South Carolina General Assembly
111th Session, 1995-1996
Journal of the House of Representatives

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1996

Thursday, May 9, 1996
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 A.M.

Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark as follows:

Most merciful God, we bow in these moments of prayer in acknowledgment of Your sovereignty and to ask for Your blessings. Remain close to us throughout the duties of this day that we may weave in the tapestry of life the radiant qualities of Your divine nature. As the flowers of Springtime put on garments of gold and crimson and purple through their partnership with light, so may our lives become as the gardens of the Lord clothed with the bright blossoms of the nature of our God. With our hands in Yours, may others see our service and "glorify our Father in Heaven."

We pray in thanksgiving and praise to Your name. Amen.

Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. J. YOUNG moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Margaret Weeks Osteen of Sumter, which was agreed to.

RESIGNATION
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

The following was received.

May 8, 1996
The Honorable David Wilkins
Speaker of the House
508 Blatt Building
Columbia, S.C. 29211

Dear David:

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation of House Seat 108. This resignation is effective May 9, 1996.

I have enjoyed my years of service and will cherish the friendships that I have made. It has been an honor to serve under your leadership.

I wish you and all of the members of the General Assembly the very best!

With kindest regards, I remain

Sincerely,
PAULA THOMAS

Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., May 8, 1996
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators Drummond, J. Verne Smith and Courtney of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate on H. 4600:

H. 4600 -- GENERAL APPROPRIATION BILL
Very respectfully,
President

Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., May 8, 1996
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has appointed Senators Drummond, J. Verne Smith and Courtney of the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate on H. 4602:
H. 4602 -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995-96.
Very respectfully,
President

Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., May 8, 1996
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has overridden the veto by the Governor on R. 351, H. 4693 by a vote of 45 to 0.
(R351) H. 4693 -- Reps. Phillips and McCraw: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ERECT TRAFFIC SIGNALS ON SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 198 AT EXIT 102 ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 85.
Very respectfully,
President

Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., May 8, 1996
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Conference on S. 699:
S. 699 -- Senator Richter: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-51-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REDEMPTION OF REAL PROPERTY SOLD FOR DELINQUENT TAXES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE INTEREST RATE FROM EIGHT TO TWELVE PERCENT IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS OF THE REDEMPTION PERIOD FOR ALL REAL PROPERTY NOT ASSESSED AS OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.

The Report of the Committee of Conference having been adopted by both Houses ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and the Act enrolled for Ratification.

The Senate has ordered the Bill Enrolled for Ratification.

Very respectfully,
President

Received as information.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1409 -- Senator Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FAMILY OF MR. MOUBRAY BEATY, A PROMINENT ROCK HILL REALTOR AND DEVELOPER, UPON HIS DEATH.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1410 -- Senator Patterson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND ON ITS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FOR THE THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE BLIND AND SEVERELY VISUALLY IMPAIRED CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT STATE.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

S. 876 -- Senator Bryan: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 779 OF 1988, RELATING TO LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS 55 AND 56, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROVISIONS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT 56.

On motion of Rep. STODDARD, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 930 -- Senators McConnell, Passailaigue, Rose, Mescher and Washington: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 4-11-270 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE BY WHICH THE REGISTERED ELECTORS RESIDING IN A SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT WHOSE GOVERNING BODY IS CHOSEN BY THE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION OF A COUNTY AND THE GOVERNING BODY OF A MUNICIPALITY MAY DECIDE WHETHER THEY WISH THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE DISTRICT TO BE ELECTED BY THE ELECTORS LIVING IN THE DISTRICT OR APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE MUNICIPALITY IN WHICH THE DISTRICT IS LOCATED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE DISTRICT GOVERNING BODY IS ELECTED, THE PROCEDURE BY WHICH THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE DISTRICT MUST BE ELECTED, AND TO MAKE THE SECTION APPLICABLE ONLY TO DISTRICTS EXISTING BEFORE MARCH 7, 1973, WHICH DO NOT HAVE ELECTED GOVERNING BODIES WITH AUTHORITY TO LEVY TAXES.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1374 -- Senator Rose: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 24, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE PRISON SYSTEM, BY ADDING ARTICLE 13 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PRIVATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES ACT"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 24-3-30 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF PLACES OF CONFINEMENT OF PERSONS CONVICTED OF OFFENSES AGAINST THE STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AT THE EXPIRATION OR TERMINATION OF A CONTRACT TO HOUSE PRISONERS MADE WITH A NON-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY, ALL PRISONERS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS OR THE LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE ENTITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.

ROLL CALL

The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows.

Allison                Anderson               Baxley
Boan                   Breeland               Brown, H.
Brown, J.              Brown, T.              Carnell
Cato                   Cave                   Chamblee
Cooper                 Cotty                  Dantzler
Davenport              Delleney               Easterday
Felder                 Fleming                Gamble
Hallman                Harrell                Harris, J.
Harris, P.             Harrison               Haskins
Hines, J.              Hodges                 Howard
Hutson                 Jennings               Keegan
Kelley                 Kinon                  Kirsh
Klauber                Knotts                 Lee
Limbaugh               Littlejohn             Lloyd
Loftis                 Marchbanks             Mason
McCraw                 McElveen               McKay
McMahand               Meacham                Moody-Lawrence
Neal                   Neilson                Phillips
Rhoad                  Rice                   Riser
Sandifer               Scott                  Sharpe
Sheheen                Shissias               Simrill
Smith, D.              Smith, R.              Spearman
Stille                 Stoddard               Townsend
Trotter                Vaughn                 Waldrop
Walker                 Wells                  Whatley
Whipper, L.            White                  Wilder
Wilkins                Witherspoon            Wofford
Worley                 Wright                 Young
Young-Brickell

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Thursday, May 9.

Jennings G. McAbee                John W. Tucker, Jr.
William Clyburn                   Ronald C. Fulmer
George H. Bailey                  Alfred B. Robinson, Jr.
Bradley D. Cain                   Gilda Cobb-Hunter
Michael F. Jaskwhich              H.B. Limehouse III
Timothy C. Wilkes                 Douglas E. McTeer, Jr.
Dewitt Williams                   Timothy F. Rogers
Jackson S. Whipper                Steve P. Lanford
Daniel L. Tripp                   Curtis B. Inabinett
Alma W. Byrd                      Lynn Seithel
James L.M. Cromer, Jr.            C. Alex Harvin III
Jerry N. Govan, Jr.               Larry L. Koon
Total Present--109

LEAVES OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. RICHARDSON a leave of absence for the day.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. M. HINES a leave of absence for the day.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. KEYSERLING a leave of absence for the day due to a business meeting in Washington, D.C.

