South Carolina General Assembly
125th Session, 2023-2024

RATIFICATION OF ACTS

FOR JUNE 14, 2023

Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on June 14, 2023, at 3:10 P.M. and the following Acts and Joint Resolution were ratified:

(R90, S. 96 (Word version)) -- Senators Campsen, Davis, McElveen, Cromer, Kimpson and Hutto: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-21-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE "PERSONAL WATERCRAFT" AND "SPECIALTY PROPCRAFT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 50-21-90, RELATING TO THE BOATING SAFETY AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO ISSUE A BOATING SAFETY CERTIFICATE UPON THE COMPLETION OF CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-95 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO OPERATE CERTAIN WATERCRAFT ON THE WATERS OF THIS STATE WITHOUT POSSESSING A BOATING SAFETY CERTIFICATE, WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 50-21-870, RELATING TO PERSONAL WATERCRAFT AND BOATING SAFETY, SO AS TO REMOVE THE DEFINITION OF "PERSONAL WATERCRAFT" AND TO REMOVE A BOATING PROHIBITION.

(R91, S. 108 (Word version)) -- Senators Davis, Scott, Kimbrell, Climer, Senn, Young, Fanning, Reichenbach, Peeler, Alexander, Cash, Malloy, Garrett, Rice, Cromer, McElveen, Loftis, Stephens, Corbin, Campsen and Adams: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-1-1770, RELATING TO PRERETIREMENT DEATH BENEFIT PROGRAMS UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A DEATH BENEFIT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE BENEFIT, TO PROVIDE WHO SHALL RECEIVE THE DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT, AND TO PROVIDE THE SOURCE OF THE REVENUE FOR THE PAYMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 9-11-120, RELATING TO A PRERETIREMENT DEATH BENEFIT PROGRAM UNDER THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A DEATH BENEFIT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE BENEFIT, TO PROVIDE WHO SHALL RECEIVE THE DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT, AND TO PROVIDE THE SOURCE OF THE REVENUE FOR THE PAYMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 42-7-90, RELATING TO EXPENDITURES FROM THE STATE ACCIDENT FUND, SO AS TO ADD "FIRST RESPONDER LINE OF DUTY DEATH BENEFIT"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 42-7-220 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIRST RESPONDER LINE OF DUTY DEATH BENEFIT FUND.

(R92, S. 330 (Word version)) -- Senators Rankin, Alexander, Verdin and Garrett: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-11-740, RELATING TO MALICIOUS INJURY TO TELEGRAPH, TELEPHONE, OR ELECTRIC UTILITY SYSTEMS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "ELECTRIC UTILITY SYSTEM", TO PROVIDE CERTAIN WILFUL AND MALICIOUS ACTS CONSTITUTE VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION, TO PROVIDE A TIERED SYSTEM OF PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS, TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE FIREARMS OR DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES TO DESTROY OR DAMAGE UTILITY SYSTEMS AND PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE REMEDIES TO PERSONS INJURED BY VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION.

(R93, S. 335 (Word version)) -- Senator Davis: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 596 OF 1969, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE HILTON HEAD NO. 1 PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE FOR SEVEN APPORTIONED ELECTION DISTRICTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELECTION OF CANDIDATES IN 2024 AND 2026.

(R94, S. 397 (Word version)) -- Senators Shealy, Setzler and Kimbrell: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY REPEALING CHAPTER 75, TITLE 44 RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 47, TITLE 40 SO AS TO TRANSFER REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS TO THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS.

(R95, S. 407 (Word version)) -- Senators Shealy and Senn: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-361, RELATING TO PRESCRIPTIONS FOR OPIOID ANTIDOTES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR OPIOID ANTIDOTES TO BE OFFERED CONSISTENT WITH THE EXISTING STANDARD OF CARE AND THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION.

(R96, H. 3360 (Word version)) -- Reps. Pope, Gilliam, Wooten, McCravy, Felder, Williams, Erickson, Bradley, Mitchell, Forrest, B. Newton and Caskey: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 17 TO CHAPTER 23, TITLE 23 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE CENTER FOR SCHOOL SAFETY AND TARGETED VIOLENCE WITHIN THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION.

(R97, H. 3503 (Word version)) -- Reps. Gilliam, Pope, Taylor, Chumley, Haddon, McCravy, Oremus, Hiott, Burns, Wooten, Hixon, Bailey, Caskey, Thayer, Trantham, Forrest, Yow, S. Jones, Sessions, Guffey, Lawson, Chapman, Leber, O'Neal, Vaughan, Robbins, B.J. Cox, M.M. Smith, Davis, Brewer, Murphy, Whitmire, Ligon, Felder, Mitchell, Hager, Connell, Carter, West, Calhoon, B. Newton, Neese, Landing, Blackwell, Pedalino, Willis and W. Newton: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-190, RELATING TO SCHEDULE I SUBSTANCES, SO AS TO ADD FENTANYL-RELATED SUBSTANCES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-370, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO ADD AN OFFENSE FOR TRAFFICKING IN FENTANYL; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-370, RELATING TO NARCOTICS AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALITIES, SO AS TO ADD TRAFFICKING IN FENTANYL; BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-393 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERM "DRUG PARAPHERNALIA" DOES NOT INCLUDE CERTAIN TESTING EQUIPMENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-379 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF CERTAIN DRUG-RELATED CRIMES TO POSSESS A FIREARM OR AMMUNITION WITHIN THIS STATE.

(R98, H. 3532 (Word version)) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, Pope, McCravy, B. Newton, West, Chapman, Burns, Wooten, Haddon, O'Neal, Carter, W. Newton, M.M. Smith, Davis, Pace, B.L. Cox, Gilliam, Thayer, Bailey, Hardee, Blackwell, Leber, Mitchell, Chumley, Ligon, Hiott, Yow, Landing, Hixon, Taylor, Oremus, Cromer and J.E. Johnson: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 17-15-270 SO AS TO CREATE AN ADDITIONAL OFFENSE PUNISHABLE BY UP TO FIVE YEARS IF A PERSON COMMITS A SUBSEQUENT VIOLENT CRIME WHILE SUBJECT TO A BOND ORDER OR PRETRIAL RELEASE ORDER FOR A PREVIOUS VIOLENT CRIME; BY AMENDING SECTION 17-15-15, RELATING TO CASH DEPOSITS IN LIEU OF BOND, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE COURT FINDS THAT A DEFENDANT MAY BE RELEASED ON BOND WHO HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH A VIOLENT OFFENSE OR ANY FELONY OFFENSE INVOLVING A FIREARM WHILE OUT ON BOND OR OTHER PRETRIAL RELEASE, THE BOND MUST BE SET AT THE FULL UNITED STATES CASH CURRENCY BOND RATHER THAN TEN PERCENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 17-15-30, RELATING TO MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING CONDITIONS OF RELEASE, SO AS TO INCLUDE WHETHER A PERSON IS CURRENTLY OUT ON BOND FOR ANOTHER OFFENSE; BY ADDING SECTION 17-15-35 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR COURT-ORDERED ELECTRONIC MONITORING IN LIEU OF SETTING BOND OR AS AN ADDITIONAL CONDITION OF BOND; BY ADDING SECTION 17-15-37 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS REGARDING ELECTRONIC MONITORING AND TO PROVIDE PARAMETERS FOR WHICH AN ELECTRONIC MONITORING AGENCY MUST OPERATE WITHIN; BY AMENDING SECTION 17-15-55, RELATING TO RECONSIDERATION OF BOND BY THE CIRCUIT COURT SET BY A SUMMARY COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFENDANT MUST BE ADVISED OF HIS RIGHT TO A SPEEDY TRIAL AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES RELATED TO SPEEDY TRIALS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REVOCATION OF PREVIOUS BOND IF A PERSON COMMITS A VIOLENT OFFENSE OR A FELONY OFFENSE INVOLVING A FIREARM WHICH WAS COMMITTED WHILE THE PERSON WAS ALREADY OUT ON BOND FOR A PREVIOUS VIOLENT OFFENSE OR FELONY OFFENSE INVOLVING A FIREARM, TO REQUIRE A FULL BOND UNDER CERTAIN REPEAT OFFENDER CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE CONFORMING PROCEDURES; BY AMENDING SECTION 22-5-510, RELATING TO BAIL AND BOND HEARINGS AND CONDITIONS OF RELEASE, SO AS TO INCLUDE WHETHER A PERSON IS CURRENTLY OUT ON BOND FOR ANOTHER OFFENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 24-13-40, RELATING TO THE COMPUTATION OF TIME SERVED BY PRISONERS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT CREDIT FOR TIME SERVED PRIOR TO TRIAL AND SENTENCING WHEN THE PRISONER COMMITTED A SUBSEQUENT CRIME WHILE OUT ON BOND OR HAD BOND REVOKED ON ANY CHARGE PRIOR TO TRIAL OR PLEA; BY AMENDING SECTION 24-13-425, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF TAMPERING WITH AN ELECTRONIC MONITORING DEVICE, SO AS TO DELETE AN UNNECESSARY DEFINITION AND EXEMPT CERTAIN AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS FROM THE PURVIEW OF THE STATUTE; BY ADDING SECTION 17-15-500 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRETRIAL REFORM COMMISSION, PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES, AND TERMINATE THE COMMISSION ON A DATE CERTAIN; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-53-10, RELATING TO DEFINTIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE CHAPTER ON BAIL BONDSMEN AND RUNNERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "SURETY BONDSMAN" AND DEFINE THE TERM "ELECTRONIC MONITORING"; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-53-50, RELATING TO SURETY RELIEVED ON BOND, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE REGARDING NONPAYMENT OF PREMIUM FEES ALONE NOT BEING SUFFICIENT TO WARRANT IMMEDIATE INCARCERATION OF THE DEFENDANT; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-53-70, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF BENCH WARRANTS FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR, SO AS TO REVISE THE STATUTE TO APPLY MORE BROADLY WHEN A DEFENDANT VIOLATES THE CONDITIONS OF BOND AND REVISE TIME FRAMES PROVIDED FOR THE NOTICE OF THE BENCH WARRANT; BY ADDING SECTION 38-53-84 SO AS TO REQUIRE NOTIFICATION TO THE APPROPRIATE SOLICITOR IF A DEFENDANT VIOLATES AN ORDER FOR ELECTRONIC MONITORING, TO PROVIDE FOR RELIEF FROM THE BOND IF THE DEFENDANT FAILS TO PAY FOR THE MONITORING, AND TO PROVIDE FOR POSSIBLE REVOCATION OF A BONDSMAN'S LICENSE FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-53-170, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL ACTS BY BONDSMEN AND RUNNERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PAYMENT PROCEDURES AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-53-310, RELATING TO WRITTEN BAIL BOND REPORTS THAT MUST BE FILED EACH MONTH WITH THE CLERK OF COURT, SO AS TO INCLUDE CURRENT DATA RETAINED AS AN EXPRESS CONDITION OF BOND, AND TO ALLOW FOR THE USE OF A DATA MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SYSTEM IN LIEU OF THE WRITTEN REPORT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 38-53-55 SO AS TO REQUIRE A PERSON ENGAGED IN ELECTRONIC MONITORING OF A DEFENDANT CHARGED WITH A VIOLENT OFFENSE TO REPORT TO THE COURT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS IF THE DEFENDANT HAS CONTACT WITH THE ALLEGED VICTIM.

