Senate Journal for 5/9/2024 - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
125th Session, 2023-2024
Journal of the Senate

NO. 71

JOURNAL

OF THE

SENATE

OF THE

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023

_________

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024

Thursday, May 9, 2024
(Statewide Session)

~~Indicates Matter Stricken~~
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 10:30 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:

I Samuel 17:4

This story we all know well: "A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet tall." Let us pray: O holy, mighty God, clearly, all of the elected members here in this body -- as well as each one of these dedicated staff members -- very logically might well feel that they have been fighting giants throughout this entire legislative session. Indeed, all of these servants of our State have faced and battled with frequently overwhelming issues, tackled many seemingly insurmountable obstacles and worked diligently to solve problems of all sorts. And they have addressed each of these challenges on behalf of the good people they've been called to serve. How grateful we all should be for those serving here in this Senate: for their faithfulness and their sense of responsibility. Therefore, we ask You, O Lord, to bless these dedicated individuals. May they be well aware of our gratitude. We pray this in Your glorious name, Lord. Amen.

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

Call of the Senate

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

Adams                     Alexander                 Campsen
Cash                      Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Fanning                   Garrett                   Goldfinch
Grooms                    Gustafson                 Harpootlian
Hembree                   Hutto                     Jackson
Johnson, Kevin            Johnson, Michael          Kimbrell
Loftis                    Malloy                    Martin
Massey                    Matthews                  Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Setzler
Shealy                    Stephens                  Tedder
Turner                    Verdin                    Young

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Doctor of the Day

Senator VERDIN introduced Dr. Nick Ulmer, MD of Laurens, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator GOLDFINCH, at 10:59 A.M., Senators TALLEY, SABB and RANKIN were granted a leave of absence until 12:00 P.M.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, at 11:32 A.M., Senator BENNETT was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator K. JOHNSON, at 11:32 A.M., Senator WILLIAMS was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

Statement by Senator WILLIAMS

Today I was unable to attend the final day of legislative session. I was at Clemson University with my family celebrating my niece, Logan Kristina Taylor, as she graduated from Clemson University.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator CLIMER, at 4:47 P.M., Senator GOLDFINCH was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

The following co-sponsor was added to the respective Bill:
S. 969 (Word version) Sen. Gustafson

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator SETZLER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator RICE rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator ADAMS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

RECALLED AND ADOPTED

H. 4632 (Word version) -- Rep. J.E. Johnson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF CULTRA ROAD AND OAK STREET IN THE CITY OF CONWAY IN HORRY COUNTY "JAMES ODELL COCHRAN INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

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

The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation.

Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Resolution.

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the Resolution was adopted and ordered returned to the House.

RECALLED AND ADOPTED

H. 5465 (Word version) -- Rep. Alexander: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF ASHBY ROAD IN FLORENCE COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH IRBY STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH DOUGLAS STREET "DR. JAMES DUCKETT HAMMOND JR. MEMORIAL ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

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

The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation.

Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Resolution.

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the Resolution was adopted and ordered returned to the House.

RECALLED AND ADOPTED

H. 5520 (Word version) -- Rep. King: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF OGDEN ROAD IN YORK COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH HECKLE BOULEVARD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH HARRISON STREET "DAISY ROGERS MCDUFFIE ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS ROAD CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

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

The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation.

Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.

There was no objection.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Resolution.

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the Resolution was adopted and ordered returned to the House.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 1342 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE RENA BROWN JOHNSON OF JASPER COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MANY YEARS OF CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
lc-0477vr-gm24.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1343 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF JERRY WILLIAM BLAKELY AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
sr-0740km-vc24.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1344 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "DIETITIAN LICENSURE COMPACT ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 1 TO CHAPTER 21, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSES, FUNCTIONS, OPERATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS FOR THE COMPACT; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-20-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE DIETETICS LICENSURE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE A DEFINITION; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-20-60, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSURE UNDER THE DIETETICS LICENSURE ACT, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS OF APPLICANTS; AND TO DESIGNATE CHAPTER 21, TITLE 40 AS THE "DIETITIAN LICENSURE COMPACT".
lc-0740wab24.docx

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

S. 1345 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MAY 2024 AS "ALS AWARENESS MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
sr-0741km-vc24.docx

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

S. 1346 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Setzler, Jackson, Malloy, Williams, Allen, K. Johnson, McElveen, Shealy, Sabb, Matthews, Fanning, Senn, Harpootlian, Gustafson, Stephens, Tedder and Devine: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE SENATOR MIA S. MCLEOD FOR HER CONSCIENTIOUS STAND FOR WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR WHICH SHE WAS HONORED WITH THE JOHN F. KENNEDY PROFILE IN COURAGE® AWARD.
sr-0734km-vc24.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

Recorded Vote

Senator CORBIN desired to be recorded as voting against the adoption of the Resolution.

Senators HUTTO, FANNING, SHEALY, MATTHEWS, SENN, GUSTAFSON, MALLOY, STEPHENS, TEDDER and DEVINE made remarks honoring the service of Senator McLEOD.

Remarks by Senator McLEOD

Senator McLEOD rose to make brief remarks regarding her service in the Senate.

Remarks by Senator McLEOD

Thank you, Mr. PRESIDENT. Wow, this day is finally here. Before I speak briefly, I have to recognize my family who has traveled from far and near to be here today. I also want to thank my colleagues for all of their well wishes, and all of their words -- every sentiment that was expressed today -- thank you. I want to thank the first sister Senator who I was elated to see, Senator Maggie Glover. Thank you for being with us today. You are family. I'm not going to cry today. I am not a crybaby. I could not do what I do without my babies. I still call them my babies, my sons, BJ and Cam. Cam couldn't be here for this, but he will be home today for Mother's Day. I'm super excited about that -- my sisters Tracey and Erica, my sister cousin. See, I didn't just come up with sister Senators, I came up with sister cousins, too! My sister cousin, Susan Coaster, who like Senator TEDDER, is also from Durham, North Carolina -- drove here this morning to be with us -- my Uncle Gary, as all of you know -- my parents are no longer here. My dad's brother, Gary, is here with us. Uncle Gary, I'm so glad that you could be here. My other sister, my line sister Amelia, former Richland Two school board member and best friend, is also here. I'm glad I'm standing down here because I get to see all of my other family members, who didn't make it down here in time, but are here, and that means everything. Thank you, guys, for being here. I know some of you had to travel as well. Ms. Mary and Ms. Valerie drove from Conway, South Carolina. I don't know where Senator RANKIN is right in this moment but thank you for being here. Thank you for the love, the prayers and the support from all of you.

They say...well-behaved women rarely make history. I guess that's why I'm a historymaker, many times over. Some have actually referred to me as a troublemaker. An angry black woman, unruly and a few other names I probably shouldn't repeat from the well. The adjective unruly is defined as disruptive. Not amenable to discipline or control. That would be me. The late Congressman John Lewis characterized the unruliness of status quo disruptors like me as, good trouble. I love that. Anne Helen Peterson said to be an unruly woman today is to oscillate between the postures of fearlessness and self-doubt. Between listening to the voices that tell us we're too much, and our own voices whispering and yelling, "I'm already enough, and always have been".

While serving in this Chamber over the last eight years, I've listened much more than I've talked. I've observed some things that have uplifted and inspired me and other things that quite frankly, I wish I could unsee. I've called out hypocrisy on both sides of the aisle. Shared some truths about my own journey that I never imagined I would share publicly. It was while serving in this Chamber that I disclosed that in 2015 after the Mother Emanuel massacre, and losing my granddaddy, I suffered a stroke. I believed that the stress of serving in the House at the time was likely to blame. So, after six years of service I was planning to not run for reelection. But my sister Tracey often reminds me that if I want to make GOD laugh, tell him my plans. So, when the Senate seat came open, I was months into physical therapy and frequent doctors' visits. Yes, I knew the people needed my voice, but I didn't feel physically strong enough to run for the Senate. So, I prayed. I asked God to show me, and as always, he did. I was elected to the Senate in the 2016.

Coming into this calm, deliberative body, was very different from the environment that I was accustomed to in the House. Senator TEDDER and I were just talking about that yesterday. I used to joke that I basically had to unlearn everything I had learned over there. The rules were different. The people were different. The process and the politics were different. Yet the challenges facing the people of House District 79, and Senate District 22 both originally swing districts were the same. Senator SABB, Senator KEVIN JOHNSON and Senator TOM CORBIN were all members of my freshman class in the House, and they seem to have adjusted pretty well over here in the Senate. So, I thought okay, I can do this. Little did I realize, I would meet new friends, and sisters for life in this Body. Although I was part of a great freshman class here in the Senate, that includes Senator FANNING -- all of you know I affectionately refer to as my BFF here in the Senate, because he is. I'm truly going to miss you. You will not make me cry at this well today. Another very special member of my freshman class is my sister Senator, Senator SENN, who I had heard was feisty, just like me, and I actually took it as a compliment. I think it was meant, considering the person who told me, to be a compliment. Now I see that all five of us are feisty. Well now, all six of us are feisty.

I was somewhat familiar with Senator SHEALY from my years in the
House where I served on the Joint Children's Committee, and worked with her on issues that impact children and families that both of us are extremely passionate about like domestic violence and teen dating violence. I didn't know my other sister Senator, Senator BRIGHT MATTHEWS at all back then. So that changed when I got sworn in. I had a swearing in ceremony that November before session began in January. I was looking back at my swearing-in program and reminiscing yesterday. That was the day that a beautiful spirit drove all the way from the lowcountry just to meet me and welcome me into this Body. So, what you may not know is that I actually have two BFFs in this Body. My other Senate BFF is Senator MARGIE BRIGHT MATTHEWS. Since that day we have truly been sisters, almost inseparable. No matter what, I know that the two of you will always have my back.

In 2018, when an outpatient knee surgery left me with blood clots in my leg and traveled to my lungs, my Uncle Gary, who is standing in the back of the room today, looked at me in my hospital bed and gently said, "This is it, right? We're not running any more, right?" I said, "Yes", but again, God had other plans. What I learned from that near-death experience was that obedience is far, far greater than sacrifice. So, I ran for the Senate again in 2020 and two years later for Governor. And if a DVT and a pulmonary embolism didn't kill me, there are no politics or politicians that could. I realized that if God was for me, then who could be against me?

Then in 2020 Senator PENRY GUSTUFSON was elected. I think I was still on crutches then because I had been for about a year and a half. I was feeling better and stronger than ever. It didn't take the five of us sisters long to get to know one another, because of all the time we've spent talking, laughing and venting, often in our own sister Senator chambers, aka the ladies' room, shopping and eating and even traveling some together, and not necessarily in that order. The five of us have come to know, understand and support each other because as different as we are personality wise and politically, our fights as women and for women is the glue that binds us.