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Clarence E. Coker of Manning is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. FELDER, on behalf of the Calhoun Delegation, presented to the House the Calhoun Academy Lady Cavaliers Basketball Team, winners of the 1995-96 SCISA Region II-A State Championship, their coaches and other school officials.

S. 1195--CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED
CONFERENCE REPORT
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 8, 1996

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:
S. 1195 -- Education Committee: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-15 SO AS TO DEFINE THE MISSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND OF EACH TYPE OF PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-20, RELATING TO STUDIES OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A COORDINATED, EFFICIENT, AND RESPONSIVE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THIS STATE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION IN THIS REGARD; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-30 SO AS TO ESTABLISH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR ACADEMIC QUALITY IN THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE AND THE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS BY WHICH THESE SUCCESS FACTORS CAN BE MEASURED; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-35, RELATING TO THE SUBMISSION OF THE BUDGETS OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND THE APPROVAL AND REVIEW OF THE PROGRAMS OF THESE INSTITUTIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM'S ANNUAL BUDGET REQUEST IS DETERMINED AND REVISE THE COMMISSION'S RESPONSIBILITIES WITH REGARD TO AN INSTITUTION'S PROGRAMS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-45, RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR AND MEASUREMENT MECHANISMS OF THESE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, DIRECT THE COMMISSION TO BASE THE HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING FORMULA ON AN INSTITUTION'S ACHIEVEMENT OF THESE STANDARDS, PERMIT THE COMMISSION TO REDUCE, EXPAND, OR CONSOLIDATE ANY INSTITUTION INCLUDING THOSE WHICH DO NOT MEET THE STANDARDS OF ACHIEVEMENT, AND BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999, TO CLOSE SUCH INSTITUTIONS WHICH DO NOT MEET THESE STANDARDS, REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO REVIEW AND APPROVE EACH INSTITUTIONAL MISSION STATEMENT, AND ENSURE ACCESS AND EQUITY OPPORTUNITIES AT EACH INSTITUTION FOR ALL CITIZENS OF THIS STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-60, RELATING TO RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INSTITUTION'S REQUEST FOR NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAMS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION; BY ADDING SECTION 59-103-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH AN INSTITUTION SHALL BE CLOSED IF AN INSTITUTION BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999, IS CLOSED BY THE COMMISSION; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-110, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF NEW CONSTRUCTION AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH AN INSTITUTIONS' FACILITIES AND REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS AND AUTHORIZATIONS ARE APPROVED; TO AMEND CHAPTER 104 OF TITLE 59, RELATING TO INITIATIVES FOR RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, SO AS TO REVISE SUCH PROVISIONS TO INCORPORATE APPROPRIATE REFERENCES TO THE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS ABOVE-REFERENCED AND REFERENCES TO OTHER DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS CONFERRED ABOVE ON THE COMMISSION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-101-350, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY THE STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, SO AS TO REVISE THE CONTENTS OF THIS REPORT AND WHAT INSTITUTIONS MUST SUBMIT TO THE COMMISSION FOR PURPOSES OF PREPARING THE REPORT.
Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 59-103-15 of the 1976 Code as contained in SECTION 1 by striking /for nontraditional/ on line 1, page 4, and inserting /which enable/;

Amend further, as and if amended in Section 59-103-15 of the 1976 Code, by striking subitem (e), which begins on line 9, page 4, and inserting:

/(e)     continue to remain technical, vocational, or occupational colleges with a mission as stated in item (4) and primarily focused on technical education and the economic development of the State./
Amend further, as and if amended, in Section 59-103-30 of the 1976 Code as contained in SECTION 3, by striking /Qualify/ on line 11, page 5, and inserting /Quality/; by striking /goods/ on line 29, page 5, and inserting /goals/; by striking /Classroom/ on line 40, page 5, and inserting /Instructional/; by inserting after /technology,/ on line 7, page 6, /programs,/ and by adding subsections (C) and (D) to Section 59-103-30 of the 1976 Code to read:

/(C)     The commission, when using the critical success factors for the purpose of funding recommendations for institutions of higher learning, is required to use objective, measurable criteria.

(D)     Critical success factors developed and used for the purpose of funding recommendations shall be those which are directly related to the missions of the particular type of institution as outlined in Section 59-103-15(B) and not those factors which are not relevant to the success factors of the particular type of institution./

Amend further, as and if amended, by striking Section 59-103-35 of the 1976 Code as contained in SECTION 4 and inserting:

/Section 59-103-35.     All public institutions of higher learning shall submit summary budgets annual budget requests to the commission in the manner set forth in this section. The State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education shall submit a summary budget an annual budget request to the commission representing the total request requests of all area-wide technical and comprehensive educational institutions. The budget submitted by each institution and the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education must include all state funds, federal grants, tuition, and fees other than funds derived wholly from athletic or other student contests, from the activities of student organizations, from approved private practice plans, and from the operation of canteens and bookstores which may be retained by the institutions and be used as determined by the respective governing boards, subject to annual audit by the State. Fees established by the respective governing boards for programs, activities, and projects not covered by appropriations or other revenues may be retained and used by each institution as previously determined by the respective governing boards, subject to annual audit by the State. The budget request for the public higher education system shall be submitted by the commission to the Governor and appropriate standing committees of the General Assembly in conjunction with the preparation of the annual general appropriations act for the applicable year.

Supplemental appropriations requests from any public institution of higher education must be submitted first to the commission. If the commission does not concur in the requests, the affected institution may request a hearing on the requests before the appropriate committee of the General Assembly. The commission may appear at the hearing and present its own recommendations and findings to the same committee. The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to any capital improvement projects funded in whole or in part prior to July 30, 1996.

No new program may be undertaken by any public institution of higher education without the approval of the commission. The provisions of this chapter apply to all college parallel, transferable, and associate degree programs of technical and comprehensive education institutions. All other programs and offerings of technical and comprehensive education institutions are excluded from this chapter. The commission has the authority to recommend the termination of an existing program at any institution within the purview of this chapter. An appeal from this recommendation must be made by the governing board of an affected institution within sixty days to the Senate Education Committee and the House Education and Public Works Committee which shall hear the parties to the appeal. If both committees refuse to concur in the recommendation for termination, the program must not be terminated pursuant to the recommendation of the commission which is the subject of this appeal. A decision must be reached by the committees within one hundred twenty days from the date of the filing of the appeal./

Amend further, as and if amended, by striking item (5) of Section 59-103-45 of the 1976 Code, which begins on line 13, page 9, and inserting

