOUNDER IN ANY ONE DAY ON ANY BOAT.

S. 590 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-1705 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CATCH LIMITS, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO TAKE OR POSSESS MORE THAN ONE TARPON IN ANY ONE DAY OR A TARPON OF LESS THAN SEVENTY-SEVEN INCHES IN FORK LENGTH.

S. 637 (Word version) -- Transportation Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, RELATING TO AGRITOURISM AND TOURISM-ORIENTED DIRECTIONAL SIGNING, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4314, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

READ THE SECOND TIME
MOTION TO RECONSIDER SECOND READING TABLED
ORDERED PLACED ON THE THIRD READING CALENDAR

S. 306 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-1-130 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PENALTIES ASSOCIATED WITH MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES CONTAINED IN TITLE 50, TO REVISE THE PENALTIES FOR THESE OFFENSES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT MAGISTRATE'S COURT HAS BOTH ORIGINAL AND CONCURRENT JURISDICTION OVER MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES.

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

Senator THURMOND spoke on the Bill.

Senator CAMPSEN spoke on the Bill.

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

Ayes 33; Nays 10

AYES

Alexander                 Bennett                   Bright
Bryant                    Campbell                  Campsen
Cleary                    Corbin                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Gregory                   Grooms                    Hayes
Hembree                   Jackson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane
Massey                    Matthews                  McGill
Nicholson                 O'Dell                    Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Scott
Shealy                    Turner                    Williams

Total--33

NAYS

Allen                     Hutto                     Johnson
Lourie                    McElveen                  Pinckney
Setzler                   Sheheen                   Thurmond
Young

Total--10

The Bill was given a second reading and ordered placed on the Third Reading Calendar.

Having voted on the prevailing side, Senator MALLOY moved to reconsider the vote whereby the Bill was given a second reading.

Senator CAMPSEN moved to table the motion to reconsider.

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

Ayes 24; Nays 18

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campbell                  Campsen                   Cleary
Corbin                    Courson                   Cromer
Davis                     Fair                      Gregory
Grooms                    Hayes                     Hembree
Leatherman                Martin, Larry             Massey
McGill                    O'Dell                    Peeler
Shealy                    Turner                    Williams

Total--24

NAYS

Bright                    Bryant                    Hutto
Johnson                   Lourie                    Malloy
Martin, Shane             Matthews                  McElveen
Nicholson                 Pinckney                  Rankin
Reese                     Scott                     Setzler
Sheheen                   Thurmond                  Young

Total--18

The motion to reconsider second reading of the Bill was laid on the table.

The Bill was ordered placed on the Third Reading Calendar.

READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 481 (Word version) -- Senators Malloy, McGill, Leatherman, Setzler, Johnson and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-2425, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ADMISSIONS LICENSE TAX EXEMPTION FOR A MOTORSPORTS ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE COMPLEX TO BE A NASCAR SANCTIONED SPEEDWAY THAT HOSTS AT LEAST ONE RACE EACH YEAR FEATURING THE PREEMINENT NASCAR CUP SERIES, INSTEAD OF REQUIRING THE SPEEDWAY TO HAVE AT LEAST SIXTY THOUSAND SEATS FOR RACE PATRONS.

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

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

Ayes 37; Nays 1; Abstain 1

AYES

Alexander                 Bennett                   Bryant
Campbell                  Campsen                   Cleary
Corbin                    Courson                   Cromer
Davis                     Fair                      Gregory
Grooms                    Hayes                     Hembree
Hutto                     Johnson                   Leatherman
Lourie                    Malloy                    Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  McGill
Nicholson                 O'Dell                    Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Thurmond                  Turner                    Williams
Young

Total--37

NAYS

Bright

Total--1
ABSTAIN

Martin, Shane

Total--1

Statement by Senator SHANE MARTIN

I recused myself from the vote on S. 481 due to a potential conflict of interest with my business.

The Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the Third Reading Calendar.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED
READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 3540 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, J.E. Smith, Bales, Hosey, Cobb-Hunter, Bannister, J.R. Smith, Patrick, Brannon, Erickson, Taylor, Huggins, Kennedy, Ballentine, Bernstein, Sellers, Williams, Jefferson, M.S. McLeod, Atwater, Bowers, R.L. Brown, Cole, Douglas, George, Hixon, Long, McCoy, Mitchell, Pitts, Pope, G.R. Smith, Tallon, Wood, Weeks, Knight and Hart: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-3-240, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF OFFICERS BY THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO ADD THE ADJUTANT GENERAL TO THE LIST OF OFFICERS OR ENTITIES THE GOVERNING BOARD OF WHICH MAY BE REMOVED BY THE GOVERNOR ONLY FOR CERTAIN REASONS CONSTITUTING CAUSE; TO AMEND SECTION 25-1-320, RELATING TO THE STATE ADJUTANT GENERAL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING UPON THE EXPIRATION OF THE TERM OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL SERVING IN OFFICE ON THE DATE OF THE 2014 GENERAL ELECTION, THE ADJUTANT GENERAL MUST BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM COMMENCING ON THE FIRST WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING THE SECOND TUESDAY IN JANUARY THAT FOLLOWS THE GENERAL ELECTION THAT MARKS THE MIDTERM OF THE GOVERNOR, EXCEPT THAT THE INITIAL TERM OF THE FIRST ADJUTANT GENERAL APPOINTED PURSUANT TO THIS ACT MUST BE FOR TWO YEARS SO AS TO ALLOW SUBSEQUENT TERMS TO BE STAGGERED WITH THAT OF THE GOVERNOR, AND TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF ADJUTANT GENERAL; TO AMEND SECTION 25-1-340, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO VACANCIES IN THE OFFICE OF ADJUTANT GENERAL, SO AS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE ABOVE PROVISIONS ARE EFFECTIVE UPON THE RATIFICATION OF AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 7, ARTICLE VI, AND SECTION 4, ARTICLE XIII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE DELETING THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE STATE ADJUTANT GENERAL BE ELECTED BY THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THIS STATE.

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

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD3540.001), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 2, by striking lines 25 through 27, in Section 25-1-320 (A), as contained in SECTION 2, and inserting therein the following:

/   other State officials appointed by the Governor upon the advice and consent of the Senate. The initial term of the first appointed Adjutant General must be for two years so as to allow subsequent terms to be staggered with that of the Governor's term. After the initial appointment, the Adjutant General must be appointed for a four-year term commencing on the first Wednesday following the second Tuesday in January that follows the general election that marks the Governor's midterm. His rank shall be that of major-general The position of Adjutant General is recognized as holding the rank of Major General. He shall hold office     /

Amend the bill further, as and if amended, page 3, by striking lines 36 through 41, in Section 25-1-340, as contained in SECTION 3, and inserting therein the following:

/   office, the Governor shall appoint with the advice and consent of the Senate an officer of the active South Carolina National Guard, who is at least the rank of colonel, meets the eligibility requirements for a constitutional officer, and who has a minimum of fifteen years' active commissioned service in the South Carolina National Guard, provided in Section 25-1-320 to fill out the unexpired term of the former incumbent. In the event a vacancy should occur in the office of Adjutant General at a time when the Senate is not in session, the Governor may temporarily fill the vacancy pursuant to Section 1-3-210. The     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MASSEY explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

The question then was second reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Campsen                   Cleary                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Gregory                   Grooms                    Hayes
Hembree                   Hutto                     Johnson
Leatherman                Lourie                    Malloy
Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane             Massey
McElveen                  McGill                    Nicholson
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Pinckney
Rankin                    Reese                     Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Thurmond                  Turner                    Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

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

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT AMENDED AND ADOPTED
READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 448 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Peeler, Cleary and S. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-938 SO AS TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A PHYSICIAN MAY ENTER A SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP WITH A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-910, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO ADD AND REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-940, RELATING TO APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-945, RELATING TO CONDITIONS FOR GRANTING PERMANENT LICENSURE, SO AS TO DELETE REQUIREMENTS THAT AN APPLICANT APPEAR BEFORE THE BOARD WITH HIS SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN AND HIS SCOPE OF PRACTICE GUIDELINES, AND TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION AGAINST THE APPROVAL OF A SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN OF ON-THE-JOB TRAINING OR TASKS NOT LISTED ON THE APPLICATION FOR LIMITED LICENSURE AS A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-955, RELATING TO PHYSICAL PRESENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN OF A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, SO AS TO DELETE EXISTING REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING ON-SITE SETTINGS AND TO PROVIDE WHERE AND HOW A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT MAY PRACTICE, TO REVISE PROVISIONS CONCERNING OFF-SITE SETTINGS, AND TO REVISE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS OF A SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-960, RELATING TO MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SCOPE OF PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE IMMEDIATE CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT AND HIS PRIMARY OR SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-965, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT TO REQUEST OR RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL SAMPLES OF DRUGS AUTHORIZED UNDER HIS SCOPE OF PRACTICE GUIDELINES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION AGAINST REQUESTING OR RECEIVING PROFESSIONAL SAMPLES OF SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-970, RELATING TO THE PRESCRIBING OF DRUGS BY A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, SO AS TO AS TO DELETE A PROHIBITION AGAINST PRESCRIBING SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-975, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF A SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN TO REQUEST PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD FOR A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT UNDER HIS SUPERVISION TO RECEIVE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, SO AS TO DELETE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND PROVIDE THAT A SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN MAY DETERMINE WHETHER A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT UNDER HIS SUPERVISION NEEDS ADDITIONAL TRAINING OR EDUCATION, THAT THE PHYSICIAN AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT MAY JOINTLY DETERMINE THE MEANS OF PROVIDING THIS TRAINING OR EDUCATION, AND THAT CERTAIN RELATED INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT COMMITTEE FOR THE APPROVAL OF EACH; TO AMEND SECTION 40-47-995, RELATING TO THE TERMINATION OF A SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A PHYSICIAN AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UPON THIS TERMINATION THE PRACTICE OF THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT MUST CEASE UNTIL NEW SCOPE OF PRACTICE GUIDELINES, RATHER THAN A NEW APPLICATION, ARE SUBMITTED BY A NEW SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN TO THE BOARD; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 40-47-980 RELATING TO THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS IN CHRONIC CARE AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

