NO. 23

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:

Psalm 98:1a

We read how the Psalmist proclaims: "O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things."

Bow with me, if you will: Your many, many blessings truly overwhelm us, dear Lord. As we reflect upon them, our hearts are full. So today here in the Senate of South Carolina we together sing to You our richest songs of thanksgiving and praise. Your gracious and loving gifts humble us; they are so marvelous, indeed. And on this day, O God, as we reflect upon South Carolina's recently ratified "Historically Black Colleges and Universities Day," we inevitably consider the impact these schools have had on our State, indeed upon our Nation. Continue, Lord, to bless these institutions and those who support them. Encourage each one of us also to give thanks for those who teach and who learn at these schools; may those blessings truly bring life changing benefit for all. In Your loving name we indeed sing Your praises, O Lord. Amen.

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

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

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

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Cash                      Climer
Cromer                    Garrett                   Grooms
Gustafson                 Hembree                   Hutto
Johnson, Kevin            Johnson, Michael          Kimbrell
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  Peeler
Rice                      Shealy                    Talley
Turner                    Williams                  Young

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

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

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Board of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, with the term to commence March 15, 2019, and to expire March 15, 2025
1st Congressional District:
Samuel Rivers, Jr., Post Office Box 760, Goose Creek, SC 29445-0760 VICE Christopher F. Gibbs

Referred to the Committee on Corrections and Penology.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence April 1, 2022, and to expire April 1, 2027
Governor Appointed:
Neal D. Truslow, 333 Laurel Springs Road, Columbia, SC 29206-2102 VICE Childs C. Thrasher

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2022, and to expire June 30, 2028
At-Large:
Cynthia C. Dooley, 1522 Counts Ferry Road, Lexington, SC 29072-8376 VICE Susan S. Barden

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Senator HEMBREE introduced Dr. Gerald Harmon of Georgetown, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, at 11:25 A.M., Senator KIMPSON was granted a leave of absence for today.

On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, at 11:25 A.M., leave of absence was granted for February 22, 2022 through February 24, 2022.

Senator K. JOHNSON rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

On motion of Senator McELVEEN, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator K. JOHNSON, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 892 (Word version)     Sen. Verdin
S. 895 (Word version)     Sen. Verdin
S. 968 (Word version)     Sen. Kimbrell

The following co-sponsors were removed from the respective Bill:
S. 961 (Word version)     Sens. Kimbrell and Loftis

The following were introduced:

S. 1076 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSION OF FORESTRY, RELATING TO PRICE CHANGES FOR FOREST TREE SEEDLINGS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5043, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1077 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin, Massey, K. Johnson, Sabb, Garrett, Gambrell, McElveen, Kimbrell and Stephens: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 27, TITLE 58 OF THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING ARTICLE 8, TO ALLOW THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS FOR THE PURPOSES OF OFFSETTING AND REDUCING PRUDENTLY INCURRED COSTS FOR STORM RECOVERY ACTIVITY AND TO ESTABLISH THE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESSES FOR THE AUTHORIZATION OF THESE BONDS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 36-9-109 TO MAKE FURTHER CONFORMING CHANGES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1078 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 5-7-240, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INDEPENDENT AUDITS OF MUNICIPAL FINANCIAL RECORDS AND TRANSACTIONS, SO AS TO ALLOW MUNICIPALITIES WITH LESS THAN $500,000 IN TOTAL REVENUES TO PROVIDE A COMPILATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 14-1-208, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL COURT AUDITS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1079 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSION OF FORESTRY, RELATING TO ALLOCATION OF FOREST TREE SEEDLINGS IN SHORT SUPPLY, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5046, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1080 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO USE OF WARNING TICKETS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5067, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1081 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO FIELD TRIAL REGULATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5071, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1082 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO COMMERCIAL PERMIT DURATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5096, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1083 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO RULE AND REGULATION ADOPTING CERTAIN FEDERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5079, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1084 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO DISPLAY OF DECALS BEARING TITLE NUMBER, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5080, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 1085 (Word version) -- Senator Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE ROUNDABOUT LOCATED ON GASQUE ROAD IN THE CITY OF MARION IN MARION COUNTY "JAMES M. JORDAN, SR. ROUNDABOUT" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 1086 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ALLOW FOR PROPERLY CREDENTIALED INDIVIDUALS TO CONDUCT SOIL EVALUATIONS AND PREPARE ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS LAYOUTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A SUNSET OF THE PROVISIONS IN THIS JOINT RESOLUTION NO LATER THAN JULY 1, 2023.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.

