Journal of the Senate
of the Second Session of the 111th General Assembly
of the State of South Carolina
being the Regular Session Beginning Tuesday, January 9, 1996

Page Finder Index

| Printed Page 2730, May 15 | Printed Page 2750, May 15 |

Printed Page 2740 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

The PRESIDENT overruled the Point of Order.

Senator ROSE continued speaking on the amendment.

Senator ROSE moved that the amendment be adopted.

Senator COURTNEY argued contra to the adoption of the amendment.

On motion of Senator ROSE, with unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.

Senator ROSE objected to further consideration of the Bill.

AMENDMENT PROPOSED, CARRIED OVER

H. 4434 -- Rep. Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2990, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF A PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REINSTATEMENT OF THE DRIVER'S LICENSE OF A PERSON WHOSE LICENSE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR A FIFTH OFFENSE.

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

Senator HOLLAND proposed the following amendment (JUD4434.003):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, page 1, beginning on line 35, in Section 56-5-2990, as contained in SECTION 1, by striking lines 35 and 36 in their entirety and inserting therein the following:

/contendere, or forfeiture of bail, two years for the third offense, three years for the fourth offense, and a permanent revocation of the/.

Amend title to conform.

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

CARRIED OVER

H. 4782 -- Rep. Easterday: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 37-5-203, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONSUMER PROTECTION CODE, DEBTORS' REMEDIES, AND CIVIL LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION OF DISCLOSURE PROVISIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THIS


Printed Page 2741 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

SUBSECTION SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPOSE CIVIL LIABILITY OR PENALTIES ON AN ARRANGER OF CREDIT WHEN DISCLOSURE CONSTITUTING A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL TRUTH IN LENDING ACT IS ACTUALLY COMMITTED BY ANOTHER PERSON AND THE ARRANGER OF THE CREDIT HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE VIOLATION WHEN IT OCCURRED, AND TO REQUIRE THE CREDITOR TO PROVIDE A COPY OF THE FINAL CLOSING DOCUMENTS TO THE ARRANGER OF CREDIT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-58-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF LAW ON THE REGISTRATION OF MORTGAGE LOAN BROKERS, SO AS TO DEFINE "REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS", "SATELLITE OFFICE", AND "TABLE-FUNDED TRANSACTION", AND TO MAKE CERTAIN CHANGES TO THE DEFINITION OF "EXEMPT PERSON OR ORGANIZATION"; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 40-58-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MORTGAGE LOAN BROKER MAY CONTRACT FOR AND RECEIVE A LOAN BROKER'S FEE AS SET FORTH IN THE BROKER'S FEE AGREEMENT WITH THE APPLICANT, AND PERMIT THE AGREEMENT TO INCLUDE A NONREFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 40-58-65, RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF MORTGAGE LOAN BROKERS, RECORDS, CONFIDENTIALITY, THE PHYSICAL PRESENCE OF A MORTGAGE BROKER IN THE STATE, AND OFFICIAL PLACE OF BUSINESS, SO AS TO PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT A REGISTERED MORTGAGE LOAN BROKER WITH AN OFFICIAL PLACE OF BUSINESS WITHIN SOUTH CAROLINA ALSO MAY MAINTAIN ONE OR MORE SATELLITE OFFICES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 40-58-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF MORTGAGE LOAN BROKERS, FIRST TIME REGISTRANTS' PROCESSING FEES, AND ANNUAL RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A BROKER SHALL PAY AN INITIAL FEE OF FIFTY DOLLARS WHEN REGISTERING EACH SATELLITE LOCATION AND THAT THERE SHALL BE NO RENEWAL FEE CHARGED A SATELLITE OFFICE, REQUIRE THE BROKER TO GIVE WRITTEN NOTICE OF TEN DAYS BEFORE THE OPENING OF A NEW, OFFICIAL BRANCH OR SATELLITE LOCATION, AND PROVIDE THAT NO FEE IS REQUIRED WHEN THE REGISTRANT GIVES NOTICE OF A CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR AN OFFICIAL BRANCH OR SATELLITE LOCATION; TO AMEND SECTION 37-10-102, AS
Printed Page 2742 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CONSUMER PROTECTION CODE, MISCELLANEOUS LOAN PROVISIONS, AND ATTORNEY'S FEES AND OTHER CHARGES ON MORTGAGE LOANS FOR PERSONAL, FAMILY, OR HOUSEHOLD PURPOSES, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS AND PROVIDE INSTEAD THAT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN SOUTH CAROLINA MUST BE INVOLVED IN THE CLOSING OF THE LOAN FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE TITLE INSURANCE MUST BE ISSUED THROUGH A TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY LICENSED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND MUST BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE LENDER; AND TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-201, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CONSUMER PROTECTION CODE, LOANS, MAXIMUM CHARGES, AND THE LOAN FINANCE CHARGE FOR CONSUMER LOANS OTHER THAN SUPERVISED LOANS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO A MORTGAGE LOAN BROKER AS DEFINED IN SECTION 40-58-20.

