South Carolina General Assembly
123rd Session, 2019-2020
Journal of the Senate

                                                    NO. 18

JOURNAL

OF THE

SENATE

OF THE

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020

_________

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Wednesday, February 12, 2020
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

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

In Exodus 32:26 we read that Moses gathered his people and said, "Who is on the Lord's side?"

Let us pray. Dear Lord, today we remember the remarkable life of Abraham Lincoln who was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky. He only had a total 18 months of formal education in his youth yet he would one day become the 16th President of the United States. He served four years as president during the Civil War and passed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, abolishing slavery that had stained our countries character for generations.

He was not a member of a formal church but when asked whether the Lord was on his side, he responded, "I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I -- and this nation --should be on the Lord's side."

The heartfelt concern of President Lincoln and the words of Moses to his people still beckons us today saying, "Who is on the Lord's side?" 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 12:05 P.M., Senator ALEXANDER made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

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

Alexander                 Bennett                   Campbell
Campsen                   Cash                      Climer
Corbin                    Davis                     Fanning
Goldfinch                 Gregory                   Grooms
Harpootlian               Kimpson                   Leatherman
Martin                    Massey                    Peeler
Rice                      Senn                      Setzler
Shealy                    Sheheen                   Talley
Turner                    Verdin                    Williams

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

The following appointment was transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:

Statewide Appointment

Initial Appointment, Secretary of South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs, with term coterminous with Governor
Major General William F. Grimsley, 226 Green Winged Teal Drive S., Beaufort, SC 29907-1053

Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed that if and when the Senate stands adjourned today, that it will adjourn to meet tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M.

MOTION ADOPTED

Senator MASSEY moved that, when the Senate stands adjourned on Thursday, February 13, 2020, the Senate would stand adjourned to meet on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 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.

There was no objection and the motion was adopted.

Doctor of the Day

Senator JOHN MATTHEWS introduced Dr. William O'Quinn of Branchville, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator M.B. MATTHEWS, at 12:24 P.M., Senator McELVEEN was granted a leave of absence until 3:30 P.M.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 900 (Word version)     Sen. Senn
S. 1024 (Word version)   Sen. Campsen
S. 1042 (Word version)   Sen. Senn

RECALLED

H. 5148 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Cox and Elliott: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO PROCLAIM THE YEAR 2020 AS "THE YEAR OF THE EYE EXAM" AND FEBRUARY 20, 2020, AS "EYE HEALTH AWARENESS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Senator VERDIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Medical Affairs.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 1099 (Word version) -- Senators Talley, Shealy, Turner, Hutto, Sabb, Climer, McLeod, Gambrell, Johnson, Campsen, Scott and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 61-4-942, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MANUFACTURER, BREWER, OR IMPORTER OF BEER SHALL NOT REQUEST OR REQUIRE THAT A WHOLESALER SUBMIT CERTAIN INFORMATION FOR BEER BRANDS NOT MANUFACTURED, BREWED, OR IMPORTED BY THE MANUFACTURER, BREWER, OR IMPORTER; SHALL NOT MANDATE CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT MATTERS; SHALL NOT REQUEST OR REQUIRE A WHOLESALER TO PAY BEER BRAND MARKETING OR ADVERTISING FUNDS; SHALL NOT SHIP, INVOICE, OR INITIATE PAYMENT FOR ANY QUANTITY OF BEER IN EXCESS OF THAT FORECAST BY A WHOLESALER OR FOR ANY POINT OF SALE ADVERTISING OR OTHER ITEMS IN EXCESS OF THAT SPECIFIED BY THE WHOLESALER; SHALL NOT ATTRIBUTE ANY FINANCIAL INTEREST TO A WHOLESALER FOR BEER NOT IN THE WHOLESALER'S POSSESSION; SHALL NOT REQUEST OR REQUIRE A WHOLESALER TO PAY FOR CERTAIN MATTERS PERTAINING TO SOFTWARE OWNED OR MANDATED BY THE MANUFACTURER, BREWER, OR IMPORTER; AND SHALL NOT REQUIRE PAYMENT OF A PENALTY BY THE WHOLESALER FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH ANY REQUIREMENT OF THE MANUFACTURER, BREWER, OR IMPORTER, EXCLUDING CERTAIN FEES OR INTEREST.
l:\s-jud\bills\talley\jud0086.mf.docx