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

Senator CLEARY proposed the following amendment (NBD\448C003.NBD.AC13), which was adopted:

Amend the committee report, as and if amended, by deleting Section 40-47-965(A)(7)(c) on page 448-8, lines 25-27, and inserting:

/   (c)   an initial patient examination and evaluation has been performed by the supervising physician, or his delegate physician, and has been documented in the patient's chart; however, in a hospital emergency department, a physician assistant may authorize such a medical order if the supervising or delegate physician is unavailable due to clinical demands, but remains on the premises and is immediately available, and the supervising or delegate physician conducts the patient evaluation as soon as practicable and is documented in the patient's chart;   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CLEARY explained the perfecting amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (NBD\448C001.NBD.AC13), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Article 7, Chapter 47, Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 40-47-938.   (A)   A physician currently possessing an active, unrestricted permanent license to practice medicine under the provisions of this chapter, who accepts the responsibility to supervise a physician assistant's activities, must enter into a supervisory relationship with a physician assistant licensed pursuant to this article, subject to approval of a scope of practice guidelines by the board. The physician must notify the board, in writing, of the proposed supervisory relationship and include the proposed scope of practice guidelines for the relationship. Upon receipt of board approval, the physician assistant may begin clinical practice with the named supervising physician and alternate physicians.

(B)   A supervising physician may determine that there are additional medical acts, tasks, or functions for which a physician assistant under the physician's supervision needs additional training or education to meet the needs of the physician's practice and that the physician would like to incorporate into the physician assistant's scope of practice guidelines. The physician must determine, in consultation with the physician assistant, the means of educating the physician assistant, which may include training under the direct supervision of the physician, education, or certification of proposed practices or other appropriate educational methods. The physician must notify the board in writing of the requested changes to the physician assistant's scope of practice guidelines and must provide documentation to the board of the competence of the physician assistant to perform the additional medical acts, tasks, or functions. Upon receipt of board approval of the requested changes, the physician assistant may incorporate these additional medical acts, tasks, or functions into practice.

(C)   The board shall review and determine whether to approve these proposed scope of practice guidelines or requested changes to the scope of practice guidelines within ten business days after receipt of notice from the supervising physician as required by subsections (A) and (B). If the board needs additional information or clarification, a physician member of the board must contact the supervisory physician within ten business days of receipt of the physician's notice. If the board requests additional information or clarification to consider approval of scope of practice guidelines or changes to these guidelines, the supervising physician shall provide it in a timely manner; and upon receipt, a determination regarding approval must be made within ten business days."

SECTION   2.   Section 40-47-910 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 40-47-910.   As used in this article:

(1)   'Alternate physician supervisor' or 'alternate supervising physician' means a South Carolina licensed physician currently possessing an active, unrestricted permanent license to practice medicine in South Carolina who accepts the responsibility to supervise a physician assistant's activities in the absence of the supervising physician and this physician is approved by the physician supervisor in writing in the scope of practice guidelines.

(2)   'Board' means the Board of Medical Examiners of South Carolina.

(3)   'Committee' means the Physician Assistant Committee as established by this article as an advisory committee responsible to the board.

(4)   'Immediate consultation' means a supervising physician must be available for direct communication by telephone or other means of telecommunication.

(5)   'NCCPA' means the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc., the agency recognized to examine and evaluate the education of physician assistants, or its successor organization as recognized by the board.

(56)   'Physician assistant' means a health care professional licensed to assist in the practice of medicine with a physician supervisor.

(67)   'Physician supervisor or supervising physician' means a South Carolina licensed physician currently possessing an active, unrestricted permanent license to practice medicine in South Carolina who is approved to serve as a supervising physician for no more than two three full-time equivalent physician assistants. The physician supervisor is the individual who is responsible for supervising a physician assistant's activities.

(78)   'Supervising' means overseeing the activities of, and accepting responsibility for, the medical services rendered by a physician assistant as part of a physician-led team in a manner approved by the board."

SECTION   3.   Section 40-47-940(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   An application must be submitted to the board on forms supplied by the board. The application must be complete in every detail before it licensure may be approved granted and must be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee. As part of the application process, the supervising physician and physician assistant must specify clearly in detail those medical acts, tasks, or functions for which approval is being sought. The specific medical acts, tasks, or functions must be included in the scope of practice guidelines, and the scope of practice guidelines must accompany the application."

SECTION   4.   Section 40-47-945 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 40-47-945.   (A)   Except as otherwise provided in this article, an individual shall obtain a permanent license from the board before the individual may practice as a physician assistant. The board shall grant a permanent license as a physician assistant to an applicant who has:

(1)   submitted a completed application on forms provided by the board;

(2)   paid the nonrefundable application fees established in this article;

(3)   successfully completed an educational program for physician assistants approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or its predecessor or successor organization;

(4)   successfully completed the NCCPA certifying examination and provide documentation that the applicant possesses a current, active, NCCPA certificate;

(5)   certified that the applicant is mentally and physically able to engage safely in practice as a physician assistant;

(6)   no licensure, certificate, or registration as a physician assistant under current discipline, revocation, suspension, probation, or investigation for cause resulting from the applicant's practice as a physician assistant;

(7)   good moral character;

(8)   submitted to the board other information the board considers necessary to evaluate the applicant's qualifications;

(9)   appeared before a board member or board designee with the applicant's supervising physician and all original diplomas and certificates and demonstrated knowledge of the contents of this article. A temporary authorization to practice may be issued as provided in Section 40-47-940 pending completion of this requirement and subject to satisfactory interview as provided below; and

(10)   successfully completed an examination administered by the committee on the statutes and regulations regarding physician assistant practice and supervision.

(B)   Not later than ninety days from the date a temporary authorization is issued, each applicant shall appear before a board member or board designee with the applicant's supervising physician and scope of practice guidelines and demonstrate knowledge of the contents of this article. Failure to appear within the prescribed time automatically results in the immediate invalidation of the authorization to practice pending compliance and further order of the board. If approved, a permanent license may be issued immediately. If not approved, the application must be reviewed by the committee and may be recommended to the board for approval as presented to or modified by the committee.

(C)   The supervising physician of a limited licensee physically must be present on the premises at all times when the limited licensee is performing a task. No on-the-job training or task not listed on the application may be approved for a limited license holder."

SECTION   5.   Section 40-47-950(A)(9) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(9)   appeared before a board member or board designee with the applicant's supervising physician and all original diplomas and certificates and demonstrated knowledge of the contents of this article; and"

SECTION   6.   Section 40-47-950(C) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(C)   The supervising physician of a limited licensee physically must be present on the premises at all times when the limited licensee is performing a task. No on-the-job training, or task not listed on the application, may be approved for a limited license holder."

SECTION   7.   Section 40-47-955 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 40-47-955.   (A)   The supervising physician is responsible for all aspects of the physician assistant's practice. Supervision must be continuous but must not be construed as necessarily requiring the physical presence of the supervising physician at the time and place where the services are rendered, except as otherwise required for limited licensees. The supervising physician shall identify the physician assistant's scope of practice and determine the delegation of medical acts, tasks, or functions. Medical acts, tasks, or functions must be defined in approved written scope of practice guidelines which must be appropriate to the physician assistant's ability and knowledge.

(B)   In an on-site practice setting, the supervising physician or alternate supervising physician physically must be present at the same location as the physician assistant at least seventy-five percent of the time each month the physician assistant is providing services at the same location as the supervising physician or alternate supervising physician. The physician assistant may not provide services in the absence of the supervising physician or alternate supervising physician for more than seven consecutive days each month without the prior written approval of the board. The board may grant in writing exceptions to the seventy-five percent direct supervision requirement provided for in this subsection Pursuant to scope of practice guidelines, a physician assistant may practice in a public place, a private place, or a facility where the supervising physician regularly sees patients, may make house calls, perform hospital duties, and perform any functions performed by the supervising physician if the physician assistant is also qualified to perform those functions.

(C)   For off-site practice, a A physician assistant must have six months of clinical experience with the current supervising physician before being permitted to practice at a location off site from the supervising physician, except that a physician assistant who has at least two years continuous practice in South Carolina in the same specialty will be permitted to may practice at a location off site from the supervising physician after three months clinical experience with the supervising physician and upon request of the supervising physician. This three-month requirement may be waived for experienced physician assistants and supervisors upon recommendation of the committee and approval by the board. The off-site location may not be more than forty-five sixty miles or sixty minutes of travel time from the supervising physician or alternate supervising physician without written approval of the board. The supervising physician or alternate supervising physician must be physically present at the off-site location not less than twenty percent of the time each month the physician assistant is providing services there. Notice of off-site practice must be filed with the administrative staff of the board before off-site practice may be authorized. The supervising physician or alternate must review, initial, and date the off-site physician assistant's charts not later than five working days from the date of service if not sooner as proportionate to the acuity of care and practice setting periodically as provided in the written scope of practice guidelines, provided the supervising physician must review and verify the adequacy of clinical practice of ten percent of these charts monthly.