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

H. 4825 -- Rep. Boan: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-310, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TAX ON GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE LICENSE TAX IMPOSED BY THIS SECTION IS IN LIEU OF ALL SALES, USE, OR OTHER EXCISE TAX WHICH MAY OTHERWISE BE IMPOSED BY ANY MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OR OTHER LOCAL POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-720, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS AND PERFECTION OF THE EXEMPTION FOR IMPORTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE EXEMPTION FOR EXPORTS, RATHER THAN IMPORTS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-740, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS AND PERFECTION OF THE EXEMPTION FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND STATE-OWNED BUSES AND VEHICLES USED IN AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, SO AS TO CHANGE A STATUTORY REFERENCE REGARDING A VENDOR'S MAKING APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT PROVIDED FOR BY THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-795, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS AND INTEREST ON REFUND CLAIMS NOT ISSUED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF FILING, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION AND PROVIDE THAT INTEREST ON A CLAIM FOR A REFUND MUST BE PAID AT THE RATE AND IN THE MANNER


Printed Page 2743 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 12-54-25; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-905, RELATING TO THE TIME FOR PAYMENT OF THE MOTOR FUEL TAX ON GALLONS OF MOTOR FUEL IMPORTED FROM ANOTHER STATE, SO AS TO CHANGE CERTAIN STATUTORY REFERENCES WITHIN THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-915, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS, THE TAX COLLECTED AND REMITTED BY THE SUPPLIER, DUE DATE, AND LATE TAXES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SUPPLIER SHALL "GIVE NOTIFICATION OF", RATHER THAN "REMIT", LATE TAXES REMITTED TO THE SUPPLIER BY AN ELIGIBLE PURCHASER; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-925, RELATING TO THE COLLECTION OF MOTOR FUEL TAX FROM A PURCHASER AND THE ELECTION TO DEFER THE TAX PAYMENT, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN PROVISIONS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT FAILURE OF A SUPPLIER OR BONDED IMPORTER TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-935, RELATING TO RECISION OF A PURCHASER'S ELIGIBILITY AND ELECTION TO DEFER PAYMENT OF THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS, SO AS TO CHANGE A STATUTORY REFERENCE WITHIN THE CODE SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-940, RELATING TO COMPUTING THE AMOUNT OF THE MOTOR FUEL TAX DUE, SO AS TO CHANGE A STATUTORY REFERENCE WITHIN THIS SECTION, AND TO SUBSTITUTE "CREDIT" FOR "DEDUCTION" IN ONE INSTANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-970, RELATING TO THE IMPOSITION OF A BACKUP TAX EQUAL TO THE TAX IMPOSED BY SECTION 12-28-310, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE BACKUP TAX UPON THE DELIVERY IN THIS STATE INTO THE FUEL SUPPLY TANK OF A HIGHWAY VEHICLE OF "ALTERNATIVE FUELS"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1130, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS AND THE TANK WAGON OPERATOR-IMPORTER LICENSE AND FEE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT "OPERATORS OF TANK WAGONS DELIVERING PRODUCTS", RATHER THAN "OPERATORS OF TANK WAGON DELIVERY PRODUCT", INTO THIS STATE MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE MILES FROM THE BORDER SHALL APPLY FOR AN IMPORTER'S LICENSE UNDER SECTION 12-28-1125; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1135, RELATING TO THE FUEL VENDOR LICENSE AND FEE, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SUBSTITUTE "TRANSPORTER" FOR "CARRIER" IN ONE
Printed Page 2744 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