S. 1087 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Kimbrell, Shealy, Turner, Climer, M. Johnson, Martin, Corbin, Davis, Massey, Rice, Adams, Garrett, Cash, Young, Malloy, Williams, Loftis, Gambrell, Talley, Cromer, Scott, Jackson, Stephens, Campsen and Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "COMPREHENSIVE TAX CUT ACT OF 2022"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-510, RELATING TO THE INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX, SO AS TO REDUCE THE TOP MARGINAL RATE TO 5.7 PERCENT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1171, RELATING TO THE MILITARY RETIREMENT DEDUCTION, SO AS TO EXEMPT ALL MILITARY RETIREMENT INCOME; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO INCREASE A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN MANUFACTURING PROPERTY; TO APPROPRIATE ONE BILLION DOLLARS FROM THE CONTINGENCY RESERVE FUND TO THE TAXPAYER REBATE FUND TO PROVIDE REBATES TO TAXPAYERS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 12-6-515 RELATING TO AN ARCHAIC INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX PROVISION.
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Senator PEELER spoke on the Bill.

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

H. 3247 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, B. Cox, V. S. Moss, Yow, Huggins, Erickson, Bradley, Allison, Felder, B. Newton, W. Newton, Herbkersman, Ballentine, Davis, Weeks, McGarry, White, W. Cox, R. Williams, Blackwell, Crawford, Fry and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENT AND MILITARY RECOGNITION ACT"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1171, RELATING TO THE MILITARY RETIREMENT INCOME DEDUCTION, SO AS TO PHASE-IN THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN LIMITS.

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

H. 3346 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Cox, White, Fry, Haddon, Long, Forrest, G. M. Smith, Caskey, Gagnon, Hyde, West, Thayer, Ligon, Daning, Erickson, Bradley, Weeks, B. Newton, McGarry, Carter, Calhoon and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-310, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATUTORY GENERAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND OF FIVE PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND REVENUE OF THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR MUST BE INCREASED EACH YEAR BY ONE-HALF OF ONE PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND REVENUE OF THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR UNTIL IT EQUALS SEVEN PERCENT OF SUCH REVENUES; TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-320, RELATING TO THE STATUTORY CAPITAL RESERVE FUND OF TWO PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND REVENUE OF THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR, SO AS TO INCREASE IT TO THREE PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND REVENUE OF THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE ABOVE PROVISIONS TAKE EFFECT UPON RATIFICATION OF AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 36, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE PROVIDING FOR THE ABOVE.

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

H. 4408 (Word version) -- Rep. G. M. Smith: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF FEDERAL FUNDS DISBURSED TO THE STATE IN THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021, AND TO SPECIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUNDS MAY BE EXPENDED.

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

H. 4800 (Word version) -- Reps. McGarry, Fry and Crawford: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 777 OF 1988, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LANCASTER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELECTION OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES IN PARTISAN INSTEAD OF NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS BEGINNING IN 2024 AND FOR THE NOMINATION, TERMS, AND ELECTION PROCEDURES OF CANDIDATES FOR THESE OFFICES.

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

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs polled out S. 1059 favorable:

S. 1059 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-33-43, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZED PROVISION OF MEDICATIONS BY UNLICENSED PERSONS IN CERTAIN FACILITIES, SO AS TO EXTEND THIS AUTHORIZATION TO INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY.

Verdin                    Peeler                    Hutto
Martin                    Scott                     Alexander
Davis                     K. Johnson                Corbin
Kimpson                   Gambrell                  Senn
Cash                      McLeod                    Loftis
Garrett

Matthews

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs, with the term to commence June 30, 2018, and to expire June 30, 2022
5th Congressional District:
Michelle M. Woodhead, 2030 Diamond Pointe Lane, York, SC 29745-9611 VICE Mr. Gary C. Lemel

Received as information.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Mental Health Commission, with the term to commence March 14, 2018, and to expire March 14, 2022
6th Congressional District:
Carl Edison Jones, P.O. Box 802, Orangeburg, SC 29116-0802 VICE Louise Haynes

Received as information.

Reappointment, South Carolina Mental Health Commission, with the term to commence March 14, 2022, and to expire March 14, 2026
6th Congressional District:
Carl Edison Jones, P.O. Box 802, Orangeburg, SC 29116-0802

Received as information.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy, with the term to commence September 30, 2020, and to expire September 30, 2023
Occupational Therapist:
Nadine Hanner, 1797 Central Ave., Summerville, SC 29483-9323 VICE Hima N. Dalal

Received as information.

S. 1026 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE WEEK OF MAY 1-8, 2022, AS "TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARENESS WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

S. 1075 (Word version) -- Senator Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF FORMER FLORENCE COUNTY CHIEF DEPUTY JOHNNIE ABRAHAM, SR., AND TO HONOR HIS DEVOTION TO PUBLIC SAFETY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND FLORENCE COUNTY IN A CAREER SPANNING NEARLY FOUR DECADES.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

Columbia, S.C., February 16, 2022

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 16 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin, Hembree, Malloy, Fanning, Grooms, Young, Bennett, Scott, Stephens, Peeler and Sabb: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-17 SO AS TO REQUIRE COMPLETION OF CERTAIN BASIC PERSONAL FINANCE COURSEWORK FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION INSTEAD OF EXISTING ECONOMICS COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE HIGH SCHOOLS MAY CONTINUE TO OFFER SUCH COURSEWORK, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONTENT OF RELATED STANDARDS, TO PROVIDE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL DEVELOP RELATED MEASURING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND SHALL MAKE RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS, AND TO MAKE THESE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO STUDENTS ENTERING NINTH GRADE BEGINNING WITH THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-29-165 RELATING TO REQUIRED INSTRUCTION IN PERSONAL FINANCE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Columbia, S.C., February 16, 2022

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 203 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Gustafson and Bennett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-19-60 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES AND FILLING VACANCIES, TO PROVIDE THAT DISTRICT TRUSTEES GUILTY OF MALFEASANCE, MISFEASANCE, INCOMPETENCY, ABSENTEEISM, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, MISCONDUCT, PERSISTENT NEGLECT OF DUTY IN OFFICE, OR INCAPACITY SHALL BE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL FROM OFFICE BY THE GOVERNOR, TO DELETE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND THE RIGHT TO APPEAL, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
asks for a Committee of Conference, and has appointed Reps. Felder, Brittain and Alexander to the committee on the part of the House.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Whereupon, Senators HEMBREE, BENNETT and MATTHEWS were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

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

S. 946 (Word version) -- Senator Goldfinch: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-5-63, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DUTY-FREE LUNCH PERIODS FOR PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, SO AS TO INSTEAD PROVIDE UNENCUMBERED TIME FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND TEACHERS WHO INSTRUCT CERTAIN STUDENTS REMOVED FROM THE GENERAL EDUCATION SETTING, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES AND LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS; AND TO PROVIDE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT MUST BE COMPLETELY IMPLEMENTED BEFORE JULY 1, 2023.

S. 1010 (Word version) -- Senators Gambrell, Alexander and Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 49-3-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ENTITY THAT HAS CONTRACTED FOR THE RIGHT TO STORE WATER IN A RESERVOIR OWNED BY THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS HAS EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO ANY RETURN FLOWS GENERATED TO THAT RESERVOIR.

S. 230 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Hutto, Jackson and Gustafson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-2020(G) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO TRAFFICKING VICTIMS WHO ARE MINORS, TO PROVIDE THAT MINORS ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY OR TRAFFICKING ARE PRESUMED TO BE DOING SO UNDER COERCION OR AS THE RESULT OF A REASONABLE FEAR OF A THREAT, TO PROVIDE FOR AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE OF THESE VICTIMS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR EXPUNGEMENT FOR THESE VICTIMS.

Senator HEMBREE objected to consideration of the Bill.

H. 3466 (Word version) -- Reps. Long, McGarry, Pope, Forrest, Magnuson and Jones: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-80-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES THROUGH WHICH A FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT ASSUMES THE COST OF TRAINING A FIREFIGHTER MAY BE REIMBURSED FOR THESE COSTS BY OTHER FIRE DEPARTMENTS THAT SUBSEQUENTLY HIRE THE FIREFIGHTER WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME.

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

S. 248 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Hembree, Turner, McElveen, Bennett, Massey, Rankin, M. Johnson, Shealy and Jackson: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HANDS-FREE ACT"; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-3890 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL USE OF A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE, TO REVISE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE, TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING AND PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL REVISIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-720 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO POINTS THAT MAY BE ASSESSED AGAINST A PERSON'S DRIVING RECORD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING VIOLATIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A TWO-POINT VIOLATION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL NOTIFY MOTORISTS OF THE HANDS-FREE REQUIREMENTS AT CERTAIN POINTS ALONG THE STATE'S INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS; AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.

Senator MATTHEWS objected to consideration of the Bill.

S. 908 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-4445 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE RESTRICTION OF ELEVATING OR LOWERING A MOTOR VEHICLE, TO PROHIBIT MOTOR VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS THAT RESULT IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE'S FRONT FENDER BEING RAISED FOUR OR MORE INCHES ABOVE THE HEIGHT OF THE REAR FENDER.

Senator MATTHEWS objected to consideration of the Bill.

S. 961 (Word version) -- Senators Senn, Campsen, Loftis, Bennett, Alexander, Fanning and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 39-25-20(T) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "HONEY," TO PROVIDE THAT BEEKEEPERS PRODUCING NO MORE THAN FOUR HUNDRED GALLONS OF HONEY MAY FILE FOR AN EXEMPTION FROM INSPECTIONS AND REGULATIONS REQUIRING HONEY TO BE PROCESSED, EXTRACTED, AND PACKAGED IN AN INSPECTED FOOD PROCESSING ESTABLISHMENT, OR FROM BEING REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A REGISTRATION VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; AND TO PROVIDE THAT BEEKEEPERS WHO FILE FOR AND OBTAIN THE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MAY SELL DIRECTLY TO INSPECTED FOOD PROCESSING ESTABLISHMENTS THAT MAINTAIN A REGISTRATION VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE FOR SUBSEQUENT WHOLESALE OR RESALE SALES.

Senator CROMER objected to consideration of the Bill.

S. 934 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-9-63, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODES COUNCIL, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE MEMBER WHO IS AN ARCHITECT LICENSED IN SOUTH CAROLINA MUST BE SELECTED FROM A LIST OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.

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

S. 460 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION AND THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, TO DELETE CERTAIN OBSOLETE LANGUAGE, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE THE DIVISION OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY'S PROGRAM AREAS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-20 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, TO REVISE HIS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-25(F)(2) AND (5) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE VOLUNTEER STRATEGIC ASSISTANCE AND FIRE EQUIPMENT PROGRAM, TO REVISE GRANT APPLICATION AND FUNDING PROCEDURES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-30 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO RESIDENT FIRE MARSHALS, TO REVISE THEIR DUTIES AND WHO MAY EXERCISE THESE DUTIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS REGARDING A FIRE MARSHAL'S TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-45 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A CLASS D FIRE EQUIPMENT DEALER LICENSE OR A FIRE EQUIPMENT PERMIT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL CLASSES OF LICENSES AND QUALIFICATIONS TO OBTAIN THESE LICENSES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-50 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S AUTHORITY TO INSPECT CERTAIN BUILDINGS OR PREMISES, TO REVISE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH HE MAY ENTER A BUILDING OR PREMISES; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 9, TITLE 23 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, BY ADDING SECTION 23-9-125, TO PROVIDE THAT THESE PROVISIONS MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE BOARD OF PYROTECHNIC SAFETY OR THE REGULATION OF FIREWORKS; TO AMEND CHAPTER 10, TITLE 23 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIRE ACADEMY, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-49-120(B) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FORESTRY COMMISSION'S ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS OF FIRE EQUIPMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, DIVISION OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY, MAY ALSO ACCEPT DONATIONS OF FIRE EQUIPMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-80-30(D) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO A FIREFIGHTER REGISTERING WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, TO REVISE THE COST AND PROCESS OF OBTAINING CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL FIGHTER RECORDS; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 23-9-35, 23-9-40, 23-9-60, 23-9-110, AND 23-9-130 OF THE 1976 CODE, ALL RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL.