(D)   A supervising physician may not simultaneously supervise no more than two three physician assistants providing clinical service at one time.

(E)   Upon written request, and recommendation of the committee, the board may authorize exceptions to the requirements of this section."

SECTION   8.   Section 40-47-960 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 40-47-960.   A physician assistant practicing at all sites shall practice pursuant to written scope of practice guidelines signed by all supervisory physicians and the physician assistant. Copies of the guidelines must be on file at all practice sites. The guidelines shall include at a minimum the:

(1)   name, license number, and practice addresses of all supervising physicians;

(2)   name and practice address of the physician assistant;

(3)   date the guidelines were developed and dates they were reviewed and amended;

(4)   medical conditions for which therapies may be initiated, continued, or modified;

(5)   treatments that may be initiated, continued, or modified;

(6)   drug therapy, if any, that may be prescribed with drug-specific classifications; and

(7)   situations that require direct evaluation by or immediate referral to the physician, including Schedule II controlled substance prescription authorization as provided for in Section 40-47-965."

SECTION   9.   Section 40-47-965 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 40-47-965.   (A)   If the written scope of practice guidelines authorizes the physician's assistant to prescribe drug therapy:

(1)   prescriptions for authorized drugs and devices shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws;

(2)   prescriptions must be limited to drugs and devices authorized by the supervising physician and set forth in the written scope of practice guidelines;

(3)   prescriptions must be signed by the physician assistant and must bear the physician assistant's identification number as assigned by the board and all prescribing numbers required by law. The preprinted prescription form shall include both the physician assistant's and physician's name, address, and phone number and shall comply with the provisions of Section 39-24-40;

(4)   drugs or devices prescribed must be specifically documented in the patient record;

(5)   the physician assistant may request, receive, and sign for professional samples of drugs authorized in the written scope of practice guidelines, except for controlled substances in Schedule II, and may distribute professional samples to patients in compliance with appropriate federal and state regulations and the written scope of practice guidelines.;

(6)   the physician assistant may authorize prescriptions for an orally administered Schedule II controlled substance, as defined in the federal Controlled Substances Act, pursuant to the following requirements:

(a)   the authorization to prescribe is expressly approved by the supervising physician as set forth in the physician assistant's written scope of practice guidelines;

(b)   the physician assistant has directly evaluated the patient;

(c)   the authority to prescribe is limited to an initial prescription and must not exceed a seventy-two hour supply;

(d)   any subsequent prescription authorization must be in consultation with and upon patient examination and evaluation by the supervising physician, and must be documented in the patient's chart; and

(e)   any prescription for continuing drug therapy must include consultation with the supervising physician and must be documented in the patient's chart;

(7)   the physician assistant may authorize a medical order for parenteral administration of a Schedule II controlled substance, as defined in the federal Controlled Substances Act, pursuant to the following requirements:

(a)   the authorization to write a medical order is expressly approved by the supervising physician as set forth in the physician assistant's written scope of practice guidelines;

(b)   the physician assistant is providing patient care in a hospital setting, including emergency and outpatient departments affiliated with the hospital;

(c)   an initial patient examination and evaluation has been performed by the supervising physician, or his delegate physician, and has been documented in the patient's chart;

(d)   the physician assistant has directly evaluated the patient; and

(e)   the written medical order may not exceed a one-time administration within a twenty-four hour period."

(B)   When applying for controlled substance prescriptive authority, the applicant shall comply with the following requirements:

(1)   the physician assistant shall provide evidence of completion of sixty contact hours of education in pharmacotherapeutics acceptable to the board before application;

(2)   the physician assistant shall provide at least fifteen contact hours of education in controlled substances acceptable to the board;

(3)   every two years, the physician assistant shall provide documentation of four continuing education contact hours in prescribing controlled substances acceptable to the board; and

(4)   the physician assistant must have a valid Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and prescribe in accordance with DEA rules; and

(5)   the physician assistant and supervising physician must read and sign a document approved by the board describing the management of expanded controlled substances prescriptive authority for physician assistants in South Carolina which must be kept on file for review. Within the two-year period, the physician assistant and the supervising physician periodically shall review this document and the physician assistant's prescribing practices to ensure proper prescribing procedures are followed. This review must be documented in writing with a copy kept at each practice site.

(C)   A physician assistant's prescriptive authorization may be terminated by the board if the physician assistant:

(1)   practices outside the written scope of practice guidelines;

(2)   violates any state or federal law or regulation applicable to prescriptions; or

(3)   violates a state or federal law applicable to physician assistants."

SECTION   10.   Section 40-47-970 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 40-47-970.   A physician assistant may not:

(1)   perform a medical act, task, or function which has not been listed and approved on the scope of practice guidelines;

(2)   prescribe drugs, medications, or devices not specifically authorized by the supervising physician and documented in the written scope of practice guidelines;

(3)   prescribe, under any circumstances, controlled substances in Schedule II except as authorized in Section 40-47-965;

(4)   perform a medical act, task, or function that is outside the usual practice of the supervising physician."

SECTION   11.   Section 40-47-995 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 40-47-995.   If the supervisory relationship between a physician assistant and the supervising physician is terminated for any reason, the physician assistant and the supervising physician shall inform the board immediately in writing of the termination, including the reasons for the termination. The approval of the practice setting terminates coterminous with the termination of the relationship, and practice shall cease until a new application is scope of practice guidelines are submitted by a supervising physician and is approved by the board."

SECTION   12.   Sections 40-47-975 and 40-47-980 of the 1976 Code are repealed.

SECTION   13.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CLEARY explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

The question then was second reading of the Bill, as amended.

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

Ayes 42; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Bennett                   Bright
Bryant                    Campbell                  Campsen
Cleary                    Corbin                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Ford                      Gregory                   Grooms
Hayes                     Hembree                   Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Lourie                    Malloy                    Martin, Larry
Martin, Shane             Massey                    Matthews
McElveen                  McGill                    Nicholson
Peeler                    Pinckney                  Rankin
Reese                     Scott                     Setzler
Shealy                    Sheheen                   Thurmond
Turner                    Williams                  Young

Total--42

NAYS

Total--0

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

READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 584 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 50 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES, BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-15, TO DEFINE "LICENSE SALES VENDOR" AND "LICENSE YEAR"; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-20, RELATING TO THE DURATION OF HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DURATION OF LICENSES FOR RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL USE, AND PERMITS THE DEPARTMENT TO ISSUE A LICENSE THAT EXPIRES ON THE DAY BEFORE THE ANNIVERSARY OF ITS ISSUANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-30, RELATING TO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSES, TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-350, RELATING TO APPRENTICE HUNTING LICENSES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE HOLDER OF AN APPRENTICE HUNTING LICENSE WHO OBTAINS A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF HIS APPRENTICE HUNTING LICENSE WILL USE HIS APPRENTICE HUNTING LICENSE AS HIS STATEWIDE HUNTING LICENSE, PROVIDED THE LICENSEE MUST HAVE THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION IN HIS POSSESSION WHILE HUNTING; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-510, RELATING TO LICENSES FOR PURCHASE FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF HUNTING, TO REMOVE THE HUNTING LICENSE VALID ONLY IN A SINGLE COUNTY, TO REMOVE RESTRICTIONS ON THE THREE YEAR LICENSE PURCHASE, TO CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR MIGRATORY WATERFOWL PERMITS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RETAINED VENDOR FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-530, RELATING TO CATAWBA LICENSES, TO PROVIDE THERE IS NO COST TO A CATAWBA HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSEE FOR ANY OTHER TAGS REQUIRED BY LAW FOR RECREATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING EXCEPT FOR THOSE DEPARTMENT HUNTING AND FISHING ACTIVITIES CONTROLLED BY LOTTERY; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-540, RELATING TO RECREATIONAL LICENSES, TO PROVIDE THAT RESIDENTS AND NONRESIDENTS MUST PURCHASE ANY OTHER LICENSE THAT GRANTS FISHING PRIVILEGE, TO DELETE THE LAKES AND RESERVOIRS PERMIT, AND TO CHANGE THE TEMPORARY NONRESIDENT FISHING LICENSE FROM SEVEN TO FOURTEEN DAYS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-610, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TAKING NONGAME FRESHWATER FISH, TO PROVIDE THAT TAGS MUST BE ATTACHED AS PRESCRIBED; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-665, RELATING TO BEAR TAGS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REQUIREMENT FOR BEAR TAGS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-920, RELATING TO REVENUES FROM THE SALE OF PRIVILEGES, LICENSES, PERMITS, AND TAGS, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES AND TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSE REVENUE DISTRIBUTION; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-950, RELATING TO THE FISH AND WILDLIFE PROTECTION FUND, TO PROVIDE FUND ASSETS AND USES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-955, RELATING TO THE FISH AND WILDLIFE DEFERRED LICENSE FUND, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ANNUAL TRANSFER OF FUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-960, RELATING TO THE MARINE RESOURCES FUND, TO PROVIDE FUND ASSETS AND USES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-965, RELATING TO THE MARINE RESOURCES DEFERRED LICENSE FUND, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ANNUAL TRANSFER OF FUNDS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 50-15-65(E).

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

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

Ayes 26; Nays 15

AYES

Alexander                 Bennett                   Bright
Bryant                    Campbell                  Campsen
Cleary                    Corbin                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Gregory                   Grooms                    Hayes
Hutto                     Leatherman                Martin, Larry
Martin, Shane             Massey                    McGill
Peeler                    Shealy                    Thurmond
Turner                    Young

Total--26

NAYS

Allen                     Ford                      Jackson
Johnson                   Lourie                    Malloy
Matthews                  McElveen                  Nicholson
Pinckney                  Reese                     Scott
Setzler                   Sheheen                   Williams

Total--15

The Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the Third Reading Calendar.

READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 3973 (Word version) -- Reps. Bedingfield, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G.A. Brown, R.L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, H.A. Crawford, K.R. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, M.S. McLeod, W.J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D.C. Moss, V.S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Powers Norrell, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G.M. Smith, G.R. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER OF EVERY YEAR IS DESIGNATED AS "GOLDEN SEPTEMBER CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

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

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Cleary
Corbin                    Courson                   Cromer
Davis                     Fair                      Ford
Gregory                   Grooms                    Hayes
Hembree                   Hutto                     Jackson
Johnson                   Leatherman                Lourie
Malloy                    Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane
Massey                    McElveen                  McGill
Nicholson                 O'Dell                    Peeler
Reese                     Scott                     Setzler
Shealy                    Sheheen                   Thurmond
Turner                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The Bill was read the second time and ordered placed on the Third Reading Calendar.

RECOMMITTED

S. 274 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin and Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-13-385, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ALTERING, TAMPERING WITH, OR BYPASSING ELECTRIC, GAS, OR WATER METERS, SECTION 58-7-60, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL APPROPRIATION OF GAS, AND SECTION 58-7-70, RELATING TO THE WRONGFUL USE OF GAS AND INTERFERENCE WITH GAS METERS, ALL SO AS TO RESTRUCTURE THE PENALTIES AND PROVIDE GRADUATED PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE STATUTES.

On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was recommitted to the Committee on Judiciary.

CARRIED OVER

H. 3097 (Word version) -- Rep. Bales: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 56, TITLE 44 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DRYCLEANING FACILITY RESTORATION TRUST FUND, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SPECIFY THE USE AND PURPOSE OF THE FUND, AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO EXPEND MONIES FROM THE FUND FOR ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL SITES PRIOR TO OBTAINING EVIDENCE OF CONTAMINATION AT THE SITE, AND CLARIFY WHAT FACILITIES ARE EXCLUDED FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE FUND AND THE EFFECT OF PARTICIPATING IN THE FUND IF A FACILITY IS SEEKING EXEMPTION FROM THE FUND; AND TO DELETE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS, REORGANIZE PROVISIONS, AND MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

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

CARRIED OVER

S. 558 (Word version) -- Senator Reese: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 13, CHAPTER 25, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON THE USE OF WATERCRAFT ON LAKES WILLIAM C. BOWEN AND H. TAYLOR BLALOCK IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE TYPES OF WATERCRAFT TO WHICH THESE RESTRICTIONS APPLY, TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN SIGNS THAT CONTAIN THESE RESTRICTIONS MUST BE DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY THE SPARTANBURG WATER SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN VESSELS ARE EXEMPTED FROM THESE RESTRICTIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT THESE RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO A HYDROELECTRIC GENERATOR OUTFALL, AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO LAKE H. TAYLOR BLALOCK DO NOT APPLY TO THE HUNTING OF WATERFOWL IN CERTAIN AREAS DURING CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR.

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

CARRIED OVER

H. 3541 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, J.E. Smith, Bales, Williams, Bannister, J.R. Smith, Patrick, Brannon, Erickson, Huggins, Kennedy, Ballentine, M.S. McLeod, Bernstein, Atwater, Cole, Funderburk, George, Hixon, Long, McCoy, W.J. McLeod, Pitts, Pope, G.R. Smith, Tallon, Taylor, Wood and Knight: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 7, ARTICLE VI OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS OF THIS STATE, SO AS TO DELETE THE ADJUTANT GENERAL FROM THE LIST OF STATE OFFICERS WHICH THE CONSTITUTION REQUIRES TO BE ELECTED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 4, ARTICLE XIII, RELATING TO THE ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL, SO AS TO DELETE AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE TO INSPECTOR GENERAL, TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE TO THE RANK OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING UPON THE EXPIRATION OF THE TERM OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL SERVING IN OFFICE ON THE DATE OF THE RATIFICATION OF THIS AMENDMENT, THE ADJUTANT GENERAL MUST BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM COMMENCING ON THE FIRST WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING THE SECOND TUESDAY IN JANUARY FOLLOWING THE GENERAL ELECTION, WHICH MARKS THE MIDTERM OF THE GOVERNOR, EXCEPT THAT THE INITIAL TERM OF THE FIRST ADJUTANT GENERAL APPOINTED PURSUANT TO THIS AMENDMENT MUST BE FOR TWO YEARS SO AS TO ALLOW SUBSEQUENT TERMS TO BE STAGGERED WITH THAT OF THE GOVERNOR, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PROVIDE BY LAW FOR THE DUTIES, COMPENSATION, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OFFICE, THE PROCEDURES BY WHICH THE APPOINTMENT IS MADE, AND THE PROCEDURES BY WHICH THE ADJUTANT GENERAL MAY BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE.

On motion of Senator MALLOY, the Joint Resolution was carried over.

PREVIOUSLY PROPOSED AMENDMENT WITHDRAWN
AMENDMENT PROPOSED, CARRIED OVER

S. 259 (Word version) -- Senator Thurmond: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-111-320 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PERSONS AGE SIXTY AND OVER ATTENDING CLASSES AT STATE-SUPPORTED COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS WITHOUT PAYMENT OF TUITION, TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT THESE PERSONS RECEIVING COMPENSATION AS FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES MUST PAY TUITION.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being adoption of the previously proposed amendment as follows.

Senator SHANE MARTIN proposed the following amendment (259R001.SRM), which was withdrawn:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, by striking lines 28 through 29, and inserting:/

legal residents of South Carolina who have attained the age of sixty to attend classes for credit or noncredit purposes on a space /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

On motion of Senator SHANE MARTIN, with unanimous consent, the previously proposed amendment was withdrawn.

Senator HUTTO proposed the following amendment (AGM\259C001.AGM.AB13):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting SECTION 1 in its entirety and inserting:

/ SECTION   1.   Section 59-111-320 of the 1976 Code is repealed. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator SHANE MARTIN explained the amendment.

On motion of Senator SHANE MARTIN, the Bill was carried over.

CARRIED OVER

S. 148 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Bryant and Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 20, TITLE 37 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CONSUMER IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION, BY ADDING SECTION 37-20-161, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD A CLASS OF "PROTECTED CONSUMERS" FROM BECOMING VICTIMS OF IDENTITY THEFT, TO ALLOW REPRESENTATIVES, PROVIDING SUFFICIENT PROOF OF AUTHORITY, TO PLACE A PREEMPTIVE SECURITY FREEZE ON PROTECTED CONSUMER'S CREDIT REPORTS, TO PROVIDE THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS SECTION, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS TO IMPLEMENT A SECURITY FREEZE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DURATION AND EXTENT OF A SECURITY FREEZE, AND TO PROVIDE TERMS FOR REMOVAL OF A SECURITY FREEZE ON A PROTECTED CONSUMER'S CREDIT REPORT OR RECORD.

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

CARRIED OVER

H. 3360 (Word version) -- Reps. Owens, Daning, Hiott, Skelton, Simrill, Anthony, Bedingfield, Clemmons, Delleney, Hardwick, Henderson, Hixon, Limehouse, Nanney, Ott, Pope, G.R. Smith, J.E. Smith, Sottile, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor and Bales: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 57-5-10, 57-5-70, AND 57-5-80, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM, ADDITIONS TO THE STATE HIGHWAY SECONDARY SYSTEM, AND THE DELETION AND REMOVAL OF ROADS FROM THE STATE HIGHWAY SECONDARY SYSTEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL HIGHWAYS WITHIN THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS, TO PROVIDE THE FUNDING SOURCES THAT THE DEPARTMENT USES TO CONSTRUCT AND MAINTAIN THESE HIGHWAYS, TO REVISE THE PROCEDURE AND WHEREBY ENTITIES TO WHICH THE DEPARTMENT MAY TRANSFER ROADS WITHIN THE STATE HIGHWAY SECONDARY SYSTEM; AND TO REVISE THE PROCEDURE WHEREBY THE DEPARTMENT MAY ADD A ROAD FROM THE COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL ROAD TO THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 57-5-90 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF BELT LINES AND SPURS.

Senator GROOMS explained the Bill.

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

PERFECTING AMENDMENT PROPOSED
OBJECTION TO FURTHER CONSIDERATION

S. 250 (Word version) -- Senators Cromer and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 33-56-30 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO REGISTRATION STATEMENTS FOR THE SOLICITATION OF CHARITABLE FUNDS, TO EXEMPT PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

Senator BRYANT 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 adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.

Senator BRYANT proposed the following amendment (JUD0250.003):

Amend the committee report, as and if amended, by striking page [250-3], line 7 and inserting the following:

/   amounts; and

(3)   scholarship granting organizations whose contributors receive tax credits as regulated by the Department of Revenue.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator BRYANT explained the amendment.

Senator MATTHEWS objected to further consideration of the Bill.

AMENDMENT PROPOSED
OBJECTION TO FURTHER CONSIDERATION

H. 3091 (Word version) -- Reps. Henderson, Huggins, Ballentine and W.J. McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 33-56-55, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS AND LOCAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE BEING EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE SOLICITATION OF CHARITABLE FUNDS ACT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE PROVISIONS ALSO DO NOT APPLY TO AN ATHLETIC, BAND, OR OTHER EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY BOOSTER CLUB OR ORGANIZATION AFFILIATED WITH A K-12 SCHOOL IF THE ORGANIZATION IS A 501(c)(3) TAX-EXEMPT ENTITY PROPERTY FILING ALL FEDERAL AND STATE REPORTING FORMS REQUIRED OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING FORM 990.