INSTANCE AND CHANGE A STATUTORY REFERENCE; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 12-28-1139 SO AS TO REQUIRE EACH PERSON LIABLE FOR THE TAX IMPOSED BY SECTIONS 12-28-970 AND 12-28-990(C) WHO IS NOT LICENSED UNDER SECTIONS 12-28-1100 THROUGH 12-28-1135 TO OBTAIN A MISCELLANEOUS FUEL TAX LICENSE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THERE IS NO REGISTRATION FEE FOR THIS LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1150, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS, FINGERPRINTING, AND EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO CHANGE A REFERENCE TO THE TITLE OF AN AGENCY HEAD; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1155, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE UNDER CHAPTER 28, TITLE 12, MUST BE FILED WITH A SURETY BOND OR CASH DEPOSIT, SO AS TO ADD LANGUAGE TO A PROVISION OF THIS SECTION TO THE EFFECT THAT FUEL VENDORS DEFINED IN SECTION 12-28-1135, OTHER THAN PERSONS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED UNDER PROVISIONS OTHER THAN IN THOSE SECTIONS, AND MISCELLANEOUS FUEL TAX LICENSEES DEFINED IN SECTION 12-28-1139, ARE EXEMPT FROM THE BONDING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1180, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS, NOTICE OF PROPOSED DENIAL OF APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE NOTICE OF SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE, AND CERTAIN HEARINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF A LICENSE FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH CHAPTER 28, TITLE 12, AFTER AT LEAST THIRTY DAYS' NOTICE, RATHER THAN TEN DAYS' NOTICE, TO THE LICENSEE AND A HEARING, IF REQUESTED, PURSUANT TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1300, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS, VERIFIED STATEMENT BY A SUPPLIER, AND REPORTING OF INFORMATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REPORTS REQUIRED BY ARTICLE 13 OF CHAPTER 28, TITLE 12, RATHER THAN BY SECTION 12-28-1300, MUST BE FILED WITH RESPECT TO INFORMATION FOR THE PRECEDING CALENDAR MONTH "ON OR BEFORE", RATHER THAN "BEFORE", THE TWENTY-SECOND DAY OF THE CURRENT MONTH, AND TO CHANGE A STATUTORY REFERENCE WITHIN THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1320, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT A LICENSED TANK IMPORTER MUST FILE A MONTHLY VERIFIED SWORN
Printed Page 2745 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS, SO AS TO REFER TO AND IMPOSE THE REQUIREMENT OF THIS SECTION UPON, A "LICENSED TANK WAGON OPERATOR IMPORTER", RATHER THAN A "LICENSED TANK IMPORTER"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1390, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS AND A FUEL VENDOR'S REPORTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE FUEL VENDOR'S ANNUAL REPORT MUST BE FILED BEFORE FEBRUARY TWENTY-EIGHTH, RATHER THAN "BEFORE JANUARY TWENTY-FIRST", ANNUALLY FOR THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 12-28-1395 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON LICENSED AS A MISCELLANEOUS FUEL TAX LICENSEE IN SOUTH CAROLINA SHALL FILE MONTHLY A SWORN STATEMENT ON PRESCRIBED FORMS AND FURNISH ANY INFORMATION CONSIDERED NECESSARY BY THE ADMINISTERING AGENCY FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF CHAPTER 28, TITLE 12; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-1505, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO SHIPPING DOCUMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE A CERTAIN REFERENCE TO "THE SECRETARY OF STATE" AND SUBSTITUTE "THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXATION OR ITS AGENT"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2110, RELATING TO SPECIALIZED COMPENSATING FUEL TAXES AND THE FUEL REPLACEMENT TAX, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DELETE CERTAIN LANGUAGE AND PROVISIONS, AND TO REQUIRE THE COLLECTION OF THE TAX IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 28, TITLE 12; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2360, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS AND REFUND OF THE INSPECTION FEE ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PROOF OF CLAIM BEING SUBMITTED WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 12-54-85, RATHER THAN WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THE DATE SHOWN ON THE DELIVERY MANIFEST; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2380, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR VEHICLES, THE PROVISION THAT MOTOR FUELS USED IN THE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE ARE TAXABLE, AND THE EXEMPTION FOR THE SELLER-USER OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL MOTOR FUELS PLACED INTO MOTOR VEHICLES FOR USE IN THEIR OPERATION OR FOR THE OPERATION OF THEIR PARTS OR ATTACHMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO THE "FEES", RATHER THAN THE "TAX", PROVIDED FOR IN
Printed Page 2746 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