After winning the JFK Profile in Courage Award® last year, a global honor for the five of us that only sixty people in the world have received -- I can't even begin to describe how it feels to be recognized for political courage with the same award and distinction, that US Senator John McCain, Congressman John Lewis, President Barack Obama, Congresswomen Liz Cheney and Gabby Giffords and my mentor and friend, former South Carolina Governor, David Beasley received. So yes, today is bittersweet. Because I'll miss all of you, on both sides of the aisle. I know you might not believe that Senator MASSEY, but you too, right? Senator CORBIN, I had to listen intentionally yesterday to remember that you -- your real name in this Body Senator CORBIN and not Lieutenant, and that's our private joke. We don't -- let's just say, you know, we don't agree on much. Okay, okay, we don't agree on anything politically. What I love, love about you, Senator CORBIN, is that a few years ago you stood up for me on the floor, on this Senate floor. And it may not have meant as much to you, but it meant the world to me. I will never forget it. What I also appreciate about you Senator CORBIN, is that when you give your word, you keep it -- that matters.

Mr. PRESIDENT, Senator ALEXANDER, it occurred to me a few weeks ago during our Joint Assembly to elect judges that your job has gotten a lot harder lately. I would dare say it is probably because of Richland County. What I love about you, Mr. PRESIDENT, is that you try to be fair. You're consistently kind and respectful and you're not afraid to lead.

Senator PEELER, Chairman PEELER -- I don't serve on Senate Finance, but your door has always been open to me, and even after I announced that I wasn't running for reelection you kept my budget request in the budget. I so appreciate that. I appreciate you. I'm going to miss you. Senator HUTTO, our Minority Leader -- you came to me on the day I announced I was leaving the Democratic Party and invited me to continue to caucus with the Senate Democratic Caucus and I have. Thank you. I will miss you and members of our caucus a lot. Senator JACKSON, in 2020, you did something I haven't seen anyone else in our caucus do in the eight years I've been here. You were the ranking Democratic member of our Medical Affairs Committee, and gave up your seniority and your seat, so that I could serve on the committee and have an even bigger voice on the issues that I care so deeply about. I give you a hard time, and you deserve it, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Senator VERDIN, he went out of his way just few weeks ago to be supportive and helpful to me. He made sure that my Senate Resolution was immediately adopted and ready to read when my guests arrived here in the Senate gallery. I appreciate that. Senator RANKIN, my Chairman of the Judiciary Committee -- I'm definitely going to miss serving on the Judiciary Committee and you always say or do something to make me laugh. No matter how tough my day has been.

Senator GROOMS, I recently made my way back to your committee, the Transportation Committee. Just this week you made sure that my Gamecock Women's Basketball License Tag Bill was adopted here in the Senate, twice, I think. Which allowed me to be the primary sponsor of all three National Championship License Tag Bills that are no -- that have now become -- South Carolina law and adopted by both Chambers in 2017, 2022 and 2024. Thank you.

I have enjoyed serving on Senate Medical Affairs, Judiciary, Transportation, Corrections and Penology and Family and Veterans' Services for a while. Rules, although I would like to change some of the rules -- that's another story for another day, Senator MASSEY. I appreciate all your leadership and your service. Senator DAVIS, thank you for just your ability to explain things in such great detail -- for always being prepared, always going the extra mile to prove your case, here in this Chamber, I've learned so much from you. I appreciate the support and your friendship over the years,

That's not everybody. I can't get to everybody today but before I take my seat, I want to thank Jeff Gossett, our Clerk, Ken Moffitt, Assistant Clerk and all of our Senate Clerk's staff -- all of our committee staff, all of our Senate staff.

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda, we've been together a long time -- longer than this Senate but I love you and I will miss you terribly. Melanie, Kalisha, Nia and Moses thank you for always, always having our backs and giving us the support we need to do what we need to do. Thank you. Richard asked me earlier when I got here, he said, "You're going to say good things about me when you do your farewell? You're going to play it up a few notches, right?" I said, "Of course." Chuck, Richard, Ronnie, Wayne and Chip I probably have bugged you all the most. I love all of our Sergeant at Arms team, especially you guys. I've never asked anything of you that you hesitated to do. I just appreciate you all so much for everything. Thank you. It doesn't mean I don't love Jackson, Lawrence, Aaron, Ryan, Jose, Sheldon, Justin, Kelly and Michael. I hope I didn't leave anybody out -- oh, Turquoise and Jessi. We see you and we're glad you're here.

Shari, Shari is my assistant, who I love. I can't thank you enough for all you do to take good care of my suitemate, Senator REICHENBACH and me and our constituents. I love and appreciate you for answering my call and having the faith and courage to say "yes" to a totally new position and a totally different and sometimes crazy environment than the one you were accustomed to at DNR. I hope you don't regret it.

Mr. Reading Clerk, I could not take my seat because I remember the day you took the stairs. I was sitting in the gallery because of Covid, and you took three flights of stairs during the height of the pandemic just to let me know that although my opponent's TV ads used a clip of you calling the roll and they pointed to my empty chair and used my name as an acronym to say I was missing in action -- you wanted me to know that you saw me here in this Body everyday. I may have been late, but I was here and I thank you. You have no idea what that meant to me -- what it meant to me that you cared enough to do that. I'll never forget you or your kindness and compassion to me in that moment.

I'm not sure if Chaplain St. John is still here, but I want to thank him for always taking the time to engage in conversations with me, for his kind and thoughtful notes of encouragement and for bringing God's word to life every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to remind all of us of why we're here and how we should treat one another inside and outside of this Chamber.

It was at this well that I shared publicly for the first time, that I know the pain and the trauma of being sexually assaulted. At a time when there were forty-one men in this Chamber and only five of us. Some male colleagues meant well, but they wondered why I felt the need to share my pain publicly -- knowing that not one heart, not one vote would change. In that moment, I wasn't even sure myself why God led me to share it. But before I could even leave this Chamber, God showed me why. It was to liberate others as well as myself. Not just others who are outside of this State House. That day, I became acutely aware that there are many among us, female and male, who know my story all too well because it's their story too.

When I think about the legacy I want to leave, several words come immediately to mind. Among them, courage, principles, leadership and service. Why courage first? Because it takes courage to lead. It takes courage to stand on our principles and speak truth to power. It takes courage to put the interests of others above our own. Truth is -- courage, hope -- always costs us something. My prayer for all of us in this room and under the sound of my voice is that we will always be willing to pay the price -- always choose courage. To my sister Senators, you are stuck with me for life. I'm sorry, there's nothing you can do. We are bonded for life. I love each and every one of you. That won't change. To my brother Senators, I love y'all, too. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and lead from this Body and I hope and pray that in the future, we will all choose courage -- always. Always choose courage. I love you.

On motion of Senator SHEALY, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator McLEOD were ordered printed in the Journal.

S. 1347 (Word version) -- Senator Malloy: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF CLAYTON MILTON RICHARDSON AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
sr-0742km-vc24.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1348 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy and Massey: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MARY ELIZABETH FARMER FOR BEING NAMED JUNIOR HIGH TEACHER OF THE YEAR.
sr-0743km-vc24.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has returned the following Bill to the Senate with amendments:
S. 112 (Word version) -- Senators Allen, Hembree and Shealy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 34-11-90, RELATING TO JURISDICTION FOR OFFENSES INVOLVING CHECKS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A METHOD TO EXPUNGE CONVICTIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 17-22-910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR EXPUNGEMENT, SO AS TO ADD MULTIPLE MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES OF CHECK FRAUD TO THOSE OFFENSES ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

HOUSE AMENDMENTS AMENDED
RETURNED TO THE HOUSE WITH AMENDMENTS

S. 112 -- Senators Allen, Hembree and Shealy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 34-11-90, RELATING TO JURISDICTION FOR OFFENSES INVOLVING CHECKS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A METHOD TO EXPUNGE CONVICTIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 17-22-910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR EXPUNGEMENT, SO AS TO ADD MULTIPLE MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES OF CHECK FRAUD TO THOSE OFFENSES ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT.

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.

Senator HEMBREE explained the House amendments.

Senator HEMBREE proposed the following amendment (SEDU-112.DB0012S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Section 34-11-90 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
(f) notwithstanding another provision of law, if a defendant receives multiple convictions within a three-year period of time in magistrates court for a violation of this section, the defendant may, after ten years from the date of the last conviction, apply or cause someone acting on his behalf to apply, to the court for an order expunging the records of arrest and the multiple convictions. This provision does not apply to any crime classified as a felony. If the defendant receives no other convictions during the ten-year period following the last conviction under this section and full restitution has been made on all checks that are the subject of the convictions, the court must issue an order expunging the records. No person may take advantage of the rights permitted by this subsection more than once. Neither the application for nor successful expungement of a qualifying applicant's record as authorized by subsection (e) precludes application for and expungement of a qualifying applicant's record under this subsection. After the expungement, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is required to keep a nonpublic record of the offense and the date of its expungement to ensure that no person takes advantage of the rights permitted by this subsection more than once. This nonpublic record is not subject to release under Section 34-11-95, the Freedom of Information Act, or any other provision of law except to those authorized law or court officials who need this information in order to prevent the rights afforded by this subsection from being taken advantage of more than once.
SECTION 2. Section 17-22-910(A)(1) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(1) Section 34-11-90(e), first offense misdemeanor fraudulent check or Section 34-11-90(f), multiple misdemeanor offenses of fraudulent check;
SECTION 3. Chapter 1, Title 17 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 17-1-43. (A) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 17-1-40, not later than one hundred eighty days after an investigation by a law enforcement or prosecution agency reveals that a person was arrested as a result of mistaken identity, the law enforcement or prosecution agency with appropriate jurisdiction shall destroy the arrest records of that person made as a result of mistaken identity. The law enforcement or prosecution agency, as appropriate, shall establish a review process for verifying that a person's arrest records relating to mistaken identity in which no charges were filed have been destroyed as provided in this section. Neither the law enforcement or prosecution agency may charge or collect a fee for the destruction of arrest records pursuant to the provisions of this section.
(B) Law enforcement and prosecution agencies shall retain the arrest and booking record, associated bench warrants, mug shots, and fingerprints of the person under seal for three years and one hundred twenty days. A law enforcement or prosecution agency may retain the information indefinitely for purposes of ongoing or future investigations and prosecution of the offense, administrative hearings, and to defend the agency and the agency's employees during litigation proceedings. The information must remain under seal. The information is not a public document and is exempt from disclosure, except by court order.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.