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

S. 1100 (Word version) -- Senators Young and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 7, TITLE 58 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO SPECIAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING GAS, WATER, OR PIPELINE COMPANIES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3, TO ESTABLISH PROVISIONS RELATING TO PETROLEUM PIPELINES; TO PROVIDE FOR APPLICATIONS, PERMITTING, AND HEARINGS; TO SET REQUIREMENTS FOR RENDERING FINAL ORDERS; TO PROVIDE FOR REHEARINGS; TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS; TO ALLOW THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO REQUIRE RECORDS PRODUCTION, TO PROVIDE FOR DISCOVERY, AND TO EMPLOY EXPERT WITNESSES; TO PROVIDE THAT A PETROLEUM PIPELINE COMPANY MAY REQUEST REASONABLE ACCESS TO PROPERTY ON A PROPOSED SITE FOR SURVEY PURPOSES; TO PROVIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR A SPILL OR AN ACCIDENTAL RELEASE; TO PROVIDE FOR EMINENT DOMAIN AND HEARINGS BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.
l:\s-res\try\040petr.sp.try.docx

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

S. 1101 (Word version) -- Senators Turner and Martin: A BILL AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 745 OF 1967, RELATING TO RENEWABLE WATER RESOURCES (REWA) FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE WESTERN CAROLINA REGIONAL SEWER AUTHORITY, TO REVISE THE MEMBERSHIP OF ITS GOVERNING COMMISSION TO REMOVE ONE MEMBER FROM SPARTANBURG COUNTY AND TO ADD ONE MEMBER FROM GREENVILLE COUNTY, AND TO AMEND THE SERVICE TERRITORY OF REWA'S SERVICE AREA.
l:\s-res\rt\016rewa.sp.rt.docx

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

S. 1102 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3810 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR AN EMPLOYER WHO ESTABLISHES CERTAIN GROUP DISABILITY INCOME PROTECTION PLANS AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN EMPLOYER MAY OFFER TO AUTOMATICALLY ENROLL ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES IN THE PLAN.
l:\council\bills\rt\17688sa20.docx

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

S. 1103 (Word version) -- Senators Young and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2 OF ACT 205 OF 2016, RELATING TO THE EXEMPTION OF PRIVATE, FOR-PROFIT PIPELINE COMPANIES FROM CERTAIN RIGHTS, POWERS, AND PRIVILEGES OF TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE COMPANIES THAT OTHERWISE ARE EXTENDED TO PIPELINE COMPANIES, TO EXTEND THE SUNSET PROVISION TO NOVEMBER 30, 2021.
l:\s-res\try\041pipe.sp.try.docx

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

S. 1104 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Martin, Young, Bennett, Climer, Rice, Hembree, Cromer, Corbin, Scott, Campbell, Malloy, Turner, Gambrell, Goldfinch, Talley, Verdin, Davis, Allen, Setzler, Johnson, Nicholson, Williams, J. Matthews, M. B. Matthews, McLeod, Gregory and Harpootlian: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020 AS "SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY DEPARTMENT DAY" IN THIS STATE AND TO HONOR THE MANY SACRIFICES AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY TO PROTECTING THE FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND SECURITY OF OUR STATE AND NATION.
l:\s-res\ks\063mili.kmm.ks.docx

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.

S. 1105 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF LEIGH JOHNSON SNELGROVE OF CHARLESTON COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HER AMAZING AND SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS.
l:\s-res\try\042leig.kmm.try.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 3066 (Word version) -- Reps. King, S. Williams, Brawley, Henegan, Jones, Cobb-Hunter, Rivers and McDaniel: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 17-1-43 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF ARREST RECORDS OF PERSONS ARRESTED AS A RESULT OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY NOT LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS AFTER AN INVESTIGATION BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PROSECUTION AGENCY REVEALS THAT THE PERSON WAS ARRESTED AS A RESULT OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PROSECUTION AGENCY MAY NOT CHARGE OR COLLECT A FEE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF ARREST RECORDS UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.

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

H. 5015 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon and Forrest: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 47-3-425 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO OBTAIN AND UTILIZE SCHEDULE III NONNARCOTIC AND SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES FOR THE CAPTURE AND IMMOBILIZATION OF WILDLIFE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 47-3-420, RELATING TO METHODS OF EUTHANASIA, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO THE DEPARTMENT.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

H. 5062 (Word version) -- Reps. Ott and Forrest: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO OFFER A LICENSE, PERMIT, OR TAG MADE OF A DURABLE MATERIAL AND TO ESTABLISH A FEE.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

H. 5132 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Hosey, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Calhoon, Caskey, Chellis, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Collins, B. Cox, W. Cox, Crawford, Daning, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Forrester, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Garvin, Gilliam, Gilliard, Govan, Haddon, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Howard, Huggins, Hyde, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kimmons, King, Kirby, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mace, Mack, Magnuson, Martin, Matthews, McCoy, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, McKnight, Moore, Morgan, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, B. Newton, W. Newton, Norrell, Oremus, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pope, Ridgeway, Rivers, Robinson, Rose, Rutherford, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Toole, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, R. Williams, S. Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020, "SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY DEPARTMENT DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MANY SACRIFICES AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS THE SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY DEPARTMENT MAKES TO PROTECT THE FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND SECURITY OF OUR STATE AND NATION.

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.

H. 5133 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer and Hosey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR AN OUTSTANDING GROUP OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIR NATIONAL GUARD AND SOUTH CAROLINA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES BY RECEIVING THE 2020 HIGHEST AWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY CHARACTER AND SERVICE AS MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA AIR AND ARMY NATIONAL GUARDS.

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

H. 5148 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Cox and Elliott: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO PROCLAIM THE YEAR 2020 AS "THE YEAR OF THE EYE EXAM" AND FEBRUARY 20, 2020, AS "EYE HEALTH AWARENESS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

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

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator SHEALY from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable report on:

S. 716 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 9, CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO STATE EMBLEMS, THE PLEDGE TO THE STATE FLAG, AND OFFICIAL OBSERVANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DESIGNATION OF MARCH OF DIMES DAY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator SHEALY from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable report on:

S. 865 (Word version) -- Senators Jackson, Hutto and Shealy: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-50, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE JOINT CITIZENS AND LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, SO AS TO REAUTHORIZE THE COMMITTEE THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2030.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator SHEALY from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 892 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Hutto, Jackson and Campbell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CHILD ABUSE RESPONSE PROTOCOL ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 24 TO CHAPTER 11, TITLE 63 SO AS TO REQUIRE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS INVOLVED IN CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION TO FOLLOW CERTAIN CHILD ABUSE RESPONSE PROTOCOL, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AND UPDATE THE PROTOCOL, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 63-11-310, RELATING TO CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTERS TO HOLD CERTAIN ACCREDITATION STATUS OR BE ACTIVELY PURSUING ACCREDITATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator SHEALY from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 1017 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 43-26-90 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO BUILDINGS NOT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF VENDING FACILITIES BY BLIND PERSONS, TO INCLUDE LOCAL DETENTION FACILITIES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator SHEALY from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1027 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 43-25-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND, TO PROVIDE THAT MEETINGS SHALL BE HELD AT LEAST ONCE A QUARTER.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator SHEALY from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable report on:

H. 4439 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Bryant, Hosey, R. Williams, Blackwell, Clary and Rivers: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-250 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE SIXTEENTH DAY OF JULY OF EACH YEAR AS "ATOMIC VETERANS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., February 12, 2020

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 601 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-2350 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON FOSTER CARE OR ADOPTION PLACEMENTS, TO ADD BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH EMPLOYEE OF A RESIDENTIAL FACILITY WHERE CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE MAY BE PLACED.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

      AMENDED, INTERRUPTED DEBATE

S. 419 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Malloy, Turner, Setzler, Sheheen and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CAREER OPPORTUNITY AND ACCESS FOR ALL ACT", TO PROVIDE FOR A STATEWIDE COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS GOAL, STUDENT EMPOWERMENT, THE CREATION OF THE ZERO TO TWENTY COMMITTEE, ENHANCEMENTS TO WORKFORCE PREPARATION, EDUCATOR DEVELOPMENT AND SATISFACTION, HELP FOR STUDENTS IN UNDERPERFORMING SCHOOLS, LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD ACCOUNTABILITY, AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. (Abbr. Title)

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

Amendment No. 103

Senator FANNING proposed the following amendment (WAB\419C149.SM.WAB20), which was tabled:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 59-104-20(A), as contained in SECTION 19.A., by deleting subsection (A) and inserting:

/   (A)   The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program is established to foster scholarship among the state's post-secondary students and retain outstanding South Carolina high school graduates in the State through awards based on scholarship and achievement. Measures must be taken to ensure equitable minority participation in this program. Recipients of these scholarships are designated Palmetto Fellows. Each Palmetto Fellow shall receive a scholarship in an amount not to exceed six eight thousand seven hundred dollars. These scholarships in combination with all other grants and scholarships shall not exceed the cost of attendance at the institution attended. The commission shall promulgate regulations and establish procedures to administer the program and request annual state appropriations for the program.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FANNING spoke on the amendment.

RECESS

At 12:42 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, with unanimous consent and Senator FANNING retaining the floor, the Senate receded from business.

At 1:46 P.M., the Senate resumed.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator RANKIN, with unanimous consent and Senator FANNING retaining the floor, rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Senator FANNING resumed speaking on the amendment.

Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.

The amendment was laid on the table.

Amendment No. 104

Senator FANNING proposed the following amendment (WAB\419C120.AGM.WAB20), which was tabled:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 59-149-50(A)(1), as contained in SECTION 20.A., by deleting the item and inserting:

/   (1)   To be eligible for a LIFE Scholarship, a student must be either a student who has graduated from a high school located in this State,; a student who has completed at least three of the final four years of high school within this State,; a home school student who has successfully completed a high school home school program in this State in the manner required by law,; a student who has graduated from a preparatory high school outside this State, while a dependent of a parent or guardian who is a legal resident of this State and has custody of the dependent,; or a student whose parent or guardian has served in or has retired from one of the United States Armed Forces within the last four years, paid income taxes in this State for a majority of the years of service, and is a resident of this State. These students also must meet the requirements of subsection (B) and be eligible for in-state tuition and fees as determined pursuant to Chapter 112, Title 59 and applicable regulations. In addition, the student must have graduated from high school with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade average on a 4.0 scale and have scored 1100 or better on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or have the equivalent ACT score; a score of twenty-two on the SAT or better, provided that, if the student is to attend such a public or independent two-year college or university in this State, including a technical college, the SAT or ACT requirement does not apply. If a student chooses to attend such a public or independent institution of this State and does not make the required SAT or ACT score or the required high school grade point average, as applicable, the student may earn a LIFE Scholarship after his freshman year if he meets the grade point average and semester credit hour requirements of subsection (B). For the purpose of meeting the rank criteria pursuant to this section, the existing high school rank of a South Carolina resident attending an out-of-state high school may be used provided it is calculated pursuant to a state-approved, standardized grading scale at the respective out-of-state high school. If the Commission on Higher Education determines that a state-approved standardized grading scale substantially deviates from the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale, the state-approved standardized grading scale shall not be used to meet the eligibility requirements for the LIFE Scholarship.     /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FANNING spoke on the amendment.

Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.

The amendment was laid on the table.

Amendment No. 106

Senator FANNING proposed the following amendment (WAB\419C107.SM.WAB20), which was withdrawn:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 59-149-50(A)(2), as contained in SECTION 20.A., by deleting the item.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FANNING spoke on the amendment.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator FANNING, with unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.

Amendment No. 107

Senator FANNING proposed the following amendment (WAB\419C113.SM.WAB20), which was tabled:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 59-149-50(E), as contained in SECTION 20.A., by deleting the subsection and inserting:

/   (E)   In the event that either the SAT or ACT changes its respective scoring ranges, the General Assembly shall meet to adjust the minimum scores required by this chapter in order to ensure equivalency.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FANNING spoke on the amendment.

Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.

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

Ayes 33; Nays 7

AYES

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Campbell                  Cash                      Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Gambrell                  Goldfinch                 Grooms
Hembree                   Hutto                     Jackson
Leatherman                Loftis                    Malloy
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews, John
Nicholson                 Peeler                    Rankin
Rice                      Senn                      Setzler
Shealy                    Talley                    Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young

Total--33

NAYS

Fanning                   Johnson                   Matthews, Margie
McLeod                    Reese                     Sabb
Scott

Total--7

The amendment was laid on the table.

Amendment No. 109

Senator FANNING proposed the following amendment (WAB\419C116.SM.WAB20), which was carried over:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 59-150-370(C), as contained in SECTION 20.B., by deleting the subsection and inserting:

/   "(C)     A student is eligible to receive a SC HOPE Scholarship if he meets the criteria for receiving and maintaining the Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship except that a must have graduated from high school with a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be eligible to receive an SC HOPE Scholarship. A minimum Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or ACT score and requisite class rank are not required for eligibility for the SC HOPE Scholarship. These SC HOPE Scholarships must be granted and awarded as provided in this section."   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FANNING spoke on the amendment.

On motion of Senator FANNING, the amendment was carried over.

Amendment No. 113

Senator SETZLER proposed the following amendment (419NGS2), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 18, by striking lines 33-41 and inserting the following:

/       / "(a) document the reading and writing assessment and instruction planned for all PK-12 students and the interventions in prekindergarten through twelfth grade to be provided to all students who are substantially not demonstrating reading proficiency and struggling readers who are not able to comprehend grade-level texts. Supplemental instruction must be provided by reading interventionists or teachers with a literacy teacher endorsement teachers who have a literacy teacher add-on endorsement and offered during the school day and, as appropriate, before or after school in book clubs, through a summer reading camp, or both through any combination of these strategies structures;"   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator SETZLER spoke on the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator CROMER, with unanimous consent, Amendment No. 119 was withdrawn.

Amendment No. 114

Senator FANNING proposed the following amendment (WAB\419C259.SM.WAB20), which was tabled:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting SECTION 38 and inserting:

/   SECTION   38.   Section 59-20-50(4)(b) of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an undesignated paragraph at the end to read:

"Beginning with Fiscal Year 2020-2021, the minimum starting teacher salary for a teacher with no years of experience and a bachelor's degree must be at least thirty-five thousand dollars. The General Assembly shall establish the starting teacher salary, the salary schedule, and the Education Finance Act inflation factor each year in the annual appropriations act. Annual salary increases must be based on funding provided by the General Assembly in the annual appropriations act and provided through adjustments in the salary schedule to educators identified by the Department of Education as eligible to receive the Education Improvement Act teacher salary supplement during Fiscal Year 2019-2020 as reported to the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office."   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FANNING spoke on the amendment.

Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.

The amendment was laid on the table.

Recorded Vote

Senator CLIMER desired to be recorded as voting against the motion to table the amendment.

Amendment No. 115

Senator FANNING proposed the following amendment (WAB\ 419C260.SM.WAB20), which was tabled:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 38. A., Section 59-20-50(4)(b), page 56, line 26, by inserting:

/   All other cells in the salary schedule must be increased by three thousand dollars. / after / Fiscal Affairs Office.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FANNING spoke on the amendment.

Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.

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

Ayes 24; Nays 19

AYES

Alexander                 Bennett                   Campsen
Cash                      Corbin                    Davis
Gambrell                  Goldfinch                 Gregory
Grooms                    Hembree                   Leatherman
Loftis                    Martin                    Massey
Peeler                    Rankin                    Rice
Senn                      Shealy                    Talley
Turner                    Verdin                    Young

Total--24

NAYS

Allen                     Climer                    Cromer
Fanning                   Harpootlian               Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson                   Malloy
Matthews, John            Matthews, Margie          McElveen
McLeod                    Nicholson                 Reese
Sabb                      Scott                     Setzler
Williams

Total--19

The amendment was laid on the table.

Amendment No. 116

Senator FANNING proposed the following amendment (WAB\ 419C262.SM.WAB20), which was carried over:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 38. A., Section 59-20-50(4)(b), page 56, lines 29-38, by deleting:

/   Beginning with Fiscal Year 1986, the 1.000 figure in the index must be adjusted on a schedule to stay at the southeastern average as projected by the Office of Research and Statistic of the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office and provided to the General Assembly during their deliberations on the annual appropriations bill. The southeastern average teacher salary is the average of the average teachers' salaries of the southeastern states. In projecting the southeastern average, the office shall include in the South Carolina base teacher salary all local teacher supplements and all incentive pay. / and inserting

/   Beginning with Fiscal Year 1986, the 1.000 figure in the index must be adjusted on a schedule to stay at the southeastern average as projected by the Office of Research and Statistic of the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office and provided to the General Assembly during their deliberations on the annual appropriations bill. The southeastern average teacher salary is the average of the average teachers' salaries of the southeastern states. In projecting the southeastern average, the office shall include in the South Carolina base teacher salary all local teacher supplements and all incentive pay.   /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator FANNING spoke on the amendment.

On motion of Senator FANNING, the amendment was carried over.

Debate was interrupted by adjournment.

Motion Adopted

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

ADJOURNMENT

At 4:07 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 10:00 A.M.

* * *

This web page was last updated on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 4:40 P.M.