ARTICLE 23 OF CHAPTER 28, TITLE 12, RATHER THAN "PROVIDED FOR IN CHAPTER 28, TITLE 12"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2520, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS, REPORTS AND BOND REQUIREMENTS, AND OIL COMPANY BOND EXEMPTION BASED ON STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT "A MOTOR FUEL LICENSEE", RATHER THAN "AN OIL COMPANY", MAY FURNISH A STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AND THAT IF IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE ADMINISTERING AGENCY, THE PROPERTY OWNED BY THE "MOTOR FUEL LICENSEE", RATHER THAN "THE OIL COMPANY", IS SUFFICIENT TO PROTECT THE STATE IN THE PAYMENT OF ALL "MOTOR FUEL TAXES", RATHER THAN "GASOLINE TAXES", DUE, A BOND IS NOT REQUIRED; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 12-28-2510, RELATING TO THE TAX ON MOTOR FUELS AND THE ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENT OF GALLONS SOLD THROUGH RETAIL OUTLETS.

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

H. 4834 -- Reps. Robinson, Herdklotz, Waldrop, Sandifer, Fulmer, Trotter, Marchbanks, Rice, Haskins and Harrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-2-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE METHOD OF SIGNING INCOME TAX RETURNS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-4-310, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXATION, SO AS TO REVISE A REFERENCE TO THE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENTAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SECTIONS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986 NOT ADOPTED IN THE DETERMINATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA TAXABLE INCOME, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXCLUSION OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO AN INNOCENT SPOUSE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-31-60, RELATING TO PENALTIES PROVIDED UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL FUEL TAX AGREEMENT, SO AS TO MAKE THESE PENALTIES APPLY IN LIEU OF OTHER PENALTIES AND INTEREST OTHERWISE REQUIRED; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-36-110, AS AMENDED, 12-36-120, AS AMENDED, 12-36-1710, AS AMENDED, 12-36-2110, AS AMENDED, AND 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SALES AND USE TAX ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "RETAIL SALE" AND


Printed Page 2747 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

"WHOLESALE SALE", CLARIFY A REFERENCE IN AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CASUAL EXCISE TAX, REQUIRE LEASES TO BE IN WRITING FOR PURPOSES OF OBTAINING THE THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS MAXIMUM SALES TAX ON CERTAIN ITEMS, CLARIFY THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR SUPPLIES REQUIRED BY DIABETICS, AND TO EXEMPT GOODS PROVIDED TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WHEN CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET; TO AMEND SECTION 12-39-260, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE COUNTY AUDITOR, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXATION TO APPROVE OTHER MEANS OF ACCOUNTING FOR AND REPORTING OF REAL ESTATE SALES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-35, RELATING TO THE INNOCENT SPOUSE RULE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THOSE INSTANCES WHEN THE RULE DOES NOT APPLY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PENALTY ON A RETURNED CHECK FOR TAXES, SO AS TO EXTEND THE PENALTY TO ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS AND CLARIFY THIS PENALTY AS AN ADDITION TO ALL OTHER PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO REVOKE LICENSES ISSUED TAXPAYERS FOR VIOLATIONS OR OMISSIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE NOTICE BY FIRST CLASS RATHER THAN CERTIFIED MAIL; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-210, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT TO MAINTAIN RECORDS FOR TAX PURPOSES, SO AS TO EXTEND THE REQUIREMENT TO LICENSES, FEES, AND SURCHARGES AND TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH MICROFILM RECORDS ARE ADEQUATE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-227, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO CONTRACT WITH PRIVATE PARTIES TO COLLECT TAXES, SO AS TO ALLOW THE NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS TO BE MADE BY FIRST CLASS RATHER THAN CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 12-6-5040, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO REQUIRE COPIES OF FEDERAL TAX RETURNS.