The question then was the adoption of the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The Bill was ordered returned to the House of Representatives with amendments.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 112 (Word version) -- Senators Allen, Hembree and Shealy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 34-11-90, RELATING TO JURISDICTION FOR OFFENSES INVOLVING CHECKS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A METHOD TO EXPUNGE CONVICTIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 17-22-910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR EXPUNGEMENT, SO AS TO ADD MULTIPLE MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES OF CHECK FRAUD TO THOSE OFFENSES ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 124 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Turner and Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-18-1115 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM THAT WILL PERMIT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO HIRE NONCERTIFIED TEACHERS IN A RATIO UP TO TEN PERCENT OF ITS ENTIRE TEACHING STAFF, TO PROVIDE ACADEMIC, EVALUATION, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR ANNUAL PROGRAM REPORTING AND NONCERTIFIED TEACHER REGISTRATION AND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 125 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Turner, Young, Setzler, Fanning and Climer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-149-15, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL LIFE SCHOLARSHIP STIPENDS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE STIPEND TO EDUCATION MAJORS AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO DEFINE EDUCATION MAJOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-104-25, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP STIPENDS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE STIPEND TO EDUCATION MAJORS AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-149-50, RELATING TO A NUMERICAL ACT EQUIVALENT, SO AS TO SET THE EQUIVALENT SCORE OF THE ACT TO 22; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-104-20, RELATING TO PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, SO AS TO ALLOW A STUDENT WHO USES A PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP TO ATTEND A TWO-YEAR INSTITUTION SHALL RECEIVE A MAXIMUM OF FOUR CONTINUOUS SEMESTERS.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

CONCURRENCE

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

Senator HEMBREE explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator HEMBREE, with unanimous consent, 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.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 142 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy, Gustafson, Goldfinch, Hutto, Jackson, Campsen, McLeod, Setzler and Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-2010, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "SEX TRAFFICKING", SO AS TO EXPAND THE DEFINITION TO INCLUDE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR AND PROMOTING OR PARTICIPATING IN PROSTITUTION OF A MINOR; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-2020, RELATING TO TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS, PENALTIES, MINOR VICTIMS AND DEFENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SEX TRAFFICKING VICTIM MAY RAISE DURESS AND COERCION AS AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE TO NONVIOLENT OFFENSES COMMITTED AS A DIRECT RESULT OR INCIDENT TO THE TRAFFICKING, TO PROVIDE THAT A MINOR SEX TRAFFICKING VICTIM MAY NOT BE CONVICTED FOR NONVIOLENT OFFENSES COMMITTED AS A DIRECT RESULT OR INCIDENT TO THE TRAFFICKING, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A MINOR SEX TRAFFICKING VICTIM CANNOT BE FOUND IN VIOLATION OF OR BE THE SUBJECT OF A DELINQUENCY PETITION IF THE MINOR'S CONDUCT WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF OR INCIDENTAL TO OR RELATED TO TRAFFICKING; AND SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS IN THIS ACT ARE RETROACTIVE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

S. 142--SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators HUTTO, GUSTAFSON and ADAMS were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Bernstein, Guest and Connell to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

CONCURRENCE

S. 241 (Word version) -- Senators Garrett and Gambrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 84 TO TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF GENETIC COUNSELORS, TO ESTABLISH THE BOARD OF GENETIC COUNSELOR EXAMINERS, TO PROVIDE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMINOLOGY, TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA FOR LICENSURE BY THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE RELATED DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF VIOLATIONS AND IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

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

Senator VERDIN explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator VERDIN, 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.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 305 (Word version) -- Senators Young, M. Johnson, Kimbrell, Turner, Fanning, Climer, Stephens, Rankin, Loftis, Garrett, Matthews, Adams, Gustafson and Sabb: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-25-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL'S PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE MAY BE AWARDED ON AN INITIAL TEACHING CERTIFICATE IF THE PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS IN OR RELATED TO THE CONTENT FIELD OF THE CERTIFICATE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT EXISTING CERTIFICATE HOLDERS MAY ALSO RECEIVE THE SAME CREDIT FOR PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 314 (Word version) -- Senator Talley: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-157-10 SO AS TO PROVIDE CHAPTER DEFINITIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-157-30 SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OVER THRESHOLD AMOUNTS FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW TO THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND JOINT BOND REVIEW COMMITTEE AND THE STATE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL AFTER FULL ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING DESIGN WORK IS COMPLETED BUT PRIOR TO THE EXECUTION OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, TO ALLOW THE CHAIRMAN OF JOINT BOND REVIEW COMMITTEE TO REQUEST A REVIEW AND COMMENT ON ANY OTHER PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; BY ADDING SECTION 59-157-40 SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN HIGHER EDUCATION PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 2-47-50 AND TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNING BOARDS TO REPORT ANNUALLY TO THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, THE JOINT BOND REVIEW COMMITTEE, AND THE STATE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AUTHORITY OF ALL PROJECTS APPROVED; BY ADDING SECTION 59-157-50 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO PROVIDE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS A REPORT OF PROPERTY ACQUIRED AND ANY CAPITAL PROJECTS THAT ARE EXEMPT BY OPERATION OF SECTION 59-157-40.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators PEELER, TALLEY and SETZLER were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Ballentine, Cobb-Hunter and Taylor to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 408 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-75-250, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF LICENSE, DISPLAY, AND RENEWAL, SO AS TO REQUIRE ONE HOUR OF SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING AS A PORTION OF THE TOTAL CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-75-540, RELATING TO REGULATIONS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION AND LICENSE RENEWAL, SO AS TO REQUIRE ONE HOUR OF SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING AS A PORTION OF THE TOTAL CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 434 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-78-55 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO CLAUSE OF A SERVICE CONTRACT WHICH STATES THAT THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT SHALL BE DEEMED RENEWED FOR A SPECIFIED ADDITIONAL PERIOD, UNLESS THE SERVICE CONTRACT HOLDER GIVES NOTICE TO THE PROVIDER OF HIS INTENTION TO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT AT THE EXPIRATION OF THE TERM, SHALL BE ENFORCEABLE AGAINST THE SERVICE CONTRACT HOLDER.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

CONCURRENCE

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

Senator CROMER explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator CROMER, with unanimous consent, 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.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 557 (Word version) -- Senators M. Johnson, Peeler, Kimbrell, Adams, Rice, Rankin, Reichenbach, Young, Loftis, Climer, Garrett, Alexander, Campsen and Gustafson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3477, RELATING TO THE APPRENTICE INCOME TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDIT AND THE NUMBER OF YEARS IN WHICH IT MAY BE CLAIMED.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 577 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-8-530, SECTION 12-8-540, SECTION 12-8-570, SECTION 12-8-580, AND SECTION 12-8-595, ALL RELATING TO THE WITHHOLDING OF INCOME TAXES, SO AS TO UPDATE A REFERENCE TO THE TOP MARGINAL INCOME TAX RATE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

NONCONCURRENCE

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

Senator DAVIS explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator DAVIS, with unanimous consent, the Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators PEELER, ALEXANDER and SETZLER were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 610 (Word version) -- Senators Cromer, Shealy and Climer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING COMPACT ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO CHAPTER 75, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSE, FUNCTIONS, OPERATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS FOR THE COMPACT.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

CONCURRENCE

S. 700 (Word version) -- Senator Davis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 39 TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA EARNED WAGE ACCESS SERVICES ACT" SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR EARNED WAGE ACCESS SERVICES PROVIDERS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS.

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

Senator CLIMER explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator CLIMER, with unanimous consent, 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.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 858 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Garrett, Kimbrell, Setzler and Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-7-130, RELATING TO HEALTH CARE FACILITY LICENSURE DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR "ACUTE HOSPITAL CARE AT HOME"; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-7-170, RELATING TO CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROGRAM EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT ACUTE HOSPITAL CARE AT HOME PROGRAMS AND SERVICES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-267 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS FOR LICENSING ACUTE HOSPITAL CARE AT HOME PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

CONCURRENCE

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

Senator DAVIS explained the amendments.

The question then was concurrence in the House amendments.

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

Ayes 44; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Campsen                   Cash                      Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Devine                    Fanning                   Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Grooms
Gustafson                 Harpootlian               Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson, Kevin
Johnson, Michael          Kimbrell                  Loftis
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  McLeod
Peeler                    Rankin                    Reichenbach
Rice                      Sabb                      Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Stephens
Talley                    Tedder                    Turner
Verdin                    Young

Total--44

NAYS

Total--0

On motion of Senator DAVIS, 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.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 862 (Word version) -- Senators Shealy and Gustafson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-13-30, RELATING TO CAREGIVER REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL AND PRE-SERVICE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators SHEALY, YOUNG and McELVEEN were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Erickson, Hartnett and J. Johnson to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

NONCONCURRENCE

S. 946 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-13-1210, RELATING TO THE STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE REGULATION OF CHILDCARE FACILITIES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE MEMBERS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-13-1220, RELATING TO COMMITTEE DUTIES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE QUORUM OF MEMBERS REQUIRED TO VOTE FROM EIGHT TO SIX.

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

Senator SHEALY explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator SHEALY, with unanimous consent, the Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 962 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-71-2330, RELATING TO DUTIES OF PHARMACY SERVICE ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT PHARMACY SERVICE ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS MUST ACT AS FIDUCIARIES TO PHARMACIES.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 969 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Peeler, Setzler, K. Johnson, Young, Malloy, Senn, Stephens, McLeod and Gustafson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1140, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FROM INDIVIDUAL TAXABLE INCOME, SO AS TO INCREASE THE SUBSISTENCE DEDUCTION AMOUNT FOR CERTAIN PAID PUBLIC SERVANTS SUCH AS LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIREFIGHTERS, AND TO INCREASE THE VOLUNTEER EXEMPTION AMOUNT FOR CERTAIN UNPAID PUBLIC SERVANTS SUCH AS LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIREFIGHTERS.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

NONCONCURRENCE

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

Senator DAVIS explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators DAVIS, TURNER and McELVEEN were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 1005 (Word version) -- Senators Kimbrell and Talley: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-25-1320, RELATING TO MOTOR RESTRICTIONS ON LAKE WILLIAM C. BOWEN, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A BOAT, WATERCRAFT, OR OTHER TYPE OF VESSEL POWERED BY AN OUTDRIVE OR INBOARD MOTOR HAVING AN ENGINE AUTOMOTIVE HORSEPOWER RATING IN EXCESS OF TWO HUNDRED HORSEPOWER IS PERMITTED AND THAT PERSONAL WATERCRAFT MAY NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED NINETY HORSEPOWER; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 50-25-1350, RELATING TO WATER SKIING AND TOWING RESTRICTIONS ON LAKE WILLIAM C. BOWEN, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE OPERATION OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, SPECIALTY PROPCRAFT, OR VESSELS IN EXCESS OF IDLE SPEED WITHIN ONE HUNDRED FEET OF A WHARF, DOCK, BULKHEAD, OR PIER OR WITHIN FIFTY FEET OF A MOORED OR ANCHORED VESSEL OR PERSON IN THE WATER.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 1017 (Word version) -- Senators M. Johnson, Peeler, Climer, Setzler and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY OF A NONPROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION ONLY APPLIES TO THE PERCENTAGE OF PROPERTY THAT EQUALS THE CORPORATION'S OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY, TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN CERTIFICATION AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-160 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY ASSESSED AS AGRICULTURAL OR RELATED THERETO MAY NOT BE ANNEXED BY A MUNICIPALITY.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

NONCONCURRENCE

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

Senator DAVIS explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators SETZLER, M. JOHNSON and VERDIN were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 1021 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Matthews and Campsen: A BILL TO EXTEND THE PROVISIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA ABANDONED BUILDINGS REVITALIZATION ACT TO 2035; AND TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-140, RELATING TO THE ABANDONED BUILDINGS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE MAXIMUM TAX CREDIT THAT MAY BE EARNED.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

HOUSE AMENDMENTS AMENDED
RETURNED TO THE HOUSE WITH AMENDMENTS

The House returned the Bill with amendments.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.

Senator DAVIS explained the House amendments.

Senators DAVIS and GAMBRELL proposed the following amendment (LC-1021.DG0007S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3.A., by deleting Section 12-6-3810(A)(4).

