South Carolina General Assembly
122nd Session, 2017-2018
Journal of the Senate

Thursday, May 4, 2017
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.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:

Matthew 5:45

"God makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

Let us pray. Loving God, Your blessings abound and Your goodness reaches out to everybody. But sometimes it just doesn't seem fair that Your grace operates in the lives of people who we feel don't deserve it. Someone got a promotion and we got overlooked, someone's investments turn out more productive than ours, someone's Bill passes and ours can't even get out of committee.

Gracious God, when we see Your grace operate in the lives of people we don't feel deserve it, we have a choice--either we can complain and feel sorry for ourselves or we can be thankful that You, a God of such goodness, are the one we love and serve.

Comparison kills because it always leaves us wanting more, but thankfulness brings peace. We are not one iota better off if someone else succeeds or if someone else fails -- so why give it a minute's thought?

Teach us, O God, to serve You with thankful hearts for the blessings of the day that we may live each moment with the joy of Your inner peace. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.

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

Point of Quorum

At 11:03 A.M., Senator SETZLER made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

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

Alexander                 Bennett                   Campbell
Climer                    Cromer                    Davis
Fanning                   Goldfinch                 Gregory
Hembree                   Hutto                     Leatherman
Martin                    Massey                    Peeler
Rice                      Sabb                      Scott
Senn                      Setzler                   Shealy
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Williams

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Motion to Ratify Adopted

At 11:08 A.M., Senator LEATHERMAN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to invite the House of Representatives to attend the Senate Chamber for the purpose of ratifying Acts at a mutually convenient time.

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

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:

Local Appointments

Initial Appointment, Laurens County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2015, and to expire April 30, 2019
Dirk J. Bron, Jr., 1558 Hopewell Church Rd., Clinton, SC 29325 VICE Paul D. Lyles

Initial Appointment, Richland County Part-Time Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2017, and to expire April 30, 2021
Christina Pope, 216 Elders Pond Dr., Columbia, SC 29229

Doctor of the Day

Senator TURNER introduced Dr. Robert Morgan of Greenville, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

At 11:03 A.M., Senator MARTIN requested leave beginning at 1:47 P.M. Thursday, May 4, 2017, until Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at 1:47 P.M.

Leave of Absence

At 11:10 A.M., Senator CAMPBELL requested a leave of absence for Senator VERDIN until 11:30 A.M.

Leave of Absence

At 11:15 A.M., Senator JOHNSON requested a leave of absence until 11:45 A.M.

Leave of Absence

At 12:38 P.M., Senator CROMER requested a leave of absence until Monday, May 8, 2014.

Leave of Absence

At 12:40 P.M., Senator GROOMS requested a leave of absence for Senator CAMPBELL for the balance of the day.

Leave of Absence

At 1:29 P.M., Senator M.B. MATTHEWS requested a leave of absence for Senator KIMPSON for the balance of the day.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 690 (Word version)     Sabb
S. 701 (Word version)     Jackson and Hutto

CO-SPONSOR REMOVED

The following co-sponsor was removed from the respective Bill:
S. 690 (Word version)     Sen. McLeod

RECALLED

H. 4050 (Word version) -- Rep. Johnson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 129 AND VAUGHT ROAD IN HORRY COUNTY "LONNIE HOYT MARTIN INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERSECTION CONTAINING THIS DESIGNATION.

Senator WILLIAMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

RECALLED

H. 3964 (Word version) -- Reps. Alexander and Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF WILSON ROAD IN THE CITY OF FLORENCE FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH IRBY STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH OAKLAND AVENUE "ELDER ELIJAH GREEN WAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS ROAD CONTAINING THIS DESIGNATION.

Senator WILLIAMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

RECALLED

H. 3667 (Word version) -- Reps. Clyburn and Forrest: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-480, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN SALUDA COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE NAMES OF THESE PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND AND MAINTAINED BY THE REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE.

Senator RANKIN 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.

RECALLED

H. 4179 (Word version) -- Reps. Gagnon and West: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-30, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN ABBEVILLE COUNTY, SO AS TO ADD THE SMITHVILLE PRECINCT, TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE NAMES OF THESE PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND AND MAINTAINED BY THE REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, AND TO CORRECT OUTDATED REFERENCES TO THE REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE.

Senator RANKIN 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.

RECALLED
READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 3883 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "PYRAMID PROMOTIONAL SCHEME PROHIBITION ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE PYRAMID PROMOTIONAL SCHEMES CONSTITUTE UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT, AND TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 39-5-30 RELATING TO PYRAMID CLUBS AND SIMILAR OPERATIONS.

Senator ALEXANDER asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Senator MASSEY asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Bill up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question then was the second reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 41; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Gregory                   Grooms
Hembree                   Hutto                     Jackson
Kimpson                   Leatherman                Malloy
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews, John
Matthews, Margie          McElveen                  McLeod
Nicholson                 Peeler                    Rankin
Reese                     Rice                      Sabb
Scott                     Senn                      Setzler
Shealy                    Sheheen                   Talley
Timmons                   Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Young

Total--41

NAYS

Total--0

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 700 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE GOOD HOPE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON ITS ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY, TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE CHURCH FOR ITS DEEP HERITAGE IN LEXINGTON COUNTY, AND TO COMMEND THE LEADERSHIP AND CONGREGATION FOR THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 701 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Hutto and Jackson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF CHILD HUNGER ON OUR STATE'S YOUNGEST CITIZENS AND TO ENCOURAGE ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS IN OUR STATE TO MAXIMIZE ACCESS TO HEALTHY MEALS AT NO COST FOR CHILDREN IN POVERTY BY ADOPTING THE COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY PROVISION OF THE HEALTHY, HUNGER-FREE KIDS ACT.
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The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the General Committee.

S. 702 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF ALLAN GEORGE ANDERSON III OF CHERAW AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 703 (Word version) -- Senators Scott, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, M. B. Matthews, Campbell, Campsen, Climer, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Fanning, Gambrell, Goldfinch, Gregory, Grooms, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kimpson, Leatherman, Malloy, Martin, Massey, J. Matthews, McElveen, McLeod, Nicholson, Peeler, Rankin, Reese, Rice, Sabb, Senn, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Talley, Timmons, Turner, Verdin, Williams and Young: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MARY KIDD OF LONGVIEW, TEXAS ON THE OCCASION OF HER SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY, AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MANY YEARS OF CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 704 (Word version) -- Senators McElveen, Johnson and Sheheen: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE THOMAS SUMTER ACADEMY GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2017 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 705 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, Jackson, Setzler, Malloy, Hutto, Sabb, Kimpson, Nicholson, McLeod, Williams, J. Matthews, Scott, M. B. Matthews, Johnson, Allen, McElveen, Reese and Fanning: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND COMMEND TRAV ROBERTSON ON HIS ELECTION AS CHAIR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 706 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, Jackson, Malloy, Sabb, Hutto, Kimpson, McLeod, Setzler, J. Matthews, Williams, Nicholson, Scott, M. B. Matthews, Johnson, Allen, McElveen, Reese and Fanning: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO THANK ORANGEBURG NATIVE AND ATTORNEY JAIME R. HARRISON FOR HIS FOUR YEARS OF SERVICE AS SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN AND TO WISH HIM THE BEST IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 3, 2017

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 3150 (Word version) -- Rep. Funderburk: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-190, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SPECIAL ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCIES IN OFFICES, SO AS TO REMOVE A MUNICIPALITY'S AUTHORITY NOT TO CONDUCT GENERAL ELECTIONS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 3, 2017

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has overridden the veto by the Governor on R.19, S. 568 by a vote of 71 to 2:

(R19, S568 (Word version)) -- Senator Sabb: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 471 OF 2002, RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD SHALL INCLUDE TWO MEMBERS FROM THE COUNTY AT-LARGE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER OF INITIAL APPOINTMENT OF THE TWO AT-LARGE MEMBERS, TO PROVIDE FOR STAGGERED TERMS OF THE TWO AT-LARGE MEMBERS, AND TO CONFORM THE ADDITION OF TWO AT-LARGE MEMBERS TO THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE BOARD AND FILLING VACANCIES ON THE BOARD.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 4, 2017

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has returned the following Bill to the Senate with amendments:

S. 173 (Word version) -- Senators Sheheen, Turner and Timmons: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-23-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING COUNCIL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, TO PROVIDE NEW DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND CHAPTER 23, TITLE 23 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY, BY ADDING SECTION 23-23-55 TO PROVIDE THAT A CLASS 1-LE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MUST COMPLETE CONTINUING LAW ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION CREDITS IN MENTAL HEALTH OR ADDICTIVE DISORDERS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-23-80 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING COUNCIL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING COUNCIL IS AUTHORIZED TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING CENTER AND TO GOVERN AND SUPERVISE CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM TRAINING; TO AMEND TITLE 23 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY, BY ADDING CHAPTER 52 TO CREATE A CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING COUNCIL, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COUNCIL'S DUTIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT EVERY COUNTY SHALL ESTABLISH AT LEAST ONE CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 4, 2017

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has returned the following Bill to the Senate with amendments:

S. 289 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Rankin, McElveen, Sheheen, Hutto and McLeod: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES ACT" TO RESTRUCTURE AND CONSOLIDATE VICTIM SERVICES; TO AMEND CHAPTER 7, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND SOLICITORS, BY ADDING ARTICLE 8, TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION, TO MOVE THE STATE OFFICE OF VICTIM ASSISTANCE, THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM OMBUDSMAN, AND THAT PORTION OF THE OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND JUSTICE PROGRAMS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY THAT ADMINISTERS CERTAIN VICTIM SERVICES GRANTS UNDER THE NEWLY CREATED DIVISION, AND TO CREATE FOUR DEPARTMENTS UNDER THE DIVISION TO OVERSEE AND ADMINISTER DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE VICTIM SERVICES DELIVERY SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-10(A), RELATING TO OFFICES AND DIVISIONS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, TO DELETE THOSE VICTIM SERVICES OFFICES AND OTHER ENTITIES THAT ARE MOVED TO THE NEW DIVISION; TO AMEND SECTIONS 14-1-203, 14-1-204(A), 14-1-205, 14-1-206(C), 14-1-207(C), 14-1-208(C), AND 14-1-210(A), RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN FILING FEES, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES REFLECTING THE RESTRUCTURING OF VICTIM SERVICES GENERALLY RELATING TO THAT PORTION OF THE FEES DISTRIBUTED TO THE VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND; TO AMEND SECTIONS 16-3-1110, 16-3-1120, 16-3-1140, 16-3-1150, 16-3-1160, 16-3-1170, 16-3-1180, 16-3-1220, 16-3-1230, 16-3-1240, 16-3-1260, 16-3-1290, 16-3-1330, 16-3-1340, AND 16-3-1350, RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF VICTIMS OF CRIME, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES REFLECTING THE RESTRUCTURING OF VICTIM SERVICES GENERALLY RELATING TO THE VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND AND CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NEWLY CREATED OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME SERVICES DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION; TO AMEND ARTICLE 14, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 16, TO RENAME THE ARTICLE "CRIME VICTIM SERVICES TRAINING, PROVIDER CERTIFICATION, AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS", TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES REFLECTING THE RESTRUCTURING OF VICTIM SERVICES ALL GENERALLY RELATING TO THE NEWLY CREATED OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF CRIME VICTIM SERVICES TRAINING, PROVIDER CERTIFICATION, AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS, AND ITS RESPONSIBILITIES, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE VICTIM SERVICES COORDINATING COUNCIL, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION SHALL SERVE AS CHAIRPERSON; TO AMEND ARTICLE 16, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 16, TO RENAME THE ARTICLE "CRIME VICTIM OMBUDSMAN", TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES REFLECTING THE RESTRUCTURING OF VICTIM SERVICES ALL GENERALLY RELATING TO THE NEWLY CREATED OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF CRIME VICTIM OMBUDSMAN AND ITS RESPONSIBILITIES, AND TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION AND ITS AFFILIATED DEPARTMENTS TO BE HANDLED THROUGH THE OMBUDSMAN WITH APPEAL TO THE STATE INSPECTOR GENERAL; TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 16, BY ADDING ARTICLE 12, TO ENTITLE THE ARTICLE "CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE GRANTS," AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE GRANTS WILL BE RUN BY A DEPUTY DIRECTOR WHO SHALL ESTABLISH A PROCESS TO SOLICIT AND ADMINISTER CERTAIN VICTIM SERVICES GRANTS AND THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FROM THOSE GRANTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-6-500, 23-6-510, AND 23-6-520, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES TO INCLUDE THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE GRANTS IN THE GRANT PROCESS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO REVISE THE COUNCIL'S MEMBERSHIP TO INCLUDE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND A VICTIM WITH A DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF VICTIMIZATION APPOINTED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; TO AMEND SECTION 16-5-445(C), RELATING TO THE SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE OF EQUIPMENT USED IN VIOLATION OF A CRIME, AND SECTION 24-3-40(A)(2)(b), RELATING TO THE PRISON INDUSTRIES PROGRAM AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRISONER WAGES, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES REFLECTING THE RESTRUCTURING OF VICTIM SERVICES GENERALLY RELATING TO THE VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND; TO AMEND SECTIONS 14-1-206(E), 14-1-207(E), AND 14-1-208(E), RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN FILING FEES, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES REFLECTING THE RESTRUCTURING OF VICTIM SERVICES GENERALLY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE UNIFORM SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE FORM TO BE DEVELOPED BY THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION; AND BY ADDING SECTIONS 14-1-211.5, 14-1-211.6, AND 14-1-211.7, TO CODIFY EXISTING BUDGET PROVISOS RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN CRIME VICTIM FUNDS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE AUTHORITY OF THE VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND TO TRANSFER ANY STATE FUNDS DEEMED AVAILABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE GRANTS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR AUDITING AND REPORTING PROCEDURES FOR VICTIM SERVICES PROVIDERS, AND TO TRANSFER A CERTAIN SUM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 4., 2017