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

THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE INTERRUPTED DEBATE.


Printed Page 2748 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT AMENDED

AMENDED PROPOSED, DEBATE INTERRUPTED

H. 3624 -- Rep. Sharpe: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 48, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION, BY ADDING CHAPTER 57 SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT ACT OF 1995 SO AS TO DEFINE ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS AND AUDIT REPORTS AND TO CREATE A PRIVILEGE WITH REGARD TO CONTENTS OF THESE REPORTS AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill. The question being the adoption of Amendment No. P-3 (S-LCI\3624.002) proposed by Senators MOORE, J. VERNE SMITH and FORD and previously printed in the Journal of Tuesday, May 14, 1996.

Senator MOORE explained the amendment.

Senator MOORE moved that the amendment be adopted.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. P-4

Senators J. VERNE SMITH and MOORE proposed the following Amendment No. P-4 (S-LCI\3624.003), which was adopted:

Amend the Committee Report, as and if amended, SECTION 2, page [3624-2], by striking lines 7 through 18 and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

/(2) 'Environmental audit' means a voluntary, internal evaluation or review of one or more facilities or an activity at one or more facilities regulated under federal, state, regional, or local environmental law, or of compliance programs, or management systems related to the facility or activity if designed to identify and prevent noncompliance and to improve compliance with these laws. For the purposes of this act, an environmental audit does not include an environmental site assessment of a facility conducted solely in anticipation of the purchase, sale, or transfer of the business or facility. An environmental audit may be conducted by the owner or operator, the parent corporation of the owner or operator or by their officers or employees, or by independent contractors. An environmental audit must be a discrete activity with a specified beginning date and scheduled ending date reflecting the auditor's bona fide intended completion schedule./


Printed Page 2749 . . . . . Wednesday, May 15, 1996

Amend title to conform.

Senator MOORE explained the amendment.

Senator MOORE moved that the amendment be adopted.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. P-6

Senator ROSE proposed the following Amendment No. P-6 (3624R001.MTR), which was adopted:

Amend the committee report, as and if amended, page 3624-3, by adding the following new item after line 17:

/( ) information which is knowingly misrepresented or misstated or which is knowingly deleted or withheld from an environmental audit report, whether or not included in a subsequent environmental audit report. /.

Renumber items to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator MOORE explained the amendment.

Senator MOORE moved that the amendment be adopted.

The amendment was adopted.

Amendment No. P-9

Senator MOORE proposed the following Amendment No. P-9 (S-LCI\3624.007), which was adopted:

Amend the Committee Report of the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, as and if amended, Section 48-57-10, page [3624-2], immediately after line 3, by adding:

/(_) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any privilege granted by this chapter shall apply only to those communications, oral or written, pertaining to and made in connection with the self-audit and shall not apply to the facts relating to the violation itself./

Amend the report further, as and if amended, Section 48-57-30, page 3624-3, immediately after line 37, by adding:

/(D) In a criminal proceeding, any information in the audit report not otherwise available shall be made available to circuit solicitors and the Attorney General upon request but shall not be disclosed to the department, third parties, or their attorneys if the privilege otherwise applies. This disclosure does not waive a party's right to assert the privilege under Section 48-57-60. The privilege shall continue to apply


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