Amend the bill further, SECTION 3.A., by striking Section 12-6-3810(B)(2) and inserting:
(2) For qualified railroad reconstruction or replacement expenditures the amount of the credit may not exceed five thousand dollars multiplied by the number of miles of railroad track owned or leased within this State by the eligible taxpayer as of the close of the taxable year or one million five hundred thousand dollars in any taxable year, whichever is lesser.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 3.A., by deleting Section 12-6-3810(G).

Amend the bill further, by deleting SECTION 4.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator DAVIS explained the amendment.

The question then was the adoption of the amendment.

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

Ayes 44; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Campsen                   Cash                      Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Devine                    Fanning                   Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Grooms
Gustafson                 Harpootlian               Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson, Kevin
Johnson, Michael          Kimbrell                  Loftis
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  McLeod
Peeler                    Rankin                    Reichenbach
Rice                      Sabb                      Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Stephens
Talley                    Tedder                    Turner
Verdin                    Young

Total--44

NAYS

Total--0

The amendment was adopted.

The Bill was ordered returned to the House of Representatives with amendments.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 1031 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING CHAPTER 11 OF TITLE 35, RELATING TO ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING, SO AS TO INCORPORATE THE UNIFORM MONEY SERVICES ACT, TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM FINANCIAL CRIME, STANDARDIZE THE TYPES OF ACTIVITIES THAT ARE SUBJECT TO LICENSING, AND MODERNIZE SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS REQUIREMENTS TO ENSURE FUNDS ARE PROTECTED IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS INNOVATIVE AND COMPETITIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators MALLOY, GAMBRELL and GARRETT were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Blackwell, Gatch and Jefferson to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 1046 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Climer, M. Johnson, Peeler, Corbin, Cromer, Shealy, Grooms, Bennett, Gambrell, Loftis, Rice, Gustafson, Martin, Verdin, Turner, Kimbrell, Reichenbach, Cash, Harpootlian, McLeod and Fanning: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-10, RELATING TO JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION, APPOINTMENT, QUALIFICATIONS, AND TERMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION MEMBERS, INITIAL TERMS, AND SUBSEQUENT TERMS, TO AMEND THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION, TO PROVIDE THAT, EXCEPT THOSE FIRST APPOINTED, THE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE SENATE PRESIDENT, THE SENATE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN, THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, AND THE HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN SHALL SERVE AN INITIAL TERM OF TWO YEARS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT NO NOMINEE MAY BE A FAMILY MEMBER OF A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION; BY ADDING SECTION 2-19-15 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF; BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-20, RELATING TO INVESTIGATION BY COMMISSION AND PUBLICATION OF VACANCIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CRITERIA FOR THE QUALIFICATION OF JUDICIAL CANDIDATES; BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-30, RELATING TO HEARINGS AND EXECUTIVE SESSION, SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL PUBLIC HEARINGS BE LIVE STREAMED; BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-70, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST DUAL OFFICES, PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR, AND PLEDGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN FLOOR PRIVILEGES AND PROHIBITIONS FOR CANDIDATES AND ESTABLISHING SET TIMES FOR THE RELEASE OF REPORTS AND THE SEEKING OF PLEDGES AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE FORMAL RELEASE OF THE REPORT OF QUALIFICATIONS SHALL OCCUR NO EARLIER THAN TWELVE DAYS AFTER NOMINEES HAVE BEEN RELEASED TO MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-80, RELATING TO NOMINATION OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES SHALL BE RELEASED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-90, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CANDIDATE MUST RECEIVE A MAJORITY VOTE OF EACH HOUSE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 22-1-10, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT, TERMS AND TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION OR RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNOR SHALL RECEIVE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE FULL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION OF THE COUNTY THE MAGISTRATE WILL SERVE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators RANKIN, MALLOY and MASSEY were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 4, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. W. Newton, Caskey and Stavrinakis to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

CONCURRENCE

S. 1051 (Word version) -- Senators Kimbrell and Talley: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-25-1330, RELATING TO WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS ON LAKE H. TAYLOR BLALOCK, SO AS TO EXTEND THE HUNTING OF WATERFOWL FOR FIVE YEARS.

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

Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, with unanimous consent, 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.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

S. 1166 (Word version) -- Senators Tedder, Stephens and Rice: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-1-65, RELATING TO THE S.C. CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY/SECOND AMENDMENT PRESERVATION ACT OF 2024, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE MUST DISMISS CERTAIN PENDING UNLAWFUL HANDGUN POSSESSION CHARGES.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator VERDIN, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

CONCURRENCE

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

Senator TEDDER explained the amendments.

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

Ayes 44; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Campsen                   Cash                      Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Devine                    Fanning                   Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Grooms
Gustafson                 Harpootlian               Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson, Kevin
Johnson, Michael          Kimbrell                  Loftis
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  McLeod
Peeler                    Rankin                    Reichenbach
Rice                      Sabb                      Senn
Setzler                   Shealy                    Stephens
Talley                    Tedder                    Turner
Verdin                    Young

Total--44

NAYS

Total--0

On motion of Senator TEDDER, 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.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 3220 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Carter, Mitchell, Haddon, Pope, Chumley and Caskey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO CHAPTER 15, TITLE 63 SO AS TO ENACT THE "UNIFORM CHILD ABDUCTION PREVENTION ACT", TO PROVIDE A LEGAL MECHANISM TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM CREDIBLE RISKS OF ABDUCTION RELATED TO LEGAL CUSTODY OR VISITATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 3682 (Word version) -- Reps. Murphy, Wetmore, Bailey, Rose, Crawford, Brewer, Taylor, Hardee, Wooten, Pope, McDaniel, Hewitt, Bauer, Yow, J.E. Johnson, Willis, Ligon, Lawson, Robbins, Schuessler, Guest, Henegan, Williams, M.M. Smith and Vaughan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 47-1-140, RELATING TO THE CARE OF ANIMALS AFTER THE ARREST OF THE OWNER, SO AS TO REMOVE PROVISIONS REGARDING A LIEN ON THE SEIZED ANIMAL; BY AMENDING SECTION 47-1-145, RELATING TO CUSTODY AND CARE OF ANIMALS AFTER THE ARREST OF THE OWNER, SO AS TO OUTLINE HEARING PROCEDURES FOR ORDERING THE COST OF CARE OF THE SEIZED ANIMALS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 47-1-170, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 3748 (Word version) -- Reps. Caskey, Wooten, Wetmore, Hartnett, Erickson, W. Newton, Pope, Robbins, Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-11-680, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL ALTERATION OR REMOVAL OF BOUNDARY LANDMARKS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE SECTION PROHIBITS MOVING, ALTERING, DESTROYING, OR REMOVING GEODETIC CONTROL MONUMENTS OR CERTAIN LAND SURVEYING MONUMENTS, TO UPDATE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 3988 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, M.M. Smith, B.J. Cox, Pedalino, Forrest, Wheeler, Kirby and Guffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ACTS THAT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF PHARMACY, TO PERMIT THE DELEGATION OF CERTAIN ACTS TO TRAINED PHARMACY TECHNICIANS AND PHARMACY INTERNS, AND TO DEFINE AN ADDITIONAL TERM; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-84, RELATING TO PHARMACY INTERNS AND EXTERNS, SO AS TO REMOVE CERTAIN DIRECT SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-190, RELATING TO PROTOCOL FOR PHARMACISTS TO ADMINISTER VACCINES WITHOUT PRACTITIONER ORDERS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE DISPENSATION OF CERTAIN DRUGS AND DEVICES, TO LOWER THE VACCINATION RECIPIENT AGE TO TWELVE YEARS OF AGE, TO AUTHORIZE DIRECTLY SUPERVISED PHARMACY INTERNS TO ADMINISTER CERTAIN VACCINATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE WRITTEN PROTOCOL REQUIREMENTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-200, RELATING TO THE JOINT PHARMACIST-ADMINISTERED VACCINES COMMITTEE, SO AS TO RENAME THE COMMITTEE AS THE "JOINT PHARMACIST ACCESS COMMITTEE" AND MAKE OTHER CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO PROVIDE THE PHARMACIST ACCESS COMMITTEE MUST SUBMIT ITS INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD OF PHARMACY NO LATER THAN FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE PASSAGE OF THIS ACT, AND PERIODICALLY THEREAFTER AS DETERMINED BY THE COMMITTEE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators MARTIN, HUTTO and CROMER were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Davis, M.M. Smith and W. Jones to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 4386 (Word version) -- Rep. Forrest: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-13-647 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE TAKING, HARMING, OR KILLING OF ROBUST REDHORSE.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