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has returned the following Bill to the Senate with amendments:

S. 443 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Young, McElveen, Williams and Corbin: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 50 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO NIGHT HUNTING AND HARASSMENT OF WILDLIFE, TO RESTRUCTURE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS THAT REGULATE NIGHT HUNTING, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-705, TO PROVIDE THAT NIGHT HUNTING ANY ANIMAL EXCEPT DEER, BEAR, TURKEY, OR ANY ANIMAL LISTED IN SECTIONS 50-11-710 OR 50-11-715 IS UNLAWFUL, TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE PENALTIES, TO PROVIDE THAT NIGHT HUNTING DEER, BEAR, OR TURKEY ON PROPERTY NOT REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR NIGHT HUNTING FERAL HOGS, COYOTES, OR ARMADILLOS IS UNLAWFUL AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE PENALTIES, TO PROVIDE THAT HUNTING DEER, BEAR, OR TURKEY ON PROPERTY REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT IS UNLAWFUL AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DISPLAY OR USE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT AT NIGHT ON PROPERTY NOT REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR NIGHT HUNTING FERAL HOGS, COYOTES, OR ARMADILLOS, IN A MANNER CAPABLE OF DISCLOSING THE PRESENCE OF DEER, BEAR, OR TURKEY, TOGETHER WITH THE POSSESSION OF OR ACCESS TO A CENTERFIRE RIFLE AND AMMUNITION LARGER THAN CERTAIN WEAPONS, SHALL CONSTITUTE PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF NIGHT HUNTING DEER, BEAR, OR TURKEY; TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 50, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-715, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO NIGHT HUNT FOR HOGS, COYOTES, OR ARMADILLOS, AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE PENALTIES; TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 50, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-717, TO PROVIDE THAT THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBSERVING OR HARASSING WILDLIFE IS UNLAWFUL, EXCEPT THAT A PROPERTY OWNER MAY USE ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS TO OBSERVE WILDLIFE PRIOR TO 11:00 P.M., AND TO PROVIDE OTHER APPROPRIATE USES OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-710, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO NIGHT HUNT FOR RACCOONS, OPOSSUMS, FOXES, MINKS, OR SKUNKS UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 50-11-740, 50-11-745(A), AND 50-9-1120(2)(b), TO ADD TURKEY TO THE LISTS THAT INCLUDE DEER OR BEAR; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 50-11-708 AND 50-11-720, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE CONCURRENCES

S. 686 (Word version) -- Senator Climer: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE INDUCTION OF WINTHROP'S FOUNDING PRESIDENT DAVID BANCROFT JOHNSON INTO THE OFFICIAL SOUTH CAROLINA HALL OF FAME.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

S. 693 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE MONDAY, MAY 1, THROUGH FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017, AS CHARTER SCHOOL WEEK IN THE PALMETTO STATE AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATING THE CHILDREN OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN INNOVATIVE CLASSROOMS AND SCHOOLS.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

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

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The following Bill was read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:

H. 3538 (Word version) -- Rep. J.E. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES RIGHT TO PARENT ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 21 TO TITLE 63 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND THE FAMILY AND PROBATE COURTS, AMONG OTHERS, TO PROTECT THE PARENTING RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY BY ESTABLISHING CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS AND SAFEGUARDS APPLICABLE IN CHILD CUSTODY, CHILD PROTECTION, AND PROBATE GUARDIANSHIP PROCEEDINGS TO ENSURE THAT PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE NOT DENIED THE RIGHT TO PARENT OR TO HAVE CUSTODY OF OR VISITATION WITH A CHILD BECAUSE OF THE DISABILITY; AND TO PROHIBIT CHILD PLACING AGENCIES AND ADOPTION SERVICE PROVIDERS FROM DENYING PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY THE RIGHT TO ACCESS SERVICES BECAUSE OF THE PERSON'S DISABILITY, WITH EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-720, RELATING TO REASONABLE EFFORTS REQUIREMENTS FOR PROBABLE CAUSE HEARINGS, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN EFFORTS IF A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN HAS A DISABILITY TO INCLUDE REFERRALS FOR SERVICES PROVIDING INSTRUCTION ON ADAPTIVE PARENTING TECHNIQUES AND OTHER REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS WITH REGARD TO ACCESSING SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-1640, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FAMILY COURT DETERMINATIONS WHETHER TO REQUIRE REASONABLE EFFORTS TO PRESERVE OR REUNIFY A FAMILY WHEN THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN HAS A DISABILITY, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE COURT TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE DISABILITY AND WAYS IN WHICH TO ACCOMMODATE THE DISABILITY TO PRESERVE OR REUNIFY THE FAMILY; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-2570, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF A DISABILITY.

HOUSE BILLS RETURNED

The following Bills were read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments.

H. 3861 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Hamilton, Crawford, Sandifer and Hewitt: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-57-120, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION TO RECOGNIZE NONRESIDENT REAL ESTATE LICENSES ON ACTIVE STATUS FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS WHICH RECIPROCATE, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT SUCH NONRESIDENT APPLICANTS SEEKING LICENSURE IN THIS STATE FIRST MUST COMPLETE SUCCESSFULLY THE STATE PORTIONS OF THE APPLICABLE EXAMINATIONS.

H. 4003 (Word version) -- Reps. Hiott, Hewitt, Davis, Forrest, Bennett, West, Ott, Atkinson and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 26 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PRODUCE SAFETY ACT", TO ESTABLISH THE AUTHORITY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ENFORCE CERTAIN FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO FARM PRODUCE INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE AUTHORITY TO INSPECT CERTAIN FARMS; TO SEIZE, CONDEMN, AND DESTROY COVERED PRODUCE; AND TO OBTAIN A COURT ORDER FOR FORFEITURE AND DESTRUCTION OF COVERED PRODUCE; TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPEAL OF COURT ORDERS; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, INCLUDING "FARM" AND "COVERED PRODUCE"; TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS FOR CERTAIN FARMS AND PRODUCE; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS; TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE CHAPTER; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPEAL OF THE CHAPTER UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

READ THE THIRD TIME
SENT TO THE HOUSE

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

S. 109 (Word version) -- Senator McElveen: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 16 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO TRESPASSES AND THE UNLAWFUL USE OF THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS, BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-605, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO OPERATE AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE WITHIN A CERTAIN DISTANCE OF A STATE OR FEDERAL MILITARY INSTALLATION AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION.

S. 169 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 25, TITLE 16 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, BY ADDING ARTICLE 8, TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF TEEN DATING VIOLENCE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY, TO ALLOW VICTIMS TO SEEK ORDERS OF PROTECTION OR RESTRAINING ORDERS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROHIBIT A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF THE ARTICLE FROM PARTICIPATING IN A PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-755 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO SEXUAL BATTERY WITH A STUDENT, TO REVISE THE STRUCTURE OF THE OFFENSE TO PROVIDE THE SAME PENALTY FOR PERSONS WHO COMMIT THE OFFENSE WHEN THE VICTIM IS SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND TO PROVIDE A MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE OF ONE YEAR FOR A CONVICTION, NO PART OF WHICH MAY BE SUSPENDED NOR PROBATION GRANTED.

REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

S. 681 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION, RELATING TO CHAPTER REVISIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4735, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Resolution was moved to the Statewide Second Reading Calendar.

REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

H. 3406 (Word version) -- Rep. G.M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 95 OF 2013, RELATING TO THE MAINTENANCE TAX IMPOSED BY THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION ON SELF INSURERS, SO AS TO DELETE AN UNCODIFIED PROVISION THAT TERMINATES THE ACT FIVE YEARS AFTER ITS EFFECTIVE DATE.

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Bill was moved to the Statewide Second Reading Calendar.

REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

H. 3643 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Bernstein, Rutherford, Loftis, Quinn, Clyburn, Henegan, Sottile, Yow, Neal, Felder, Gilliard, Parks, Anderson, Govan, Thigpen, Wheeler, G.R. Smith, Burns, Chumley, Martin, B. Newton, Mack, Fry, Hardee, Lucas, Bedingfield, McCoy, W. Newton, Gagnon, Finlay, Putnam, Alexander, Allison, Ballentine, Bannister, Clary, Cogswell, Crawford, Delleney, Douglas, Duckworth, Erickson, Forrester, Funderburk, Hamilton, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Jordan, King, Lowe, Mitchell, Murphy, Norrell, Pitts, Pope, Ridgeway, S. Rivers, Sandifer, Simrill, G.M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Whipper, Whitmire, Willis, Atwater, Huggins, Long, Toole, D.C. Moss, Arrington, Bennett, Davis, West, Hewitt, Bradley, V.S. Moss, Atkinson, Anthony, Weeks, Collins, J.E. Smith, Hayes, Blackwell, Kirby, Johnson, Hixon, Williams, Jefferson, Knight, White, Bamberg, McEachern, McCravy, Thayer, Elliott, Cole, Magnuson, Forrest, Cobb-Hunter, Brown, Bowers, Hosey, Crosby, Spires, McKnight, Ott, Bales, M. Rivers, Howard, Daning and Ryhal: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-220 SO AS TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS CONCERNING ANTI-SEMITISM, TO PROVIDE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE SHALL CONSIDER THIS DEFINITION WHEN REVIEWING, INVESTIGATING, OR DECIDING WHETHER THERE HAS BEEN A VIOLATION OF AN INSTITUTIONAL POLICY PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES ON THE BASIS OF RELIGION, AND TO PROVIDE NOTHING IN THIS ACT MAY BE CONSTRUED TO DIMINISH OR INFRINGE UPON ANY RIGHTS AFFORDED BY THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION OR SECTION 2, ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE.

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Bill was moved to the Statewide Second Reading Calendar.

REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR

H. 3864 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Collins, Erickson, King and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 56-5-6410 AND 56-5-6420, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT CERTAIN CHILDREN MUST BE SECURED IN A CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WHILE TRAVELING IN A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND THE TRANSPORTATION OF CHILDREN IN A VEHICLE WITH AN INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF CHILD RESTRAINT DEVICES, SO AS TO REVISE THE AGE, WEIGHT, AND POSITION OF A CHILD WHO MUST BE SECURED IN A CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM.

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Bill was moved to the Statewide Second Reading Calendar.

READ THE SECOND TIME

S. 651 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Bennett, Campbell, J. Matthews and Sabb: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-120 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN BERKELEY COUNTY, TO ADD CARNES CROSS ROAD 3, PIMLICO 1, AND PIMLICO 2 PRECINCTS; AND TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE NAMES OF THESE PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND AND MAINTAINED BY THE REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to consider the Bill.

The question being the second reading of the Bill.

Senator GROOMS explained the Bill.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Hutto                     Johnson                   Kimpson
Leatherman                Malloy                    Martin
Massey                    Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie
McElveen                  McLeod                    Nicholson
Peeler                    Rankin                    Reese
Rice                      Sabb                      Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

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

S. 651--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator GROOMS, S. 651 was ordered to receive a third reading on Friday, May 5, 2017.

READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 3817 (Word version) -- Reps. Bedingfield, Fry, Henderson, Huggins, Johnson, Hewitt, Crawford, Duckworth, Arrington, Allison, Tallon, Hamilton, Elliott, Jordan, B. Newton, Martin, G.M. Smith, Yow, D.C. Moss, Wheeler, Erickson, V.S. Moss, Long, G.R. Smith, Magnuson, Bradley, Weeks, Taylor, Putnam, Cogswell, Collins, King and Henegan: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-362 SO AS TO ALLOW PHARMACIES AND OTHER ENTITIES TO REGISTER AS A COLLECTOR TO RECEIVE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AS PART OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TAKE-BACK EVENTS AND OPERATE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE MAIL-BACK PROGRAMS AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO FACILITATE AND ENCOURAGE REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

The question being the second reading of the Bill.