/(5)     reduce, expand, or consolidate any institution of higher learning including those which do not meet the standards of achievement in regard to the performance indicators for quality academic success enumerated in Section 59-103-30, and beginning July 1, 1999, close any institution which does not meet the standards of achievement in regard to the performance indicators for quality academic success enumerated in Section 59-103-30. The process to be followed for the closure, reduction, expansion, or consolidation of an institution under this item (5) shall be as promulgated in regulations of the commission which shall be submitted to and approved by the General Assembly;/

Amend further by striking Section 59-103-60 of the 1976 Code as contained in SECTION 6 and inserting:

/Section 59-103-60.     The commission shall make such recommendations to the Governor's Office and the General Assembly as to policies, programs, curricula, facilities, administration, and financing of all state-supported institutions of higher learning as may be considered desirable. The House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the State Budget and Control Board may refer to the commission for investigation, study, and report any requests of institutions of higher learning for new or additional appropriations for operating and for other purposes and for the establishment of new or expanded programs./

Amend further, as and if amended, by striking Section 59-103-110 of the 1976 Code as contained in SECTION 8 and inserting:

/Section 59-103-110.     No public institution of higher learning shall be authorized to construct or purchase any new permanent facility at any location other than on a currently approved campus or on property immediately contiguous thereto unless such new location and or purchase of improved or unimproved real property such new facility has been approved by the commission. Provided, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to the Trident Technical College property in Berkeley County or the new Palmer College site in Charleston County or Francis Marion College in Florence County./

Amend further, as and if amended, in Section 59-104-20 of the 1976 Code as contained in SECTION 9 by striking, beginning on line 32, page 11, /, half to be provided by the post-secondary institution at which he is enrolled / and inserting / , half to be provided by the post-secondary institution at which he is enrolled/.

Amend further, as and if amended, by adding a new SECTION to be appropriately numbered to read:

/SECTION     ____.     Section 59-103-10 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 59-103-10.     There is created the State Commission on Higher Education. The commission shall consist of fourteen members appointed by the Governor. The membership must consist of one at-large member to serve as chairman, one representative from each of the six congressional districts, three members appointed from the State at-large, three representatives of the public colleges and universities, and one representative of the independent colleges and universities of South Carolina.

The membership of the Commission on Higher Education must be as follows:

(1)     Nine members, six to represent each of the congressional districts of this State appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a the majority of the Senators and a majority of the members of the House of Representatives comprising of the legislative delegation members from the district and three members appointed from the State at-large upon the advice and consent of the Senate. Each representative of a congressional district must be a resident of the congressional district they represent. In order to qualify for appointment, the representatives from the congressional districts and those appointed at large must have experience in at least one of the following areas: business, the education of future leaders and teachers, management, or policy. A member representing the congressional districts or appointed at large must not have been, during the succeeding five years, a member of a governing body of a public institution of higher learning in this State and must not be employed or have immediate family members employed by any of the public colleges and universities of this State. These members must be appointed for terms of four years and shall not serve on the commission for more than two consecutive terms. However, the initial term of office for a member appointed from an even-numbered congressional district shall be two years.

If the boundaries of the congressional districts are changed, members serving on the commission shall continue to serve until the expiration of their current terms, but successors to members whose terms expire must be appointed from the newly defined congressional districts. If a congressional district is added, the commission must be enlarged to include a representative from that district.

(2)     Three members to serve ex officio to represent the public colleges and universities appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. It shall not be a conflict of interest for any voting ex officio member to vote on matters pertaining to their individual college or university. One member must be serving on the board of trustees of one of the public senior research institutions, one member must be serving on the board of trustees of one of the four-year public institutions of higher learning, and one member must be a member of one of the local area technical education commissions or the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education to represent the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education. These members must be appointed to serve terms of two years with terms to rotate among the institutions.

(3)     One ex officio member to represent the independent colleges and universities by the Governor upon the advice and consent of the Senate. The individual appointed must be serving as a member of the Advisory Council of Private College Presidents. This member must be appointed for a term of two years and shall serve as a nonvoting member.

(4)     One at-large member to serve as chairman appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. This member must be appointed for a term of four years and may be reappointed for one additional term, however, he may serve only one term as chairman.

The Governor, by his appointments, shall assure that various economic interests and minority groups, especially women and blacks, are fairly represented on the commission and shall attempt to assure that the graduates of no one public or private college or technical college are dominant on the commission. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. All members of the commission shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualify." /

Amend further, as and if amended, by adding a new SECTION appropriately numbered to read:

/SECTION ____.     Section 59-145-10 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 145 of 1995, Part II, Section 95, is amended to read:

"Section 59-145-10.     (A)     The General Assembly finds that some students, both male and female, benefit from attending a single-gender college. For these students, the opportunity to attend a single-gender college is a valuable experience, likely to lead to better academic and professional achievements. The General Assembly therefore adopts the findings of fact in U.S. v. Commonwealth of Virginia, 44 F.3d 1229, 1232, 1238 (4th Cir. 1995) that "single-gender education at the college level is beneficial to both sexes." Further, in that single-gender education is both beneficial and justifiable, the General Assembly finds that providing opportunities for students to attend a single-gender college fulfills an important and legitimate state objective, and therefore declares and stipulates that it is the public policy of the State to support the establishment and maintenance of single-gender programs of higher learning for both sexes. Single-gender offerings to both men and women need not be identical in form and detail, but should be designed to produce substantively comparable outcomes.

(B)     The General Assembly shall annually provide such funding as may be necessary, under the auspices of the Commission on Higher Education, to establish and maintain approved single-gender offerings. , provided that the Commission shall not be authorized to require any change to a court approved single-gender education program which would hinder the program's ability to produce a substantively comparable outcome.

(C)     This section takes effect upon approval of this act by the Governor, but shall be void and of no effect if the United States Supreme Court issues a ruling which reverses the holding in U.S. v. Commonwealth of Virginia, 44 F.3d 1229, 1232, 1238 (4th Cir. 1995) This section takes effect July 1, 1996 and upon approval of a single-gender program by any court of competent jurisdiction."/

Amend further, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 11 and inserting:

/SECTION     11.     This act takes effect July 1, 1996./

Amend title to conform.

/s/Nikki G. Setzler               /s/David A. Wright
/s/McKinley Washington, Jr.       /s/Merita Ann Allison
/s/Holly A. Cork                  /s/Harry C. Stille
On Part of the Senate.                 On Part of the House.

Rep. WRIGHT explained the report.

The Conference Report was adopted and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. STODDARD a leave of absence for the remainder of the day.

RETURNED TO THE SENATE WITH AMENDMENTS

The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments.

S. 944 -- Senators Greg Smith and Rose: A BILL TO DEVOLVE THE AUTHORITY FOR APPOINTMENTS AND BUDGETARY APPROVALS FOR CERTAIN OFFICES, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS FROM THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION REPRESENTING GEORGETOWN COUNTY TO THE GOVERNING BODY OF GEORGETOWN COUNTY.