H. 4386 (Word version) -- Rep. Forrest: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-13-647 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE TAKING, HARMING, OR KILLING OF ROBUST REDHORSE.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators CAMPSEN, GOLDFINCH and McELVEEN were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Hixon, Forrest and McDaniel to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 4624 (Word version) -- Reps. Hiott, G.M. Smith, McCravy, Davis, Vaughan, Trantham, Pope, Chapman, Taylor, Oremus, Hartnett, Leber, Long, Nutt, Haddon, Burns, Chumley, Murphy, Mitchell, Brewer, Robbins, Gatch, West, Gilliam, Cromer, Kilmartin, O'Neal, Yow, S. Jones, Landing, Ballentine, Sandifer, Crawford, Guest, Willis, Ligon, Forrest, Pace, W. Newton, Bradley, Erickson, Gibson, Blackwell and M.M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 42 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO DEFINE GENDER, SEX, AND OTHER TERMS, TO PROHIBIT THE PROVISION OF GENDER TRANSITION PROCEDURES TO A PERSON UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR GENDER TRANSITION PROCEDURES, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-32-36 SO AS TO PROHIBIT PUBLIC SCHOOL STAFF AND OFFICIALS FROM WITHHOLDING KNOWLEDGE OF A MINOR'S PERCEPTION OF THEIR GENDER FROM THE MINOR'S PARENTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 4832 (Word version) -- Reps. Hardee, Sandifer, Anderson, Ligon and Schuessler: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "PAID FAMILY LEAVE INSURANCE ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 103 TO TITLE 38 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS, ESTABLISH FAMILY LEAVE BENEFITS, OUTLINE REQUIREMENTS OF FAMILY LEAVE INSURANCE POLICIES, AND TO PROVIDE EXCLUSIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 4843 (Word version) -- Reps. Bailey, Brittain, Guest, J.E. Johnson, Sandifer and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 48-39-148 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE BUSINESSES WITH A DECK, DOCK, OR OTHER STRUCTURE LOCATED IN A CRITICAL AREA TO USE THE STRUCTURE FOR PURPOSES DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF THE BUSINESS WITH LOCAL ZONING APPROVAL.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators GOLDFINCH, CAMPSEN and McELVEEN were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Bailey, Hardee and Anderson to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 4957 (Word version) -- Reps. Hiott, Erickson, G.M. Smith, Hayes, McGinnis, Rose, Elliott, Alexander, Schuessler, Calhoon, M.M. Smith, Davis, T. Moore, B. Newton, Neese, Oremus, Hixon, Taylor, Guest, Sessions, Guffey, Ballentine, Pope, Willis, Bannister, Kirby, Henegan, Hartnett, Williams, Gilliard and Rivers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-158-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETES' COMPENSATION FOR NAME, IMAGE, OR LIKENESS, SO AS TO REVISE SEVERAL DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-158-20, RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF COMPENSATION FOR USE OF AN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETE'S NAME, IMAGE, OR LIKENESS, SO AS TO DELETE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND PROVIDE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND CERTAIN AGENTS OF THE INSTITUTIONS MAY ENGAGE IN CERTAIN ACTIONS THAT MAY ENABLE INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETES TO EARN COMPENSATION FOR USE OF THE NAME, IMAGE, OR LIKENESS OF THE ATHLETE, AND TO PROVIDE THE INSTITUTIONS ALSO MAY PERMIT INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETES TO USE TRADEMARKS AND FACILITIES OF THE INSTITUTION, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-158-30, RELATING TO THE EFFECTS OF NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS COMPENSATION ON GRANT-IN-AID OR ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY, SO AS TO DELETE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND PROVIDE NAME, IMAGE, OR LIKENESS CONTRACTS MAY NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETE'S ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS PROGRAM AT AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-158-40, RELATING TO ALLOWED AND PROHIBITED ACTIONS CONCERNING INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETES' NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS-RELATED MATTERS, SO AS TO DELETE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND PROVIDE LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY FOR INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING EMPLOYEES FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM CERTAIN ROUTINE DECISIONS MADE IN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS, AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN CONDUCT BY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS, ATHLETIC CONFERENCES, OR OTHER GROUPS WITH AUTHORITY OVER INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC PROGRAMS AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-158-50, RELATING TO GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION IN NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS ACTIVITIES, SO AS TO DELETE EXISTING PROVISIONS AND PROVIDE CERTAIN MATTERS CONCERNING NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS AGREEMENTS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED PUBLIC RECORDS SUBJECT TO AN EXCEPTION AND MAY NOT BE DISCLOSED TO CERTAIN ENTITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-158-60, RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF NAME, IMAGE, OR LIKENESS CONTRACTS AND THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATORS, SO AS TO DELETE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND PROVIDE FOR THE RESOLUTION OF CONFLICTS BETWEEN CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT AND PROVISIONS IN THE UNIFORM ATHLETE AGENTS ACT OF 2018, AND TO PROVIDE ATHLETE AGENTS SHALL COMPLY WITH CERTAIN FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-102-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE UNIFORM ATHLETE AGENTS ACT OF 2018, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "ATHLETE AGENT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-102-100, RELATING TO AGENCY CONTRACTS, SO AS TO REMOVE A PROVISION CONCERNING COMPENSATION; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-158-70 RELATING TO DISCLOSURES AND LIMITATIONS IN NAME, IMAGE, OR LIKENESS CONTRACTS AND REVOCATION PERIODS FOR SUCH CONTRACTS; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 59-158-80 RELATING TO GOVERNING LAW AND FEDERAL COMPLIANCE CONTRACTS.
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 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 5023 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, Gilliam, Lawson, Sessions, Schuessler, Hager, Hartnett, Gatch, Mitchell, Hewitt, Robbins, J. Moore, Wooten, Guffey, O'Neal, J.L. Johnson, Pedalino and B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-219 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE WORK ZONE PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-15, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF DRIVER'S LICENSE EXAMINATIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE DRIVER'S LICENSE APPLICANTS COMPLETE THE WORK ZONE SAFETY PROGRAM COURSE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-130, RELATING TO LICENSE EXAMINATIONS AND BASIC AND CLASSIFIED LICENSES, SO AS TO REQUIRE DRIVER'S LICENSE APPLICANTS COMPLETE THE WORK ZONE SAFETY PROGRAM COURSE.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1303 (Word version) -- Senator Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HEREBY PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 2024 AS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO SUPPORT RESEARCH FOR THE CURE OF CHILDHOOD CANCER AND TREATMENT OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH CHILDHOOD CANCER AND TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES WHO ARE ALL SO DEEPLY IMPACTED.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1314 (Word version) -- Senators Senn and Campsen: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE ROUNDABOUT AT FORT JOHNSON ROAD AND HARBOR VIEW ROAD IN CHARLESTON COUNTY "INEZ BROWN CROUCH ROUNDABOUT" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

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

CARRIED OVER

H. 3501 (Word version) -- Rep. W. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-102-140, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS OF ATHLETE AGENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTIFIED ATHLETE AGENTS MAY PAY CERTAIN EXPENSES INCURRED BEFORE THE SIGNING OF AGENCY CONTRACTS BY STUDENT ATHLETES, FAMILY MEMBERS OF STUDENT ATHLETES, AND INDIVIDUALS OR CLASSES OF INDIVIDUALS AUTHORIZED TO RECEIVE SUCH PAYMENTS.

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

AMENDED, HOUSE BILL RETURNED

H. 3865 (Word version) -- Reps. Hiott, Collins, Rutherford, Carter and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-5-130, RELATING TO CORONER QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE LICENSED PARAMEDICS WITH AT LEAST THREE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS ONE OF THE ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS A CORONER MUST HAVE.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator M. JOHNSON proposed the following amendment (SJ-3865.MB0012S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:
SECTION X. The effective date of Act No. 56 of 2023, which enacted the "Law Enforcement and Personal Privacy Protection Act" and the "Judicial Privacy Protection Act", is delayed from July 1, 2024, until July 1, 2025.

SECTION X. The General Assembly finds that the sections presented in this act constitute one subject as required by Article III, Section 17 of the South Carolina Constitution, in particular finding that each change and each topic relates directly to or in conjunction with other sections to the subject of coroner's responsibilities and duties, including proper handling of records and certificates, as clearly enumerated in the title. The General Assembly further finds that a common purpose or relationship exists among the sections, representing a potential plurality but not disunity of topics, notwithstanding that reasonable minds might differ in identifying more than one topic contained in the act.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator M. JOHNSON explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The question then being third reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 40; Nays 1

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Campsen                   Cash                      Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Devine                    Fanning                   Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Grooms
Gustafson                 Hembree                   Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson, Kevin            Johnson, Michael
Kimbrell                  Loftis                    Malloy
Martin                    Matthews                  McElveen
McLeod                    Peeler                    Reichenbach
Rice                      Senn                      Setzler
Shealy                    Stephens                  Talley
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Young

Total--40

NAYS

Massey

Total--1

There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered returned to the House.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

INSISTS ON SENATE AMENDMENTS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators M. JOHNSON, SABB and ADAMS were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. Rutherford, Hiott and W. Newton to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 4087 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, West, Kirby, Ballentine, Robbins, Hewitt, M.M. Smith, Davis, Hiott, Long, Hager, Ott, Weeks, Dillard, W. Jones, Brewer, Hartnett and Murphy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3410, RELATING TO CORPORATE INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CHANGES TO STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND CERTAIN TIMING; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3460, RELATING TO THE RECYCLING FACILITY TAX CREDIT DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO LOWER THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF INVESTMENT FOR A QUALIFIED RECYCLING FACILITY AND TO INCLUDE CERTAIN PRODUCTS TO THE DEFINITION OF "POSTCONSUMER WASTE MATERIAL"; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 12-10-20; 12-10-30, 12-10-40, 12-10-45, 12-10-50, 12-10-60, AND 12-10-80, ALL RELATING TO THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO ALLOW REMOTE EMPLOYEES WORKING IN SOUTH CAROLINA TO BE INCLUDED IN CERTAIN JOB CREATION REQUIREMENTS AND TO CREATE A NEW PROVISION TO INCENTIVIZE CERTAIN COMPANIES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-10-95, RELATING TO THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT CREDIT AGAINST WITHHOLDING FOR RETRAINING, SO AS TO PROVIDE WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE CREDIT AND THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDIT ALLOWED.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

NONCONCURRENCE

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

Senator DAVIS explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator DAVIS, with unanimous consent, the Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators SETZLER, DAVIS and MASSEY were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

HOUSE BILL RETURNED

H. 4601 (Word version) -- Rep. Forrest: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-4100, RELATING TO PREVENTING ESCAPE OF MATERIALS LOADED ON VEHICLES AND CLEANING THE HIGHWAYS OF ESCAPED SUBSTANCES OR CARGO, SO AS TO INCORPORATE THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 56-5-4110 TO CLARIFY THE EXCEPTIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF CERTAIN FARM PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 56-5-4110 RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS THAT LOADS AND COVERS MUST BE FIRMLY ATTACHED.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

The question then being third reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 42; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Campsen                   Cash                      Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Devine                    Fanning                   Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Grooms
Gustafson                 Hembree                   Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson, Kevin            Johnson, Michael
Kimbrell                  Loftis                    Malloy
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews
McElveen                  McLeod                    Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Sabb
Senn                      Setzler                   Shealy
Stephens                  Talley                    Tedder
Turner                    Verdin                    Young

Total--42

NAYS

Total--0

The Bill was read the third time, passed and ordered returned to the House.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

On motion of Senator CROMER, with unanimous consent, the Senate receded from amendments, and a message was sent to the House.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 4674 (Word version) -- Rep. Erickson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-1240, RELATING TO THE DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION APPLY, TO PROVIDE HOW LICENSE PLATES MUST BE FASTENED TO VEHICLES, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISPLAY OF TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES ON LARGE COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator GROOMS, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

CONCURRENCE

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

Senator GROOMS explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator GROOMS, with unanimous consent, 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.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 5100 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024, 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.
asks for a Committee of Conference, and has appointed Reps. Bannister, Lowe and Stavrinakis to the committee on the part of the House.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators PEELER, SETZLER and BENNETT were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 5101 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024, AND TO ALLOW UNEXPENDED FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO BE CARRIED FORWARD TO SUCCEEDING FISCAL YEARS AND EXPENDED FOR THE SAME PURPOSES.
asks for a Committee of Conference, and has appointed Reps. Bannister, Lowe and Stavrinakis to the committee on the part of the House.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators PEELER, SETZLER and BENNETT were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

HOUSE BILL RETURNED

The following Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments.

H. 3424 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, Carter, McCravy, Lawson, Beach, Pope, Nutt, Oremus, Vaughan, Long, Haddon, Burns, Chumley, Kilmartin, Cromer, O'Neal, Yow, Gilliam, W. Newton, Guest, Schuessler, Moss, Magnuson, Harris, Pace, Brittain, Bailey, Robbins, Sessions, Ligon, Felder, B.L. Cox, Guffey, Bradley, Murphy, Brewer, Connell, Hiott, Mitchell, Hager, Erickson, B.J. Cox, Blackwell, Wooten, Ballentine, Hyde, Wheeler, Calhoon, M.M. Smith, Davis, B. Newton, Elliott, Forrest, Willis, Hixon, Taylor, J.E. Johnson, Chapman and Ott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-190 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR AN OPERATOR TO MAKE A PORNOGRAPHIC WEBSITE AVAILABLE TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL CREATE CERTAIN PROCEDURES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Senate agreed to waive the provisions of Rule 32A requiring the Bill to be printed on the Calendar.

The Bill was ordered placed in the category of Bills Returned from the House and would be taken up for consideration when that category was reached in the order of the day.

CONCURRENCE

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

Senator HUTTO explained the amendments.