Senator CAMPBELL explained the Bill.

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

Ayes 41; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campbell                  Campsen                   Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Fanning                   Gambrell                  Goldfinch
Gregory                   Grooms                    Hembree
Hutto                     Kimpson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Talley
Timmons                   Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Young

Total--41

NAYS

Total--0

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

READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 3220 (Word version) -- Reps. Allison, West, Collins, Felder, B. Newton, Govan, Brown, Whipper, Davis, Anderson, Loftis and Burns: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-59-175 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator HEMBREE explained the Bill.

The question being the second reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 41; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Gregory                   Grooms
Hembree                   Hutto                     Jackson
Johnson                   Kimpson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Senn                      Setzler
Shealy                    Sheheen                   Talley
Timmons                   Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Young

Total--41

NAYS

Total--0

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

READ THE SECOND TIME

H. 3927 (Word version) -- Reps. Simrill, Herbkersman, J.E. Smith, Bernstein, G.M. Smith and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41-43-100, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE STATE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AUTHORITY APPROVE INTEREST RATES ON BONDS ISSUED TO FINANCE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA JOBS-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND ACT, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT AND TO SPECIFY APPROVAL OF THESE INTEREST RATES BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS NOT REQUIRED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 41-43-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE POWER OF THE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE CERTAIN BONDS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING AND RELATED CHANGES.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

The question being the second reading of the Bill.

Senator ALEXANDER explained the Bill.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson
Leatherman                Malloy                    Martin
Massey                    Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie
McElveen                  McLeod                    Nicholson
Peeler                    Rankin                    Reese
Rice                      Sabb                      Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

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

Privilege of the Chamber

On motion of Senator DAVIS, on behalf of Senator JOHN MATTHEWS, the Privilege of the Chamber, to that area behind the rail, was extended to Ms. Georgia Good.

  COMMITTEE AMENDMENT AMENDED
CARRIED OVER

S. 324 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Hutto and McElveen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-240, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERSONS ALLOWED TO CARRY A CONCEALABLE WEAPON WHILE ON DUTY, SO AS TO INCLUDE PERSONS WHO ARE RETIRED FROM CERTAIN OFFICES AND CLERKS OF COURT IN THE PURVIEW OF THE STATUTE.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senators McELVEEN and HEMBREE proposed the following amendment (JUD0324.007), which was adopted:

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

/     SECTION   1.   Section 23-31-240 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 23-31-240.(A)   Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this article, the following persons who possess a valid permit pursuant to this article may carry a concealable weapon anywhere within this State, when carrying out the duties of their office:

(1)   active Supreme Court justices;

(2)   active judges of the court of appeals;

(3)   active circuit court judges;

(4)   active family court judges;

(5)   active masters-in-equity;

(6)   active probate court judges;

(7)   active magistrates;

(8)   active municipal court judges;

(9)   active federal judges;

(10)   active administrative law judges;

(11)   the Attorney General of South Carolina,

(12)   active solicitors, and assistant solicitors, and assistant attorneys general; and

(13)   active circuit public defenders and assistant public defenders;

(12)(14)   active workers' compensation commissioners; and

(15)   elected clerks of court; and

(16)   the current Clerk of the South Carolina Supreme Court, and the Clerk of the South Carolina Court of Appeals; and

(17)   the Clerk of the South Carolina Administrative Law Court.

(B)   Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this article, the following persons who possess a valid permit pursuant to this article may carry a concealable weapon anywhere within this State:

(1)   retired Supreme Court justices;

(2)   retired judges of the court of appeals;

(3)   retired circuit court judges;

(4)   retired family court judges;

(5)   retired probate court judges;

(6)   retired federal judges;

(7)   retired Attorneys General of South Carolina, solicitors and retired circuit public defenders;

(8)   retired assistant solicitors, assistant attorneys general, and retired assistant public defenders who have completed five years or more of service as an assistant solicitor, assistant attorney general, assistant public defender, or a combination thereof; and

(9)   retired elected clerks of court.

(10)   retired clerks of the South Carolina Supreme Court and clerks of the South Carolina Court of Appeals as described is subsection (A)(15).

(C)   For any person who obtains a concealed weapon permit pursuant to this section, SLED shall design and issue a concealed weapons permit identification card that clearly identifies the holder's current or former position for which the card was issued."

SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

AMENDED, CARRIED OVER

H. 3969 (Word version) -- Reps. Felder and Allison: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-18-1940 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SHALL DESIGN AND PILOT CERTAIN DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY MODELS THAT FOCUS ON COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION; BY ADDING SECTION 59-18-1950 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATE LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEM FOR MEASURING THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AND THE COLLEGE READINESS AND CAREER READINESS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADUATES, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED FINDINGS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-18-1960 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE MEASURING OF STUDENT PROGRESS OR GROWTH USING A VALUE-ADDED SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE OF THE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM IN THE EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PURPOSES CONCERNING THE PROFILE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GRADUATE; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, SO AS TO REVISE AND ADD DEFINED TERMS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM FOR MEASURING STUDENT PERFORMANCE, SO AS TO DELETE OBSOLETE LANGUAGE AND TO DELETE PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE TIMING FOR ADMINISTERING CERTAIN ASSESSMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-320, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF CERTAIN STATEWIDE STANDARDS-BASED ASSESSMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT, AND TO DELETE PROVISIONS CONCERNING PERFORMANCE LEVEL RESULTS IN VARIOUS CORE SUBJECT AREAS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-325, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS, SO AS TO REVISE PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS AND THE TIME AFTER WHICH RESULTS OF SUCH ASSESSMENTS MAY BE INCLUDED IN SCHOOL RATINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-330, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COORDINATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATION PROGRESS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE SHALL PARTICIPATE AS AN INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE PROGRAM FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND TO PROVIDE ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-340, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MANDATORY PROVISION OF STATE-FUNDED ASSESSMENTS SO AS TO DELETE ONE SUCH ASSESSMENT AND INCLUDE TWO ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-900, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL REPORT CARD FOR SCHOOLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS WEB-BASED, TO REVISE THE PURPOSES OF THE REPORT CARD, TO REVISE AND DEFINE CATEGORIES OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE RATINGS, TO PROVIDE THE SAME CATEGORIES ALSO MUST BE ASSIGNED TO INDIVIDUAL INDICATORS USED TO MEASURE SCHOOL PERFORMANCE, TO MAKE THE USE OF STUDENT SCORES IN CALCULATING SCHOOL RATINGS BE OPTIONAL INSTEAD OF MANDATORY, TO DELETE STUDENT PERFORMANCE LEVELS, TO PROVIDE THE REPORT CARD MUST INCLUDE INDICATORS THAT MEET FEDERAL LAW REQUIREMENTS, TO INCLUDE DROPOUT RETENTION DATA AND ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY AMONG THE TYPES OF INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN REPORT CARDS, AND TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS FOR RELATED SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL REPORTS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO COMPREHENSIVE CYCLICAL REVIEWS OF THE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE INCLUSION OF CERTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS DETERMINING THE READINESS OF GRADUATING STUDENTS IN CERTAIN CATEGORIES RELATED TO THE PROFILE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GRADUATE; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-920, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE DATA REQUIRED OF A CHARTER SCHOOL MAY BE USED TO DEVELOP A RATING OF THE SCHOOL, TO DELETE EXISTING PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE CHARTER SCHOOL RATINGS, TO DELETE PROVISIONS PROHIBITING USE OF CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENT PERFORMANCE IN A DISTRICT'S OVERALL PERFORMANCE RATINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-930, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE DEPARTMENT ANNUALLY ISSUE AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT CARD, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT INSTEAD MAY PUBLISH THE REPORT ON ITS WEBSITE IN A CERTAIN MANNER, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN NATIONAL ASSESSMENT SCORES MAY BE INCLUDED; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-18-950 RELATING TO CRITERIA FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND HIGH SCHOOL RATINGS.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.

Senator HEMBREE proposed the following amendment (WAB\3969C001.AGM.WAB17), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   1.   Article 19, Chapter 18, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-18-1940.   Working with the Education Oversight Committee, the State Department of Education shall design and pilot district accountability models that focus on competency-based education for a district or school or on regional or county economic initiatives to improve the postsecondary success of students. A district may apply to the department and the committee to participate in the pilot."

SECTION   2.   Article 19, Chapter 18, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-18-1950.   (A)   The General Assembly recognizes the importance of having a state longitudinal data system to inform policy and fiscal decisions related to early childhood education, public education, postsecondary preparedness and success, and workforce development.

(B)(1)   The Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, working with the Office of First Steps to School Readiness, the South Carolina Department of Education, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Social Services, the South Carolina Technical College System, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Employment and Workforce, and other state agencies or institutions of higher education, shall develop, implement, and maintain a universal identification system that includes, at a minimum, the following information for measuring the continuous improvement of the state public education system and the college and career readiness and success of its graduates:

(a)   students graduating from public high schools in the state who enter postsecondary education without the need for remediation;

(b)   working-aged adults in South Carolina by county who possess a postsecondary degree or industry credential;

(c)   high school graduates who are gainfully employed in the state within five and ten years of graduating from high school; and

(d)   outcome data regarding student achievement and student growth that will assist colleges of education in achieving accreditation and in improving the quality of teachers in classrooms.

(2)   All information disseminated will conform to state and federal privacy laws."

SECTION   3.   Article 19, Chapter 18, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-18-1960.   In measuring annual school growth, with approval of the State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee, the State shall use a growth measurement system that calculates student progress or growth. A local school district may, in its discretion, use the growth measurement system to evaluate classroom teachers using student progress or growth. The estimates of specific teacher effects on the educational progress of students will not be a public record and will be made available only to the specific teacher, principal, and superintendent. Furthermore, the estimates of specific teacher effects may also be made to any teacher preparation programs approved by the State Board of Education. The estimates made available to the teacher preparation programs shall not be a public record and shall be used only in evaluation of the respective teacher preparation programs. Furthermore, educator effectiveness data shall be exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Section 30-4-30, and will not be subject to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. An institution or postsecondary system receiving the estimates shall develop a policy to protect the confidentiality of the data."

SECTION   4.   Section 59-18-100 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 282 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 59-18-100.   The General Assembly finds that South Carolinians have a commitment to public education and a conviction that high expectations for all students are vital components for improving academic achievement. It is the purpose of the General Assembly in this chapter to establish a performance based accountability system for public education which focuses on improving teaching and learning so that students are equipped with a strong academic foundation. Moreover, to meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, all students graduating from public high schools in this State should have the knowledge, skills, and opportunity to be college ready, career ready, and life ready for success in the global, digital, and knowledge-based world of the twenty-first century as provided in Section 59-1-50. All graduates should have the opportunity to qualify for and be prepared to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college courses, without the need for remedial coursework, postsecondary job training, or significant on-the-job training. Accountability, as defined by this chapter, means acceptance of the responsibility for improving student performance and taking actions to improve classroom practice and school performance by the Governor, the General Assembly, the State Department of Education, colleges and universities, local school boards, administrators, teachers, parents, students, and the community."

SECTION   5.   Section 59-18-120 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 282 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 59-18-120.   As used in this chapter:

(1)   'Oversight Committee' means the Education Oversight Committee established in Section 59-6-10.

(2)   'Standards based assessment' means an assessment where an individual's performance is compared to specific performance standards and not to the performance of other students.

(3)   'Disaggregated data' means data broken out for specific groups within the total student population, such as by race, gender, level of poverty, limited English proficiency status, disability status, gifted and talented, or other groups as required by federal statutes or regulations.

(4)   'Longitudinally matched student data' means examining the performance of a single student or a group of students by considering their test scores over time.

(5)   'Academic achievement standards' means statements of expectations for student learning.

(6)   'Department' means the State Department of Education.

(7)   ' Absolute performance' ' Performance rating' means the rating classification a school will receive based on the percentage of students meeting standard on the state's standards based assessment, student growth or student progress from one school year to the next, graduation rates, and other indicators as determined by federal guidelines and the Education Oversight Committee, as applicable.

(8)   ' Growth' means the rating a school will receive based on longitudinally matched student data comparing current performance to the previous year' s for the purpose of determining student academic growth.

(9)   'Objective and reliable statewide assessment' means assessments that yield consistent results and that measure the cognitive knowledge and skills specified in the state-approved academic standards and do not include questions relative to personal opinions, feelings, or attitudes and are not biased with regard to race, gender, or socioeconomic status. The assessments must include a writing assessment and multiple-choice questions designed to reflect a range of cognitive abilities beyond the knowledge level. Constructed response questions may be included as a component of the writing assessment.