S. 1164 -- Judiciary Committee: A BILL TO AMEND PART I, ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 62, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INTESTATE SUCCESSION, BY ADDING SECTION 62-2-114, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE PARENTS, WHO ARE HEIRS OF A CHILD PURSUANT TO 62-2-103(2), ARE DIVORCED, SEPARATED, OR LIVING APART, UPON MOTION OF EITHER PARENT, THE PROBATE COURT MAY DENY OR LIMIT EITHER PARENT'S ENTITLEMENT FOR A SHARE OF THE PROCEEDS IF THE COURT DETERMINES, BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE, THAT THE PARENT HAS REFUSED TO REASONABLY SUPPORT THE DECEDENT AS DEFINED IN SECTION 20-7-40 AND HAS OTHERWISE NOT PROVIDED FOR THE NEEDS OF THE DECEDENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 42-9-140, RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION PAYMENTS WHEN A DECEASED EMPLOYEE LEAVES NO DEPENDENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION MAY DENY OR LIMIT PAYMENTS TO A PARENT WHO IS OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO RECOVER AMOUNTS PROVIDED FOR A DECEASED EMPLOYEE IF THE COMMISSION DETERMINES, BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE, THAT THE PARENT HAS REFUSED TO REASONABLY SUPPORT THE DECEDENT AS DEFINED IN SECTION 20-7-40 AND HAS OTHERWISE NOT PROVIDED FOR THE NEEDS OF THE DECEDENT.

S. 62 -- Senators McConnell, Rose, Ryberg, Rankin, Elliott, Courson, Wilson and O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 24-3-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONFINEMENT OF PRISONERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PRISONER WHO ESCAPES OR ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY MAY NOT SERVE HIS SENTENCE FOR THE ORIGINAL CONVICTION OR AN ADDITIONAL SENTENCE FOR THE ESCAPE OR ATTEMPTED ESCAPE IN A MINIMUM SECURITY FACILITY AND TO DELETE AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE.

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The following Bills were read the third time, passed and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title of each be changed to that of an Act, and that they be enrolled for ratification.

S. 1345 -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 54-7-100, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE HUNLEY COMMISSION IS EXEMPT FROM THE STRICTURES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE FOR PURPOSES OF THE HUNLEY PROJECT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE HUNLEY COMMISSION IS PROHIBITED FROM RELINQUISHING SOUTH CAROLINA'S CLAIM OF TITLE TO THE HUNLEY UNLESS PERPETUAL SITING OF THE SUBMARINE IN SOUTH CAROLINA IS ASSURED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN AN AGREEMENT.

S. 1395 -- Senator Courtney: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 5-5-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FORMS AND SELECTION OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MUNICIPALITY WHICH FAILED TO ADOPT ONE OF THE SPECIFIED FORMS OF GOVERNMENT WITHIN FIFTEEN MONTHS OF DECEMBER 31, 1977, IS CONSIDERED TO HAVE FORFEITED ITS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION UNTIL IT CERTIFIES THE ADOPTION OF ONE OF THE FORMS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THAT THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION MUST BE REINSTATED UPON THE CERTIFICATION OF THE ADOPTION.

S. 1176 -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 34, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS BY ADDING CHAPTER 26 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA CREDIT UNION ACT OF 1996", WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ORGANIZATION, OPERATION, AND SUPERVISION OF COOPERATIVE NONPROFIT THRIFT AND CREDIT ASSOCIATIONS KNOWN AS CREDIT UNIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR DUTIES, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 27 OF TITLE 34 RELATING TO COOPERATIVE CREDIT UNIONS.

S. 1305 -- Senators McConnell and Rose: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-1095 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PRIVATE INSURER LICENSED TO UNDERWRITE "ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE" MAY FILE AND USE CERTAIN RATES FOR THE COVERAGES DETAILED IN SECTION 38-75-310(1) AND THE PROCESS FOR FILING AND HAVING THE RATES APPROVED; AND BY ADDING SECTION 38-75-386 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LIABILITY OR A CAUSE OF ACTION MAY NOT ARISE AGAINST CERTAIN PERSONS FOR CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE TO OR INFORMATION PROVIDED TO AN INSURER TO FACILITATE THE UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE OR TO FACILITATE COMPETITION FOR THE UNDERWRITING OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE.

Rep. CATO explained the Bill.

S. 1197--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up.

S. 1197 -- Senators Drummond and Land: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-17-845 SO AS TO REQUIRE NONRESIDENTS OWNING OR OPERATING SHAD NETS IN THE SAVANNAH RIVER TO BE LICENSED AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING LICENSES, SO AS TO REVISE CURRENT LAW TO PROVIDE FOR A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF LICENSING FOR FRESHWATER FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE, TO PROVIDE FOR HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISBURSAL OF REVENUE FROM LICENSES AND PERMITS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-2200, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON HUNTING DEER ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LANDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 50-20-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM MARINE RECREATIONAL FISHING STAMP REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE EXEMPTIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 50-1-150 RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF HUNTING AND FISHING FINES, FORFEITURES, AND FEES, SECTION 50-1-170 RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF FINES COLLECTED IN BEAUFORT COUNTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF FISH AND GAME LAWS, SECTION 50-1-230 RELATING TO THE USE OF FUNDS COLLECTED IN THE SANTEE COOPER AREA, SECTION 50-11-2240 RELATING TO HUNTING DEER IN GAME MANAGEMENT AREAS IN GAME ZONE FIVE, AND SECTION 50-13-1140 RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION TO FISH FOR NONGAME FISH UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Reps. SHARPE and WITHERSPOON proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\amend\GJK\22832SD.96).

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 3 on page 33 and inserting:

/SECTION 3.     Section 50-20-60 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Section 1268, Act 181 of 1993, is amended to read:

"Section 50-20-60.     The following are exempt from purchasing the stamp:

(1)     fishermen using a hook and line from the shore or a shore-based structure;

(2)     fishermen fishing from a charter fishing vessel with a valid charter fishing permit or from a public fishing pier with a valid public fishing pier permit;

(3)     members of the United States Armed Forces who are residents of South Carolina stationed outside this State upon presentation of official furlough or leave papers;

(4)     persons exempted under Article 9 7, Chapter 9 of Title 50."/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. SHARPE explained the amendment.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. KNOTTS made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.

The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:

S. 1266 -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OPEN SEASON FOR ANTLERED DEER, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FROM PROVIDING A BREAK IN THE SEASON ON PRIVATE LANDS IN GAME ZONE 4.

Rep. SHARPE explained the Bill.

S. 1266--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. HODGES, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that S. 1266 be read the third time tomorrow.

H. 3300--FREE CONFERENCE POWERS GRANTED

Rep. MARTIN moved that the Committee of Conference on the following Bill be resolved into a Committee of Free Conference and briefly explained the Conference Committee's reasons for this request.

H. 3300 -- Reps. Limehouse, Fleming, Allison, G. Brown, J. Brown, Cain, Chamblee, Cotty, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Fair, Felder, Fulmer, Hallman, Harrell, Harrison, Haskins, Herdklotz, Hodges, Huff, Hutson, Kinon, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Limbaugh, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Marchbanks, Martin, Mason, McCraw, McElveen, McKay, McTeer, Phillips, Rice, Robinson, Sandifer, Sharpe, Shissias, D. Smith, Stoddard, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Wells, Whatley, Wilder, Wright, A. Young, Cobb-Hunter, Baxley, Kelley, Keyserling, Govan, Inabinett, H. Brown, Witherspoon, Simrill, Keegan, Townsend, Kennedy, Jaskwhich, Stuart, L. Whipper, Stille, Byrd, Meacham, Law, Riser, Dantzler, Richardson, J. Young, Seithel and Bailey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-3-400, 23-3-420, AND 23-3-440, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC NOTIFICATION WHEN A SEX OFFENDER RESIDES OR INTENDS TO RESIDE IN A COMMUNITY, AND REQUIRE THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE OFFENDER INTENDS TO RESIDE OR IS RESIDING TO RELEASE THIS INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 23-3-490 RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 93; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anderson               Baxley
Boan                   Breeland               Brown, G.
Brown, J.              Brown, T.              Byrd
Cato                   Cave                   Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cooper                 Cotty
Cromer                 Dantzler               Davenport
Delleney               Easterday              Felder
Fleming                Fulmer                 Gamble
Hallman                Harrell                Harris, J.
Haskins                Hines, J.              Hodges
Howard                 Hutson                 Inabinett
Jaskwhich              Jennings               Keegan
Kelley                 Kinon                  Kirsh
Klauber                Knotts                 Koon
Lanford                Lee                    Limehouse
Littlejohn             Lloyd                  Loftis
Marchbanks             Martin                 Mason
McCraw                 McKay                  McMahand
McTeer                 Meacham                Moody-Lawrence
Neal                   Neilson                Phillips
Quinn                  Rhoad                  Rice
Riser                  Robinson               Rogers
Sandifer               Seithel                Sharpe
Sheheen                Shissias               Simrill
Smith, R.              Spearman               Stille
Townsend               Tripp                  Vaughn
Waldrop                Walker                 Wells
Whatley                Whipper, L.            Whipper, S.
Wilder                 Wilkins                Williams
Witherspoon            Wofford                Worley
Wright                 Young                  Young-Brickell

Total--93

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

So, the motion to resolve the Committee of Conference into a Committee of Free Conference was agreed to.

The Committee of Conference was thereby resolved into a Committee of Free Conference, the SPEAKER appointed Reps. LIMEHOUSE, KNOTTS and MARTIN to the Committee of Free Conference and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

H. 3300--FREE CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED
FREE CONFERENCE REPORT
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 6, 1996

The COMMITTEE OF FREE CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:
H. 3300 -- Reps. Limehouse, Fleming, Allison, G. Brown, J. Brown, Cain, Chamblee, Cotty, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Fair, Felder, Fulmer, Hallman, Harrell, Harrison, Haskins, Herdklotz, Hodges, Huff, Hutson, Kinon, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Limbaugh, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Marchbanks, Martin, Mason, McCraw, McElveen, McKay, McTeer, Phillips, Rice, Robinson, Sandifer, Sharpe, Shissias, D. Smith, Stoddard, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Wells, Whatley, Wilder, Wright, A. Young, Cobb-Hunter, Baxley, Kelley, Keyserling, Govan, Inabinett, H. Brown, Witherspoon, Simrill, Keegan, Townsend, Kennedy, Jaskwhich, Stuart, L. Whipper, Stille, Byrd, Meacham, Law, Riser, Dantzler, Richardson, J. Young, Seithel and Bailey: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-3-400, 23-3-420, AND 23-3-440, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC NOTIFICATION WHEN A SEX OFFENDER RESIDES OR INTENDS TO RESIDE IN A COMMUNITY, AND REQUIRE THE SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE OFFENDER INTENDS TO RESIDE OR IS RESIDING TO RELEASE THIS INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 23-3-490 RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY.
Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:

That the same do pass with the following amendments:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting therein the following:

/SECTION     1.     Article 7, Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 497 of 1994, is amended to read:

"Article 7
Sex Offender Registry

Section 23-3-400.     The intent of this article is to promote the state's fundamental right to provide for public health, welfare, and safety of its citizens. Notwithstanding this legitimate state purpose, these provisions are not intended to violate the guaranteed constitutional rights of those who have violated our nation's laws.

The sex offender registry will provide law enforcement with the tools needed in investigating criminal offenses. Statistics show that sex offenders often pose a high risk of re-offending. Additionally, law enforcement's efforts to protect communities, conduct investigations, and apprehend offenders who commit sex offenses, are impaired by the lack of information about these convicted offenders who live within the law enforcement agency's jurisdiction.

Section 23-3-410.     The registry is under the direction of the chief of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and may be organized and structured in a manner as shall contain information the chief considers appropriate to ensure the availability of information regarding necessary to assist law enforcement in the location of persons convicted of certain offenses. SLED shall develop and operate the registry to collect, analyze, and maintain information, to make information available to every enforcement agency in this State and in other states, and to establish a security system to ensure that only authorized personnel persons may gain access to information gathered under this article.

Section 23-3-420.     The State Law Enforcement Division shall promulgate regulations prescribing:

(1)     procedures for accepting and disseminating information maintained;

(2)     the confidentiality of the data and information maintained in the registry;

(3)     the proper disposition of all obsolete data;

(4)     forms necessary for the efficient and proper operation of the registry to implement the provisions of this article.

Section 23-3-430.     (A)     Any person, regardless of age, residing in the State of South Carolina who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in this State, of an offense described below or who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in any comparable court in the United States, or who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in the United States federal courts, of the offenses described below or of a similar offenses in other jurisdictions offense, or who has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to an offense for which the person was required to register in the state where the conviction or plea occurred shall be required to register pursuant to the provisions of this Article article.

(B)     For purposes of this article, a person who remains in this State for a total of thirty days during a twelve-month period is a resident of this State.

(C)     For purposes of this article, a person convicted of any of these the following offenses shall be referred to as an offender.:

(1)     criminal sexual conduct in the first degree (Section 16-3-652);

(2)     criminal sexual conduct in the second degree (Section 16-3-653);

(3)     criminal sexual conduct in the third degree (Section 16-3-654);

(4)     criminal sexual conduct with minors, first degree (Section 16-3-655(1));

(5)     criminal sexual conduct with minors, second degree (Section 16-3-655(2) and (3));

(5)(6)     engaging a child for sexual performance (Section 16-3-810);

(6)(7)     producing, directing, or promoting sexual performance by a child (Section 16-3-820);

(7)(8)     criminal sexual conduct: assaults with intent to commit (Section 16-3-656);

(8)(9)     kidnapping (Section 16-3-910);

(9)(10)     incest (Section 16-15-20);

(10)(11)     buggery (Section 16-15-120);

(11)     indecent exposure (Section 16-15-130);

(12)     committing or attempting lewd act upon child under fourteen (Section 16-15-140);

(13)     eavesdropping or peeping (Section 16-17-470);

(14)     conspiracy to kidnap (Section 16-3-920);

(15)(14)     violations of Article 3, Chapter 15 of Title 16 involving a minor which violations are felonies.;

(16)(15)     indecent exposure if a person, regardless of age, has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in this State, or has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in a comparable court in the United States, or has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, pled guilty or nolo contendere in the United States federal courts of indecent exposure or of a similar offense in other jurisdictions and the court makes a specific finding on the record that based on the circumstances of the case the convicted person should register as a sex offender.

(D)     Upon conviction, adjudication of delinquency, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere of a person of an offense not listed in this article, the presiding judge may order as a condition of sentencing that the person be included in the sex offender registry if good cause is shown by the solicitor.

Section 23-3-440.     (1)     Prior to an offender's release from the Department of Corrections after completion of the term of imprisonment, or being placed on parole, the Department of Corrections or the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, as applicable, shall notify the sheriff of the county where the offender intends to reside and SLED that the offender is being released and has provided an address within the jurisdiction of the sheriff for that county. The Department of Corrections shall provide verbal and written notification to the offender that he must register with the sheriff of the county in which he intends to reside within twenty-four hours of his release. Further, the Department of Corrections shall obtain descriptive information of the offender, including a current photograph prior to release.

(2)     The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services shall notify SLED and the sheriff of the county where an offender is residing when the offender is sentenced to probation or is a new resident of the State who must be supervised by the department. The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services also shall provide verbal and written notification to the offender that he must register with the sheriff of the county in which he intends to reside. An offender who is sentenced to probation must register within ten days of sentencing. Further, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services shall obtain descriptive information of the offender, including a current photograph that is to be updated annually prior to expiration of the probation sentence.

(3)     The Department of Juvenile Justice shall notify SLED and the sheriff of the county where an offender is residing when the offender is released from a Department of Juvenile Justice facility or when the Department of Juvenile Justice is required to supervise the actions of the juvenile. The Department of Juvenile Justice must provide verbal and written notification to the juvenile and his parent, legal guardian, or custodian that the juvenile must register with the sheriff of the county in which the juvenile resides. The juvenile must register within twenty-four hours of his release or within ten days if he was not confined to a Department of Juvenile Justice's facility.

(4)     The Department of Corrections, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, and the Department of Juvenile Justice shall provide to SLED the initial registry information regarding the offender prior to his release from imprisonment or relief of supervision. This information shall be collected in the event the offender fails to register with his county sheriff.

Section 23-3-450.     The offender shall register with the sheriff of the county in which he resides. To register, the offender must provide information as prescribed by the SLED. The county sheriff shall then forward to SLED the registry information and any updated information regarding the offender. A copy of this information must be kept by the sheriff's department. The county sheriff shall ensure that all information required by SLED is secured and shall establish specific times of the day during which an offender may register. An offender shall not be considered to have registered until all information prescribed by SLED has been obtained.

Section 23-3-460.     Any person required to register under this article shall be required to register annually for a period of life. The offender shall register at the sheriff's department in the county where he resides.

If any person required to register under this article changes his address within the same county, that person must send written notice of the change of address to the county sheriff within ten days of establishing the new residence.

If any person required to register under this article changes his address into another county in South Carolina, the person must register with the county sheriff in the new county within ten days of establishing the new residence. The person must also provide written notice within ten days of the change of address in the previous county to the county sheriff with whom the person last registered.

If any person required to register under this article moves outside of South Carolina, the person must provide written notice within ten days of the change of address to a new state to the county sheriff with whom the person last registered.

If any Any person required to register under this article who moves to South Carolina from another state and is not under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Corrections, the State Department of Probation, and Parole, and Pardon Services, or the Department of Juvenile Justice at the time of moving to South Carolina, must register within sixty days of establishing residence, or re-establishing residence, if the person is a former South Carolina resident in this State.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Public Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, shall inform, in writing to, any new resident who applies for a drivers driver's license, a chauffeur's license, vehicle tag, or a state identification card of the obligation of those offenders to register.

Section 23-3-470.     (A)     It is the duty of the offender to contact the sheriff in order to register. The failure of If an offender fails to register as required by this article, is a felony and, upon conviction, the offender he must be: punished as provided in subsection (B).

(1)     fined one thousand dollars and sentenced to a mandatory ninety days in jail for a first or second offense. In no event does the court have the power to absolve a person who willfully violates this section; and

(2)     sentenced to a mandatory one year not to exceed five years imprisonment and may be fined one thousand dollars for a third or subsequent offense. In no event does the court have the power to absolve a person who willfully violates this section from the obligation of serving at least one year of imprisonment.

(B)(1)     A person convicted for a first offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be imprisoned for a mandatory period of ninety days, no part of which shall be suspended nor probation granted.

(2)     A person convicted for a second offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be imprisoned for a mandatory period of one year, no part of which shall be suspended nor probation granted.

(3)     A person convicted for a third or subsequent offense is guilty of a felony and must be imprisoned for a mandatory period of five years, three years of which shall not be suspended nor probation granted.

Section 23-3-475.     (A)     Anyone who knowingly and wilfully gives false information when registering as an offender pursuant to this article must be punished as provided in subsection (B).

(B)(1)     A person convicted for a first offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be imprisoned for a mandatory period of ninety days, no part of which shall be suspended nor probation granted.

(2)     A person convicted for a second offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be imprisoned for a mandatory period of one year, no part of which shall be suspended nor probation granted.

(3)     A person convicted for a third or subsequent offense is guilty of a felony and must be imprisoned for a mandatory period of five years, three years of which shall not be suspended nor probation granted.

Section 23-3-480.     (A)     An arrest on charges of failure to register, service of an information, or a complaint for failure to register, or arraignment on charges of failure to register, constitutes actual notice of the duty to register. A person charged with the crime of failure to register who asserts as a defense the lack of notice of the duty to register shall register immediately following actual notice through arrest, service, or arraignment. Failure to register after notice as required by this article constitutes grounds for filing another charge of failure to register. Registering following arrest, service, or arraignment on charges does not relieve the offender from the criminal penalty for failure to register before the filing of the original charge.

(B)     Section 23-3-470 shall not apply to a person convicted of an offense provided in Section 23-3-420 prior to July 1, 1994, and who was released from custody prior to July 1, 1994, unless the person has been served notice of the duty to register by the sheriff of the county in which the person resides. This person shall register within ten days of the notification of the duty to register.

Section 23-3-490.     (A)     Information collected for the offender registry is shall not be open to public inspection, upon request to the county sheriff by the public. A sheriff must release information regarding a specific person who is required to register under this article to a member of the public if the request is made in writing, stating the name of the person requesting the information, and the name or address of the person about whom the information is sought. The information must be disclosed only to the person making the request. The sheriff must provide the person making the request with the full name of the offender, any aliases, the date of birth, a current home address, the offense for which the offender was required to register pursuant to Section 23-3-430, and the date, city, and state of conviction. A photocopy of a current photograph must also be provided. The provisions of this article do not authorize SLED to release information to the public unless a request is made in writing stating the name of the person making the request and the name of the person about whom information is sought. SLED is only authorized to release to the public the name of the county in which the offender is registered. Otherwise, SLED is not authorized to release any information contained in the registry to anyone other than shall be made available only to law enforcement agencies, investigative agencies, and those agencies authorized by the court.

(B)     Nothing in subsection (A) prohibits a sheriff from disseminating information contained in that subsection regarding a specific person who is required to register under this article if the sheriff or another law enforcement officer is presented with facts giving rise to a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and has reason to believe the release of this information will deter the criminal activity.

(C)     For purposes of this article, information on a juvenile adjudicated delinquent in family court for an offense listed in Section 23-3-430 must not be made available to the public."

SECTION     2.     Section 16-3-655(3) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(3)     A person is guilty of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree if the actor engages in sexual battery with a victim who is at least fourteen years of age but who is less than sixteen years of age and the actor is in a position of familial, custodial, or official authority to coerce the victim to submit or is older more than four years older than the victim."

SECTION     3.     Section 16-3-655 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding at the end:

"(4)     A person is guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor, a misdemeanor, if the actor engages in a consensual sexual battery with a victim who is at least fourteen years of age but who is less than sixteen years of age and the actor is older than the victim but is not more than four years older than the victim nor is related to the victim. A person convicted of this offense must be imprisoned not more than three years."

SECTION     4.     If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.

SECTION     5.     This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./.

/s/Glenn F. McConnell             /s/L. Morgan Martin
/s/C. Tyrone Courtney             /s/John M. "Jake" Knotts, Jr.
/s/Luke E. Rankin                 /s/Harry B. "Chip" Limehouse III
On Part of the Senate.                 On Part of the House.

Rep. MARTIN explained the report.

The Free Conference Report was adopted and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

STATEMENT BY REP. WORLEY

Rep. WORLEY, with unanimous consent, made a statement relative to his not seeking re-election to the S.C. House of Representatives.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. LITTLEJOHN asked unanimous consent to recall S. 1032 from the Committee on Ways and Means.

Rep. H. BROWN objected.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. SHEHEEN asked unanimous consent to recall S. 1309 from the Committee on Ways and Means.

Rep. FULMER objected.

H. 4737--POINT OF ORDER

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

H. 4737 -- Reps. Chamblee, Lanford, Kirsh, Harrison, Wofford and Trotter: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-11-425 SO AS TO REQUIRE APPROVAL BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD FOR REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES, TO PROVIDE CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL, AND TO ESTABLISH THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COUNCIL TO ASSIST THE BOARD; TO ADD SECTION 59-7-70 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE TRANSFER OF TRANSMISSION AND RECEPTION EQUIPMENT PURCHASED BY SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION FOR SCHOOLS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS; TO ADD SECTION 59-7-80 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION COMMISSION MUST SATISFY TO COMPLY WITH SUNSET REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-7-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SCETV COMMISSION, SO AS TO FURTHER DELINEATE CRITERIA FOR MEMBERS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-7-20, RELATING TO ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF THE SCETV COMMISSION, SO AS TO REVISE THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE STRUCTURE, TO DIRECT THE SCETV COMMISSION, WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCETV COMMISSION IS REAUTHORIZED UNDER SECTION 1-20-60.

Rep. KIRSH explained the Senate amendments.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. SHEHEEN made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.

The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

H. 3915--POINT OF ORDER

The Senate amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration.

H. 3915 -- Education and Public Works Committee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, SO AS TO REVISE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE MEMBERS ARE SELECTED; TO ADD SECTION 59-103-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR THE TRANSFERABILITY OF UNDERGRADUATE COURSES BETWEEN TWO-YEAR AND FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS, COORDINATE WITH THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION THE APPROVAL OF CERTAIN SECONDARY EDUCATION COURSES, AND REVIEW UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR IN-STATE AND OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-60, RELATING TO RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION TO THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AS A RECIPIENT OF SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS AND DELETE THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND PROVIDE THAT THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE AND THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE AS WELL AS THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD MAY REFER TO THE COMMISSION CERTAIN REQUESTS OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-90 RELATING TO THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSION TO SERVE AT ITS PLEASURE WITH NO GRIEVANCE RIGHTS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE OTHER PROFESSIONAL STAFF COMPLEMENT OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE ESTABLISHED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RATHER THAN THE COMMISSION; AND TO CREATE A JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE GOVERNANCE, OPERATION, AND STRUCTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. FELDER made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since printed copies of the Bill have not been upon the desks of the members for one day.

The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate.

H. 4631 -- Reps. Wilkes, G. Brown, Bailey, Simrill, Meacham, J. Young, Fulmer, Sharpe, Shissias, Wofford, Young-Brickell, Limehouse, Wright, Davenport, Whatley, Cain, Tucker, Carnell, Hodges, R. Smith, Whatley, Breeland, Wilder, Stoddard, Richardson, Cromer, McMahand, Fulmer, L. Whipper, J. Brown, Scott, J. Hines, Knotts, Marchbanks, Neilson, Kennedy and Kinon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-910, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SERVICES ON WHICH THE SALES TAX APPLIES INCLUDING NON COIN-OPERATED LAUNDRY, DRY-CLEANING, DYEING, AND PRESSING SERVICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH SERVICES ARE EXEMPT FROM THE SALES TAX IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTION 12-36-2120; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE SALES TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE GROSS PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF NON COIN-OPERATED LAUNDRY, DRY-CLEANING, DYEING, AND PRESSING SERVICES BEGINNING JULY 1, 1997.

H. 4991--ADOPTED AND SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Resolution was taken up.

H. 4991 -- Reps. Cain and Cromer: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE TO DENY A PERMIT APPLICATION TO CONDUCT MINERAL PROSPECTING OPERATIONS ON PUBLIC LANDS IN THE UPPER CHAUGA RIVER WATERSHED.

Whereas, the City of Westminster and much of its surrounding rural areas in Oconee County obtain drinking water from the Chauga River; and

Whereas, the quality of the water supply is dependent upon the condition of public and private lands in the Chauga River watershed upstream of the collection point; and

Whereas, the water supply has been negatively impacted by upstream activities in the recent past; and

Whereas, the United States Forest Service is considering an application for a permit to conduct mineral prospecting in the Chauga River watershed; and

Whereas, it is very likely that mineral prospecting will lead to an application for a permit to operate a commercial mine on public lands in the upper Chauga River watershed; and

Whereas, the type of commercial activity which could occur is very likely to involve strip mining of large areas of the upper Chauga River watershed and the use of toxic materials to process the ore; and

Whereas, due to the steep terrain, erodable soils, and high rainfall, the probability of catastrophic failure of containment structures is very high; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly of South Carolina believe that such an endeavor would adversely affect the health and welfare of the people of Westminster and Oconee County, and consequently is not in the best interests of this State or our Nation. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, memorialize the United States Forest Service to deny a permit application to conduct mineral prospecting operations on public lands in the upper Chauga River watershed.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the United States Forest Service.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the Senate.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. TOWNSEND moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Rep. QUINN, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 4961 -- Reps. Keyserling, Richardson, White, Inabinett, McTeer and Lloyd: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DESIGNATE AND NAME A PORTION OF HIGHWAY 17 IN BEAUFORT AND COLLETON COUNTIES THE "W. BRANTLEY HARVEY HIGHWAY" FOR FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR W. BRANTLEY HARVEY, JR., AND HIS LATE FATHER, SENATOR WILLIAM BRANTLEY HARVEY, SR., AND FURTHER REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT TO INSTALL APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

H. 4112 -- Reps. Hutson, Chamblee, Limehouse, Stoddard, Wright, Seithel, Cromer, Thomas, Quinn, Witherspoon, Stille, Shissias, Wofford, Hallman, Riser, Harrell, Cato, Haskins, Fulmer, Dantzler, Vaughn, Fleming, Knotts, H. Brown and J. Harris: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-1350, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TABULATION, ANALYSIS, AND PUBLICATION OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION REGARDING ACCIDENT REPORTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO COMPILE THIS INFORMATION FOR EACH ONE HUNDRED METER STRETCH OF HIGHWAY WHERE TWO OR MORE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO USE THIS INFORMATION TO DEVELOP, IMPLEMENT, AND SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AN ANNUAL PLAN TO IMPROVE SAFETY CONDITIONS ALONG THESE SEGMENTS OF HIGHWAY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, on:

S. 1071 -- Senators Leventis, Fair, Thomas, Martin and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-29-80, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REQUIRED COURSES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE STATE, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE WHEREBY CERTAIN STUDENTS MAY BE EXEMPTED FROM THOSE REQUIREMENTS BY THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. TOWNSEND, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

S. 1162 -- Senator Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-2320, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF DEALER LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DEALER LICENSE PLATE IS ALLOWED ON A MOTOR VEHICLE WHICH THE DEALER LENDS TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PERSONNEL PURSUANT TO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY BY WHICH SUCH PERSONNEL IS EMPLOYED.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5007 -- Rep. R. Smith: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE REDCLIFFE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF AIKEN UPON ITS RECEIPT OF A 1996 ELIZABETH O'NEILL VERNER AWARD FOR ARTS IN EDUCATION.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

INTRODUCTION OF BILL

The following Bill was introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committee:

H. 5008 -- Rep. Jaskwhich: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41-25-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS USED IN THE PRIVATE PERSONNEL PLACEMENT SERVICES ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "PRIVATE PERSONNEL PLACEMENT SERVICE" TO INCLUDE PERMANENT, CONTRACT AND TEMPORARY PLACEMENT SERVICES, AND DELETE THE EXCLUSION FOR AN ELEEMOSYNARY ORGANIZATION AND TEMPORARY HELP SERVICES.

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE IN CHAIR
SPECIAL PRESENTATION

The SPEAKER presented the "Order of the Palmetto" to Rep. HARRISON, who will be leaving Friday on assignment in Bosnia with the Army National Guard.

On motion of Rep. McABEE, with unanimous consent, Rep. HARRISON's remarks were ordered printed in the Journal as follows:

STATEMENT BY REP. HARRISON

I would like to express my appreciation to the members and staff of the Judiciary Committee for their hard work and support during the past two years. There is one other person I would like to recognize before departing - "Mr. Pat" Harris. It has been my honor to serve with "Mr. Pat" during my career in the House. "Mr. Pat" is a true gentleman and has truly devoted his legislative career to doing what is best for his constituents and for all of the citizens of South Carolina. We are all better persons because of our service with "Mr. Pat" and he will truly be missed in this body. Since I will not be here on his final day in the House, I urge you all to give him the farewell he richly deserves and now wish him the best as he concludes his distinguished service to South Carolina.

SPEAKER IN CHAIR

Rep. HARRISON moved that the House do now adjourn, which was adopted.

MOTION NOTED

Rep. KNOTTS moved to reconsider the vote whereby S. 1345 was given a third reading and the motion was noted.

RETURNED WITH CONCURRENCE

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 4635 -- Reps. Gamble, Mason, Stoddard, Carnell, Neal, G. Brown, Howard, Sandifer, Kennedy, Walker, Bailey, Whatley, Hutson, Stuart, Simrill, Shissias, Lloyd, Byrd, Herdklotz, Thomas, J. Young, Keegan, Stille, Rhoad, Lee, McCraw, Rice, Robinson, Harvin, Cain, Davenport and Chamblee: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS OF LAW WHICH WILL RESTRAIN THE AMOUNT OF VIOLENCE, DRUGS, SEX, AND INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE AND BEHAVIOR ON TELEVISION WHICH REASONABLY CAN BE EXPECTED TO BE SEEN BY CHILDREN.

H. 5007 -- Rep. R. Smith: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE REDCLIFFE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF AIKEN UPON ITS RECEIPT OF A 1996 ELIZABETH O'NEILL VERNER AWARD FOR ARTS IN EDUCATION.

ADJOURNMENT

At 11:12 A.M. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. J. YOUNG adjourned in memory of Margaret Weeks Osteen of Sumter, to meet at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow.

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