On motion of Senator HUTTO, 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

H. 5245 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, Erickson, Bradley and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-50, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL ADMISSIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CHARTER SCHOOLS MAY GIVE ENROLLMENT PREFERENCE TO CHILDREN OF ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY SERVICEMEMBERS IN THIS STATE IF THEIR ENROLLMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MORE THAN TWENTY PERCENT OF THE OVERALL ENROLLMENT, AND TO REVISE EXISTING ENROLLMENT PREFERENCE PROVISIONS.

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

OBJECTION

H. 4189 (Word version) -- Rep. Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-20, RELATING TO LICENSING AND FEES, SO AS TO AMEND MEETING REQUIREMENTS, REMOVE A CERTIFICATION FEE AND OUTLINE HOW TO MAKE PROPER PAYMENTS TO THE DEPARTMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-40, RELATING TO CAPITALIZATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO GIVE DISCRETION TO THE DIRECTOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-60, RELATING TO INCORPORATION OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-70, RELATING TO REPORTS, SO AS TO CHANGE A DEADLINE AND INCLUDE REFERENCES TO FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-75, RELATING TO DISCOUNTING OF LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES, SO AS TO ALLOW A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY TO FILE ONE ACTUARIAL OPINION; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-80, RELATING TO INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS, SO AS TO MAKE THE EXAMINATION OF SOME CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES OPTIONAL AND TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO FOREIGN CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-140, RELATING TO TAX PAYMENTS, SO AS TO AMEND REQUIRED TAX PAYMENTS FOR A SPONSORED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-165, RELATING TO DECLARATION OF INACTIVITY, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR THE SUBMISSION OF A WRITTEN APPROVAL; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-175, RELATING TO THE CAPTIVE INSURANCE REGULATORY AND SUPERVISION FUND, SO AS TO CHANGE THE ALLOWED TRANSFER OF COLLECTED TAXES FROM TWENTY PERCENT TO FORTY PERCENT; AND BY AMENDING 38-90-215, RELATING TO PROTECTED CELLS, SO AS TO REMOVE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.

Senator TURNER objected to further consideration of the Bill.

AMENDED, HOUSE BILL RETURNED

H. 4869 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Hardee, Ligon and Jefferson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-3-150, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE OR HIS DESIGNEES TO CONDUCT EXAMINATIONS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND HEARINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF SUCH INVESTIGATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-9-200, RELATING TO CONDITIONS FOR ALLOWING REINSURANCE CREDITS, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN CONDITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-13-10, RELATING TO INSURER EXAMINATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE SUCH EXAMINATIONS ARE FINANCIAL EXAMINATIONS, TO APPLY THE PROVISIONS TO HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER LICENSEES OF THE DEPARTMENT, TO PROVIDE MARKET CONDUCT EXAMINATIONS, AND TO REMOVE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-13-70, RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DIRECTOR OR HIS DESIGNEES MAY CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF INVESTIGATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FINAL ORDERS DISCIPLINING LICENSEES ARE PUBLIC INFORMATION, AMONG OTHER THINGS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 38-57-130, RELATING TO INSURANCE TRADE PRACTICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE REVISED EXEMPTIONS FROM PROVISIONS PROHIBITING MISREPRESENTATIONS, SPECIAL INDUCEMENTS, AND REBATES IN INSURANCE CONTRACTS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.

Senator HUTTO proposed the following amendment (LC-4869.PH0013S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 38-77-170 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 38-77-170.(A) If the owner or operator of any motor vehicle which causes bodily injury or property damage to the insured is unknown, there is no right of action or recovery under the uninsured motorist provision, unless:

(1) the insured or someone in his behalf ~~has reported~~reports the accident to some appropriate police authority within a reasonable time, under all the circumstances, after its occurrence; and

(2) one of the following conditions is met:

(a) ~~(2)~~ the injury or damage was caused by physical contact with the unknown vehicle~~, or~~;

(b) the accident ~~must have been~~was witnessed by someone other than the owner or operator of the insured vehicle; provided however, the witness must sign an affidavit attesting to the truth of the facts of the accident contained in the affidavit or upon failing to obtain the affidavit, the insured may seek a court order for a presuit deposition of the witness under the procedures set forth in Rule 27, South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure; or

(c) the insured can provide a recording of the accident, obtained electronically or otherwise, showing that the damage or injury as caused by the unknown vehicle; and

(3) the insured was not negligent in failing to determine the identity of the other vehicle and the driver of the other vehicle at the time of the accident.

(B) The following statement must be prominently displayed on the face of the affidavit provided in item (2)(b) ~~above~~: A FALSE STATEMENT CONCERNING THE FACTS CONTAINED IN THIS AFFIDAVIT MAY SUBJECT THE PERSON MAKING THE FALSE STATEMENT TO CRIMINAL PENALTIES AS PROVIDED BY LAW.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator HUTTO explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Motion Adopted

Having voted on the prevailing side, Senator CROMER moved to reconsider the vote whereby the amendment on May 8, 2024, was adopted.

Senator CROMER moved to lay the amendment on the table.

The amendment was laid on the table.

The question then being third reading of the Bill.

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

Ayes 43; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Campsen                   Cash                      Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Devine                    Fanning                   Gambrell
Garrett                   Goldfinch                 Grooms
Gustafson                 Harpootlian               Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson, Kevin
Johnson, Michael          Kimbrell                  Loftis
Malloy                    Martin                    Massey
Matthews                  McElveen                  McLeod
Peeler                    Reichenbach               Rice
Sabb                      Senn                      Setzler
Shealy                    Stephens                  Talley
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Young

Total--43

NAYS

Total--0

The Bill was read the third time, passed and ordered returned to the House.

Call of the Senate

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

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Campsen                   Cash                      Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Devine
Fanning                   Gambrell                  Garrett
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Gustafson
Harpootlian               Hembree                   Hutto
Jackson                   Johnson, Kevin            Johnson, Michael
Kimbrell                  Malloy                    Martin
Massey                    Matthews                  McElveen
Peeler                    Reichenbach               Rice
Sabb                      Senn                      Setzler
Shealy                    Stephens                  Talley
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Young

It was ascertained that a quorum was present.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

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. 3278 (Word version) -- Reps. West, Ligon and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 40-60-30, 40-60-31, AND 40-60-33, ALL RELATING TO REAL ESTATE APPRAISER LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MODIFY EXEMPTIONS, REVISE AND PROVIDE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND ACCEPTABLE EQUIVALENCIES FOR APPRENTICE APPRAISERS; AND TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSED MASS APPRAISERS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-34, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO APPRENTICE APPRAISERS AND APPRAISERS SUPERVISING APPRENTICES, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-35, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO IMPOSE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS UPON LICENSEES; BY ADDING SECTION 40-60-36 SO AS TO IMPOSE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS UPON PROVIDERS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-37, RELATING TO RECIPROCAL APPLICATIONS FROM APPRAISERS FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-40, RELATING TO REQUIRED APPRAISER CONTACT INFORMATION, SO AS TO INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESSES OF LICENSEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-320, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF APPRAISAL PANEL; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-330, RELATING TO REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-360, RELATING TO PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS, SO AS TO SPECIFY REQUIRED REGULATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-420, RELATING TO RECORD-KEEPING REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION RENEWAL, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING RECORDS THAT APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES MUST PROVIDE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-450, RELATING TO COMPENSATION, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE APPLICABLE GOVERNING FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

H. 5118 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, West, Davis, Hager, Hewitt, Kirby, Long, M.M. Smith, B. Newton, Pendarvis, Sandifer, Hiott, Landing, Crawford, Brittain, Lawson, Williams, Whitmire, Jefferson, Bustos, Hartnett, Carter, Blackwell, Neese, W. Newton, Bradley, Erickson, Murphy, Brewer, Yow, Mitchell, Connell, Jordan, Thayer, Elliott, Wooten, Pedalino, Bailey, T. Moore, McGinnis, Gatch, Ligon, Gagnon, Hardee, B.L. Cox, Chapman, Leber, Anderson, Bannister, Calhoon, Felder, Hixon, Lowe, Taylor, Thigpen, Willis and Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA TEN-YEAR ENERGY TRANSFORMATION ACT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-20, RELATING TO THE MEMBERSHIP, ELECTION, AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NUMBER OF COMMISSIONERS FROM SEVEN TO THREE TO BE ELECTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM THE STATE AT LARGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-140, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION'S POWERS TO REGULATE PUBLIC UTILITIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CONSIDERATIONS AND STATE POLICY FOR THE COMMISSION'S DECISION-MAKING PROCESS, TO ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE FOR CERTAIN TESTIMONY AND DISCOVERY IN CONTESTED PROCEEDINGS, TO PERMIT ELECTRICAL UTILITY CUSTOMERS TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION AS PUBLIC WITNESSES, AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY CONSULTANT HIRED BY THE COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-250, RELATING TO SERVICE OF ORDERS AND DECISIONS ON PARTIES, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-4-10, RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF AND ITS REPRESENTATION OF PUBLIC INTEREST BEFORE THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO ESTABLISH ITS CONSIDERATIONS FOR PUBLIC INTEREST; BY ADDING SECTION 58-4-150 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO PREPARE A COMPREHENSIVE STATE ENERGY ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS PLAN; BY ADDING CHAPTER 38 TO TITLE 58 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA ENERGY POLICY INSTITUTE; BY ADDING SECTION 58-33-195 SO AS TO ENCOURAGE DOMINION ENERGY, THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY, DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, AND DUKE ENERGY PROGRESS TO EVALUATE CERTAIN ELECTRICAL GENERATION FACILITIES AND PROVIDE FOR CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO THESE FACILITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 58-31-205 SO AS TO PERMIT THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY TO JOINTLY OWN ELECTRICAL GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION FACILITIES WITH INVESTOR-OWNED ELECTRIC UTILITIES, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINT OWNERSHIP; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-27-650, RELATING TO REASSIGNMENT OF ELECTRIC SUPPLIERS' SERVICE AREAS, SO AS TO PERMIT THE COMMISSION TO APPROVE A REQUEST FOR ANY ELECTRIC SUPPLIER TO SERVE ANY TRANSFORMATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CUSTOMER UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 9 OF CHAPTER 7, TITLE 13, RELATING TO THE GOVERNOR'S NUCLEAR ADVISORY COUNCIL, SO AS TO AS ESTABLISH THE COUNCIL IN THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS DUTIES AND MEMBERSHIP, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COUNCIL'S DIRECTOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 37-6-604, RELATING TO THE CONSUMER ADVOCATE'S INTERVENTION ON MATTERS FILED AT THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO TRANSFER THESE DUTIES TO THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF; BY ADDING SECTION 58-33-196 SO AS TO ENCOURAGE CONSIDERATION OF DEPLOYMENT OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-70 SO AS TO PERMIT A SMALL MODULAR NUCLEAR PILOT PROGRAM AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 37, TITLE 58 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR STATE AGENCY REVIEW OF ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT APPLICATIONS AND TO PROVIDE A SUNSET; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-40-10, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "CUSTOMER-GENERATOR", SO AS TO ESTABLISH CHARACTERISTICS FOR A "CUSTOMER-GENERATOR"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-41-30, RELATING TO VOLUNTARY RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR THESE PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-41-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITION OF "ENERGY STORAGE FACILITIES"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-41-20, RELATING TO PROCEEDINGS FOR ELECTRICAL UTILITIES' AVOIDED COST METHODOLOGIES AND RELATED PROCESSES, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROGRAMS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY, CAPACITY, AND STORAGE, TO PERMIT COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT OF NEW RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY AND ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROGRAMS, AND TO DELETE LANGUAGE REGARDING THE COMMISSION HIRING THIRD-PARTY EXPERTS FOR THESE PROCEEDINGS; BY ADDING SECTION 58-41-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PROCESS FOR COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY FACILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-33-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITION "LIKE FACILITY"; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 3 OF CHAPTER 33, TITLE 58, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF MAJOR UTILITY FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A LIKE FACILITY, TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROPOSED FACILITIES, TO PROVIDE WHAT ACTIONS MAY BE TAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE COMMISSION, AND TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-40, RELATING TO INTEGRATED RESOURCES PLANS, SO AS TO ADD CONSIDERATION OF A UTILITY'S TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION RESOURCE PLAN, TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION BY THE COMMISSION, AND REQUIRE PARTIES TO BEAR THEIR OWN COSTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-260, RELATING TO COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE COMMISSION AND PARTIES, SO AS TO MODIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALLOWABLE EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS AND BRIEFINGS, AND TO PERMIT COMMISSION TOURS OF UTILITY PLANTS OR OTHER FACILITIES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-270, RELATING TO EX PARTE COMMUNICATION COMPLAINT PROCEEDINGS AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SO AS TO PERMIT AN ORDER TOLLING ANY DEADLINES ON A PROCEEDING SUBJECT TO A COMPLAINT TO THE EXTENT THE PROCEEDING WAS PREJUDICED SO THAT THE COMMISSION COULD NOT CONSIDER THE MATTER IMPARTIALLY; BY ADDING CHAPTER 43 TO TITLE 58 SO AS TO ESTABLISH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RATES FOR ELECTRICAL UTILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-33-310, RELATING TO AN APPEAL FROM A FINAL ORDER OR DECISION OF THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO REQUIRE A FINAL ORDER ISSUED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 33, TITLE 58 BE IMMEDIATELY APPEALABLE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT AND TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXPEDITED HEARING; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-33-320, RELATING TO JOINT HEARINGS AND JOINT INVESTIGATIONS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY ADDING SECTION 58-4-160 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO EVALUATE ESTABLISHING A THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD A REFERENCE TO "DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM" AND PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR "COST-EFFECTIVE" AND "DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAM"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-20, RELATING TO COMMISSION PROCEDURES ENCOURAGING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS, SO AS TO EXPAND COMMISSION CONSIDERATIONS FOR COST-EFFECTIVE, DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS, AND REQUIRE EACH INVESTOR-OWNED ELECTRICAL UTILITY TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMISSION REGARDING ITS DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-30, RELATING TO REPORTS ON DEMAND-SIDE ACTIVITIES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-35 SO AS TO PERMIT PROGRAMS AND CUSTOMER INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE OR PROMOTE DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR CUSTOMER-SITED DISTRIBUTION RESOURCES, AND TO PROVIDE CONSIDERATIONS FOR THESE PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-50, RELATING TO AGREEMENTS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION MEASURES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN TERMS AND RATE RECOVERY FOR AGREEMENTS FOR FINANCING AND INSTALLING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION MEASURES, AND FOR APPLICATION TO A RESIDENCE OCCUPIED BEFORE THE MEASURES ARE TAKEN; BY ADDING SECTION 58-31-215 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, TO SERVE AS AN ANCHOR SUBSCRIBER OF NATURAL GAS AND PIPELINE CAPACITY FOR THIS STATE, TO ESTABLISH THE "ENERGY INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND", AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-70, RELATING TO COMPENSATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION MEMBERS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH SALARIES IN AMOUNTS EQUAL TO NINETY-SEVEN AND ONE-HALF PERCENT OF SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICES.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House