(109)   'Division of Accountability' means the special unit within the oversight committee established in Section 59-6-100.

(1110)   'Formative assessment' means assessments used within the school year to analyze general strengths and weaknesses in learning and instruction, to understand the performance of students individually and across achievement categories, to adapt instruction to meet students' needs, and to consider placement and planning for the next grade level. Data and performance from the formative assessments must not be used in the calculation of elementary, middle, or high school or district ratings, but may be used in determining primary school ratings."

SECTION   6.   Section 59-18-310 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 207 of 2016, is further amended to read:

"Section 59-18-310.   (A)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Board of Education, through the Department of Education, is required to develop or adopt a statewide assessment program to promote student learning and to measure student performance on state standards and:

(1)   identify areas in which students, schools, or school districts need additional support;

(2)   indicate the academic achievement for schools, districts, and the State;

(3)   satisfy federal reporting requirements; and

(4)   provide professional development to educators.

Assessments required to be developed or adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section or chapter must be objective and reliable, and administered in English and in Braille for students as identified in their Individual Education Plan.

(B)(1)   The statewide assessment program must include the subjects of English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies in grades three through eight, as delineated in Section 59-18-320(B), to be first administered in 2009, and end-of-course tests for gateway courses awarded selected by the State Board of Education and approved by the Education Oversight Committee for federal accountability, which award units of credit in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Student performance targets must be established following the 2009 administration. The assessment program must be used for school and school district accountability purposes beginning with the 2008-2009 school year. The publication of the annual school and school district report card may be delayed for the 2008-2009 school year until no later than February 15, 2010. A student's score on an end-of-year assessment may not be the sole criterion for placing the student on academic probation, retaining the student in his current grade, or requiring the student to attend summer school. Beginning with the graduating class of 2010, students are required to pass a high school credit course in science and a course in United States history in which end-of-course examinations are administered to receive the state high school diploma. Beginning with the graduating class of 2015, students are no longer required to meet the exit examination requirements set forth in this section and State Regulation to earn a South Carolina high school diploma.

(2)   A person who is no longer enrolled in a public school and who previously failed to receive a high school diploma or was denied graduation solely for failing to meet the exit exam requirements pursuant to this section and State Regulation may petition the local school board to determine the student's eligibility to receive a high school diploma pursuant to this chapter. The local school board will transmit diploma requests to the South Carolina Department of Education in accordance with department procedures. Petitions under this section must be submitted to the local school district. Students receiving diplomas in accordance with this section shall not be counted as graduates in the graduation rate calculations for affected schools and districts, either retroactively or in current or future calculations. On or before January 31, 2019, the South Carolina Department of Education shall report to the State Board of Education and the General Assembly the number of diplomas granted, by school district, under the provision. The State Board of Education shall remove any conflicting requirement and promulgate conforming changes in its applicable regulations. The department shall advertise the provisions of this item in at least one daily newspaper of general circulation in the area of each school district within forty-five days after this enactment. After enactment, the department may continue to advertise the provisions of this item, but it shall not be required to advertise after December 31, 2017. At a minimum, this notice must consist of two columns measuring at least ten inches in length and measuring at least four and one-half inches combined width, and include:

(a)   a headline printed in at least a twenty-four point font that is boldfaced;

(b)   an explanation of who qualifies for the petitioning option;

(c)   an explanation of the petition process;

(d)   a contact name and phone number; and

(e)   the deadline for submitting a petition.

(C)   To facilitate the reporting of strand level information and the reporting of student scores prior to the beginning of the next school year, beginning with the 2009 administration, multiple choice items must be administered as close to the end of the school year as possible and the writing assessment must be administered earlier in the school year.

(D)   While assessment is called for in the specific areas mentioned above, this should not be construed as lessening the importance of foreign languages, visual and performing arts, health, physical education, and career or occupational programs.

(ED)   The State Board of Education shall create a statewide adoption list of formative assessments for grades one kindergarten through nine aligned with the state content standards in English/language arts and mathematics that satisfies professional measurement standards in accordance with criteria jointly determined by the Education Oversight Committee and the State Department of Education. The formative assessments must provide diagnostic information in a timely manner to all school districts for each student during the course of the school year. For use beginning with the 2009-2010 School Year, and subject to appropriations by the General Assembly for the assessments, local districts must be allocated resources to select and administer formative assessments from the statewide adoption list to use to improve student performance in accordance with district improvement plans. However, if a local district already administers formative assessments, the district may continue to use the assessments if they meet the state standards and criteria pursuant to this subsection.

(FE)   The State Department of Education shall provide on-going professional development in the development and use of classroom assessments, the use of formative assessments, and the use of the end-of-year state assessments so that teaching and learning activities are focused on student needs and lead to higher levels of student performance."

SECTION   7.   Section 59-18-320(B) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 282 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"(B)   After review and approval by the Education Oversight Committee, and pursuant to Section 59-18-325, the standards based assessment of mathematics, English/language arts, social studies, and science will be administered for accountability purposes to all public school students in grades three through eight, to include those students as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act and by Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. To reduce the number of days of testing, to the extent possible, field test items must be embedded with the annual assessments. In accordance with the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, science assessments must be administered annually to all students in one elementary and one middle school grade. The State Department of Education shall develop a sampling plan to administer science and social studies assessments to all other elementary and middle school students. The plan shall provide for all students and both content areas to be assessed annually; however, individual students, except in census testing grades, are not required to take both tests. In the sampling plan, approximately half of the assessments must be administered in science and the other half in social studies in each class. To ensure that school districts maintain the high standard of accountability established in the Education Accountability Act, performance level results reported on school and district report cards must meet consistently high levels in all four core content areas. The core areas must remain consistent with the following percentage weightings established and approved by the Education Oversight Committee: in grades three through five, thirty percent each for English/language arts and math, and twenty percent each for science and social studies; and in grades six through eight, twenty-five percent each for English/language arts and math, and twenty-five percent each for science and social studies. For students with documented disabilities, the assessments developed by the Department of Education shall include the appropriate modifications and accommodations with necessary supplemental devices as outlined in a student's Individualized Education Program and as stated in the Administrative Guidelines and Procedures for Testing Students with Documented Disabilities."

  SECTION   8.   Section 59-18-325 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 281 of 2016, is further amended to read:

"Section 59-18-325.   (A)   All students entering the eleventh grade for the first time in School Year 2014-2015 and subsequent years must be administered a college and career readiness assessment as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act and by Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and that is from a provider secured by the department. In addition, all students entering the eleventh grade for the first time in School Year 2014-2015 and subsequent years must be administered a WorkKeys assessment. The results of the assessments must be provided to each student, their respective schools, and to the State to:

(1)   assist students, parents, teachers, and guidance counselors in developing individual graduation plans and in selecting courses aligned with each student's future ambitions;

(2)   promote South Carolina's Work Ready Communities initiative; and

(3)   meet federal and state accountability requirements.

(B)   Students subsequently may use the results of these assessments to apply to college or to enter careers. The results must be added as part of each student's permanent record and maintained at the department for at least ten years. The purpose of the results is to provide instructional information to assist students, parents, and teachers to plan for each student's course selection. This course selection might include remediation courses, dual-enrollment courses, dual-credit courses, advanced placement courses, internships, or other options during the remaining semesters in high school.

(C)   To maintain a comprehensive and cohesive assessment system that signals a student's preparedness for the next educational level and ultimately culminates in a clear indication of a student's preparedness for postsecondary success in a college or career and to satisfy federal and state accountability purposes, the State Department of Education shall procure and maintain a summative assessment system.

(1)   The summative assessment must be administered to all students in grades three through eight. The summative assessment must assess students in English/language arts and mathematics, including those students as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and by Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. For purposes of this subsection, "English/language arts" includes English, reading, and writing skills as required by existing state standards. The assessment must be a rigorous, achievement assessment that measures student mastery of the state standards, that provides timely reporting of results to educators, parents, and students, and that measures each student's progress toward college and career readiness. Therefore, the assessment or assessments must meet all of the following minimum requirements:

(a)   compares performance of students in South Carolina to other students' performance on comparable standards in other states with the ability to link the scales of the South Carolina assessment to the scales from other assessments measuring those comparable standards;

(b)   be a vertically scaled, benchmarked, standards-based system of summative assessments;

(c)   measures a student's preparedness for the next level of their educational matriculation and individual student performance against the state standards in English/language arts, reading, writing, mathematics, and student growth;

(d)   documents student progress toward national college and career readiness benchmarks derived from empirical research and state standards;

(e)   establishes at least four student achievement levels;

(f)   includes various test questions including, but not limited to, multiple choice, constructed response, and selected response, that require students to demonstrate their understanding of the content;

(g)   be administered to all students in a computer-based format except for students with disabilities as specified in the student's IEP or 504 plan, and unless the use of a computer by these students is prohibited due to the vendor's restrictions on computer-based test security, in which case the paper version must be made available; and

(h)   assists school districts and schools in aligning assessment, curriculum, and instruction.

(2)(a)   Beginning in the 2017-2018 School Year, each school district shall administer the statewide summative assessment, with the exception of alternate assessments, for grades three through eight during the last twenty days of school as determined by the district's regular instructional calendar, not including make-up days. If an extension to the twenty-day time period is needed, the school district or charter school may submit a request for an extension to the State Board of Education before December first of the school year for which the waiver is requested. The request must clearly document the scope and rationale for the extension. The request also must be accompanied by an action plan showing how the district or charter school will be able to comply with the twenty-day time frame for the following school year.

(b)   Statewide summative testing for each student may not exceed eight days each school year, with the exception of students with disabilities as specified in their IEPs or 504 plans.

  (c)   The State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations outlining the procedures to be used during the testing process to ensure test security, including procedures for make-up days, and to comply with federal and state assessment requirements where necessary.

(d)   In the event of school closure due to extreme weather or other disruptions that are not the responsibility of the district, or significant school or district technology disruptions that impede computer-based assessment administration, the school district or charter school may submit a request to the department to provide a paper-based administration to complete testing within the last twenty days of school. The request must clearly document the scope and cause of the disruption.

(3)   The department must procure and administer assessments in English/language arts and mathematics in grades three through eight, and administer assessments in science and social studies to all students in grades four through eight Beginning with the 2017-2018 School Year, the department shall procure and administer the standards-based assessments of mathematics and English/language arts to students in grades three through eight. The department also shall procure and administer the standards-based assessment in science to students in grades four, six and eight, and the standards based assessment in social studies to students in grades five and seven.

(4)(a)   For the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 School Years, the department is responsible for ensuring the procurement and administration of the ACT Plus Writing assessment. Following the 2018-2019 School Year, the department shall procure and administer a standardized national test that meets the requirements of subsection (A) that documents student progress toward national college and career readiness benchmarks derived from empirical research, and is widely accepted by higher education institutions for admissions purposes. The department also is responsible for continuing to procure and administer the WorkKeys assessments.

(b)   For the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 School Years, all public high schools and, where necessary, career centers, annually shall administer the WorkKeys assessment and the ACT Plus Writing college readiness assessment procured by the department to all eleventh grade students. Following the 2018-2019 School Year, all public high schools and, where necessary, career centers, annually shall administer the college readiness and WorkKeys assessments procured by the department to all eleventh grade students. For the purposes of this section, 'eleventh grade students' means students in the third year of high school after their initial enrollment in the ninth grade.

(c)   Valid accommodations must be provided according to the students' IEP or 504 plan. If a student also chooses to use the results of the college readiness assessment for post secondary post-secondary admission or placement, the student, his parent, or his guardian must indicate that choice in compliance with the testing vendor's deadline to ensure that the student may receive allowable accommodations consistent with the IEP or 504 plan that may yield a college reportable score.

(5)   If funds are available, the State shall provide a second assessment on the two-year college or four-year college readiness entrance assessment or the WorkKeys assessment to twelfth grade students who did not meet benchmarks on the eleventh grade assessment for college and career readiness at no cost to the students.

(6)   Formative assessments must continue to be adopted, selected, and administered pursuant to Section 59-18-310.     (7)   Within thirty days after providing student performance data to the school districts as required by law, the department must provide to the Education Oversight Committee student performance results on assessments authorized in this subsection and end-of-course assessments in a format agreed upon by the department and the Oversight Committee. The Education Oversight Committee must use the results of these assessments in School Years 2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2016-2017 to report on student academic performance in each school and district pursuant to Section 59-18-900. The committee may not determine state ratings for schools or districts, pursuant to Section 59-18-900, using the results of the assessments required by this subsection until after the conclusion of the 2016-2017 School Year; provided, however, state ratings must be determined by The results of these assessments must be included in state ratings for each school beginning in the 2017-2018 School Year. The Oversight Committee also must develop and recommend a single accountability system that meets federal and state accountability requirements by the Fall of 2017. While developing the single accountability system that will be implemented in the 2017-2018 School Year, the Education Oversight Committee shall determine the format of a transitional report card released to the public in the Fall of 2016 and 2017 that will also identify underperforming schools and districts. These transitional reports will, at a minimum, include the following: (1) school, district, and statewide student assessment results in reading and mathematics in grades three through eight; (2) high school and district graduation rates; and (3) measures of student college and career readiness at the school, district, and statewide level. These transitional reports will inform schools and districts, the public, and the Department of Education of school and district general academic performance and assist in identifying potentially underperforming schools and districts and in targeting technical assistance support and interventions in the interim before ratings are issued.

(8)   When standards are subsequently revised, the Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the Education Oversight Committee shall approve assessments pursuant to Section 59-18-320."

SECTION   9.   Section 59-18-340 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 282 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 59-18-340.   High schools shall offer state-funded PSAT or PLAN, pre-ACT, or tenth grade Aspire tests to each tenth grade student in order to assess and identify curricular areas that need to be strengthened and reenforced reinforced. Schools and districts shall use these assessments as diagnostic tools to provide academic assistance to students whose scores reflect the need for such assistance. Schools and districts shall use these assessments to provide guidance and direction for parents and students as they plan for postsecondary experiences."

SECTION   10.   Section 59-18-360 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 282 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 59-18-360.   Beginning with the 2010 assessment administration, the Department of Education is directed to provide assessment results annually on individual students and schools by August first, except when assessments are being updated and new achievement standards are being set, in a manner and format that is easily understood by parents and the public. In addition, the school assessment results must be presented in a format easily understood by the faculty and in a manner that is useful for curriculum review and instructional improvement. The department is to provide longitudinally matched student data from the standards based assessments and include information on the performance of subgroups of students within the school. The department must work with the Division of Accountability in developing the formats of the assessment results. Schools and districts are responsible for disseminating this information to parents."

SECTION   11.   Section 59-18-900 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 289 of 2014, is further amended to read:

"Section 59-18-900.   (A)   The Education Oversight Committee, working with the State Board of Education, is directed to establish the format of a comprehensive, web-based, annual report card, its format, and an executive summary of the report card to report on the performance for the State and for the individual primary, elementary, middle, high schools, career centers, and school districts of the State. The comprehensive report card must be in a reader-friendly format, using graphics whenever possible, published on the state, district, and school website, and, upon request, printed by the school districts. The school's ratings on academic performance rating must be emphasized and an explanation of their its meaning and significance for the school and the district also must be reported. The annual report card must serve at least five six purposes:

(1)   inform parents and the public about the school's performance;

(2)   assist in addressing the strengths and weaknesses within a particular school;

(3)   recognize schools with high performance;

(4)   evaluate and focus resources on schools with low performance; and

(5)   meet federal report card requirements; and

(6)   document the preparedness of high school graduates for college and career.

(B)(1)   The Education Oversight Committee, working with the State Board of Education and a broad-based group of stakeholders, including, but not limited to, parents, business and industry persons, community leaders, and educators, shall determine the criteria for and establish five academic performance ratings of excellent, good, average, below average, and school/district at-risk at-risk for schools as provided below:

(a)   Excellent - School performance substantially exceeds the criteria to ensure all students meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate;

(b)   Good - School performance exceeds the criteria to ensure all students meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate;

(c)   Average - School performance meets the criteria to ensure all students meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate;

(d)   Below Average - School performance is in jeopardy of not meeting the criteria to ensure all students meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate; and

(e)   At-Risk - School performance fails to meet the criteria to ensure all students meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.

Schools and districts shall receive a rating for absolute and growth performance.

(2)   The same categories of performance ratings also must be assigned to individual indicators used to measure a school's performance including, but not limited to, academic achievement, student growth or progress, graduation rate, English language proficiency, and college and career readiness.

(3)   Only the scores of students enrolled continuously in the school at from the time of the forty-five-day enrollment count shall be used to determine the absolute and growth ratings to the first day of testing must be included in calculating the rating. Graduation rates must be used as an additional accountability measure for high schools and school districts.

(4)   The Oversight Committee, working with the State Board of Education, shall establish three student performance indicators which will be those considered to be useful for assessing inclusion as a component of a school's overall performance and appropriate for the grade levels within the school.

The student performance levels are: Not Met, Met, and Exemplary. ' Not Met' means that the student did not meet the grade level standard. 'Met' means the student met the grade level standard. ' Exemplary' means the student demonstrated exemplary performance in meeting the grade level standard. For purposes of reporting as required by federal statute, 'proficiency' shall include students performing at Met or Exemplary.

(C)   In setting the criteria for the academic performance ratings and the performance indicators, the Education Oversight Committee shall report the performance by subgroups of students in the school and schools similar in student characteristics. Criteria must use established guidelines for statistical analysis and build on current data-reporting practices.

(D)   The comprehensive report card must include a comprehensive set of performance indicators with information on comparisons, trends, needs, and performance over time which is helpful to parents and the public in evaluating the school. In addition, the comprehensive report card must include indicators that meet federal law requirements. Special efforts are to be made to ensure that the information contained in the report card is provided in an easily understood manner and a reader-friendly format. This information should also provide a context for the performance of the school. Where appropriate, the data should yield disaggregated results to schools and districts in planning for improvement. The report card should include information in such areas as programs and curriculum, school leadership, community and parent support, faculty qualifications, evaluations of the school by parents, teachers, and students. In addition, the report card must contain other criteria including, but not limited to, information on promotion and retention ratios, disciplinary climate, dropout ratios, dropout reduction data, dropout retention data, access to technology, student and teacher ratios, and attendance data.

(E)   After reviewing the school's performance on statewide assessments and results of other report card criteria, the principal, in conjunction with the School Improvement Council established in Section 59-20-60, must write an annual narrative of a school's progress in order to further inform parents and the community about the school and its operation efforts to ensure that all students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and opportunity to be college ready, career ready, and life ready for success in the global, digital, and knowledge-based world of the twenty-first century as provided in Section 59-1-50. The narrative must be reviewed by the district superintendent or appropriate body for a local charter school. The narrative must cite factors or activities supporting progress and barriers which inhibit progress. The school's report card must be furnished to parents and the public no later than November fifteenth.

(F)   The percentage of new trustees who have completed the orientation requirement provided in Section 59-19-45 must be reflected on the school district website.

(G)   The State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations outlining the procedures for data collection, data accuracy, data reporting, and consequences for failure to provide data required in this section.

(H)   The Education Oversight Committee, working with the State Board of Education, is directed to establish a comprehensive annual report concerning the performance of military-connected children who attend primary, elementary, middle, and high schools in this State. The comprehensive annual report must be in a reader-friendly format, using graphics whenever possible, published on the state, district, and school websites, and, upon request, printed by the school districts. The annual comprehensive report must address at least attendance, academic performance in reading, math, and science, and graduation rates of military-connected children."

SECTION   12.   Section 59-18-910 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 282 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 59-18-910.   Beginning in 2013 2020, the Education Oversight Committee, working with the State Board of Education and a broad-based group of stakeholders, selected by the Education Oversight Committee, shall conduct a comprehensive cyclical review of the accountability system at least every five years and shall provide the General Assembly with a report on the findings and recommended actions to improve the accountability system and to accelerate improvements in student and school performance. The stakeholders must include the State Superintendent of Education and the Governor, or the Governor's designee. The other stakeholders include, but are not limited to, parents, business and industry persons, community leaders, and educators. The cyclical review must include recommendations of a process for determining if students are graduating with the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate to be successful in postsecondary education and in careers. The accountability system needs to reflect evidence that students have developed these skills and characteristics."

SECTION   13.   Section 59-18-920 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 164 of 2012, is further amended to read:

"Section 59-18-920.   A charter school established pursuant to Chapter 40, Title 59 shall report the data requested by the Department of Education necessary to generate a report card and a rating. The Department of Education shall utilize this data to issue a report card with performance ratings to parents and the public containing the ratings and explaining its significance and providing other information similar to that required of other schools in this section. The performance of students attending charter schools sponsored by the South Carolina Public Charter School District must be included in the overall performance ratings of each school in the South Carolina Public Charter School District. The performance of students attending a charter school authorized by a local school district must be reflected on a separate line on the school district's report card and must not be included in the overall performance ratings of the local school district, unless there is a mutual agreement to include the scores in the local school district ratings. An alternative school is included in the requirements of this chapter; however, the purpose of an alternative school must be taken into consideration in determining its performance rating. The Education Oversight Committee, working with the State Board of Education and the School to Work Advisory Council, shall develop a report card for career and technology schools."

SECTION   14.   Section 59-18-930(A) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 34 of 2009, is further amended to read:

"(A)   The State Department of Education must issue the executive summary of annually shall publish on its website home page the report card annually to all schools and districts of the State no later than November first. The executive summary shall be printed in black and white, be no more than two pages, use graphical displays whenever possible, and home page report card must be capable of being downloaded into a portable document format (PDF) and must contain National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores as well as or other national scores or comparisons, if available. The report card summary must be made available to all parents of the school and the school district."

SECTION   15.   Section 59-18-950 of the 1976 Code is repealed.

SECTION   16.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

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

AMENDED, CARRIED OVER

H. 3824 (Word version) -- Reps. Henderson, Bedingfield, Fry, Huggins, Johnson, Hewitt, Crawford, Duckworth, Allison, Arrington, Forrester, Tallon, Hamilton, Felder, Elliott, Jordan, B. Newton, Martin, Erickson, Jefferson, Cobb-Hunter, Govan, Long, Putnam, Cogswell and Collins: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-1645 SO AS TO REQUIRE HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS TO REVIEW A PATIENT'S CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRESCRIPTION HISTORY, AS MAINTAINED IN THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM, BEFORE PRESCRIBING A SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, WITH EXCEPTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-1630, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM, SO AS TO ADD A DEFINITION OF "PRACTITIONER"; TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-1640, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-1680, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING REQUIREMENTS OF THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A PENALTY IF A PRACTITIONER OR AUTHORIZED DELEGATE FAILS TO REVIEW A PATIENT'S CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRESCRIPTION HISTORY, AS MAINTAINED IN THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM, BEFORE PRESCRIBING A SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; BY ADDING SECTION 40-15-145 SO AS TO ESTABLISH EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DENTISTS ADDRESSING THE PRESCRIPTION AND MONITORING OF CERTAIN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 40-37-240, 40-47-965, AS AMENDED, AND 40-51-140, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS, SO AS TO ADD REQUIREMENTS ADDRESSING THE PRESCRIPTION AND MONITORING OF CERTAIN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-43-130, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACISTS, SO AS TO ADD REQUIREMENTS ADDRESSING CERTAIN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator RANKIN proposed the following amendment (3824R003.DR.LAR), which was adopted:

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

/   SECTION   __.   Section 40-43-86(P) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(P)   If a pharmacist receives a request for a prescription refill and the pharmacist is unable to obtain refill authorization from the prescriber, the pharmacist may dispense, a one-time emergency refill once within a twelve-month period, of up to a seventy-two hour an emergency refill of up to a ten day supply of the prescribed medication if:

(1)   the prescription is not for a controlled substance;

(2)   the medication is essential to the maintenance of life or to the continuation of therapy;

(3)   in the pharmacist's professional judgment, continuing the therapy for seventy-two hours up to ten days will produce no undesirable health consequences or cause physical or mental discomfort;

(4)   the pharmacist properly records the dispensing; and

(5)   the dispensing pharmacist notifies the prescriber of the emergency dispensing refill and the amount of the refill, not to exceed a ten-day supply, within seventy-two hours a reasonable time, but no later than ten days after the one-time emergency once in twelve months refill dispensing."           /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator RANKIN explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator CAMPBELL explained the Bill.

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

CARRIED OVER

S. 83 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-60 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER, TO INCLUDE WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER THE SALE OR DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, THEIR ANALOGUES, OR OTHER UNLAWFUL SUBSTANCES THAT CAUSE THE DEATH OF THE USER WHEN INGESTED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON CONVICTED OF INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER MUST BE IMPRISONED NOT MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS.

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

H. 3132 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith and B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 71, TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HOSPICE PROGRAMS, SO AS TO ADD DEFINITIONS; TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN LICENSING REQUIREMENTS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF MULTIPLE OFFICE LOCATIONS OF LICENSED HOSPICES; TO PROVIDE FOR EXPANSION OF HOSPICE SERVICE AREAS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO APPROVE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF MULTIPLE OFFICE LOCATIONS AND FOR EXPANSION OF HOSPICE SERVICE AREAS, WITH EXCEPTIONS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

H. 3137 (Word version) -- Reps. Stavrinakis, McCoy, Bales, J.E. Smith, Gilliard and Bedingfield: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 61-6-1140 AND 61-6-1150, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BOTH RELATED TO TASTINGS AND RETAIL SALES OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AT LICENSED PREMISES OF A MICRO-DISTILLERY OR MANUFACTURER, SO AS TO REVISE THE OUNCE AMOUNT OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS DISPENSED AT LICENSED PREMISES AND TO REVISE THE SALE AT RETAIL OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AT LICENSED PREMISES AND TO ALLOW MIXERS TO BE USED IN TASTINGS.

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

S. 577 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 5, TITLE 39 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 7, TO ENACT THE "PYRAMID PROMOTIONAL SCHEME PROHIBITION ACT", TO PROVIDE THAT PYRAMID PROMOTIONAL SCHEMES CONSTITUTE UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES ACT AND TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 39-5-30, RELATING TO PYRAMID CLUBS AND SIMILAR OPERATIONS.

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

H. 3649 (Word version) -- Reps. Crawford and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-3-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RULES AND OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE BOARD MAY PROVIDE ADVICE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATUTORY REVISIONS AND OTHER MATTERS AS THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF CHAPTER 3, TITLE 40; TO AMEND SECTION 40-3-115, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD, SO AS TO REVISE THIS JURISDICTION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-3-290, RELATING TO EXCEPTIONS FROM CHAPTER 3, TITLE 40, SO AS TO REVISE CRITERIA FOR CERTAIN EXEMPT BUILDINGS AND DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS.

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

H. 3898 (Word version) -- Reps. Knight, Henegan, Spires, King, Douglas, Robinson-Simpson, Felder, Hosey, Clyburn, Mack, Kirby, Alexander, Bennett, Whipper, Collins, Arrington, Loftis, Pitts, Elliott and M. Rivers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 63-9-780, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ACCESS TO AND DISCLOSURE OF NONIDENTIFYING AND IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT ADOPTEES, BIOLOGICAL PARENTS, AND BIOLOGICAL SIBLINGS, SO AS TO APPLY ALSO TO BIOLOGICAL GRANDPARENTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

H. 3867 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Pitts, Hayes, Anthony, Cobb-Hunter, Whipper and Brown: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT ALL PROPERTY DEVOTED TO HOUSING LOW INCOME RESIDENTS IF THE PROPERTY IS OWNED BY AN INSTRUMENTALITY OF A NONPROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION

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

AMENDMENT PROPOSED
OBJECTION

S. 92 (Word version) -- Senators Gregory, Bennett, Fanning and Shealy: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-3-130(C), CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AWARD OF ALIMONY AND OTHER ALLOWANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN EARNINGS OF A SUBSEQUENT SPOUSE ARE NOT TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE COURT WHEN MAKING, MODIFYING, OR TERMINATING THE AWARD OF ALIMONY.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator CAMPSEN proposed the following amendment (JUD0092.007), which was ruled out of order:

Amend the committee report, as and if amended, page [92-2], by striking lines 4 through 15, in Section 20-3-130(B), as contained in SECTION 2, and inserting therein the following:

/     (B)   In proceedings for divorce from the bonds of matrimony, and in actions for separate maintenance and support, the court may grant alimony or separate maintenance and support in such amounts and for such term as the court considers appropriate as from the circumstances of the parties and the nature of case may be just, pendente lite, and permanently and as otherwise allowed by this section. No alimony or separate maintenance and support may be awarded a spouse who commits adultery before the earliest of these two events: (1) the formal signing of a written property or marital settlement agreement or (2) entry of a permanent order of separate maintenance and support or of a permanent order approving a property or marital settlement agreement between the parties.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.

Point of Order

  Senator MALLOY raised a Point of Order that amendment was tedious.
The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

ACTING PRESIDENT PRESIDES

Senator HUTTO assumed the Chair.

Senator MALLOY proposed the following amendment (JUD0092.008):

Amend the committee report, as and if amended, page [92-4], by striking lines 17 through 39, in Section 20-3-130(C)(9), as contained in SECTION 2, and inserting therein the following:

/     (9)   For purposes of this subsection and unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties, 'continued cohabitation' means the supported spouse resides with another person in a romantic relationship for a period of ninety or more consecutive days. The court may determine that a continued cohabitation exists if there is evidence that the supported spouse resides with another person in a romantic relationship for periods of less than ninety days and the two periodically separate in order to circumvent the ninety-day requirement involves a mutually supportive, intimate personal relationship in which the supported spouse and another person undertake duties and privileges commonly associated with marriage, but who do not necessarily maintain a single common household.

In the determination of whether continued cohabitation exists, the court shall consider the following factors:

(a)   intertwined finances;

(b)   sharing or joint responsibility for living expenses;

(c)   recognition of the relationship in the couple's social circle, family circle, or community;

(d)   living together, the frequency of contact, the duration of the relationship, and other indicia of a mutually supportive intimate personal relationship; and

(e)   such other factors the court considers relevant.

A motion to terminate alimony on the basis of continued cohabitation may not be brought within one year of the date of entry of the order awarding alimony, unless the parties have agreed in writing that a motion may be brought or the court finds that failing to allow the motion to proceed would create an extreme hardship for one of the parties.     /

Amend the committee report further, as and if amended, page [92-7], by striking line 14, in Section 20-3-150, as contained in SECTION 3, and inserting therein the following:

/     from the supporting spouse. However, a motion to terminate alimony on the basis of continued cohabitation may not be brought within one year of the date of entry of the order awarding alimony, unless the parties have agreed in writing that a motion may be brought or the court finds that failing to allow the motion to proceed would create an extreme hardship for one of the parties.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MALLOY explained the amendment.

Senator CAMPSEN moved to table the amendment.

Senator MALLOY moved to continue the Bill.

Senator MALLOY objected to further consideration of the Bill.

OBJECTION

H. 3289 (Word version) -- Reps. G.R. Smith and Knight: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-1930, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DISTANCE THAT MUST BE MAINTAINED BETWEEN VEHICLES TRAVELING ALONG A HIGHWAY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE OPERATOR OF ANY NONLEADING VEHICLE TRAVELING IN A PROCESSION OF VEHICLES IF THE SPEED OF EACH VEHICLE IS AUTOMATICALLY COORDINATED.

Senator MALLOY objected to consideration of the Bill.

H. 4033 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Taylor, Blackwell, Clyburn, Allison, Daning, Yow, Erickson, B. Newton, Bennett, Arrington, Murphy, Crawford and Clemmons: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-1535, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SPEEDING IN WORK ZONES AND PENALTIES ASSOCIATED WITH SPEEDING IN WORK ZONES, SO AS TO DELETE THIS PROVISION AND PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR THE TERMS "HIGHWAY WORK ZONE" AND "HIGHWAY WORKER", TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF "ENDANGERMENT OF A HIGHWAY WORKER", AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR THIS OFFENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-720, RELATING TO THE POINT SYSTEM ESTABLISHED FOR THE EVALUATION OF THE DRIVING RECORD OF PERSONS OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFENSE OF ENDANGERMENT OF A HIGHWAY WORKER RESULTING IN NO INJURY IS A TWO POINT VIOLATION, THE OFFENSE OF ENDANGERMENT OF A HIGHWAY WORKER IN WHICH INJURY OCCURS IS A FOUR POINT VIOLATION, AND THE OFFENSE OF ENDANGERMENT OF A HIGHWAY WORKER IN WHICH GREAT BODILY INJURY OCCURS IS A SIX POINT VIOLATION; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-5-1536 RELATING TO DRIVING IN TEMPORARY WORK ZONES AND PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL DRIVING IN TEMPORARY WORK ZONES.

Senator MALLOY objected to consideration of the Bill.

H. 3742 (Word version) -- Rep. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 24-21-230 AND 24-21-280, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT, DUTIES, AND POWERS OF DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, PAROLE AND PARDON SERVICES' AGENTS, HEARING OFFICERS, AND STAFF, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT MAY EMPLOY OFFENDER SUPERVISION SPECIALISTS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS REGARDING THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THESE EMPLOYEES, AND PROCEDURES FOR CLASSIFYING OFFENDERS AS STANDARD AND LOW-RISK, AND TO PROVIDE THE DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF AN OFFENDER SUPERVISION SPECIALIST.

Senator SHEALY explained the Bill.

Senator MALLOY spoke on the Bill.

Senator MALLOY moved to carry the Bill over.

Senator MASSEY moved to table the motion to carry over.

The motion to carry over was laid on the table.

Senator WILLIAMS objected to further consideration of the Bill.

H. 3215 (Word version) -- Rep. J.E. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-770 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF IMPERSONATING A LAWYER AND PROVIDE GRADUATED PENALTIES.

Senator HUTTO objected to consideration of the Bill.

S. 445 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 1996, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF CHARTER SCHOOL BOARDS, SO AS TO REVISE AND ADD REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING NONCERTIFIED TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS, GOVERNANCE, NEPOTISM, AND USE OF PROGRAM FUNDING FOR TRANSPORTATION; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-55, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL SPONSORS, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING CHARTER SCHOOL CONTRACTS, REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS, ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES, LIMITS ON STATE APPROPRIATIONS SCHOOLS MAY RECEIVE, AND RESERVE FUNDS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL FORMATION PROCEDURES, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING CHARTER AMENDMENT PROCEDURES, PUBLIC MEETINGS, AND TRANSFER OF GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS OF NEW CHARTER SCHOOLS FROM CHARTER COMMITTEES TO CHARTER SCHOOL LEADERS AND BOARDS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCEDURES, SO AS TO REVISE PROCEDURES CONCERNING SUBMISSION OF LETTERS OF INTENT, POWERS OF SCHOOL BOARDS TO REQUEST INFORMATION FROM CHARTER APPLICANTS, APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR SUBMISSION, AND SPONSOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS AND RESPONSES TO APPLICATIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CONDITIONAL AUTHORIZATIONS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO ALLOW CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS OR FORM AGREEMENTS CONCERNING PREOPENING BENCHMARKS REGARDING ENROLLMENT, TO PROVIDE SPONSOR DECISIONS TO GRANT OR DENY CONDITIONAL APPROVAL ARE NOT SUBJECT TO APPEAL, AND TO PROVIDE OPTIONAL OUTCOMES FOR CONDITIONALLY APPROVED CHARTER SCHOOLS THAT FAIL TO MEET CONDITIONS FOR CHARTER APPROVAL; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DURATIONS, RENEWALS, REVOCATIONS, AND TERMINATIONS OF CHARTERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CHARTER SCHOOLS MUST BE CONSIDERED ACCREDITED PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPON CHARTER APPROVAL AND SUBMISSION OF REQUIRED ANNUAL REPORTS, AND TO SPECIFY THE EVENT THAT BEGINS THE TEN-YEAR TERMS OF CHARTERS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-115, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS WITH SPONSORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH CHARTERS MAY SEEK AND OBTAIN ALTERNATE SPONSORS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-140, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING, SO AS TO REQUIRE REPORTS OF CERTAIN FEDERAL FUNDS RETAINED BY SPONSORS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-150, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ABOUT CHARTER SCHOOLS' FORMATION AND OPERATION AND TO PROVIDE A DIRECTORY OF AUTHORIZED CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO REVISE THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THESE DUTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DUTY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO MAINTAIN AND PROVIDE A LIST OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS SUITABLE AND AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER SCHOOL USE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE LIST BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AND BE UPDATED AT LEAST ANNUALLY; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-175, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CHARTER SCHOOL FACILITY REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE TREASURER MAY USE PROGRAM FUNDS TO CREATE A DEBT RESERVE FUND TO ENHANCE THE ABILITY OF CHARTER SCHOOLS TO OBTAIN FAVORABLE FINANCING TERMS ON CERTAIN BONDS TO FINANCE CHARTER SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND CREDIT ENHANCEMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-180, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMULGATE CERTAIN REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATIONS PROCEDURES; TO AMEND SECTION 59-40-230, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING VACANCIES ON THE BOARD; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-40-200 RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF ESTABLISHMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL DISTRICTS ON PENDING AND FUTURE APPLICATIONS.

Senator MATTHEWS objected to consideration of the Bill.

H. 4074 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Yow, J.E. Smith, Williams, Fry, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Arrington, Atkinson, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bedingfield, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bowers, Bradley, Brown, Burns, Caskey, Chumley, Clary, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Cole, Collins, Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Davis, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gilliard, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, King, Kirby, Knight, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, Magnuson, Martin, McCoy, McCravy, McEachern, McKnight, Mitchell, D.C. Moss, V.S. Moss, Murphy, B. Newton, W. Newton, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, M. Rivers, S. Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sandifer, Simrill, G.M. Smith, G.R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Toole, Weeks, West, Wheeler, Whipper, White, Whitmire and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND URGE THEM TO PASS H.R. 2747, THE "ATOMIC VETERANS SERVICE MEDAL ACT".

Senator HUTTO objected to consideration of the Resolution.

ADOPTED

S. 682 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE ON U.S. HIGHWAY 76 OVER JEFFERIES CREEK "JOHN 'JACK' MOULTON ROBINSON, JR. BRIDGE" AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.

The Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

S. 683 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE ON OLD RIVER ROAD THAT CROSSES BARFIELD MILL CREEK IN FLORENCE COUNTY "WILLIAM CLYDE GRAHAM BRIDGE" AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.

The Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.

H. 4142 (Word version) -- Reps. Knight, Arrington, Bennett, Jefferson, Mack, Murphy and Whipper: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF LEGARE ROAD AND JIM BILTON BOULEVARD IN DORCHESTER COUNTY "CLAUDE MAJOR, JR. INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERSECTION CONTAINING THIS DESIGNATION.

The Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 4160 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 417 IN GREENVILLE COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 14 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH BROOKWOOD POINT PLACE "REVEREND CARLOS BLEASE WATSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THIS DESIGNATION.

The Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

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

MOTION ADOPTED

At 12:57 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF THE VETOES.

CARRIED OVER

(R2, S310 (Word version)) -- Senator Sheheen: AN ACT TO PERMIT THE TOWN OF CAMDEN TO ANNEX CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY BY ORDINANCE UPON FINDING THAT THE PROPERTY IS BLIGHTED.

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

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

CONCURRENCE

S. 200 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Bryant, Campbell and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 57-25-150(G) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PERMITS FOR THE ERECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS, TO PROVIDE THAT PERMITS FOR A NONCONFORMING SIGN THAT IS REMOVED OR DISMANTLED ARE VOID.

The House returned the Bill with amendments, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.

Senator GROOMS explained the amendments.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson
Leatherman                Malloy                    Martin
Massey                    Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie
McElveen                  McLeod                    Nicholson
Peeler                    Rankin                    Reese
Rice                      Sabb                      Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

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

S. 359 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 39-5-325, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES FOR MOTOR FUEL RETAILERS, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS.

The House returned the Bill with amendments, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.

Senator ALEXANDER explained the amendments.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson
Leatherman                Malloy                    Martin
Massey                    Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie
McElveen                  McLeod                    Nicholson
Peeler                    Rankin                    Reese
Rice                      Sabb                      Scott
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

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

CARRIED OVER

S. 480 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-53-630 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE POWERS AND FUNDING FOR DENMARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNING BODY FOR DENMARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE IS THE STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION, AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION TO COMMISSION A STUDY INTO THE MOST EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL COLLEGE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 59-53-610, 59-53-620, AND 59-53-640.

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

S. 107 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Hutto, Massey, Hembree and Fanning: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-3-125, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH THE 2018 GENERAL ELECTION, IF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR RESIGNS OR IS REMOVED FROM OFFICE, THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT, WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, A SUCCESSOR FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM; BY ADDING SECTION 7-11-12, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE PROCEDURE BY WHICH A PERSON NOMINATED AS GOVERNOR SELECTS A LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AS A JOINT TICKET RUNNING MATE; BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-315, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ARE ELECTED JOINTLY; BY ADDING SECTION 8-13-1301, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT JOINTLY ELECTED CANDIDATES MUST BE CONSIDERED A SINGLE CANDIDATE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS AND ESTABLISHING A COMMITTEE; TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1314, RELATING TO CONTRIBUTION LIMITATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WITHIN AN ELECTION CYCLE, CONTRIBUTIONS FOR STATEWIDE CANDIDATES ARE INCREASED FROM THREE TO FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, CONTRIBUTIONS FOR JOINTLY ELECTED CANDIDATES ARE FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR OTHER OFFICES ARE INCREASED FROM ONE TO TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS AND THAT FUTURE LIMITATIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS MUST BE INCREASED BY THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION DEPENDENT UPON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX; TO AMEND SECTION 7-11-15(A), RELATING TO FILING AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE IF MARCH 30, THE DEADLINE FOR FILING, IS ON A SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, THE TIME FOR FILING EXTENDS TO THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY THAT IS NOT A SATURDAY, SUNDAY, OR LEGAL HOLIDAY; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-45, RELATING TO ESTABLISHING HOURS FOR ACCEPTING CANDIDATE FILINGS, SO AS TO DELETE SPECIFIC REFERENCES TO THE NUMBER OF HOURS AND PROVIDE THAT FILINGS BE ACCEPTED DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS ON REGULAR BUSINESS DAYS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-3-120, 1-3-130, 1-6-30(9), 1-9-30, 1-11-10(D), 1-11-425, 1-18-70, 1-23-280(B) AND (E), 1-23-290(D), 2-1-230(C), 2-1-250(B), 2-2-30(B)(1), 2-2-40(B), 2-3-20, 2-3-75(B)(3), 2-3-105(A)(4), 2-15-60(b), 2-17-90(A)(1), 2-17-90(A)(6)(c), 2-17-100(3), 2-19-10(B)(2), 2-41-70, 2-67-20(E)(1)(a), 2-69-20, 2-69-40, 2-75-10, 3-11-400(C)(3)(b)(iii), 5-1-26(B)(4), 5-1-26(F), 6-4-35(A)(2), 6-29-1330(D)(3), 6-29-1330(G), 8-13-540(3)(d), 8-13-715, 8-13-1373, 9-4-10(B)(1)(b), 9-4-40, 9-16-90, 9-16-380, 10-1-168(I), 11-9-890B.(2), 11-11-350, 11-43-140, 11-45-40(B)(1), 11-50-50, 11-57-340, 12-3-10(A)(1), 13-1-25(B), 23-1-230(G), 24-22-150, 37-29-110, 38-3-110(5)(c), 38-75-490(D), 40-47-10(A)(4), 44-128-50(B)(2), 46-3-260(A), 48-52-440(D)(2), 48-59-40(A)(4), 51-13-720, 51-13-2120(3), 51-18-115, 54-6-10(B)(3), 59-6-10, 59-40-230(A), 59-46-40(A)(4), 59-150-40(A), 59-150-40(C), 59-150-40(D), 59-150-320, 59-150-325(A), 60-11-150(B), 60-17-10, 63-1-50(A), 63-1-50(B), 63-11-1720(B), 63-11-1720(C), 63-11-1930(A)(11), AND 63-11-2110(B)(4), RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE PRO TEMPORE, SO AS TO REVISE STATUTORY REFERENCES FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE PRO TEMPORE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND TO MAKE ADDITIONAL CLARIFYING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 1-3-620, 1-11-720(A)(9), 1-23-125(B), 1-23-125(D), 2-3-30, 2-3-90, 7-11-30(A), 7-17-10, 9-1-10(11)(g), 9-1-10(14), 10-1-40, 14-27-20(10), 14-27-30, 14-27-40(2), 14-27-80, 43-21-20, 43-21-45, 43-21-60, 43-21-70, 43-21-100, 43-21-130(A)(1), 43-21-190(2), 44-36-310, 44-36-320(7), 44-36-330, 44-56-840(A), 54-7-100, AND 59-6-15(A)(3), RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, SO AS TO REVISE STATUTORY REFERENCES TO CONFORM TO CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY CHANGES CONCERNING SELECTION AS PART OF A JOINT TICKET AND TO MAKE THE GOVERNOR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXISTING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SO THE GOVERNOR MAY DETERMINE HOW THOSE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED; TO AMEND SECTION 1-1-1210, RELATING TO SALARIES OF CERTAIN STATE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE AGENCY HEAD SALARY COMMISSION TO STUDY AND RECOMMEND SALARY RANGES AND DETERMINE SALARIES FOR THESE OFFICERS, AND TO REQUIRE RECUSAL OF COMMISSION MEMBERS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND TO REQUIRE, ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2019, THE CODE COMMISSIONER TO PREPARE AND DELIVER A REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECOMMENDING ANY ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATE AND CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE 1976 CODE OF LAWS REFLECTING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT.

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

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, with unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to go into Executive Session prior to adjournment.

RATIFICATION OF ACTS

Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on May 04, 2017, at 1:30 P.M. and the following Acts and Joint Resolutions were ratified:

(R25, S. 181 (Word version)) -- Senator Shealy: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-200, CODE   OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT, SO AS TO MAKE THE FEDERAL SUPERFUND RECYCLING EQUITY ACT APPLICABLE TO THE ACT.
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(R26, S. 213 (Word version)) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander and Scott: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 20, TITLE 2, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO NONJUDICIAL SCREENING AND ELECTION, SO AS TO CREATE THE COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY TRUSTEE SCREENING COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THE QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR TRUSTEES TO STATE-SUPPORTED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE INVESTIGATIVE, NOMINATION, AND ELECTION PROCESSES.
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(R27, S. 342 (Word version)) -- Senators Williams, Davis, Hembree, Campbell, J. Matthews, Setzler, Grooms, Hutto, Allen, Johnson, Nicholson, Scott, M.B. Matthews, Rankin, Sabb, Goldfinch, Alexander, Climer and Senn: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 40-22-295, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENGINEER IMMUNITY FOR CERTAIN VOLUNTARY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RENDERED AT THE SCENES OF DECLARED STATE OR NATIONAL EMERGENCIES AT THE REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO EXTEND THE EXEMPTION TO SURVEYORS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-22-280, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE EXEMPTION OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEES FROM THE STATE REGULATION OF ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO REVISE THE CLASSIFICATION OF EMPLOYEES TO WHOM THE EXEMPTION IS APPLICABLE AND TO CORRECT AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE.
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(R28, S. 344 (Word version)) -- Senator Corbin: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-80, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONTENTS OF AN APPLICATION FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR PERMIT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN APPLICATION FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR PERMIT MUST ALLOW AN APPLICANT WHO HAS BEEN MEDICALLY DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM TO VOLUNTARILY DISCLOSE THAT HE IS AUTISTIC, WHICH MUST BE INDICATED BY A SYMBOL DESIGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT ON THE DRIVER'S LICENSE AND CONTAINED IN THE DRIVER'S RECORD; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-3350, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN APPLICANT FOR A SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD WHO WISHES TO OBTAIN A CARD THAT INDICATES THAT HE IS AUTISTIC MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF HIS CONDITION WHICH MUST BE INDICATED BY A SYMBOL DESIGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT ON HIS SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD.
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(R29, S. 372 (Word version)) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF LONG TERM HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATORS, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATOR-IN-TRAINING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4722, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R30, S. 374 (Word version)) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO THE EVALUATION OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEES FOR TUBERCULOSIS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4704, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R31, S. 375 (Word version)) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO DRYCLEANING FACILITY RESTORATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4705, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R32, S. 376 (Word version)) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK CONTROL REGULATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4706, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R33, S. 378 (Word version)) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DISAPPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - BOARD OF PHARMACY, RELATING TO MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS AND PRACTICE STANDARDS GOVERNING PHARMACIES AND PHARMACISTS ENGAGED IN NONSTERILE AND STERILE COMPOUNDING, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4734, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R34, S. 415 (Word version)) -- Senators Malloy and Campsen: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 62-1-112 SO AS TO CLARIFY THE PROBATE COURT'S AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE PENALTIES FOR CONTEMPT AND TO GRANT A MOTION FOR A PARTY TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS; TO AMEND SECTION 8-21-800, RELATING TO RELIEF FROM FILING FEES, COURT COSTS, AND PROBATE COSTS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE PROBATE JUDGE MAY WAIVE FILING FEES FOR INDIGENT PERSONS IN THE SAME MANNER AS OTHER CIVIL CASES; TO AMEND SECTION 62-1-302, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION AND CONCURRENT JURISDICTION WITH FAMILY COURT, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE COURT'S JURISDICTION IN MATTERS INVOLVING THE ESTABLISHMENT, ADMINISTRATION, OR TERMINATION OF A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST FOR DISABLED INDIVIDUALS AND TO REVISE OUTDATED TERMINOLOGY; TO AMEND SECTION 62-1-401, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO NOTICE, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE NOTICE TO BE MADE BY A QUALIFYING COMMERCIAL DELIVERY SERVICE AND IS SIMILAR TO NOTICE BY REGISTERED MAIL OR CERTIFIED MAIL; TO STRIKE PARTS 1, 2, 3, 4, AND 7, ARTICLE 5, TITLE 62, AND TO ADD NEW AND REVISED PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY AND THEIR PROPERTY, SO AS TO PROMOTE UNIFORMITY AMONG THE STATE'S FORTY-SIX PROBATE COURTS, TO SAFEGUARD ADEQUATE DUE PROCESS PROTECTIONS FOR THE STATE'S ALLEGED INCAPACITATED INDIVIDUALS, TO ELIMINATE OVER RELIANCE UPON RESTRICTIVE FULL OR PLENARY GUARDIANSHIPS, TO REDUCE THE COSTS OF PROCEEDINGS, TO ESTABLISH CONSISTENCY BETWEEN GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP PROCEEDINGS, AND TO CREATE AN ADEQUATE SYSTEM FOR MONITORING GUARDIANS AND CONSERVATORS.
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(R35, S. 453 (Word version)) -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO WIC VENDORS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4671, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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(R36, S. 530 (Word version)) -- Senator Talley: AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE PELHAM-BATESVILLE FIRE DISTRICT, WHICH PROVIDES FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES TO PORTIONS OF GREENVILLE AND SPARTANBURG COUNTIES, TO ISSUE BONDS TO FINANCE CERTAIN NECESSARY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE AMOUNT AND PROCESS THROUGH WHICH THE BONDS MAY BE ISSUED.
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(R37, S. 617 (Word version)) -- Senators McLeod, Setzler, Malloy, Massey, McElveen, Rice, Bennett, M.B. Matthews, Gregory, Timmons, Talley, Senn, Nicholson, Sabb, Jackson, Peeler, Davis, Alexander, Fanning, Sheheen and Grooms: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 142 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL ISSUE "UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA 2017 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
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(R38, H. 3034 (Word version)) -- Rep. Daning: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 59-112-50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "COVERED INDIVIDUAL" FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROVIDING IN-STATE TUITION AND FEE RATES FOR CHILDREN AND SPOUSES OF VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEFINITION INCLUDES A CHILD OR SPOUSE ENROLLING WITHIN THREE YEARS OF A VETERAN'S DISCHARGE PROVIDED THAT THE CHILD OR SPOUSE IS ENTITLED TO AND RECEIVING ASSISTANCE UNDER SECTION 3319, TITLE 38 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE, A CHILD OR SPOUSE OF ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO IS ENTITLED TO AND RECEIVING ASSISTANCE UNDER SECTION 3319, TITLE 38 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE, AND A CHILD OR SPOUSE OF ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY WHO IS ENTITLED TO AND RECEIVING ASSISTANCE UNDER SECTION 3311(b)(9), TITLE 38 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE; AND TO PROVIDE ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT BEYOND THE THREE YEAR INITIAL ELIGIBILITY PERIOD IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
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(R39, H. 3150 (Word version)) -- Rep. Funderburk: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-190, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SPECIAL ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCIES IN OFFICES, SO AS TO ADJUST THE DATES ON WHICH PRIMARIES, RUNOFF PRIMARIES, AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS MUST BE HELD, AND TO REMOVE THE EXEMPTION FROM HOLDING CERTAIN SPECIAL AND GENERAL ELECTIONS; AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO PROVIDE RANK CHOICE BALLOTS FOR A FEDERAL SPECIAL ELECTION FOR WHICH THE PRIMARY IS HELD ON MAY 2, 2017, TO INDIVIDUALS CASTING BALLOTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT.
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(R40, H. 3171 (Word version)) -- Reps. Whipper and Gilliard: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 340 OF 1967, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SO AS TO REESTABLISH THE BOUNDARY LINES THAT DEFINE THE CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT'S CONSTITUENT DISTRICTS; AND TO AMEND ACT 245 OF 1979, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE COOPER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 4 BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO REDRAW THE THREE GEOGRAPHIC AREAS IN WHICH THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MUST RESIDE, TO DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE GEOGRAPHIC AREAS ARE DELINEATED, AND TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE REDRAWN AREAS.
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(R41, H. 3221 (Word version)) -- Reps. Allison, Collins, Felder, Daning, Govan, Taylor, Knight and Anderson: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-20-90 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP AND ADOPT A STATEWIDE PROGRAM FOR IDENTIFYING FISCAL PRACTICES AND BUDGETARY CONDITIONS THAT, IF UNCORRECTED, COULD COMPROMISE THE FISCAL INTEGRITY OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT AND FOR ADVISING THE DISTRICT ON HOW TO TAKE APPROPRIATE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS, TO ESTABLISH THREE LEVELS OF FISCAL AND BUDGETARY CONCERNS WITH CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH, AND TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-20-95 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE AUDITOR TO ADOPT THE STATEWIDE PROGRAM CREATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IN SECTION 59-20-90 AND USE IT TO IDENTIFY FISCAL PRACTICES AND BUDGETARY CONDITIONS THAT, IF UNCORRECTED, COULD COMPROMISE THE FISCAL INTEGRITY OF A STATE AGENCY THAT IS ALSO A LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY AND TO ADVISE THE STATE AGENCY THAT IS ALSO A LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY ON HOW TO TAKE APPROPRIATE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS TO ENABLE THE STATE AUDITOR TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT TO IMMEDIATELY ASSUME EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF THE STATE AGENCY THAT IS ALSO A LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY FOR WHICH IT HAS MADE A DECLARATION OF FISCAL CAUTION OR FISCAL EMERGENCY, TO CONTINUE THIS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF THE LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY UNTIL THE STATE AUDITOR RELEASES THE STATE AGENCY THAT IS ALSO A LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY FROM THE DECLARATION OF FISCAL CAUTION OR FISCAL EMERGENCY, AS APPLICABLE, AND TO DIRECT THE STATE AUDITOR TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
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(R42, H. 3346 (Word version)) -- Reps. Collins, Clary and Hiott: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 260 OF 1981, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PICKENS COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF BOARD MEMBERS FROM SIX TO SEVEN AND TO PROVIDE FOR SEVEN SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS BEGINNING WITH THE 2018 GENERAL ELECTION; AND TO PROVIDE FOR A PROCEDURE FOR CLOSING A SCHOOL WITHIN THE DISTRICT.
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(R43, H. 3441 (Word version)) -- Rep. Gagnon: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 42-9-450 SO AS TO PROVIDE WORKERS' COMPENSATION PAYMENTS BY EMPLOYERS' REPRESENTATIVES MUST BE MADE BY CHECKS OR ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEMS.
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(R44, H. 3792 (Word version)) -- Reps. Thayer, Funderburk and Sandifer: AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-23-245 SO AS TO REQUIRE MINIMUM NUMBERS OF TOILETS AND LAVATORIES AT MIDDLE SCHOOL STADIUMS AND HIGH SCHOOL STADIUMS BASED ON GENDER AND SEATING CAPACITY, AND TO PROVIDE THESE STANDARDS APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING OTHERWISE APPLICABLE BUILDING CODES AND PLUMBING CODES.
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(R45, H. 3936 (Word version)) -- Reps. Whipper, Gilliard, Mack and Brown: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN CHARLESTON COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE NAMES OF THE CHARLESTON COUNTY VOTING PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND AND MAINTAINED BY THE REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, AND TO STRIKE OBSOLETE REFERENCES TO THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the seal of secrecy was removed, so far as the same relates to appointments made by the Governor and the following names were reported to the Senate in open session:

STATEWIDE APPOINTMENTS
Confirmations

Having received a favorable report from the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the following appointment was taken up for immediate consideration:

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, with the term to commence April 6, 2016, and to expire April 6, 2022
6th Congressional District:
Mitch Lowrey, 132 Forest Grove Road, Estill, SC 29918 VICE Rebecca Morrison Hughes

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Mitch Lowrey.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Mitch Lowrey was confirmed.
Having received a favorable report from the Corrections and Penology Committee, the following appointment was taken up for immediate consideration:

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Board of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, with the term to commence March 15, 2017, and to expire March 15, 2023
7th Congressional District:
Kimberly H. Frederick, 110 North Oak Dr., Surfside Beach, SC 29575 VICE Marvin Stevenson

On motion of Senator MARTIN, the question was confirmation of Kimberly H. Frederick.

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

Ayes 29; Nays 0; Abstain 10

AYES

Alexander                 Bennett                   Campsen
Climer                    Corbin                    Fanning
Gambrell                  Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews, John
Matthews, Margie          McLeod                    Nicholson
Peeler                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Setzler
Shealy                    Talley                    Turner
Verdin                    Williams

Total--29

NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Allen                     Davis                     Goldfinch
Malloy                    McElveen                  Rankin
Senn                      Sheheen                   Timmons
Young

Total--10

The appointment of Kimberly H. Frederick was confirmed.

Having received a favorable report from the General Committee, the following appointments were taken up for immediate consideration:

Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2016, and to expire June 30, 2020
5th Congressional District:
Martha W. Brock, 154 Hidden Acres Drive, Gaffney, SC 29341

On motion of Senator SHEALY, the question was confirmation of Martha W. Brock.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Martha W. Brock was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2017, and to expire June 30, 2021
6th Congressional District:
Andrea B. McCoy, 334 Teague Park Court, Columbia, SC 29209

On motion of Senator SHEALY, the question was confirmation of Andrea B. McCoy.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Andrea B. McCoy was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina Commission for the Blind, with the term to commence May 19, 2017, and to expire May 19, 2021
2nd Congressional District:
Judith E. Johnson, 317 Ballentine Estates Road, Irmo, SC 29063

On motion of Senator SHEALY, the question was confirmation of Judith E. Johnson.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Judith E. Johnson was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, Board of Trustees for the Veterans' Trust Fund of South Carolina, with term coterminous with Governor
At-Large:
John D. "J.D." Wilcox, Jr., Post Office Box 3, Union, SC 29379 VICE Bernard Chapman (resigned)

On motion of Senator SHEALY, the question was confirmation of John D. "J.D." Wilcox, Jr..

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of John D. "J.D." Wilcox, Jr. was confirmed.

Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2017, and to expire June 30, 2021
2nd Congressional District:
Margaret Jo B. Hecker, 409 Longtown Rd. West, Blythewood, SC 29016
On motion of Senator SHEALY, the question was confirmation of Margaret Jo B. Hecker.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Margaret Jo B. Hecker was confirmed.

Having received a favorable report from the Judiciary Committee, the following appointments were taken up for immediate consideration:

Reappointment, South Carolina State Commission for Minority Affairs, with the term to commence June 30, 2017, and to expire June 30, 2021
5th Congressional District:
William B. James, Jr., 1748 Cherokee National Highway, Gaffney, SC 29341

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of William B. James, Jr.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of William B. James, Jr. was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, Juvenile Parole Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2015, and to expire June 30, 2019
At-Large:
Suzanne S. Prosser, 697 Wedgewood Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 VICE Reno R. Boyd

On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Suzanne S. Prosser.

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

Ayes 35; Nays 0; Abstain 4

AYES

Alexander                 Bennett                   Campsen
Climer                    Corbin                    Davis
Fanning                   Gambrell                  Grooms
Hembree                   Jackson                   Johnson
Leatherman                Malloy                    Martin
Massey                    Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Setzler
Shealy                    Sheheen                   Talley
Timmons                   Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Young

Total--35
NAYS

Total--0

ABSTAIN

Allen                     Goldfinch                 McElveen
Senn

Total--4

The appointment of Suzanne S. Prosser was confirmed.

Having received a favorable report from the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, the following appointments were taken up for immediate consideration:

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Athletic Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2014, and to expire June 30, 2018
3rd Congressional District:
William J. D'Andrea, 101 Morgan Dr., Central, SC 29630 VICE Anthony Quinn Eubank (resigned)

On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, the question was confirmation of William J. D'Andrea.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of William J. D'Andrea was confirmed.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Board of Real Estate Appraisers, with the term to commence May 31, 2017, and to expire May 31, 2020
Mortgage Lending:
Raymond M. Hammond, 218 Highhill Drive, Columbia, SC 29209 VICE Andrew S. Johnson

On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, the question was confirmation of Raymond M. Hammond.

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

Ayes 39; Nays 0

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campsen                   Climer                    Corbin
Davis                     Fanning                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Jackson                   Johnson                   Leatherman
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Peeler
Rankin                    Reese                     Rice
Sabb                      Scott                     Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Sheheen
Talley                    Timmons                   Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--39

NAYS

Total--0

The appointment of Raymond M. Hammond was confirmed.

LOCAL APPOINTMENTS
Confirmations

Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Initial Appointment, Richland County Part-Time Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2017, and to expire April 30, 2021
Christina Pope, 216 Elders Pond Dr., Columbia, SC 29229

Initial Appointment, Laurens County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2015, and to expire April 30, 2019
Dirk J. Bron, Jr., 1558 Hopewell Church Rd., Clinton, SC 29325 VICE Paul D. Lyles

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator NICHOLSON, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Evan Blair Campbell of Greenwood, S.C. Evan attended Greenwood Christian School where he was a team captain in basketball and a member of the golf team. He had an energetic personality and a passion for sports. Evan helped in the elementary school PE classes and was a leader in the children's ministry at NewSprings Church. Evan was a loving son and devoted brother who will be dearly missed.

and

MOTION ADOPTED

On motion of Senator NICHOLSON, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Jamikus Fitzgerald Jackson of Greenwood, S.C. Jamikus attended Emerald High School. Jamikus was a loving son, devoted brother and dear friend who will be dearly missed.

ADJOURNMENT

At 1:44 P.M., on motion of Senator LEATHERMAN, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1 for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.

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This web page was last updated on Friday, October 20, 2017 at 2:04 P.M.