Senator MARTIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.

The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

S. 980 (Word version) -- Senators Goldfinch and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-1705 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CATCH LIMITS FOR ESTUARINE AND SALTWATER FINFISH, TO PROHIBIT A PERSON TO TAKE OR HAVE IN POSSESSION MORE THAN TWO RED SNAPPER IN ANY ONE DAY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-1710(B) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO SIZE LIMITS FOR ESTUARINE AND SALTWATER FINFISH, TO PROHIBIT TAKING, POSSESSING, LANDING, SELLING, PURCHASING, OR ATTEMPTING TO SELL OR PURCHASE RED SNAPPER OF LESS THAN TWENTY INCHES IN TOTAL LENGTH.

Senator MARTIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.

The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

H. 3055 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Forrest, W. Newton and Ligon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-4-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, SO AS TO UPDATE THE NAMES OF THE DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 48-4-30, RELATING TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, SO AS TO REMOVE THE AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER FROM THE BOARD; TO AMEND SECTION 48-4-70, RELATING TO THE GENERAL DUTIES OF THE BOARD, SO AS TO REMOVE THE BOND REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 50-1-220, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 50-1-180 TO 50-1-230 TO CERTAIN LANDS, SO AS TO REMOVE A REFERENCE TO A REPEALED STATUTE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-90, RELATING TO GAME AND FISH CULTURE OPERATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS, SO AS TO REMOVE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS BEFORE AN INVESTIGATION MAY BE CONDUCTED; TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-110, RELATING TO THE SUPERVISION OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO UPDATE THE AGENCY NAME AND DELETE A REFERENCE TO A DISCONTINUED PRACTICE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-130, RELATING TO UNIFORMS AND EMBLEMS OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO GRANT AUTHORITY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRESCRIBE THE OFFICIAL UNIFORM; TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-315, RELATING TO DEPUTY ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO DELETE AN EXPIRED DIRECTIVE TO ESTABLISH A TRAINING PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-320, RELATING TO THE TRANSMITTAL AND DELIVERY OF COMMISSIONS OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE TO MAINTAIN THE COMMISSIONS OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND TO DELETE A BOND REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-350, RELATING TO THE OFFICIAL BADGE OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO UPDATE THE AGENCY NAME FOR AN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S OFFICIAL BADGE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-3-395, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO ISSUE WARNING TICKETS, SO AS TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN PROCEDURES WITHOUT PROMULGATING REGULATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-980, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATED WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IN CERTAIN AREAS OF CHARLESTON HARBOR, SO AS TO UPDATE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY; TO AMEND SECTION 50-15-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO PROVISIONS PROTECTING NONGAME AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES, SO AS TO UPDATE THE CITATION OF THE FEDERAL LIST OF ENDANGERED SPECIES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-15-30, RELATING TO THE LIST OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, SO AS TO UPDATE THE CITATION TO THE FEDERAL REGULATION AND TO MOVE CERTAIN DUTIES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

Senator MARTIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.

The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.

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

At 11:33 A.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

Senator SCOTT rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

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

On motion of Senator McELVEEN, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Ryan Fischer of Columbia, S.C. Ryan earned his bachelor and masters degrees in Sports Management from U.S.C. Ryan was the S.C. Sales Manager for US Brick and the past Director and Assistant Director of Equipment and Apparel Operations for the University of South Carolina baseball and football teams. Ryan was a loving husband and father who will be dearly missed.

At 11:42 A.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, 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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