Received as information.

H. 5118--SENATE INSISTS ON THEIR AMENDMENTS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

Whereupon, Senators RANKIN, MASSEY and HUTTO were appointed to the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Reps. West, Sandifer and Ott to the Committee of Conference on the part of the House on:

Received as information.

HOUSE BILL RETURNED

The following Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:

H. 5246 (Word version) -- Reps. Wetmore, Brittain, M.M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Hartnett, Leber, Gilliard, Bustos, Pendarvis, Jefferson, Landing and Garvin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-612 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BLACK SKIMMER IS THE OFFICIAL SEABIRD OF THE STATE.

Message from the House

Columbia, S.C., May 9, 2024

Mr. President and Senators:

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

Received as information.

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. 3313 (Word version) -- Rep. Jordan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 30-5-10, RELATING TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DUTIES OF A REGISTER OF DEEDS, SO AS TO ADD FLORENCE COUNTY TO THE COUNTIES EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT THESE DUTIES BE PERFORMED BY THE CLERK OF COURT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 30-5-12, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR CERTAIN COUNTIES, SO AS TO ADD FLORENCE COUNTY TO THE COUNTIES WHERE THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE COUNTY APPOINTS THE REGISTER OF DEEDS.

AMENDED, HOUSE BILL RETURNED

H. 3734 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Cobb-Hunter and Felder: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-10, RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF MUNICIPAL PRIMARY, GENERAL, AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL SUCH MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS BE CONDUCTED USING THE VOTING SYSTEM APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-40, RELATING TO TERMS OF OFFICE OF MAYOR AND COUNCILMEN, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERMS OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEN COMMENCE THE MONDAY FOLLOWING CERTIFICATION OF THE ELECTION RESULTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-50, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF MUNICIPAL WARD LINES AND TIME FOR MUNICIPAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, REQUIRE THAT MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTIONS BE HELD ON ONE OF CERTAIN ENUMERATED DATES, PROHIBIT THE TERMS OF INCUMBENT COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM BEING EXTENDED WHEN A NEW TIME FOR MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTIONS IS ESTABLISHED, AND REQUIRE MUNICIPAL SPECIAL ELECTIONS SCHEDULED TO OCCUR WITHIN CERTAIN TIME FRAMES OF THE MUNICIPALITY'S GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD AT THE SAME TIME AS THE GENERAL ELECTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-100, RELATING TO FUNCTIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE TIME FRAME BY WHICH A MUNICIPAL ELECTION COMMISSION MUST MEET AND DECLARE THE RESULTS FOLLOWING AN ELECTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-120, RELATING TO VOTE COUNTING IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TIME WHEN NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS MAY BE QUALIFIED AND THEIR TERMS COMMENCE TO THE MONDAY AFTER CERTIFICATION OF THE ELECTION RESULTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-145, RELATING TO TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS TO COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSIONS TO CONDUCT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS FOR MUNICIPALITIES THAT ELECT TO TRANSFER AUTHORITY.

The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (SJ-3734.PB0031S), which was withdrawn:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 and inserting:
SECTION X. Chapter 15, Title 5 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Section 5-15-45. (A) Notwithstanding Section 5-15-40, if the unexpired four-year term of a mayor or member of council began following a general election held:

(1) in 2020, then the term expires on the date terms begin for newly elected officers in the municipality following the general election to be held on April 8, 2025, or November 4, 2025, as applicable;

(2) in 2021, or February 2022 due to a delayed October 2021 General Election, then the term expires on the date terms begin for newly elected officers in the municipality following the general election to be held on April 8, 2025, or November 4, 2025, as applicable;

(3) in 2022, other than a general election delayed from October 2021 until February 2022, then the term expires on the date terms begin for newly elected officers in the municipality following the general election to be held on April 6, 2027, or November 2, 2027, as applicable;

(4) in 2023, then the term expires on the date terms begin for newly elected officers in the municipality following the general election to be held on April 6, 2027, or November 2, 2027, as applicable; or

(5) in 2024, then the term expires on the date terms begin for newly elected officers in the municipality following the general election to be held on April 3, 2029, or November 6, 2029, as applicable.

(B) Notwithstanding Section 5-15-40, if the current unexpired two-year term of a mayor or member of council began following a general election held:

(1) in 2022 or 2023, then the term expires on the date terms begin for newly elected officers in the municipality following the general election to be held on April 8, 2025, or November 4, 2025, as applicable; or

(2) in 2024, then the term expires on the date terms begin for newly elected officers in the municipality following the general election to be held on April 6, 2027, or November 2, 2027, as applicable.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 2.A., by deleting A. and renaming SECTION 2 and striking Section 5-15-50(B), (C), and (D) and inserting:
(B) The time for general elections within a municipality must be established in odd-numbered years as follows:

(1) on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April; or

(2)on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

(C) If the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years is the time for general elections in a municipality on or after the effective date of this section, then the municipal governing body must not establish a different time for its general elections.

(D) If within ninety days of the effective date of this section, a municipal governing body fails to establish by ordinance a time for its general elections as provided in subsection (B), then the time for the general elections within that municipality is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in odd-numbered years.

Amend the bill further, by deleting SECTION 2.B.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 4, by striking Section 5-15-100(A) and inserting:
(A) The municipal election commission shall ~~be vested with the functions, powers and duties of Municipal Supervisors of Registration if no such supervisors have been appointed pursuant to Section 7-5-640, and shall also~~ have the functions, powers and duties of commissioners of election, as set forth in ~~Section~~ Section 7-5-10 and other provisions of Title 7. The municipal election commission shall ~~insure~~ensure proper books of registration are provided for each ward or precinct, shall prepare and distribute ballots and election materials, appoint managers of election for each polling place and otherwise supervise and conduct all municipal, special and general elections. The managers shall ~~certify~~ provide the unofficial results ~~of the election~~ to the commission within one day. ~~and~~ The commission shall ~~declare~~ certify the results not later than three days following the election.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 5, by striking Section 5-15-120(B) and (C) and inserting:
(B)Newly elected officers shall not be qualified until at least forty-eight hours after the closing of the polls and In the case a contest is finally filed the incumbents shall hold over until the contest is finally determined. A municipal governing body may by ordinance determine when the terms of its newly elected officers begin, provided the terms must begin no earlier than forty-eight hours after the certification of the election results and no later than eighty days after the day of the election. If a municipality does not have an ordinance determining when the terms of its newly elected officers begin, then the terms of the newly elected officers in the municipality begin at the first regular meeting of its council in the month following the election.

(C) A candidate who is declared elected by certification of the election results has the right to take the oath of office and to perform the duties of the office pending the outcome of an appeal unless a court of competent jurisdiction directs otherwise.

Amend the bill further, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:
SECTION X. Section 5-15-130 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 5-15-130. (A)~~Within forty-eight hours after the closing of the polls, any~~ A candidate may contest the result of the election ~~as reported by the managers~~ by filing a written notice of such contest together with a concise statement of the grounds therefor with the Municipal Election Commission not later than noon on the Monday following the certification of the results. If the deadline falls on a legal holiday, then the time for filing a written notice extends to noon on the next day that is not a legal holiday. ~~Within forty-eight hours after the filing of such notice, the~~ The Municipal Election Commission shall, after due notice to the parties concerned, conduct a hearing on the contest on the Thursday following the deadline for filing the contest,. The commission must decide the issues raised, file its report together with all recorded testimony and exhibits with the clerk of court of the county in which the municipality is situated, notify the parties concerned of the decisions made, and when the decision invalidates the election the council shall order a new election as to the parties concerned.