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

Senator BRYANT proposed the following amendment (JUD3091.001):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking page 3, line 9 in its entirety and inserting the following:

/   amounts; and

(3)   scholarship granting organizations whose contributors receive tax credits as regulated by the Department of Revenue.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator BRYANT explained the amendment.

Point of Order

Senator HUTTO raised a Point of Order under Rule 24A that Amendment No. 1 was out of order inasmuch as it was not germane to the Bill.

Senator BRYANT spoke on the Point of Order.

The PRESIDENT overruled the Point of Order.

Senator HUTTO objected to further consideration of the Bill.

AMENDMENT PROPOSED
OBJECTION TO FURTHER CONSIDERATION

S. 568 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Cleary and S. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-130, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN THE STATE CERTIFICATE OF NEED AND HEALTH FACILITY LICENSURE ACT, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITION FOR "NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY"; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-160, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CIRCUMSTANCES AND ACTIVITIES REQUIRING A CERTIFICATE OF NEED (CON), SO AS TO FURTHER SPECIFY HEALTH CARE FACILITY EXPENDITURES REQUIRING A CON AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPELLATE REVIEW OF CERTIFICATE OF NEED DECISIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND TO DEFINE "FRIVOLOUS APPEAL"; TO AMEND SECTION 13-7-10, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN THE ATOMIC ENERGY AND RADIATION CONTROL ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "NONIONIZING RADIATION"; TO AMEND SECTION 13-7-45, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COLLECTION OF FEES FOR LICENSING, REGISTRATION, AND CERTIFICATION OF USERS OF THE SOURCES OF IONIZING RADIATION AND THE USE OF THESE FEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ACCREDITATION OR CERTIFICATION IS A REQUIREMENT OF APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING EQUIPMENT AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT AND THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SHALL DETERMINE THE ACCREDITATION OR CERTIFICATION AGENCIES AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTABLISH REGISTRATION FEES FOR RADIOFREQUENCY RADIATION WITHIN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING DEVICES USED TO OBTAIN HUMAN BODY IMAGES.

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 LOURIE proposed the following amendment (GGS\568C001.GGS.AC13):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting SECTION 2, beginning on page 2, and inserting:

/   SECTION   2.   Section 44-7-160 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 278 of 2010, is further amended to read:

"Section 44-7-160.   A person or health care facility, as defined in this article, is required to obtain a Certificate of Need from the department before undertaking any of the following:

(1)   the construction or other establishment of a new health care facility;

(2)   a change in the existing bed complement of a health care facility through the addition of one or more beds or change in the classification of licensure of one or more beds;

(3)   an expenditure by or on behalf of a health care facility in excess of an amount to be prescribed by regulation which, under generally acceptable accounting principles consistently applied, is considered a capital expenditure and which is associated with patient care activities or an increase in square footage of greater than ten percent, except those expenditures exempted in Section 44-7-170(B)(1) in Section 44-7-170 that are exempt or to which this article does not apply. The cost of any studies, surveys, designs, plans, working drawings, specifications, and other activities essential to the development, acquisition, improvement, expansion, or replacement of any plant or equipment must be included in determining if the expenditure exceeds the prescribed amount;

(4)   a capital expenditure by or on behalf of a health care facility which that is associated with the addition or substantial expansion of a health service for which specific standards or criteria are prescribed in the South Carolina Health Plan;

(5)   the offering of a health service by or on behalf of a health care facility which has not been offered by the facility in the preceding twelve months and for which specific standards or criteria are prescribed in the South Carolina Health Plan;

(6)   the acquisition of medical equipment which is to be new and emerging technology used for diagnosis or treatment if the total project cost is in excess of that prescribed by regulation."   /

Amend the bill further, by deleting Sectin 44-7-20(B)(1) and (2), on page 3, and inserting:

/   (B)   If a party does not prevail in an appeal to the Court of Appeals when requesting the reversal of the Administrative Law Court's decision to approve a Certificate of Need application or an exemption under Section 44-7-170 or a determination that Section 44-7-160 is not applicable, the Court of Appeals shall award the party whose project is the subject of the contested case reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in the appeal.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator LOURIE explained the amendment.

Senator PEELER objected to further consideration of the Bill.

ADOPTED

H. 3405 (Word version) -- Reps. Hardee, Anderson, Barfield, Clemmons, H.A. Crawford, Edge, George, Hardwick, Hayes and Ryhal: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME STATE ROAD S-26-668 IN HORRY COUNTY "BRANDON OLIVER STEVENS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS ROAD THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "BRANDON OLIVER STEVENS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 3979 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, R.L. Brown, Crosby, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Horne, Limehouse, Mack, McCoy, Merrill, Rivers, Sottile, Stavrinakis, Whipper, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G.A. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, H.A. Crawford, K.R. Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, McEachern, M.S. McLeod, W.J. McLeod, Mitchell, D.C. Moss, V.S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Powers Norrell, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G.M. Smith, G.R. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, Southard, Spires, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT PLANS TO CREATE THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM ON THE WATERFRONT IN MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA, OVERLOOKING THE CITY OF CHARLESTON, WHICH WILL SERVE AS A PERMANENT PLACE OF HONOR AND RECOGNITION FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF RECOGNITION FOR THEIR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE; AS A PLACE TO INSPIRE CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS ABOUT THE IDEALS OF COURAGE, PATRIOTISM, LEADERSHIP, AND SACRIFICE; TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE MEANING AND PRICE OF FREEDOM; AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO EMBRACE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AS CITIZENS IN A DEMOCRACY.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

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

MADE SPECIAL ORDER

H. 3560 (Word version) -- Reps. Tallon, Harrell, Quinn, Stavrinakis, Patrick, Allison, McCoy, Pitts, Taylor, H.A. Crawford, Simrill, J.R. Smith, Crosby, Brannon, V.S. Moss, G.R. Smith, Henderson, Delleney, Cole, McEachern, Barfield, Ridgeway, Stringer, Nanney, R.L. Brown, Wood, Daning, Erickson, Clemmons, Powers Norrell, Funderburk, Mitchell, Merrill, Kennedy, D.C. Moss, Gagnon, Bannister, Atwater, Rivers, Owens, Bingham, Forrester, Ballentine, Toole, Hixon, Spires, Huggins, Lucas, Horne, Putnam, Weeks, M.S. McLeod and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING OR ACQUIRING A HANDGUN, SO AS TO ALSO PROHIBIT A PERSON ADJUDICATED MENTALLY INCAPACITATED OR COMMITTED TO A MENTAL INSTITUTION FROM POSSESSING OR ACQUIRING A HANDGUN; TO AMEND SECTION 44-22-100, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENT AND TREATMENT RECORDS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE REPORTING INFORMATION IN THESE RECORDS TO THE NATIONAL INSTANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM (NICS) TO BE UTILIZED IN DETERMINING IF A PERSON IS DISQUALIFIED FROM PURCHASING A FIREARM; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 10, CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A CONFIDENTIAL PROCESS FOR COMPILING AND TRANSMITTING INFORMATION ON PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN ADJUDICATED MENTALLY INCAPACITATED OR COMMITTED TO A MENTAL INSTITUTION, THEREBY BEING DISQUALIFIED FROM POSSESSING OR ACQUIRING A HANDGUN AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (SLED) TO TRANSMIT THIS INFORMATION TO NICS; TO REQUIRE SLED TO CROSS CHECK THE NAMES SENT TO NICS WITH SLED'S DATABASE FOR CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMITS TO ASCERTAIN IF ANY PERMITS MUST BE REVOKED; AND TO ESTABLISH A JUDICIAL PROCESS FOR PERSONS PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING FIREARMS, DUE SOLELY TO AN ADJUDICATION AS MENTALLY INCAPACITATED OR COMMITMENT TO A MENTAL INSTITUTION, TO OBTAIN REMOVAL OF THE DISQUALIFICATIONS THAT PROHIBITED THEM FROM POSSESSING FIREARMS.

Senator CROMER moved that the Bill be made a Special Order.

Senator LARRY MARTIN argued in favor of the motion and Senator BRIGHT argued contra.

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

Ayes 40; Nays 4

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campbell                  Campsen                   Cleary
Courson                   Cromer                    Davis
Fair                      Ford                      Gregory
Grooms                    Hayes                     Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson
Leatherman                Lourie                    Malloy
Martin, Larry             Massey                    Matthews
McElveen                  McGill                    Nicholson
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Pinckney
Rankin                    Reese                     Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Thurmond                  Turner                    Williams
Young

Total--40

NAYS

Bright                    Bryant                    Corbin
Martin, Shane

Total--4

The Bill was made a Special Order.

MOTION ADOPTED

Senator LARRY MARTIN moved to dispense with the Motion Period.

Senator BRIGHT spoke on the motion.

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

Ayes 35; Nays 7

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campbell                  Campsen                   Cleary
Courson                   Cromer                    Davis
Fair                      Gregory                   Grooms
Hayes                     Hembree                   Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Lourie                    Martin, Larry             Massey
Matthews                  McGill                    Nicholson
O'Dell                    Peeler                    Rankin
Reese                     Scott                     Setzler
Shealy                    Thurmond                  Turner
Williams                  Young

Total--35

NAYS

Bright                    Bryant                    Corbin
Ford                      Malloy                    Martin, Shane
Sheheen

Total--7

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.

H. 3453--REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE ADOPTED

H. 3453 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham, Allison, Anthony, Hayes and Atwater: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DECIDE AND NOTIFY TEACHERS OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR BY MAY 15, 2013; TO PROVIDE THAT A CONTINUING-CONTRACT TEACHER WHO IS BEING RECOMMENDED FOR FORMAL EVALUATION THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR MUST BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ISSUES THE WRITTEN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT OR REEMPLOYMENT; TO REQUIRE TEACHERS WHO ARE REEMPLOYED BY WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO NOTIFY THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT; AND TO ALLOW DISTRICTS TO UNIFORMLY NEGOTIATE SALARIES OF CERTAIN RETIRED TEACHERS BELOW THE DISTRICT SALARY SCHEDULE.

On motion of Senator HAYES, the Report of the Committee of Conference was taken up for immediate consideration.

Senator HAYES spoke on the report.

The question then was the adoption of the report.

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

Ayes 41; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Campsen                   Cleary                    Corbin
Courson                   Cromer                    Davis
Fair                      Ford                      Gregory
Hayes                     Hembree                   Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson                   Lourie
Malloy                    Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane
Massey                    Matthews                  McElveen
McGill                    O'Dell                    Peeler
Pinckney                  Rankin                    Reese
Scott                     Setzler                   Shealy
Sheheen                   Thurmond                  Turner
Williams                  Young

Total--41

NAYS

Total--0

H. 3453--Conference Report
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., April 24, 2013

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

H. 3453 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham, Allison, Anthony, Hayes and Atwater: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DECIDE AND NOTIFY TEACHERS OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR BY MAY 15, 2013; TO PROVIDE THAT A CONTINUING-CONTRACT TEACHER WHO IS BEING RECOMMENDED FOR FORMAL EVALUATION THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR MUST BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ISSUES THE WRITTEN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT OR REEMPLOYMENT; TO REQUIRE TEACHERS WHO ARE REEMPLOYED BY WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO NOTIFY THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT; AND TO ALLOW DISTRICTS TO UNIFORMLY NEGOTIATE SALARIES OF CERTAIN RETIRED TEACHERS BELOW THE DISTRICT SALARY SCHEDULE.

Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Notwithstanding Section 59-25-410, the boards of trustees of the several school districts shall decide and notify, in writing, the teachers, as defined in Section 59-1-130, in their employ concerning their employment for the 2013-2014 school year by May 5, 2013.

SECTION   2.   Notwithstanding Regulation 43-205.1, a continuing-contract teacher who is being recommended for formal evaluation the following school year must be notified in writing on or before the date the school district issues the written offer of employment or reemployment.

SECTION   3.   Notwithstanding Section 59-25-420, any teacher who is reemployed by written notification pursuant to Section 59-25-410 shall notify the board of trustees in writing of his acceptance of the contract for the 2013-2014 school year no later than ten days following receipt of written notification. Failure on the part of the teacher to notify the board of acceptance within the specified time limit is conclusive evidence of the teacher's rejection of the contract.

SECTION   4.   Notwithstanding another provision of law, school districts uniformly may negotiate salaries below the school district salary schedule for the 2013-2014 school year for retired teachers who are not participants in the Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive Program.

SECTION   5.   This joint resolution takes effect on April 15, 2013. /

Amend title to read:

/ TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DECIDE AND NOTIFY TEACHERS OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR BY MAY 5, 2013; TO PROVIDE THAT A CONTINUING-CONTRACT TEACHER WHO IS BEING RECOMMENDED FOR FORMAL EVALUATION THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR MUST BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ISSUES THE WRITTEN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT OR REEMPLOYMENT; TO REQUIRE TEACHERS WHO ARE REEMPLOYED BY WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO NOTIFY THE DISTRICT BOARD OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE WITHIN TEN DAYS OF RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT; AND TO ALLOW DISTRICTS TO UNIFORMLY NEGOTIATE SALARIES OF CERTAIN RETIRED TEACHERS BELOW THE DISTRICT SALARY SCHEDULE. /

/s/Sen. John W. Matthews, Jr.     /s/Rep. Kenny Bingham
/s/Sen. Robert W. Hayes, Jr.      /s/Rep. Rita Allison
/s/Sen. Shane Martin              /s/Rep. Jackie E. Hayes
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

The report was adopted and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM THE HOUSE.

HOUSE AMENDMENTS AMENDED
RETURNED TO THE HOUSE

S. 2 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, L. Martin, Cromer, Hayes and Grooms: A BILL TO ESTABLISH THE "EQUAL ACCESS TO THE BALLOT ACT", BY AMENDING SECTION 8-13-1356, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FILING OF A STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS BY A CANDIDATE, TO PROVIDE THAT A CANDIDATE WHO IS NOT A PUBLIC OFFICIAL AND A CANDIDATE WHO IS A PUBLIC OFFICIAL SHALL ELECTRONICALLY FILE OR UPDATE A STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS, AS APPLICABLE, PRIOR TO FILING A STATEMENT OF INTENTION OF CANDIDACY OR NOMINATION FOR PETITION; TO AMEND SECTION 7-11-15, TO PROVIDE THAT THE FILING PERIOD RUNS FROM MARCH TWENTY-THIRD TO MARCH THIRTIETH, TO REQUIRE THAT THE PARTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NOT ACCEPT A STATEMENT OF INTENTION OF CANDIDACY UNLESS THE COMMITTEE VERIFIES THAT THE CANDIDATE FILED AN ELECTRONIC STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTEREST, AND TO PROVIDE THAT INTENTIONS OF CANDIDACY ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATE ELECTION COMMISSION BY NOON ON THE FIFTH DAY AFTER THE FILING DEADLINE.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

Amendment No. RFH-1

Senators LARRY MARTIN and CAMPSEN proposed the following Amendment No. RFH-1 (JUD0002.030), which was adopted:

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

SECTION   1.   Section 7-11-15 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 7-11-15.   (A)   In order to qualify as a candidate to run in the general election, all candidates seeking nomination by political party primary or political party convention must file a statement of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees between noon on March sixteenth and noon on March thirtieth as provided in this section.

(1)   Candidates Except as otherwise provided in this section, candidates seeking nomination for a statewide, congressional, or district office that includes more than one county must file their statements of intention of candidacy, and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the state executive committee of their respective party State Election Commission.

(2)   Candidates seeking nomination for the State Senate or House of Representatives must file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the county executive committee of their respective party election commission in the county of their residence. The county committees must, within five days of the receipt of the statements, transmit the statements along with the applicable filing fees to the respective state executive committees. However, the county committees must report all filings to the state committees no later than five p.m. on March thirtieth. The state executive committees must certify candidates pursuant to Section 7-13-40.

(3)   Candidates seeking nomination for a countywide or less than countywide office shall file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the county executive committee of their respective party election commission in the county of their residence.

(B)   Except as provided herein, the county executive committee of any political party election commission with whom statements of intention of candidacy the documents in subsection (A) are filed must file, in turn, provide a copy of all statements of intention of candidacy, the party pledge, receipt with the county election commission by noon on the tenth and filing fees, to the appropriate political party executive committee within two days following the deadline for filing statements by candidates. If the tenth second day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the statements statement of intention of candidacy, party pledge, and filing fee must be filed by noon the following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. The state executive committee of any political party with whom statements of intention of candidacy are filed must file, in turn, all the statements of intention of candidacy with the State Election Commission by noon on the tenth day following the deadline for filing statements by candidates. If the tenth day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the statements must be filed by noon the following day. No candidate's name may appear on a primary election ballot, convention slate of candidates, general election ballot, or special election ballot, except as otherwise provided by law, if (1) the candidate's statement of intention of candidacy and party pledge has not been filed with the County Election Commission or State Election Commission, as the case may be, as well as any filing fee, by the deadline and (2) the candidate has not been certified by the appropriate political party as required by Sections 7-13-40 and 7-13-350, as applicable. The candidate's name must appear if the candidate produces the signed and dated copy of his timely filed statement of intention of candidacy. An error or omission by a person seeking to qualify as a candidate pursuant to this section that is not directly related to a constitutional or statutory qualification for that office must be construed in a manner that favors the person's access to the ballot.

(C)   The statement of intention of candidacy required in this section and in Section 7-13-190(B) must be on a form designed and provided by the State Election Commission. This form, in addition to all other information, must contain an affirmation that the candidate meets, or will meet by the time of the general election, or as otherwise required by law, the qualifications for the office sought. It must be filed in triplicate by the candidate The candidate must file three signed copies and the political party committee election commission with whom it is filed must stamp it each copy with the date and time received, sign it, keep one copy, return one copy to the candidate, and send one copy to either the county election commission or the State Election Commission, as the case may be the appropriate political party executive committee.

(D)   The candidate must file three signed copies of the party pledge, as required pursuant to Section 7-11-210, and the election commission with whom it is filed must stamp each copy with the date and time received, return one copy to the candidate, and send one copy to the appropriate political party executive committee.

(E)   The candidate must sign a receipt for the filing fee, and the election commission with whom it is filed must stamp the receipt with the date and time the filing fee was received, provide one copy to the candidate and provide one copy to the appropriate political executive party. The filing fee must be made payable to the appropriate political party.

(F)   If, after the closing of the time for filing statements of intention of candidacy the documents required pursuant to this section, there are not more than two candidates for any one office and one or more of the candidates dies, or withdraws, the state or county committee, as the case may be, if the nomination is by political party primary or political party convention only may, in its discretion, afford opportunity for the entry of other candidates for the office involved; however, for the office of State House of Representatives or State Senator, the discretion must be exercised by the state committee.

(G)   The county chairman of a political party and the chairman of the state executive committee of a political party may designate a person to observe the filings made at the election commission pursuant to this section.

(H)   The provisions of this section do not apply to nonpartisan school trustee elections in any school district where local law provisions provide for other dates and procedures for filing statements of candidacy or petitions, and to the extent the provisions of this section and the local law provisions conflict, the local law provisions control."

SECTION   2.   Section 7-11-55 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

Section 7-11-55.   If a party nominee dies, becomes disqualified after his nomination, or resigns his candidacy for a legitimate nonpolitical reason as defined in Section 7-11-50 and was selected through a party primary election, the vacancy must be filled in a special primary election to be conducted as provided in this section. The filing period for this special primary election opens the second Tuesday after the death, disqualification, or approval of the resignation for one week. The special primary election then must be conducted on the second Tuesday immediately following the close of the filing period. A runoff, if necessary, must be held two weeks after the first primary. The nomination must be certified not less than two weeks before the date of the general election. If the nomination is certified two weeks or more before the date of the general election, that office is to be filled at the general election.

If the nomination is certified less than two weeks before the date of the general election, that office must not be filled at the general election but must be filled in a special election to be held on the second Tuesday in the month following the election, provided that the date of the special election to be conducted after the general election may be combined with other necessary elections scheduled to occur within a twenty-eight day period in the manner authorized by Section 7-13-190(D).

The procedures for resigning a candidacy under this section for legitimate nonpolitical reasons are the same as provided in Section 7-11-50.

In order to qualify as a candidate, the person must file his statement of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees in the manner provided in Section 7-11-15. A candidate must also file his statement of economic interests electronically with the State Ethics Commission pursuant to Section 8-13-1356(A).

Where the party nominee was unopposed, each political party registered with the State Election Commission has the privilege of nominating a candidate for the office involved through a special primary election in the same manner and under the same procedures stipulated by this section."

SECTION   3.   Section 7-11-210 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 7-11-210.   Every candidate for selection as a nominee of any political party for any state office, United States Senator, member of Congress, or solicitor, to be voted for in any party primary election or political party convention, shall file with and place in the possession of the treasurer of the state committee appropriate election commission, pursuant to Section 7-11-15 by twelve o'clock noon on March thirtieth a notice or party pledge in the following form, the blanks being properly filled in and the notice or party pledge signed by the candidate: 'I hereby file my notice as a candidate for the nomination as __________ in the primary election or convention to be held on __________. I affiliate with the __________ Party, and I hereby pledge myself to abide by the results of the primary or convention. I shall not authorize my name to be placed on the general election ballot by petition and will not offer or campaign as a write-in candidate for this office or any other office for which the party has a nominee. I authorize the issuance of an injunction upon ex parte application by the party chairman, as provided by law, should I violate this pledge by offering or campaigning in the ensuing general election for election to this office or any other office for which a nominee has been elected in the party primary election, unless the nominee for the office has become deceased or otherwise disqualified for election in the ensuing general election. I hereby affirm that I meet, or will meet by the time of the general or special election, or as otherwise required by law, the qualifications for this office'.

Every candidate for selection in a primary election as the nominee of any political party for member of the Senate, member of the House of Representatives, and all county and township offices shall file with and place in the possession of the county chairman election commission of the county in which they reside or other officer as may be named by the county committee of the county in which they reside by twelve o'clock noon on March thirtieth a like notice and party pledge.

The notice of candidacy party pledge required by this section to be filed by a candidate in a primary must be signed personally by the candidate, and the signature of the candidate must be signed in the presence of the county chairman or other officer as may be named by the county committee with whom the candidate is filing, or a candidate must have his signature on the notice of the candidacy acknowledged and certified by any officer authorized to administer an oath an individual authorized by the election commission director. Any notice of candidacy party pledge of any candidate signed by an agent in behalf of a candidate shall not be valid.

In the event that a person who was defeated as a candidate for nomination to an office in a party's primary election shall thereafter offer or campaign as a candidate against any nominee for election to any office in the ensuing general election, the state chairman of the party which held the primary (if the office involved is one voted for in the general election by the electors of more than one county), or the county chairman of the party which held the primary (in the case of all other offices), shall forthwith institute an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for an order enjoining the person from so offering or campaigning in the general election, and the court is hereby empowered upon proof of these facts to issue an order."

SECTION   4.   Section 7-11-220 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 7-11-220.     Every candidate for selection in a primary election as the nominee of a political party for the office of State Senator shall file with and place in the possession of the county chairman the election commission of the county in which he resides, or such other officer as may be named by the county committee of the county in which he resides, at the same time as those wishing to offer for nomination in such primary for countywide or less than countywide office, a notice or party pledge as required by Section 7-11-210."

SECTION   5.   Section 7-13-40 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 7-13-40.   In the event that a party nominates candidates by party primary, a party primary must be held by the party and conducted by the State Election Commission and the respective county election commissions on the second Tuesday in June of each general election year, and a second and third primary each two weeks successively thereafter, if necessary. Written certification of the names of all candidates to be placed on primary ballots must be made by the political party chairman, vice chairman, or secretary to the State Election Commission or the county election commission, whichever is responsible under law for preparing the ballot, not later than twelve o'clock noon on April ninth fifth, or if April ninth fifth falls on a Saturday or Sunday, not later than twelve o'clock noon on the following Monday. Political parties nominating candidates by party primary must verify the qualifications of those candidates prior to certification to the appropriate election commission of the names of candidates to be placed on primary ballots. The written verification required by this section must contain a statement that each candidate certified meets, or will meet by the time of the general election, or as otherwise required by law, the qualifications for office for which he has filed. Political parties must not accept the filing of A political party must not certify any candidate who does not or will not by the time of the general election, or as otherwise required by law, meet the qualifications for the office for which the candidate desires to file has filed, and such candidate's name shall not be placed on a primary ballot. The filing fees for all candidates filing to run in all primaries, except municipal primaries, must be transmitted by the respective political parties to the State Election Commission and placed by the executive director of the commission in a special account designated for use in conducting primary elections and must be used for that purpose. The filing fee for each office is one percent of the total salary for the term of that office or one hundred dollars, whichever amount is greater."

SECTION   6.   Section 7-13-45 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 7-13-45.   (A)   In every general election year, the county chairman Executive Director of the State Election Commission and the director of each county election commission shall:

(1)   designate a specified place other than a private residence where persons may file a statement of intention of candidacy;

(2)   designate a specified place other than a private residence where persons may file as candidates;

(3)(1)   establish regular hours of not less than four hours a day during the final seventy-two hours of the filing period in which he the director or some person he designates must be present at the designated place to accept filings as required by Section 7-11-15;

(4)(2)   place an advertisement to appear two weeks before the filing period begins in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least five by seven inches in size that notifies the public of the dates of the filing periods, the offices which may be filed for, the place and street address where filings may be made, and the hours that an authorized person will be present to receive filings."

SECTION   7.   Section 8-13-365 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 8-13-365.   (A)   The commission shall establish a system of electronic filing for all disclosures and reports required pursuant to Chapter 13, Title 8, and Chapter 17, Title 2 from all persons and entities subject to its jurisdiction except for forms and reports required pursuant to Article 9, Chapter 13, Title 8. These disclosures and reports must be filed using an Internet-based filing system as prescribed by the commission. Reports and disclosures filed with the Ethics Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives for legislative offices must be in a format such that these filings can be forwarded to the State Ethics Commission using an Internet-based system. The information contained in the reports and disclosure forms, with the exception of social security numbers, campaign bank account numbers, and tax ID numbers, must be publicly accessible, searchable, and transferable.

(B)   The Ethics Commission must submit to the General Assembly a report no later than one year after implementation of subsection (A), concerning the effectiveness of mandatory electronic filing, and must make recommendations as to the implementation of mandatory filing for all other candidates and entities."

SECTION   8.   Section 8-13-1140 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 8-13-1140.   A person required to file a statement of economic interests under this chapter shall annually file, pursuant to Section 8-13-365, an updated statement for the previous calendar year with the appropriate supervisory office annually, no later than April fifteenth noon on March thirtieth of each calendar year, listing any addition, deletion, or change in his economic status with respect to which information is required to be supplied under this article. If the person has filed the description by name, amount, and schedule of payments of a continuing arrangement relating to an item required to be reported under this article, an updating statement need not be filed for each payment under the continuing arrangement, but only if the arrangement is terminated or altered."

SECTION   9.   Section 8-13-1356 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 8-13-1356.   (A)   This section does not apply to a public official who has a current disclosure statement on file with the appropriate supervisory office pursuant to Sections 8-13-1110 or 8-13-1140.

(B)   A person who becomes a candidate by filing a statement of intention of candidacy seeking nomination by political party primary or political party convention must electronically file a statement of economic interests for the preceding calendar year at the same time and with the same official with whom the candidate files pursuant to Section 8-13-365 prior to the close of filing for the particular office a declaration of candidacy or petition for nomination.

(B)   A person who becomes a candidate by filing a petition for nomination must electronically file a statement of economic interests for the preceding calendar year pursuant to Section 8-13-365 within fifteen days of submitting the petition pursuant to Section 7-11-70 or 7-11-71.

(C)   A person who becomes a write-in candidate must electronically file a statement of economic interests for the preceding calendar year within twenty-four hours of filing an initial campaign finance report pursuant to Section 8-13-1308(A) or before taking the oath of office, whichever occurs earlier.

(C)   The official with whom the candidate files a declaration of candidacy or petition for nomination, no later than five business days after candidacy books close, must file a copy of the statement with the appropriate supervisory office.

(D)   An individual who becomes a candidate other than by filing must, no later than fifteen business days after becoming a candidate, file a statement of economic interests for the preceding calendar year with the appropriate supervisory office.

(E)   An officer authorized to receive declarations of candidacy and petitions for nominations under the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 7 may not accept a declaration of candidacy or petition for nomination unless the declaration or petition is accompanied by a statement of economic interests. If the candidate's name inadvertently appears on the ballot, the officer authorized to receive declarations of candidacy or petitions for nomination must not certify the candidate subsequent to the election.

(F)   If the candidate files for office before January first of the year in which the election is held, he must file a supplementary statement covering the preceding calendar year no later than April first of the year in which the election is held.

(G)(D)   A candidate who is not a public official otherwise filing a statement has the same disclosure requirements as a public official with the exception of reporting gifts.

(H)   The State Ethics Commission must furnish to each clerk of court in the State forms on which the statement of economic interests shall be filed.

(E)   No candidate shall take the oath of office or enter upon his official responsibilities unless he has filed a statement of economic interests pursuant to Section 8-13-365 prior to the date of the election.

(F)   The appropriate supervisory office shall assess a civil penalty pursuant to Section 8-13-1510 against a candidate who fails to timely file a statement of economic interests as required by this section. "

SECTION   10.   In order to educate various parties regarding the provisions contained in this act, the following notifications must be made:

(1)   The State Election Commission must notify each county election commission of the provisions of this act.

(2)   The State Election Commission must post the provisions of this act on its website.

(3)   Each state party executive committee must notify their respective county executive parties of the provisions of this act.

SECTION   11.   The General Assembly finds that all the provisions contained in this act relate to one subject as required by Section 17, Article III of the South Carolina Constitution in that each provision relates directly to or in conjunction with other sections to the subject of election reform as stated in the title. The General Assembly further finds that a common purpose or relationship exists among the sections, representing a potential plurality but not disunity of topics, notwithstanding that reasonable minds might differ in identifying more than one topic contained in this act.

SECTION   12.   The provisions of this act are severable. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, item, subitem, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of the act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, item, subitem, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, items, subitems, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.

SECTION   13.   This act takes effect upon preclearance approval by the United States Department of Justice or approval by a declaratory judgment issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, whichever occurs first.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.

The question then was the adoption of the amendment.

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

Ayes 38; Nays 4

AYES

Alexander                 Bennett                   Campbell
Campsen                   Cleary                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Ford                      Gregory                   Hayes
Hembree                   Hutto                     Jackson
Johnson                   Leatherman                Lourie
Malloy                    Martin, Larry             Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  McGill
Nicholson                 O'Dell                    Peeler
Pinckney                  Rankin                    Reese
Scott                     Setzler                   Shealy
Sheheen                   Thurmond                  Turner
Williams                  Young

Total--38

NAYS

Bright                    Bryant                    Corbin
Martin, Shane

Total--4

The amendment was adopted.

The Bill was returned to the House with amendments.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE SPECIAL ORDERS.

READ THE SECOND TIME
RETURNED TO THE STATUS OF SPECIAL ORDER

S. 349 (Word version) -- Senator O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 60, TITLE 40 SO AS TO ENACT THE "APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY REGISTRATION ACT", TO PROVIDE A CITATION, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS, TO REQUIRE REGISTRATION FOR AN ENTITY ACTING AS AN APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY, TO SPECIFY REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION, TO SPECIFY THE TERM FOR WHICH REGISTRATION IS VALID AND FOR RENEWAL AND CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR REGISTRATION FEES, TO LIMIT OWNERSHIP OF AN APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY, TO REQUIRE AN APPLICANT FOR REGISTRATION TO DESIGNATE ONE CONTROLLING PERSON AS THE MAIN CONTACT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONTROLLING PERSON ACTING AS A MAIN CONTACT BETWEEN A COMPANY AND THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE USE AND PAYMENT OF INDEPENDENT APPRAISERS, TO SPECIFY CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF AN APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY, TO MAKE ATTEMPTS BY CERTAIN APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY PERSONNEL TO INFLUENCE OR ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE AN APPRAISAL IN A CERTAIN MANNER, TO PROHIBIT AN APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY FROM CHANGING A COMPLETED APPRAISAL OR USING AN APPRAISAL REPORT OR ITS CONTENT PROVIDED BY AN INDEPENDENT APPRAISER IN ANOTHER TRANSACTION, TO PROVIDE RESTRICTIONS ON THE REMOVAL OF AN INDEPENDENT APPRAISER FROM THE APPRAISER PANEL BY AN APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PENALTIES AND REMEDIES THE BOARD MAY IMPOSE FOR A VIOLATION OF THE ARTICLE, TO PROVIDE SURETY BOND REQUIREMENTS FOR AN APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY, AND TO PROVIDE THE BOARD MAY PROVIDE ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-60-10, RELATING TO THE REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS BOARD, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD BY TWO MEMBERS; AND TO DESIGNATE SECTIONS 40-60-5 THROUGH 40-60-230 AS ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 60, TITLE 40, ENTITLED "REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS", AND TO RETITLE CHAPTER 60, TITLE 40 AS THE "REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL PROFESSIONALS ACT".

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

Senator O'DELL explained the Bill.

Senator BRIGHT spoke on the Bill.

Objection

H. 3560 (Word version) -- Reps. Tallon, Harrell, Quinn, Stavrinakis, Patrick, Allison, McCoy, Pitts, Taylor, H.A. Crawford, Simrill, J.R. Smith, Crosby, Brannon, V.S. Moss, G.R. Smith, Henderson, Delleney, Cole, McEachern, Barfield, Ridgeway, Stringer, Nanney, R.L. Brown, Wood, Daning, Erickson, Clemmons, Powers Norrell, Funderburk, Mitchell, Merrill, Kennedy, D.C. Moss, Gagnon, Bannister, Atwater, Rivers, Owens, Bingham, Forrester, Ballentine, Toole, Hixon, Spires, Huggins, Lucas, Horne, Putnam, Weeks, M.S. McLeod and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING OR ACQUIRING A HANDGUN, SO AS TO ALSO PROHIBIT A PERSON ADJUDICATED MENTALLY INCAPACITATED OR COMMITTED TO A MENTAL INSTITUTION FROM POSSESSING OR ACQUIRING A HANDGUN; TO AMEND SECTION 44-22-100, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENT AND TREATMENT RECORDS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE REPORTING INFORMATION IN THESE RECORDS TO THE NATIONAL INSTANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM (NICS) TO BE UTILIZED IN DETERMINING IF A PERSON IS DISQUALIFIED FROM PURCHASING A FIREARM; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 10, CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A CONFIDENTIAL PROCESS FOR COMPILING AND TRANSMITTING INFORMATION ON PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN ADJUDICATED MENTALLY INCAPACITATED OR COMMITTED TO A MENTAL INSTITUTION, THEREBY BEING DISQUALIFIED FROM POSSESSING OR ACQUIRING A HANDGUN AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (SLED) TO TRANSMIT THIS INFORMATION TO NICS; TO REQUIRE SLED TO CROSS CHECK THE NAMES SENT TO NICS WITH SLED'S DATABASE FOR CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMITS TO ASCERTAIN IF ANY PERMITS MUST BE REVOKED; AND TO ESTABLISH A JUDICIAL PROCESS FOR PERSONS PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING FIREARMS, DUE SOLELY TO AN ADJUDICATION AS MENTALLY INCAPACITATED OR COMMITMENT TO A MENTAL INSTITUTION, TO OBTAIN REMOVAL OF THE DISQUALIFICATIONS THAT PROHIBITED THEM FROM POSSESSING FIREARMS.

Senator BRIGHT asked unanimous consent to take the Bill up for immediate consideration after the consideration of S. 349.

Senators SCOTT, NICHOLSON and MALLOY objected to the motion.

The question then was the second reading of S. 349.

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

Ayes 40; Nays 2

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campbell                  Campsen                   Cleary
Coleman                   Corbin                    Courson
Cromer                    Davis                     Fair
Gregory                   Hayes                     Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson
Leatherman                Lourie                    Malloy
Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane             Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  McGill
Nicholson                 O'Dell                    Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Thurmond                  Turner                    Williams
Young

Total--40

NAYS

Bright                    Bryant

Total--2

The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

The Bill was returned to the status of Special Order.

LOCAL APPOINTMENT
Confirmation

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

Initial Appointment, Greenwood County Board of Voter Registration, with the term to commence March 15, 2012, and to expire March 15, 2014

David Conner, Jr., 214 Sample Rd., Greenwood, SC 29649 VICE Percy A. Jackson

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator COURSON, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Bob Edgar, 69, President and CEO of Common Cause. Mr. Edgar had a deep commitment to social justice and supported such issues as clean elections, campaign finance reform, honest and accountable government and strengthening our democracy. He had served Pennsylvania in Congress for 12 years, being first elected in 1974, and also led the National Council of Churches. He served on the House Select Committee on Assassinations that investigated the deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President John F. Kennedy. He was the beloved husband of Merle and devoted father of David and Rob.

and

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator LARRY MARTIN, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Private First Class Barrett Austin of Easley, S.C. Private Austin was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom when his vehicle was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, on April 17. Private Austin later died from his wounds on April 21, 2013, in Landstuhl, Germany. Private Austin is survived by his loving parents, Yolanda and Curt Austin and his beloved wife, Heather.

ADJOURNMENT

At 4:46 P.M., on motion of Senator COURSON, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

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