(R99, H. 3553 (Word version)) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, Erickson, Crawford, Hewitt, Davis, T. Moore, McCravy, B. Newton, West, Burns, Mitchell, Pace, S. Jones, White, Hixon, Hiott, Oremus, M.M. Smith, Landing, W. Newton, Robbins, Brewer, Cromer, Weeks, Wheeler, Magnuson, Yow and Pope: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-750, RELATING TO FINAL ADOPTION HEARINGS, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE MANDATORY NINETY-DAY WAITING PERIOD TO FINALIZE AN ADOPTION; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 63-7-1710, 63-7-2530, 63-9-710, AND 63-7-1660, ALL RELATING TO CHILD PERMANENCY PROCEEDINGS, SO AS TO MAKE CERTAIN CHANGES TO EXPEDITE PERMANENCY FOR CHILDREN IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-40, RELATING TO INFANT SAFE HAVENS, SO AS TO ALLOW THE PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING AND TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING TO OCCUR IN THE SAME PROCEEDING, WITH EXCEPTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-30, RELATING TO TERMS DEFINED IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA ADOPTION ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700, RELATING TO PERMANENCY PLANNING, SO AS TO MAKE CERTAIN CHANGES TO PROMOTE TIMELY PERMANENCE FOR CHILDREN IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

(R100, H. 4023 (Word version)) -- Reps. S. Jones, Erickson, Henegan, Alexander, Bradley, J.L. Johnson, White, Ott, Gilliam, Beach, Gibson, O'Neal, Cromer, McGinnis, McDaniel, Vaughan, Bauer, A.M. Morgan, Leber, T.A. Morgan, Chumley, McCravy, McCabe, Landing, Ballentine, Haddon, Hartnett, Herbkersman, Oremus and Willis: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-152-60, RELATING TO LOCAL FIRST STEPS PARTNERSHIP BOARDS, SO AS TO REVISE THE COMPOSITION, MANNER OF APPOINTMENT, AND TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARDS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMINATION OF CERTAIN CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSITION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF CERTAIN TASKS BY LOCAL FIRST STEPS PARTNERSHIPS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-152-70, RELATING TO LOCAL PARTNERSHIP BOARDS, SO AS TO INCLUDE PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MULTICOUNTY PARTNERSHIPS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-152-150, RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION OF A STANDARD FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM FOR LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS, SO AS TO REVISE PROVISIONS CONCERNING POLICES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES; BY ADDING SECTION 63-11-1726 SO AS TO PROVIDE ALL PUBLICLY FUNDED EARLY CHILDHOOD-SERVING AGENCIES AND ENTITIES SHALL PARTICIPATE IN CERTAIN DATA SHARING INITIATIVES SUPPORTED BY THE ADVISORY COUNCIL; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-1720, RELATING TO THE FIRST STEPS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO ADD THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AS A TRUSTEE; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-1725, RELATING TO THE FIRST STEPS ADVISORY COUNCIL, SO AS TO REVISE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL, TO REVISE DATA GOVERNANCE POLICIES, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN ACTIVITIES TO BUILD PARENT KNOWLEDGE, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, AND REVIEW OF AN OVERALL STRATEGIC PLAN; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-1730, RELATING TO OVERSIGHT DUTIES OF THE FIRST STEPS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO INCLUDE PROVISIONS CONCERNING LOCAL PARTNERSHIP PERSONNEL POLICIES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-152-10, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA FIRST STEPS TO SCHOOL READINESS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE AUTHORIZING ACT ARE PERMANENT AND FUTURE REAUTHORIZATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED.

(R101, H. 4217 (Word version)) -- Reps. W. Newton, Herbkersman, Erickson, Bradley and Hager: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-110, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN BEAUFORT COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE THE NAMES OF CERTAIN PRECINCTS, ADD NEW PRECINCTS, REMOVE PRECINCTS, AND TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE PRECINCTS MAY BE FOUND ON FILE WITH THE REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE.

(R102, H. 4300 (Word version)) -- Ways and Means Committee: AN ACT TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

(R103, H. 4301 (Word version)) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023, AND TO ALLOW UNEXPENDED FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO BE CARRIED FORWARD TO SUCCEEDING FISCAL YEARS AND EXPENDED FOR THE SAME PURPOSES.

Last Updated: June 14, 2023 at 7:21 PM