Bill 4000

                    Current Status

Bill Number:                       4000
Type of Legislation:               Joint Resolution JR
Introducing Body:                  House
Introduced Date:                   19970410
Primary Sponsor:                   Govan
All Sponsors:                      Govan, Cave, Limehouse, Scott,
                                   Howard, Rhoad, Askins, Kennedy,
                                   Dantzler, Kelley, Lee,
                                   Young-Brickell, Jennings, Whipper,
                                   Seithel, Cobb-Hunter, J. Hines,
                                   Rodgers, Spearman, Cotty, Cromer,
                                   Breeland, Lloyd, Mason, Harrell,
                                   Inabinett, Parks, Bailey, Clyburn,
                                   Whatley, Hinson, Quinn, Knotts,
                                   Bowers, Riser, Mack and Stoddard
                                   
Drafted Document Number:           kgh\15099cm.97
Residing Body:                     House
Current Committee:                 Judiciary Committee 25 HJ
Subject:                           Lotteries, State; nonbinding
                                   statewide referendum, use of
                                   revenues; Gambling, Elections

Body    Date      Action Description                       Com     Leg Involved
______  ________  _______________________________________  _______ ____________
House   19970410  Introduced, read first time,             25 HJ
                  referred to Committee

TO PROVIDE FOR A STATEWIDE NONBINDING REFERENDUM ON NOVEMBER 4, 1997, TO ASCERTAIN THE WISHES OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE STATE AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY FAVOR A STATE-RUN LOTTERY WITH THE PROCEEDS GOING TO FUND PUBLIC EDUCATION AND TO PROVIDE COLLEGE TUITION GRANTS FOR STUDENTS WITH A "B" OR BETTER AVERAGE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. A statewide nonbinding referendum must be held on November 4, 1997, to ascertain the wishes of the qualified electors of this State as to whether or not there should be a statewide lottery for the purpose of raising funds for public education, including higher education tuition grants for students with a "B" or better average. The State Election Commission must place the question contained in Section 2 of this act on the referendum ballot. The state election laws shall apply to the referendum, mutatis mutandis. The State Board of Canvassers shall publish the results of the nonbinding referendum and certify them to the Secretary of State, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate.

SECTION 2. The question put before the qualified electors in the nonbinding referendum shall read:

"Do you favor a state-sponsored lottery with one-half of the net proceeds going to support public education in grades K-12 and one-half for college tuition grants for students with a 'B' or better average?

Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'No'."

SECTION 3. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.