(B) Neither the mayor nor any member of council shall be eligible to pass on the issues arising in any contest in which he is a party.

SECTION X. Section 5-15-140 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 5-15-140. Within ten days after notice of the decision of the municipal election commission, any party aggrieved thereby may appeal from such decision to the court of common pleas. Notice of appeal shall be served on the opposing parties or their attorneys and filed in the office of the clerk of court within ten days. ~~The notice of appeal shall act as a stay of further proceedings pending the appeal.~~Appeals shall be granted first priority of consideration by the court.

Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 6 and SECTION 7 and inserting:
SECTION X. Section 5-15-145 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 5-15-145. (A) ~~Municipalities are~~A municipality is authorized to transfer authority for conducting municipal elections to the county board of voter registration and elections ~~commission~~. County boards of voter registration and elections ~~commissions are authorized to~~shall conduct municipal elections for municipalities that elect to transfer authority for conducting municipal elections pursuant to the provisions of this section.

(B) As a condition of the transfer of authority to conduct elections pursuant to this section, the governing bodies of the municipality and the county must agree to the terms of the transfer and enact ordinances embodying the terms of that agreement. The municipal ordinance must state what authority is being transferred and the county ordinance must accept the authority being transferred.

(C) When the total responsibility for the conduct of a municipal election is transferred to a county ~~election commission~~board of voter registration and elections, pursuant to the provisions of this section, the municipal election commission is abolished.

(D) If the municipality, by ordinance transfers a portion of the responsibilities for the conduct of a municipal election to a county ~~election commission~~board of voter registration and elections, the municipality shall not abolish the municipal election commission.

(E) A municipality which by ordinance transfers authority for conducting municipal elections to the county ~~election commission~~board of voter registration and elections under this section may by ordinance set the filing dates for municipal offices, and the date by which candidates must be certified to the appropriate authority to be placed on the ballot, to run concurrently with the filing dates set by law for countywide and less than countywide offices or other filing dates as may be mutually agreed upon between the municipality and the county ~~election commission~~board of voter registration and elections.

SECTION X. Section 7-3-20(D)(19) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(19) establish methods of auditing election results, which may include risk-limiting audits, hand-count audits, results verification through independent third-party vendors that specialize in election auditing, ballot reconciliation, or any other method deemed appropriate by the executive director. Election result audits must be conducted in all statewide elections after the election concludes, but prior to certification by the State Board of Canvassers, and may be performed following any other election held in the State at the discretion of the executive director. A hand-count audit must be conducted publicly. Once completed, audit reports must be published on the commission's website.

SECTION X. Section 7-13-1160 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 7-13-1160. Within twenty-four hours of the completion of the canvassing and counting of ballots, the persons in charge of each such election in each county shall notify the State Election Commission of the unofficial results of such election in each such county; provided, however, that failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall not invalidate the votes cast therein The unofficial election results returned by the managers to the county boards of voter registration and elections must be reported continuously and without undue delay in the manner prescribed by the State Election Commission.

SECTION X. Section 7-15-420(D) and (E) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(D) Beginning no earlier than 7:00 a.m. on election day, the absentee ballots may be tabulated, ~~including any absentee ballots received on election day before the polls are closed~~ and the tabulated data collected from those ballots and from the ballots cast during the early voting period may be loaded into the election management system. If any absentee ballot is challenged, the return-addressed envelope must not be opened, but must be put aside and the procedure set forth in Section 7-13-830 must be utilized; but the absentee voter must be given reasonable notice of the challenged ballot.

(E) Results of the early voting period and absentee ballot tabulation must not be publicly reported until after the polls are closed. An election official, election worker, candidate, or watcher who intentionally violates the prohibition contained in this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years.

SECTION 7. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor except that the revisions to Sections 5-15-45 and 5-15-50 take effect July 1, 2024.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

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

Senators CAMPSEN, McELVEEN and GUSTAFSON proposed the following amendment (SFGF-3734.BC0038S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Chapter 15, Title 5 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Section 5-15-45. (A) Notwithstanding Section 5-15-40, if the unexpired four-year term of a mayor or member of council began following a general election held:

(B) Notwithstanding Section 5-15-40, if the current unexpired two-year term of a mayor or member of council began following a general election held:

(C) The provisions of this section do not apply to a municipality whose general elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April in even-numbered years or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years as provided in Section 5-15-50(E).

SECTION 2. Section 5-15-50 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 5-15-50. (A) Each municipal governing body may by ordinance establish municipal ward lines and the time for general and special elections within the municipality in accordance with the provisions of this section. Public notice of the elections shall be given at least sixty days prior to such elections.

(B) The time for general elections within a municipality must be established in odd-numbered years as follows:

(1) on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April; or

(2) on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

(C) If the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years is the time for general elections within a municipality on or after the effective date of this section, then the municipal governing body must not establish a different time for its general elections.

(D) If within ninety days of the effective date of this section a municipal governing body fails to establish by ordinance a time for its general elections as provided in subsection (B), then the time for the general elections within that municipality is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in odd-numbered years unless subsection (E) applies.

(E) Notwithstanding another provision of this section, if the most recently held general elections within a municipality, as of the effective date of this section, were on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April in even-numbered years, or on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years, then the municipality may retain the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April in even-numbered years, or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years, as applicable, for the date for its general elections.

SECTION 3. Section 5-15-100 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 5-15-100. (A) The municipal election commission shall ~~be vested with the functions, powers and duties of Municipal Supervisors of Registration if no such supervisors have been appointed pursuant to Section 7-5-640, and shall also~~ have the functions, powers and duties of commissioners of election, as set forth in ~~Section~~ Section 7-5-10 and other provisions of Title 7. The municipal election commission shall ~~insure~~ensure proper books of registration are provided for each ward or precinct, shall prepare and distribute ballots and election materials, appoint managers of election for each polling place and otherwise supervise and conduct all municipal, special and general elections. The managers shall ~~certify~~ provide the unofficial results ~~of the election~~ to the commission within one day. ~~and the~~ The commission shall ~~declare~~certify the results not later than three days following the election.

(B) Nominees in a party primary or party convention and nominees by petition shall be certified to the municipal election commission within the time specified herein and when so certified, the commission shall place the names of such nominees upon the ballots.

SECTION 4. Section 5-15-120 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 5-15-120. (A) Immediately upon the closing of the polls at any municipal election, the managers shall count publicly the votes cast and make a statement of the whole number of votes cast in such election together with the number of votes cast for each candidate for mayor and councilman and transmit this information to the municipal election commission. In partisan elections the person securing the highest number of votes for mayor shall be declared elected and the councilmen shall be selected by the following methods:

~~(a)~~(1) When all councilmen are to be elected at large, the persons receiving the highest number of votes in number equal to the number to be chosen shall be declared elected.

~~(b)~~(2) When the councilmen are to be elected from each ward and are required to be residents of that ward, the person receiving the highest number of votes in that ward shall be declared elected.

~~(c)~~(3) When some councilmen are to be elected from each ward and required to be residents of that ward and the remainder of the councilmen to be elected at large, those persons receiving the highest number of votes in each ward shall be declared elected and those persons running at large who receive the highest number of votes in number equal to the number to be chosen at large shall be declared elected.

~~(d)~~(4) When all councilmen are to be elected at large, but required to reside in a particular ward, the person receiving the highest number of votes for the seat to be filled shall be declared elected.

~~(e)~~(5) When all councilmen are to be elected at large, but some are required to be residents of particular wards and other councilmen may not be so required, the person receiving the highest number of votes for the seat to be filled shall be declared elected.

(B) Newly elected officers shall not be qualified until at least forty-eight hours after the closing of the polls and in the case a contest is finally filed the incumbents shall hold over until the contest is finally determined.A municipal governing body may by ordinance determine when the terms of its newly elected officers begin, provided the terms must begin no earlier than forty-eight hours after the certification of the election results and no later than eighty days after the day of the election. If a municipality does not have an ordinance determining when the terms of its newly elected officers begin, then the terms of the newly elected officers in the municipality begin at the first regular meeting of its council in the month following the election.

SECTION 5. Section 5-15-130 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 5-15-130. (A) ~~Within forty-eight hours after the closing of the polls, any~~A candidate may contest the result of the election ~~as reported by the managers~~ by filing a written notice of such contest together with a concise statement of the grounds therefor with the Municipal Election Commission not later than noon on the Monday following the certification of the results. If the deadline falls on a legal holiday, then the time for filing a written notice extends to noon on the next day that is not a legal holiday. ~~Within forty-eight hours after the filing of such notice, the~~The Municipal Election Commission shall, after due notice to the parties concerned, conduct a hearing on the contest, on the Thursday following the deadline for filing the contest. The commission must decide the issues raised, file its report together with all recorded testimony and exhibits with the clerk of court of the county in which the municipality is situated, notify the parties concerned of the decisions made, and when the decision invalidates the election the council shall order a new election as to the parties concerned.

(B) Neither the mayor nor any member of council shall be eligible to pass on the issues arising in any contest in which he is a party.

SECTION 6. Section 5-15-140 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

SECTION 7. Section 5-15-145 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

SECTION 8. Section 7-3-20(D)(19) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

SECTION 9. Section 7-13-1160 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 7-13-1160. Within twenty-four hours of the completion of the canvassing and counting of ballots, the persons in charge of each such election in each county shall notify the State Election Commission of the unofficial results of such election in each such county; provided, however, that failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall not invalidate the votes cast thereinThe unofficial election results returned by the managers to the county boards of voter registration and elections must be reported continuously and without undue delay in the manner prescribed by the State Election Commission.

SECTION 10. Section 7-15-420 (D) and (E) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

SECTION 11. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor except that the revisions to Sections 5-15-45 and 5-15-50 take effect July 1, 2024.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senators YOUNG and CAMPSEN proposed the following amendment (SFGF-3734.BC0040S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 7-13-110 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 7-13-110. Each chairman and clerk appointed from among the managers of election for the various polling places must be a resident and registered elector of the respective county in which he is appointed to work or in an adjoining county. All managers of election who are not appointed to serve as chairmen or clerks for the various polling places in the State must be residents and registered electors of the State of South Carolina. Any person qualified to serve as a manager who requests to work in his resident county or an adjoining county must be given priority over qualified persons from other counties for appointment to work in the resident county or an adjoining county. Any ~~person~~citizen of this State and of the United States at least sixteen years of age who has completed the training required by Section 7-13-72 and who is not otherwise disqualified by law may be appointed as a poll manager's assistant by the appropriate county board of voter registration and elections. A sixteen- or seventeen-year-old appointed as a poll manager's assistant may not serve as chairman of the managers or clerk in the polling place to which he or she is appointed. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds must serve under supervision of the chairman of the managers of the polling place, and their specific duties must be prescribed by the county board of voter registration and elections. One sixteen- or seventeen-year-old assistant poll manager may be appointed for every two regular poll managers appointed to work in a precinct.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator YOUNG explained the amendment.

Senator MATTHEWS moved to lay the amendment on the table.

The Senate refused to table the amendment.

The question then was the adoption of the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator CAMPSEN proposed the following amendment (SFGF-3734.BC0042S), which was adopted: