South Carolina General Assembly
115th Session, 2003-2004
Journal of the House of Representatives


Printed Page 4077 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Thursday, May 29, 2003
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr. as follows:

Our thought for today is from Psalm 129:17: "How precious to me are Your thoughts O God."
Let us pray. Almighty God, hear us as we pray for wisdom, vision, and courage to prevail in the lives of these people as they make decisions for the people of this State. We give thanks for the life of Bob Hope on his 100th birthday and for his many contributions to our Nation in entertaining millions of people, especially for his ministry to our Armed Forces. Keep him and his family in Your love and care. Bless our President, Governor, and all leaders. Make them decisive in all their deliberations that Your will may be done. Bless our defenders of freedom and keep them safe in Your hands. These and all things we ask in 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. BAILEY moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Mrs. Dorothy "Dot" Garrett of St. George, which was agreed to.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

S. 549 (Word version) -- Senators Land, Martin, J. V. Smith, Hawkins and McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-7-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SECOND


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INJURY FUND, SO AS TO PROHIBIT REIMBURSEMENTS TO EMPLOYERS OR CARRIERS WHICH HAVE DEFAULTED ON THEIR CURRENT ASSESSMENTS UNTIL THE ASSESSMENTS ARE PAID IN FULL; TO AMEND SECTION 42-9-400, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MANNER IN WHICH AN EMPLOYER OR INSURANCE CARRIER SHALL BE REIMBURSED FROM THE SECOND INJURY FUND WHEN DISABILITY RESULTS FROM PREEXISTING IMPAIRMENT AND SUBSEQUENT INJURY, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR WHAT AN EMPLOYER MUST ESTABLISH IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 42-9-410, RELATING TO REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE SECOND INJURY FUND FOR AN EMPLOYEE WHO BECOMES TOTALLY AND PERMANENTLY DISABLED IN A SUBSEQUENT INJURY, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR WHAT AN EMPLOYER MUST ESTABLISH IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THESE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FROM THE SECOND INJURY FUND.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4322 (Word version) -- Reps. Bowers, Lloyd, R. Brown and McLeod: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON LEARNING OF THE DEATH OF FORMER STATE SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVE JAMES PERSHING "PREACHER" HARRELSON, OF GREEN POND IN COLLETON COUNTY, AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly were deeply saddened upon learning of the death of former State Senator and Representative James Pershing "Preacher" Harrelson, of Green Pond in Colleton County, who died on April 30, 2003, at the age of eighty-three; and

Whereas, former Senator Harrelson was born on June 28, 1919, in Marion County near Mullins, and was the son of the late Carson A.


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Harrelson and Bertha M. Harrelson, formerly of Saint Augustine, Florida; and

Whereas, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and was ordained to the ministry at the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, North Carolina; and

Whereas, he began his ministry in Florence County, and later moved to Walterboro, served as Minister at Cottageville Baptist Church, Black Creek Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at Canadys, and Bethlehem Baptist Church at Round O, and he also served on the Board of Trustees of the Baptist General Board of South Carolina from 1948-1953; and

Whereas, on June 11, 1952, former Senator Harrelson was admitted to the South Carolina Bar and began practicing law in Walterboro, where he remained until the 1990s; and

Whereas, in 1956, he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, and served four terms, and in 1962, he was elected to the South Carolina Senate and served four terms as a State Senator. He was National Committeeman for the South Carolina Young Democrats, from 1948-1953; he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1964, 1968, and 1972; and he served as Colleton County Democratic Chairman for many years; and

Whereas, former Senator Harrelson was committed to the County of Colleton, the State of South Carolina, and the United States of America, and was a disabled veteran of the U. S. Army Air Corps, having served in World War II; and

Whereas, he was the first exalted ruler of the Walterboro Elks #1988, a Mason, a Shriner, a member of the Woodmen of the World, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and served as a Commissioner on the South Carolina Wildlife Commission; and

Whereas, on June 24, 2001, former Senator Harrelson was presented The Order of the Palmetto, which is the highest civilian honor in this State; and


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Whereas, he is survived by his wife of sixty years, Hazel Richardson Harrelson, of Green Pond; his daughter, Janice H. Alexander, of Walterboro; his son, James P. Harrelson, Jr., of Beaufort; his granddaughters, Amy Alexander Leprette, of Charleston, Michelle Alexander, Catherine A. Fanchette, Ashleigh A. Cook, Natalie A. Driggers, all of Walterboro; his grandson, James P. "Trey" Harrelson III, of Beaufort; and his great-grandchildren, Christian J. S. Leprette, James L. Leprette, Schuyler R. Alexander-Still, David N. Fanchette, Chase A. Fanchette, Luke T. Driggers, Remme A. Driggers, and Skyler Driggers. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon learning of the death of former Senator James Pershing "Preacher" Harrelson, of Green Pond in Colleton County, and extend deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to his widow, Hazel Richardson Harrelson, of Green Pond; his daughter, Janice H. Alexander, of Walterboro; and his son, James P. Harrelson, Jr., of Beaufort.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bill and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4323 (Word version) -- Rep. Martin: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO NAME THE NEW BRIDGE THAT IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN CHARLESTON COUNTY THAT WILL REPLACE THE JOHN P. GRACE BRIDGE AND THE SILAS N. PEARMAN BRIDGE AS THE "CHARLESTON BRIDGE" AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG THE BRIDGE CONTAINING THE WORDS "CHARLESTON BRIDGE"; AND TO REPEAL ACT 215 OF 1999 WHICH NAMES THE BRIDGE TO BE


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BUILT TO REPLACE THE JOHN P. GRACE BRIDGE AND THE SILAS N. PEARMAN BRIDGE IN CHARLESTON COUNTY AS THE "ARTHUR RAVENEL, JR. BRIDGE".
Rep. MARTIN asked unanimous consent to have the Joint Resolution placed on the Calendar without reference.
Rep. ALTMAN objected.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 4324 (Word version) -- Rep. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 57-23-810 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PORTION OF ROADSIDE VEGETATION OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 85 IN ANDERSON AND OCONEE COUNTIES MAY BE MOWED BEYOND THIRTY FEET FROM THE PAVEMENT.
On motion of Rep. MARTIN, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

ROLL CALL

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

Allen                  Altman                 Anthony
Bailey                 Bales                  Barfield
Battle                 Bingham                Bowers
Branham                Breeland               G. Brown
J. Brown               R. Brown               Ceips
Chellis                Clark                  Clemmons
Clyburn                Coates                 Cobb-Hunter
Coleman                Cooper                 Dantzler
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Emory                  Freeman                Frye
Gilham                 Gourdine               Govan
Hagood                 Hamilton               Haskins
Hayes                  Herbkersman            J. Hines
Hinson                 Hosey                  Howard
Keegan                 Koon                   Leach
Littlejohn             Lloyd                  Loftis
Lourie                 Lucas                  Mack
Mahaffey               Martin                 McCraw
McGee                  McLeod                 Merrill
Miller                 Moody-Lawrence         J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Ott

Printed Page 4082 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Owens                  Parks                  Perry
Phillips               Pinson                 E. H. Pitts
M. A. Pitts            Richardson             Sandifer
Scarborough            Scott                  Sheheen
Simrill                Skelton                D. C. Smith
G. M. Smith            J. E. Smith            Snow
Stewart                Stille                 Talley
Taylor                 Thompson               Toole
Townsend               Tripp                  Trotter
Umphlett               Vaughn                 Viers
Walker                 Weeks                  Whipper
White                  Whitmire               Wilkins
Witherspoon            Young

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Thursday, May 29.

Roland Smith                      Garry R. Smith
Doug Smith                        Douglas Jennings
James Harrison                    Chip Huggins
Ralph Davenport                   H.B. "Chip" Limehouse
Herb Kirsh                        Brenda Lee
Rex Rice                          Todd Rutherford
Thayer Rivers                     Richard Quinn
Robert Harrell                    Alex Harvin
Bill Cotty                        Phil Sinclair

Total Present--119

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. CATO a leave of absence to attend his son's graduation.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. J. R. SMITH a temporary leave of absence.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. G. R. SMITH a temporary leave of absence.


Printed Page 4083 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

Rep. HARVIN signed a statement with the Clerk that he came in after the roll call of the House and was present for the Session on Wednesday, May 28.

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Robert Brian Huff of Columbia is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. J. BROWN presented to the House Dr. Steve Aaron Wilson, Secondary Principal of the Year for South Carolina.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. BAILEY presented to the House the Andrew Jackson Academy Lady Confederates Softball Team, the 2003 South Carolina Independent School Class A Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED AND REMOVED

In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2   Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. After a bill or resolution has been presented and given first reading, no further names of co-sponsors may be added. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."


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CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3819 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
05/29/03   SIMRILL

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3819 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
05/29/03   GILHAM

CO-SPONSOR REMOVED

Bill Number:   H. 3612 (Word version)
Date:   REMOVE:
05/29/03   HERBKERSMAN

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bills were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:

H. 3370 (Word version) -- Reps. J. M. Neal and Emory: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF LANCASTER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE DISTRICT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO THE LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 4285 (Word version) -- Reps. Battle and M. Hines: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF MARION COUNTY MUST BE SET BY THE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 4292 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF SCHOOL


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DISTRICTS 1, 2, AND 3 OF DILLON COUNTY MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF EACH RESPECTIVE DISTRICT IN THEIR SOLE DISCRETION PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 3403 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, Coleman and McCraw: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF CHESTER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OR GOVERNING BODY OF THAT DISTRICT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 3443 (Word version) -- Reps. Freeman, Lucas, Jennings and Neilson: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE DISTRICT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 3385 (Word version) -- Reps. Sheheen and Cotty: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF THE KERSHAW COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE DISTRICT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 3254 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Weeks and Coates: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF SUMTER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS 2 AND 17 MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF


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EACH RESPECTIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THEIR SOLE DISCRETION PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 3470 (Word version) -- Rep. Frye: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF SALUDA SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE DISTRICT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 4280 (Word version) -- Reps. Edge and Clemmons: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-320, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN HORRY COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS IN HORRY COUNTY AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICAL SERVICES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

H. 4281 (Word version) -- Rep. Walker: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 10-1-161, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO WHEN THE FLAGS ATOP THE STATE CAPITOL BUILDING SHALL BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE FLAGS SHALL BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF ON THE DAY WHEN FUNERAL SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED FOR MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY SERVICES WHO WERE RESIDENTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY WHILE IN COMBAT.

H. 4286 (Word version) -- Rep. Walker: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-490, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY,


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DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICAL SERVICES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND PROVIDE THAT THE POLLING PLACES FOR THESE PRECINCTS MUST BE DETERMINED BY THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION WITH THE APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION.

H. 3734 (Word version) -- Rep. Cooper: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 48-20-240, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF FEES AND CIVIL PENALTIES COLLECTED PURSUANT TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA MINING ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY INCREASE IN FEE REVENUE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE FEE STRUCTURE IMPOSED JULY 1, 2003, MUST BE APPROPRIATED FOR THE BUDGET OF THE MINING AND RECLAMATION PROGRAM IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SPECIFICALLY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR THE PROGRAM AND TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING ASSISTANCE TO THE MINING INDUSTRY IN THIS STATE.

H. 4028 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty and McGee: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 43-26-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO BUILDINGS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RULES OF OPERATION OF VENDING FACILITIES BY THE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND, SO AS TO EXCLUDE THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

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

H. 3515 (Word version) -- Rep. Anthony: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF UNION COUNTY MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE DISTRICT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM


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MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 3465 (Word version) -- Reps. Pinson, Parks, M. A. Pitts, Duncan, Taylor and Anthony: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS NO. 50 AND 52 IN GREENWOOD COUNTY, SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 IN GREENWOOD AND LAURENS COUNTIES, AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS NO. 55 AND 56 IN LAURENS COUNTY MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE DISTRICTS IN THEIR SOLE DISCRETION, PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 3523 (Word version) -- Rep. Whitmire: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF OCONEE COUNTY MUST BE SET BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE DISTRICT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 4317 (Word version) -- Rep. Jennings: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH SCHOOL YEAR 2003-2004, THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARLBORO COUNTY MUST BE SET BY THE MARLBORO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION PROVIDED THAT THE ANNUAL SCHOOL TERM MUST COMPLY WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 59-1-420 RELATING TO LENGTH OF THE SCHOOL TERM.

H. 4166 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Bowers and McLeod: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 33-10-110 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A CORPORATION, BY AMENDMENT OF ITS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, TO CONVERT TO A NONPROFIT PUBLIC


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BENEFIT CORPORATION OR A NONPROFIT MUTUAL BENEFIT CORPORATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CONVERSION, THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AMENDMENTS TO THE ARTICLES, AND THE VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR ANY SHAREHOLDERS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 33-31-401, RELATING TO THE NAME OF A NONPROFIT CORPORATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CORPORATION THAT CONVERTS TO NONPROFIT MAY CONTINUE TO USE ITS ORIGINAL NAME.

Rep. MCLEOD explained the Bill.

S. 305 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman and Drummond: A BILL TO RATIFY AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 11, ARTICLE X OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO PROHIBITIONS ON THE STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS PLEDGING THEIR CREDIT TO PRIVATE INTERESTS AND THE PROHIBITION ON THE STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS HAVING A JOINT OWNER OR STOCKHOLDER IN A COMPANY, ASSOCIATION, OR CORPORATION AND THE EXCEPTIONS TO THESE PROHIBITIONS, SO AS TO ALLOW A SEPARATE PENSION PLAN OPERATED FOR FIREFIGHTERS BY A MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT, OR PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT TO INVEST ITS FUNDS IN EQUITY SECURITIES TRADED ON A NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE AS PROVIDED IN THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR QUOTED THROUGH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS AUTOMATIC QUOTATIONS SYSTEM OR SIMILAR SERVICE.

Rep. HARRISON explained the Bill.

H. 3515--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. ANTHONY, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 3515 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.


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H. 3465--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. TAYLOR, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 3465 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

H. 3523--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. WHITMIRE, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 3523 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

H. 4317--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. JENNINGS, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 4317 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

H. 4166--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. HARRISON, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 4166 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

S. 305--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. HARRISON, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that S. 305 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

S. 317--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. CLEMMONS moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, June 3, which was adopted:

S. 317 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott, Rankin, Short, Reese and Giese: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 6, TITLE 44 SO AS TO CREATE THE INTERSTATE BULK PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM WITH NEIGHBORING STATES TO PROVIDE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AT A REDUCED COST TO SENIOR AND DISABLED RESIDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE.


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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. 166 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-760, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HUNTING FROM A PUBLIC ROAD, SO AS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "HUNTING".

S. 710 (Word version) -- Senator Reese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-25-1330, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS ON LAKE H. TAYLOR BLALOCK, SO AS TO INCREASE THE HORSEPOWER OF AN ENGINE FROM FIFTEEN HORSEPOWER TO THIRTY HORSEPOWER AND TO ESTABLISH A MAXIMUM LENGTH FOR WATERCRAFT OF TWENTY-FIVE FEET AND TO INCREASE THE LENGTH FOR PONTOON BOATS TO TWENTY-FIVE FEET; TO PROHIBIT ON LAKE BLALOCK THE OPERATION OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, OPERATION OF WATERCRAFT AFTER MIDNIGHT OR IN VIOLATION OF COAST GUARD REGULATIONS, AND OPERATION OF WATERCRAFT NEAR PUMP STATIONS AND PIERS; TO LIMIT THE HEIGHT OF SAILBOAT MASTS; TO PROHIBIT SWIMMING IN CERTAIN AREAS; AND TO AUTHORIZE LAKE WARDENS TO RESTRICT ACCESS TO THE LAKE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

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. 523 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 50 OF THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-105 TO PROVIDE MEASURES THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MAY IMPLEMENT TO PREVENT AND CONTROL THE SPREAD OF DISEASE AMONG WILDLIFE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-11-1090, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO ALLOW THE TAKING OF ANIMALS THAT CAUSE DAMAGE


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TO CROPS AND PROPERTY, TO EXTEND THIS AUTHORITY TO ANIMALS POSING A HUMAN HEALTH RISK; AND TO AMEND ARTICLE 8, CHAPTER 11 OF TITLE 50 BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-1900 TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO POSSESS OR TRANSPORT LIVE DEER EXCEPT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND PROVIDE PENALTIES.

S. 478 (Word version) -- Senator Ryberg: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-19-480 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE'S CERTIFICATE OF TITLE, LICENSE PLATE, REGISTRATION CARD, AND MANUFACTURERS' SERIAL PLATE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, WHEN AN INSURANCE COMPANY OBTAINS TITLE TO A VEHICLE FROM SETTLING A TOTAL LOSS CLAIM, THE INSURANCE COMPANY MAY OBTAIN A TITLE TO THE VEHICLE DESIGNATED AS "SALVAGE".

S. 675--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. SANDIFER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, June 3, which was adopted:

S. 675 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-430, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VOTING PRECINCTS IN OCONEE COUNTY, SO AS TO RENAME CERTAIN PRECINCTS AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICAL SERVICES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

S. 258--REQUESTS FOR DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 258 (Word version) -- Senators Gregory, Ryberg, Hayes, Courson, Peeler, Branton and Reese: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 29, TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-165 SO AS TO REQUIRE HIGH SCHOOL


Printed Page 4093 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

STUDENTS TO RECEIVE INSTRUCTION IN THE AREA OF PERSONAL FINANCE.

Rep. TOWNSEND explained the Bill.

Reps. SHEHEEN, G. M. SMITH, LOFTIS, SCARBOROUGH, MARTIN, TOWNSEND, TOOLE, GILHAM, J. M. NEAL, MERRILL, HOSEY, OWENS, COATES, STILLE, WEEKS, HINSON and PINSON requested debate on the Bill.

H. 3819--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3819 (Word version) -- Reps. Delleney, Haskins, Altman, G. Brown, Duncan, Emory, Frye, Hamilton, Keegan, Kirsh, Koon, Loftis, J. M. Neal, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Talley, Taylor, Toole, Vaughn, Viers, Walker, Simrill and Gilham: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-745 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PROHIBITION OF HUMAN CLONING ACT" TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO PERFORM OR PARTICIPATE IN HUMAN CLONING, TO DERIVE ANY PRODUCT FROM HUMAN CLONING, OR TO SHIP, RECEIVE, TRANSPORT, TRANSFER, OR DISTRIBUTE IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE AN EMBRYO DERIVED FROM HUMAN CLONING, TO DEFINE CLONING, TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR SUSPENSION OF THE PROFESSIONAL LICENSE OF A PERSON VIOLATING THIS ACT.

Rep. DELLENEY explained the Bill.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. SCOTT made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.


Printed Page 4094 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

H. 3490--POINT OF ORDER

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

H. 3490 (Word version) -- Reps. Cotty, Gilham, Clemmons, Witherspoon, Edge, Altman, Barfield, Bingham, R. Brown, Chellis, Cooper, Duncan, Govan, Hamilton, Harrison, Herbkersman, M. Hines, Hinson, Keegan, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Sandifer, Scarborough, F. N. Smith, Stille, Taylor, Toole, Viers and White: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 1, ARTICLE VIII-A OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PERTAINING TO ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND BEVERAGES, SO AS TO DELETE THE DETAILED REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REGULATION OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND BEVERAGES, INCLUDING DELETING THE PROVISION THAT ON-PREMISES ESTABLISHMENTS ARE LICENSED TO SELL ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND BEVERAGES ONLY IN SEALED CONTAINERS OF TWO OUNCES OR LESS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO REGULATE THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND BEVERAGES, INCLUDING PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE RIGHT TO SELL ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND BEVERAGES IN CONTAINERS OF SUCH SIZE AS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. COLEMAN made the Point of Order that the Joint Resolution was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

S. 500--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 500 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Ford and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-495, SO AS TO DEFINE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER AND TO PROVIDE THAT CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER RECORDS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.


Printed Page 4095 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. ALTMAN made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

S. 407--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 407 (Word version) -- Senators Richardson, Hutto and Moore: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 61-6-1640 SO AS TO PROVIDE AN ESTABLISHMENT LICENSED TO SERVE MINIBOTTLES IS AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT SAMPLINGS OF WINES IN EXCESS OF SIXTEEN PERCENT ALCOHOL, CORDIALS, AND DISTILLED SPIRITS, IF THE SAMPLING IS CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. SCOTT made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

S. 593--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 593 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-11-435, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ALTERATION OF SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS RESULTING IN OVERLAP, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, IF THE BOUNDARIES OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT PROVIDING WATERWORKS OR SEWER SERVICE ARE DIMINISHED, THE SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT MAY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE WATER OR SEWER SERVICES OUTSIDE OF ITS DIMINISHED BOUNDARIES PURSUANT TO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH ONE OR MORE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE THE WATER OR SEWER SERVICE DIRECTLY, AND TO


Printed Page 4096 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

FURTHER PROVIDE THAT THIS CONTINUATION OF WATER OR SEWER SERVICE MUST BE APPROVED BY THE COUNTY BOARD BY RESOLUTION.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\DKA\3508DW03), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 in its entirety and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Section 6-11-435 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 516 of 1992, is amended by adding at the end:

"(C)   If the boundaries of a special purpose district which provides waterworks or sewer service are diminished in accordance with this article, the special purpose district may continue to provide water or sewer services outside of its diminished boundaries (1) in accordance with its enabling legislation, or (2) if provided by the governing body of the county in the resolution required by Section 6-11-460, pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement with one or more political subdivisions authorized to provide the water or sewer service directly."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. TAYLOR explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

S. 593--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. TAYLOR, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that S. 593 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

S. 433--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 433 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 47 TO TITLE 15 SO AS TO ENACT THE SOUTH CAROLINA NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO CURE DWELLING CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS ACT TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR A HOMEOWNER OR PURCHASER TO ASSERT A CLAIM


Printed Page 4097 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

AGAINST A CONTRACTOR, SUBCONTRACTOR, SUPPLIER, OR DESIGN PROFESSIONAL FOR A CONSTRUCTION DEFECT IN A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING, TO REQUIRE A CLAIMANT TO COMPLY WITH THESE PROCEDURES BEFORE COMMENCING LITIGATION FOR A CONSTRUCTION DEFECT, AND TO PROHIBIT A PERSON FROM PROVIDING ANYTHING OF MONETARY VALUE TO A PROPERTY MANAGER OR A MEMBER OR OFFICER OF AN EXECUTIVE BOARD OF A HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION TO INDUCE THE INDIVIDUAL TO ENCOURAGE OR DISCOURAGE THE ASSOCIATION TO FILE A CLAIM FOR CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR SUCH VIOLATION.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\11852AC03), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/SECTION   1.   Chapter 59, Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 5
Notice and Opportunity to Cure
Construction Dwelling Defects

Section 40-59-810.   This article may be cited as the 'South Carolina Notice and Opportunity to Cure Construction Dwelling Defects Act'.

Section 40-59-820.   As used in this article:

(1)   'Action' means any civil lawsuit or action or arbitration proceeding for damages or indemnity asserting a claim for injury or loss to a dwelling or personal property caused by an alleged defect arising out of or related to the design, construction, condition, or sale of the dwelling or a remodel of a dwelling.

(2)   'Claimant' means a homeowner, including a subsequent purchaser, who asserts a claim against a contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or design professional concerning a defect in the design, construction, condition, or sale of a dwelling or in the remodel of a dwelling.

(3)   'Construction defect' means a deficiency in or a deficiency arising out of the design, specifications, surveying, planning, supervision, or observation of construction or construction of residential improvements that results from any of the following:


Printed Page 4098 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

(a)   defective material, products, or components used in the construction of residential improvements;

(b)   violation of the applicable codes in effect at the time of construction of residential improvements;

(c)   failure of the design of residential improvements to meet the applicable professional standards of care at the time of governmental approval of the design of residential improvements; or

(d)   failure to construct residential improvements in accordance with accepted trade standards for good and workmanlike construction at the time of construction. Compliance with the applicable codes in effect at the time of construction conclusively establishes construction in accordance with accepted trade standards for good and workmanlike construction, with respect to all matters specified in those codes.

(4)   'Dwelling' means a single-family house or duplex or a multifamily unit not to exceed sixteen units and not to exceed three stories in height, and which is intended for residential use. A dwelling includes the systems and other components and improvements that are part of a single or multifamily unit at the time of construction.

(5)   'Serve' or 'service' means personal service or delivery by certified mail to the last known address of the addressee.

Section 40-59-830.   If the claimant files an action in court before first complying with the requirements of this article, on motion of a party to the action, the court shall stay the action until the claimant has complied with the requirements of this article.

Section 40-59-840.   (A)   In an action brought against a contractor or subcontractor arising out of the construction of a dwelling, the claimant must, no later than ninety days before filing the action, serve a written notice of claim on the contractor. The notice of claim must contain the following:

(1)   a statement that the claimant asserts a construction defect;

(2)   a description of the claim or claims in reasonable detail sufficient to determine the general nature of the construction defect; and

(3)   a description of any results of the defect, if known.

The contractor or subcontractor shall advise the claimant within fifteen days of receipt of the claim if the construction defect is not sufficiently stated and shall request clarification.

Section 40-59-850.   (A)   The contractor or subcontractor has thirty days from service of the notice to inspect, offer to remedy, offer to settle with the claimant, or deny the claim regarding the defects. The claimant shall receive written notice of the contractor's or


Printed Page 4099 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

subcontractor's, as applicable, election under this section. The claimant shall allow inspection of the construction defect at an agreeable time to both parties, if requested under this section. The claimant shall give the contractor and any subcontractors reasonable access to the dwelling for inspection and if repairs have been agreed to by the parties, reasonable access to affect repairs. Failure to respond within thirty days is deemed a denial of the claim.

(B)   The claimant shall serve a response to the contractor's offer, if any, within ten days of receipt of the offer.

(C)   If the parties cannot settle the dispute pursuant to this article, the claimant may proceed with an action in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(D)   Any offers of settlement, repair, or remedy pursuant to this section, are not admissible in a court of law.

Section 40-59-860.   (A)   Nothing in this article applies to actions arising out of claims for personal injury or death, or both.

(B)   Court Administration must develop a designation on the Civil Action Cover Sheet which indicates whether a one hundred twenty-day stay has been granted for a civil action filed pursuant to the South Carolina Notice and Opportunity to Cure Construction Defects Act."
SECTION   3.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies to claims arising on or after this act's effective date./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. SHEHEEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

S. 433--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. HARRISON, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that S. 433 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

S. 559--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 559 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 4-3-311 SO AS TO ALTER THE COUNTY LINES OF HORRY AND


Printed Page 4100 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

GEORGETOWN COUNTIES BY ANNEXING A CERTAIN PORTION OF GEORGETOWN TO HORRY COUNTY AND TO MAKE PROVISIONS FOR LEGAL RECORDS.

Reps. F. N. SMITH and LEACH proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\20684SD03):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   The 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 6-1-125.   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for political subdivisions of this State that were created to operate hospitals on a local or regional basis, which receive Medicaid funds to directly provide health care services, and whose governing body is not a county board, committee, or commission within the meaning of Section 4-9-170, the ability to call for or conduct advisory or binding referenda regarding its activities shall rest solely with the governing board of the political subdivision and the governmental bodies which appoint the board, including a county legislative delegation."
SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. LEACH explained the amendment.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. J. E. SMITH made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

H. 4077--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4077 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato and Tripp: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-39-80, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE METHOD USED FOR CALCULATING THE UNEARNED SERVICE CHARGE REFUND IF THE BORROWER CANCELS BEFORE MATURITY OF A PREMIUM SERVICE AGREEMENT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE METHOD OF CALCULATING THE AMOUNT OF REFUND.


Printed Page 4101 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. TRIPP made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

S. 34--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 34 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts, Elliott, Reese and Kuhn: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 30-4-55 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PUBLIC BODY OR PERSON OR ENTITY ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC BODY THAT OFFERS CERTAIN INCENTIVES TO ATTRACT A BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY TO INVEST IN SOUTH CAROLINA SHALL DISCLOSE THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THE OFFER ON THE PUBLIC BODY OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY AT THE TIME THE OFFER IS ACCEPTED OR REJECTED, AND TO PRESCRIBE THE SUBSTANCE OF THE FISCAL IMPACT DISCLOSURE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 30-4-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MATTERS EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEMORANDA, CORRESPONDENCE, AND DOCUMENTS RELATING TO AN OFFER MADE TO AN INDUSTRY OR BUSINESS OF INCENTIVES THAT REQUIRE THE EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE TRANSFER OF ANYTHING OF VALUE OR THAT REDUCE THE RATE OR ALTER THE METHOD OF TAXATION OF THE BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY OR OTHERWISE IMPACT THE OFFEROR FISCALLY ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE AFTER THE OFFER IS ACCEPTED OR REJECTED BY THE INDUSTRY OR BUSINESS TO WHOM THE OFFER WAS MADE.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. SCOTT made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.


Printed Page 4102 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

S. 466--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 466 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-48-50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM REVIEWING RECORDS TO DETERMINE IF A PERSON IS A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR, SO AS TO CHANGE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE TEAM.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. SCOTT made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

S. 477--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 477 (Word version) -- Senators Ritchie, Ford, Leventis and Richardson: A BILL TO ENACT THE "DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT OF 2003"; TO AMEND SECTION 16-1-60, RELATING TO VIOLENT CRIMES, SO AS TO INCLUDE CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OF A HIGH AND AGGRAVATED NATURE AS A VIOLENT CRIME; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 25 OF TITLE 16, RELATING TO CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES, SO AS TO REDEFINE 'HOUSEHOLD MEMBER'; TO DELETE FINES AS A PENALTY FOR THESE CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES AND TO AUTHORIZE SUSPENSION OF THE SENTENCE IMPOSED, EXCEPT MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES WHERE APPLICABLE; TO REDEFINE CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OF A HIGH AND AGGRAVATED NATURE; TO PROVIDE THAT A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MUST INVESTIGATE AN ALLEGATION OF CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EVEN IF THE AGENCY WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THE TIME OF THE VIOLATION; TO AMEND SECTION 17-22-50, RELATING TO PRETRIAL INTERVENTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MUST NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR INTERVENTION IF HE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH AN OFFENSE CONTAINED IN


Printed Page 4103 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

CHAPTER 25 OF TITLE 16; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-7-15, RELATING TO UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKETS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT AN OFFICER WHO EFFECTS AN ARREST, BY USE OF A UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKET, FOR A VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 25 OF TITLE 16, MUST SUBSEQUENTLY COMPLETE AND FILE AN INCIDENT REPORT WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS OF THE ISSUANCE OF THE TICKET.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. ALTMAN made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

S. 495--POINT OF ORDER

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 495 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts, Courson, Waldrep, Martin and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-5635 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE BY WHICH A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MAY HAVE A VEHICLE TOWED AND PROVIDE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF THE VEHICLE; TO AMEND SECTION 16-11-760, RELATING TO PARKING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO A LIEN PLACED ON THE VEHICLE FOR TOWING AND STORAGE AND THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-5630, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE NOTICE TO OWNER AND LIENHOLDERS OF AN ABANDONED VEHICLE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SO AS TO SHORTEN FROM FORTY-FIVE TO FIFTEEN DAYS THE NOTIFICATION PERIOD AND SPECIFY WHAT CONSTITUTES NOTICE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-5640, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SALE OF CERTAIN ABANDONED VEHICLES, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A PROPRIETOR, OWNER, OR OPERATOR OF THE STORAGE PLACE INSTEAD OF THE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO SELL THE ABANDONED VEHICLES AND PROVIDE FOR THE SALE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-5-2522


Printed Page 4104 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

RELATING TO A PROCEDURE BY WHICH A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AUTHORIZES A VEHICLE OR AN OBJECT TO BE TOWED, WHETHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY.

POINT OF ORDER

Rep. SCOTT made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. G. BROWN asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4226 (Word version) from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Rep. TRIPP objected.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. SCOTT asked unanimous consent to recall S. 288 (Word version) from the Committee on Judiciary.
Rep. TALLEY objected.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. VIERS asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3501 (Word version) from the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. HAYES objected.

R. 43, H. 3041--GOVERNOR'S VETO OVERRIDDEN

The Veto on the following Act was taken up:

(R43) H. 3041 (Word version) -- Reps. Witherspoon, Littlejohn, Kirsh, Umphlett, Coates and Cotty: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROTECTION OF GAME, BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-315 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL PERSONS HUNTING DEER MUST WEAR A HAT, SHIRT, COAT, OR VEST OF SOLID VISIBLE INTERNATIONAL ORANGE OR AT LEAST FORTY PERCENT VISIBLE INTERNATIONAL ORANGE, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

Rep. WITHERSPOON explained the Veto.


Printed Page 4105 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

The question was put, shall the Act become a part of the law, the veto of his Excellency, the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding, the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 86; Nays 22

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Bales                  Barfield               Battle
Bingham                Bowers                 Branham
Breeland               G. Brown               J. Brown
Ceips                  Clark                  Clemmons
Coates                 Cobb-Hunter            Coleman
Cooper                 Dantzler               Davenport
Duncan                 Edge                   Emory
Freeman                Frye                   Gilham
Gourdine               Hamilton               Harrell
Harrison               Haskins                Hayes
Herbkersman            J. Hines               Hosey
Huggins                Jennings               Keegan
Kirsh                  Koon                   Leach
Limehouse              Littlejohn             Lloyd
Loftis                 Lourie                 Mack
McCraw                 McGee                  McLeod
Miller                 Moody-Lawrence         J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Ott
Owens                  Parks                  Perry
Phillips               Pinson                 M. A. Pitts
Quinn                  Rice                   Richardson
Rutherford             Sandifer               Scarborough
Scott                  Simrill                Sinclair
Skelton                D. C. Smith            W. D. Smith
Snow                   Stewart                Stille
Taylor                 Toole                  Townsend
Tripp                  Trotter                Vaughn
Viers                  Whipper                Whitmire
Wilkins                Witherspoon

Total--86

Those who voted in the negative are:

Altman                 Chellis                Clyburn
Cotty                  Delleney               Hagood

Printed Page 4106 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Hinson                 Howard                 Lee
Lucas                  Mahaffey               Merrill
E. H. Pitts            Sheheen                G. M. Smith
J. E. Smith            Talley                 Thompson
Walker                 Weeks                  White
Young

Total--22

So, the Veto of the Governor was overridden and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

H. 3950--SENATE AMENDMENTS CONCURRED IN AND BILL ENROLLED

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

H. 3950 (Word version) -- Rep. Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 2 TO CHAPTER 18, TITLE 50, SO AS TO ENACT THE AQUACULTURE ENABLING ACT, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS USED IN REGULATING AQUACULTURE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HAS PERMITTING AND LICENSING AUTHORITY FOR AQUACULTURE AND AQUACULTURE BUSINESSES, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN LICENSES AND FEES, TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF AQUACULTURE AND AQUACULTURE BUSINESSES, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO ENGAGE IN COMMERCIAL AQUACULTURE IN THIS STATE EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ARTICLE; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-710, RELATING TO PAY PONDS AND PAY-TO-FISH BUSINESSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PATRONS OF COMMERCIAL FISHING LAKES AND PAY-TO-FISH BUSINESSES ARE EXEMPT FROM PURCHASING AN INDIVIDUAL ANNUAL LICENSE IF THE COMMERCIAL FISHING BUSINESS HAS A VALID AQUACULTURE PERMIT OR REGISTRATION; TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-280, RELATING TO LIMITS ON POSSESSION OF GAME FISH, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO AQUACULTURE PRODUCED FISH; TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-


Printed Page 4107 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

1130, RELATING TO COMMERCIAL FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED WHEN TAKING CATFISH FROM PUBLIC WATERS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REFERENCE TO CATFISH AND PROVIDE THAT A PERSON TAKING FRESHWATER NONGAME FISH EXCEPT SHAD, HERRING, AND STURGEON FROM PUBLIC WATERS WHO SELLS OR OFFERS THEM FOR SALE MUST HAVE A COMMERCIAL FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE, PROVIDING THAT A PERSON SELLING , OFFERING FOR SALE, OR POSSESSION OF FRESHWATER NONGAME FISH MUST HAVE CERTAIN INVOICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THE ORIGIN AND FROM WHERE THE FISH WERE PROCURED, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-1610, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL SALE AND TRAFFIC OF CERTAIN GAME FISH, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION TO CERTAIN FISH AS ALLOWED BY THIS ARTICLE, AND TO REVISE THE PENALTY PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION; AND TO REPEAL ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 18, TITLE 50, RELATING TO HYBRID STRIPED BASS, SECTION 50-13-510, RELATING TO CERTAIN POND OWNER PERMITS, SECTION 50-13-1620, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL SELLING OF FRESHWATER TROUT, SECTION 50-13-1640, RELATING TO DRAWING PRIVATE PONDS AND DISPOSING OF FISH, SECTION 50-13-1650, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL TRANSPORTATION OF GAME FISH OUT-OF-STATE, SECTION 50-13-1680, RELATING TO THE SALE OF MARKED TROUT, SECTION 50-13-1690, RELATING TO INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE MARKED ON TROUT BEFORE SALE, SECTION 50-13-1700, RELATING TO RETAIL MARKETS SHOWING THE ORIGIN OF TROUT, SECTION 50-13-1710, RELATING TO RESPONSIBILITY OF RETAIL MARKETS FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS INVOLVING TROUT, SECTION 50-13-1720, RELATING TO REPORTS ON TROUT SOLD OR IMPORTED INTO THE STATE, SECTION 50-13-1730, RELATING TO REGULATIONS ON SELLING AND SHIPPING TROUT, SECTION 50-13-1740, RELATING TO CERTAIN PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS RELATING TO SALE AND TRAFFIC IN TROUT, SECTION 50-13-1750, RELATING TO GAME FISH BREEDER'S LICENSES, AND SECTION 50-13-1760, RELATING TO SALES OF WHITE PERCH.


Printed Page 4108 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Rep. WITHERSPOON explained the Senate Amendments.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. WITHERSPOON moved that the House recur to the Morning Hour, which was agreed to.

S. 516--FREE CONFERENCE POWERS GRANTED

Rep. COOPER 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:

S. 516 (Word version) -- Senator McGill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TARGETED JOBS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF "NEW JOB" TO INCLUDE JOBS MAINTAINED WHEN AN UNRELATED ENTITY ACQUIRES SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS OF A COMPANY OPERATING UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY CODE, MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED INDIVIDUALS ARE HIRED WHO WERE LAST EMPLOYED BY THE BANKRUPT TAXPAYER, AND THE JOBS ARE IN A MANUFACTURING FACILITY LOCATED IN A COUNTY CLASSIFIED AS DISTRESSED OR LEAST DEVELOPED.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 92; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Bales                  Barfield               Battle
Bingham                Bowers                 Breeland
G. Brown               Ceips                  Chellis
Clark                  Clemmons               Clyburn
Coates                 Cobb-Hunter            Coleman
Cooper                 Dantzler               Davenport
Delleney               Duncan                 Emory
Freeman                Gilham                 Govan
Hagood                 Hamilton               Harrell

Printed Page 4109 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Harrison               Haskins                Hayes
Herbkersman            J. Hines               Hinson
Hosey                  Huggins                Jennings
Keegan                 Kirsh                  Leach
Lee                    Limehouse              Littlejohn
Lloyd                  Lourie                 Lucas
Mack                   Mahaffey               McCraw
McGee                  McLeod                 Miller
Moody-Lawrence         J. M. Neal             Neilson
Ott                    Owens                  Perry
Phillips               Pinson                 M. A. Pitts
Quinn                  Rice                   Richardson
Rivers                 Sandifer               Scarborough
Sheheen                Simrill                Sinclair
Skelton                D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith
J. E. Smith            W. D. Smith            Snow
Stewart                Stille                 Talley
Taylor                 Thompson               Toole
Townsend               Tripp                  Trotter
Umphlett               Vaughn                 Viers
Whipper                White                  Whitmire
Wilkins                Witherspoon

Total--92

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. COOPER, MILLER and CHELLIS to the Committee of Free Conference and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.


Printed Page 4110 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

S. 516--FREE CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED

S. 516 -- Free Conference Report
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 29, 2003

The COMMITTEE OF FREE CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

S. 516 (Word version) -- Senator McGill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TARGETED JOBS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF "NEW JOB" TO INCLUDE JOBS MAINTAINED WHEN AN UNRELATED ENTITY ACQUIRES SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS OF A COMPANY OPERATING UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY CODE, MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED INDIVIDUALS ARE HIRED WHO WERE LAST EMPLOYED BY THE BANKRUPT TAXPAYER, AND THE JOBS ARE IN A MANUFACTURING FACILITY LOCATED IN A COUNTY CLASSIFIED AS DISTRESSED OR LEAST DEVELOPED.

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:

/   SECTION   1.   Section 12-6-3360(M)(3) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(3)   'New job' means a job created in this State at the time a new facility or an expansion is initially staffed. Except as otherwise provided in this item, the term does not include a job created when an employee is shifted from an existing location in this State to a new or expanded facility whether the transferred job is from, or to, a facility of the taxpayer or a related person. A related person includes any entity or person that bears a relationship to the taxpayer as described in Section 267 of the Internal Revenue Code. However, this exclusion of a new job created by employee shifting does not extend to a job created at a new or expanded facility located in a county in which is located an 'applicable federal facility' as defined in Section 12-6-3450(A)(1)(b). The term 'new job' also includes an existing job at a facility of an employer which is reinstated after the employer has rebuilt the facility due to:


Printed Page 4111 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

(a)   its destruction by accidental fire, natural disaster, or act of God;

(b)   involuntary conversion as a result of condemnation or exercise of eminent domain by the State or any of its political subdivisions or by the federal government.

Destruction for purposes of this provision means that more than fifty percent of the facility was destroyed. For purposes of this section, involuntary conversion as a result of condemnation or exercise of eminent domain includes a legally binding agreement for the purchase of a facility of an employer entered into between an employer and the State of South Carolina or a political subdivision of the State under threat of exercise of eminent domain by the State or its political subdivision.

The year of reinstatement is the year of creation of the job. All reinstated jobs qualify for the credit pursuant to this section, and a comparison is not required to be made between the number of full-time jobs of the employer in the taxable year and the number of full-time jobs of the employer with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 'new job' includes jobs created by a taxpayer when the taxpayer hires more than five hundred full-time individuals:

(a)   at a manufacturing facility located in a county classified as least developed;

(b)   immediately before their employment by the taxpayer, the individuals were employed by a company operating under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code; and

(c)   the taxpayer, as an unrelated entity, acquires as of July 10, 2002, substantially all of the assets of the company operating under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code."
Section   2.   A.   Section 12-20-50 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding a new subsection at the end to read:

"(C)   In addition to the provisions of subsection (B) of this section, a holding company may reduce its paid-in capital surplus by the portion of contributions to capital received from its parent corporation that is directly or indirectly used to finance a subsidiary's expansion costing in excess of one hundred million dollars, which on the date construction started is located in an Economic Impact Zone as defined in Section 12-14-30. A reduction is only allowed pursuant to this subsection for the paid-in capital surplus of the holding company attributable to this contribution to capital for expansion. Additionally,


Printed Page 4112 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

no reduction is allowed unless the expansion is completed within three years of the first contribution to capital received by the holding company, but this three-year limitation may be extended by the Department of Revenue upon written application and good cause shown. Amounts previously excluded in paid-in capital surplus pursuant to this subsection must be included in the first license tax year beginning after the period allowed for the expansion if the expansion is not timely completed."
B. Notwithstanding the general effective date of this act, this section takes effect upon approval of this act by the Governor and applies to increases in capital over the prior year's capital on January 1, 2003, and thereafter.

SECTION   3.   This act is effective for taxable years beginning after 2002 where the job tax credit pursuant to Section 12-6-3360 of the 1976 Code, as amended by this act, was earned after June 1, 2002. /

Amend title to conform.

Harvey S. Peeler, Jr.             Vida O. Miller
Robert W. Hayes, Jr.              Converse A. Chellis
J. Yancey McGill                  Daniel T. Cooper
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

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

S. 342--FREE CONFERENCE POWERS GRANTED

Rep. TOWNSEND 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:

S. 342 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 41 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ISSUE "SOUTH CAROLINA ELKS ASSOCIATION" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FEES COLLECTED FOR THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 94; Nays 1


Printed Page 4113 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Altman                 Bales                  Barfield
Battle                 Bingham                Bowers
Branham                G. Brown               Ceips
Chellis                Clark                  Clemmons
Clyburn                Coates                 Cobb-Hunter
Coleman                Cooper                 Dantzler
Davenport              Delleney               Duncan
Emory                  Freeman                Frye
Gilham                 Hagood                 Hamilton
Harrell                Harrison               Haskins
Hayes                  Herbkersman            J. Hines
Hinson                 Hosey                  Huggins
Jennings               Kirsh                  Koon
Leach                  Limehouse              Littlejohn
Lloyd                  Lourie                 Lucas
Mack                   Mahaffey               Martin
McCraw                 McGee                  McLeod
Miller                 Moody-Lawrence         J. M. Neal
Neilson                Ott                    Owens
Parks                  Perry                  Phillips
Pinson                 E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts
Quinn                  Rice                   Richardson
Sandifer               Scott                  Simrill
Sinclair               Skelton                D. C. Smith
G. M. Smith            J. E. Smith            Snow
Stewart                Stille                 Talley
Taylor                 Thompson               Toole
Townsend               Tripp                  Trotter
Umphlett               Vaughn                 Walker
Weeks                  Whipper                White
Whitmire               Wilkins                Witherspoon
Young

Total--94

Those who voted in the negative are:

Sheheen

Total--1


Printed Page 4114 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

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. TOWNSEND, J. M. NEAL and GILHAM to the Committee of Free Conference and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

S. 342--FREE CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED

S. 342 -- Free Conference Report
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 28, 2003

The COMMITTEE OF FREE CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:

S. 342 (Word version) -- Sen. McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 41 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ISSUE "SOUTH CAROLINA ELKS ASSOCIATION" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FEES COLLECTED FOR THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:

That the same do pass with the following amendments: (Reference is to Printer's Version 5/20/03--S.)

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

/   SECTION   1.   Chapter 3, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 41
South Carolina Elks Association Special License Plates

Section 56-3-4100.   (A)   The Department of Public Safety may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles or light pickups having an empty weight of seven thousand pounds or less and a gross weight of nine thousand pounds or less registered in their names which shall have imprinted on the plate the words 'South Carolina Elks Association'. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article


Printed Page 4115 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

5 and the special fee required by Section 56-3-2020. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month they are issued.

(B)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the fees collected for the special license plate, the Comptroller General shall place sufficient funds into a special restricted account to be used by the Department of Public Safety to defray the expenses of the Motor Vehicle Division in producing and administering the special license plate. Any remaining funds must be deposited in a special account, separate and apart from the general fund, designated for use by the South Carolina Elks Association to be used to support its Alzheimer's state project.

(C)   Before the Department of Public Safety produces and distributes a special license plate pursuant to this section, it must receive four hundred prepaid applications for the special license plate or a deposit of four thousand dollars from the individual or organization seeking issuance of the license plate. If a deposit of four thousand dollars is made by an individual or organization pursuant to this section, the department must refund the four thousand dollars once an equivalent amount of license plate fees is collected for that organization's license plate and, a plan to market the sale of the special license plate must be approved by the department. If the equivalent amount is not collected within four years of the first issuance of the license plate, the department shall retain the deposit.

(D)   If the department receives less than three hundred biennial applications and renewals for the 'South Carolina Elks Association' special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. However, the department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted."

SECTION   2.   Sections 2 through 21 of this bill may be cited as the Department of Motor Vehicles Reform Act of 2003.

SECTION   3.   Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-1-5.   (A)   The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles is hereby established as an administrative agency of the state government.

(B)   Upon the signature of the Governor, all functions, powers, duties, responsibilities, and authority statutorily exercised by the Motor


Printed Page 4116 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Vehicle Division and the Motor Carrier Services unit within the Department of Public Safety are transferred to and devolved upon the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(C)   The Executive Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

(D)   The executive director is the executive and administrative head of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The executive director shall administer the policies defined by the department and the affairs of the department.

(E)   The executive director may appoint assistants, deputies, and employees as the executive director considers necessary and proper to administer the affairs of the department and may prescribe their duties, powers, and functions.

(F)   The Legislative Audit Council shall conduct an independent review of the Department of Motor Vehicles every three years."

SECTION   4.   (A)   The employees, funds, appropriations, assets, liabilities, bonded indebtedness, if applicable, real and personal property, contractual rights and obligations of the Motor Vehicle Division and the Motor Carrier Services unit of the Department of Public Safety are transferred to and become part of the Department of Motor Vehicles unless otherwise specially provided. All classified or unclassified personnel of the Motor Vehicle Division and the Motor Carrier Services unit, on the effective date of this act, either by contract or by employment at will, shall become employees of the Department of Motor Vehicles, with the same compensation, classification, and grade level, as applicable. All Motor Carrier Services unit systems and resources necessary for the full and proper administration of its current responsibilities including, but not limited to, the International Fuel Tax Agreement, International Registration Plan, Single State Registration System, Certificate of Compliance, and Performance Registration Information System Management are also transferred to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In addition all future Motor Carrier Services unit related responsibilities and functions shall be administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Where the functions of the Department of Public Safety and the divisions have been devolved on more than one department or division, the general support services of the Department of Public Safety must be transferred to the restructured Department of Public Safety and Department of Motor Vehicles. The Budget and Control Board shall cause all necessary actions to be taken to accomplish this transfer and shall in


Printed Page 4117 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

consultation with the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Motor Vehicles prescribe the manner in which the transfer provided for in this section shall be accomplished.

(B)   Employees or personnel transferred to the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to the terms of this act shall continue to occupy the same office locations and facilities which they now occupy unless or until otherwise changed by appropriate action and authorization. If the Department of Public Safety transfers office locations and facilities which it now occupies, then the employees or personnel transferred to the Department of Motor Vehicles shall transfer with the Department of Public Safety to the new locations and facilities unless or until otherwise changed by appropriate action and authorization. The rent and physical plan operating costs of the offices and facilities occupied by the employees and personnel transferred to the Department of Motor Vehicles shall continue to be paid by the Department of Public Safety until otherwise provided by the General Assembly. Any existing contracts or agreements entered into by the Department of Public Safety regarding office locations and facilities of employees or personnel transferred to the Department of Motor Vehicles will continue in force and effect and will be binding upon the Department of Public Safety.

(C)   The personnel records and files of the Department of Public Safety shall continue to remain the property of the Department of Public Safety, except that these personnel shall have complete access to these records and files in the performance of their duties as new employees of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(D)   Unless otherwise provided in this section or by law, all fines, fees, forfeitures, or revenues imposed or levied by the Motor Vehicle Division and the Motor Carrier Services unit of the Department of Public Safety transferred to the Department of Motor Vehicles must continue to be used and expended for those purposes provided before the effective date of this act. If a portion of these fines, fees, forfeitures, or revenues were required to be used for the support, benefit, or expense of personnel transferred, these funds must continue to be used for these purposes.

(E)   The Budget and Control Board, in consultation with the appropriate standing committees of the General Assembly as designated by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall provide the manner in which the provision of subsections (A), (B), (C), and (D) must be implemented


Printed Page 4118 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

where agreement between the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Motor Vehicles cannot be obtained.

(F)   The Department of Transportation shall have access, in compliance with all state and federal privacy protection statutes, to the following data and reports maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Department of Public Safety, or both:

(1)   collision data and collision reports;

(2)   registration information used for toll enforcement; and

(3)   driver records of employees or persons who have applied for employment with the Department of Transportation.

(G)   The Department of Motor Vehicles must implement, in existing branch facilities to be determined by the department, Motor Carrier Services in six locations throughout the State. This shall be implemented six months following the Governor's signature.

The Department of Motor Vehicles will make every effort to begin the process of determining the feasibility of integrating its database with the Motor Carrier Services database.

An interagency advisory council between the State Transport Police and the Motor Carrier Services is to be created to make recommendations to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition and ensure efficient information exchange. This council shall be made up of a representative of the State Transport Police Division appointed by the Director of the Department of Public Safety, a representative of the Motor Carrier Services appointed by the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles, a representative of the South Carolina Department of Transportation appointed by the Director of the South Carolina Department of Transportation, a member of the motor carrier services industry appointed by the Governor, and a member of the automobile dealers industry appointed by the Governor.   The council must make recommendations to coordinate the deployment of a public/private electronic preclearance weight state bypass system, as approved by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2002.

As federally mandated, the Governor shall designate a lead agency to distribute federal motor carrier safety grants and funds. As federally mandated, this lead agency shall design a plan each year to be submitted to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for the distribution of funds.

SECTION   5.   Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-1-15.   (A)   The Department of Motor Vehicles must enter into contracts with persons, corporations, or governmental


Printed Page 4119 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

subdivisions, including public schools, in localities throughout the State to administer the portion of the driver's license examination that tests the driver's license applicant's ability to read and understand highway signs that regulate, warn, and direct traffic, and his knowledge of the traffic laws of the State, and the actual demonstration of his ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of the type of motor vehicle for which the license is sought as contained in Section 56-1-130(A). The department must supervise the provision of services contained in this subsection. The department must supply driver education instructors appropriate testing materials to administer the examinations contained in this section. A person or corporation administering an examination pursuant to this section may charge a fee in excess of the fee charged by the department for the examination.

(B)   The department must randomly test driver's license applicants who successfully complete the driver's license examinations pursuant to subsection (A) to ensure that the driver's license instructors are properly certifying that their students have successfully completed a driver's license examination.

(C)   If through testing or other review procedures, the department determines that a contractor is not conforming to the law and regulations applicable to licensing, it may:

(1)   suspend the authority of a particular individual or entity operating under the contract to administer the tests;

(2)   suspend the contract;

(3)   cancel the contract.

(D)   The department must test randomly a driver's license applicant only at the time the applicant is seeking his initial driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles."

SECTION   6.   Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-1-125.   (A)   Upon receiving proper authority from the United States Government, a United States male citizen or immigrant who is less than twenty-six years of age must be registered for the United States Selective Service when applying to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the issuance, renewal, or a duplicate copy of:

(1)   a driver's license;

(2)   a commercial driver's license; or

(3)   an identification card.

(B)   The department shall forward in an electronic format the necessary personal information required for registration of individuals identified in this section to the Selective Service System.


Printed Page 4120 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

(C)   An individual's submission of an application contained in subsection (A) serves as an indication that the individual has registered with the Selective Service System or that he is authorizing the department to forward to the Selective Service System information necessary for his registration.

(D)   The department shall inform the individual who is at least eighteen years of age and less than twenty-six years of age, on his application, that his submission of the application for a license or identification card serves as his consent to be registered with the Selective Service System, if required by federal law.

(E)   The department shall inform the individual who is less than eighteen years of age, on his application, that his submission of the application for a license or identification card serves as his consent to be registered with the Selective Service System upon attaining eighteen years of age, if required by federal law. His application also must be signed by his parent or guardian. By signing the application, the parent or guardian authorizes the department to register the applicant with the Selective Service System upon attaining eighteen years of age, if required by federal law. The applicant, parent, or guardian may decline the Selective Service System registration. If the applicant, parent, or guardian declines the Selective Service System registration, the department may issue a license or identification card, but the applicant must renew the license or identification card upon attaining eighteen years of age.

(F)   This section takes effect upon the department's receipt from the federal government of the funds necessary to implement this section."

SECTION   7.   Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-1-345.   The Department of Motor Vehicles may charge and collect fees in accordance with Section 30-4-30 of the Freedom of Information Act for providing copies of registration, title, and driver's license information records maintained by the department."

SECTION   8.   Section 1-30-90 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 459 of 1996, is further amended to read:

"Section 1-30-90.   The following agencies, boards, and commissions, including all of the allied, advisory, affiliated, or related entities, as well as the employees, funds, property and all contractual rights and obligations associated with any such agency, except for those subdivisions specifically included under another department, are hereby transferred to and incorporated in and shall be administered as part of the Department of Public Safety to be initially divided into


Printed Page 4121 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

divisions for Highway Patrol, State Police, and Training and Continuing Education, and Motor Vehicle.

(A)   Law Enforcement Hall of Fame, formerly provided for at in Section 23-25-10, et seq.;

(B)   State Highway Patrol, formerly provided for at in Section 23-5-10, et seq.;

(C)   Public Service Commission Safety Enforcement, formerly provided at in Section 58-3-310;

(D)   Law Enforcement Training Council, formerly provided for at in Section 23-23-30, et seq.;

(E)   Public Safety Division, formerly of the Governor's Office;

(F)   The vehicle inspection, administrative services, drivers records, and financial responsibility sections and other offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles, formerly provided for at Section 56-1-10, et seq.;

(G)   The motor vehicle licensing, registration, and titling sections, formerly provided for at Section 1-30-95(B)."

SECTION   9.   Section 23-6-20 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 459 of 1996, is further amended to read:

"Section 23-6-20.   (A)   The Department of Public Safety is established as an administrative agency of state government which is comprised of a Motor Vehicle Division, a South Carolina Highway Patrol Division, a South Carolina State Police Division, and a Division of Training and Continuing Education.

(B)   The functions, powers, duties, responsibilities, and authority statutorily exercised by the following offices, sections, departments, or divisions of the following state agencies as existing on the effective date of this act are transferred to and devolved on the department to include the South Carolina Highway Patrol the Drivers Training Schools within the Department of Licensing of the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Driver Records Section within the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Financial Responsibility Section within the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Reciprocity Office of the Registration and Reciprocity Section within the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Administrative Services Section of the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Motor Vehicle Sections transferred to the Department of Revenue pursuant to Act 181 of 1993, and the Safety Office Section of the Division of Finance and Administration of the South Carolina Department of Highways and Public Transportation; the Safety Enforcement Officers of the Office of Enforcement within the Transportation Division of the South Carolina Public Service Commission and the Governor's Office of Public Safety, together with


Printed Page 4122 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

all assets, liabilities, records, property, personnel, unexpended appropriations, and other funds shall be transferred to the control of the department. All rules, regulations, standards, orders, or other actions of these entities shall remain in effect unless specifically changed or voided by the department in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, or otherwise provided."

SECTION   10.   Section 23-6-30 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 459 of 1996, is further amended to read:

"Section 23-6-30.   The department shall have the following duties and powers:

(1)   carry out highway and other related safety programs;

(2) license suspensions and revocations, including related administrative hearings;

(3) title and register motor vehicles; license motor vehicle operator's; administer the collection of license, registration, titling and other fees; maintain an automated system for the storage and retrieval of all motor vehicle and motor vehicle operator records, including vehicle and registration and operator licensing, violations and accidents;

(4)engage in driver training and safety activities;

(5)(3)   enforce the traffic, motor vehicle, commercial vehicle, and related laws;

(6)(4)   enforce size, weight, and safety enforcement statutes relating to commercial motor vehicles;

(7)(5)   operate a comprehensive law enforcement personnel training program;

(8)(6)   promulgate such rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act and Article 7 of this chapter for the administration and enforcement of the powers delegated to the department by law, which shall have the full force and effect of law;

(9)(7)   operate such programs and disseminate information and material so as to continually improve highway safety;

(10)(8)   receive and disburse funds and grants, including any donations, contributions, funds, grants, or gifts from private individuals, foundations, agencies, corporations, or the state or federal governments, for the purpose of carrying out the programs and objectives of this chapter; and

(11)(9)   do all other functions and responsibilities as required or provided for by law."

SECTION   11.   Section 56-1-10(4) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 459 of 1996, is further amended to read:


Printed Page 4123 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

"(4)   'Department' means the Department of Public Safety Motor Vehicles when the term refers to the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the former Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Public Safety and means the Department of Public Safety otherwise and in Section 56-3-840."

SECTION   12.   Section 56-1-140 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 497 of 1994, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-1-140.   Upon the payment of a fee of twelve dollars and fifty cents for a license that is valid for five years, or twenty-five dollars for a license that is valid for ten years, the department shall issue to every qualified applicant a driver's license as applied for by law. The license must bear on it a distinguishing number assigned to the licensee, the full name, date of birth, and residence address and a brief description and laminated colored photograph of the licensee, and a facsimile of the signature of the licensee or a space upon which the licensee shall write his usual signature with pen and ink immediately upon receipt of the license. No license is valid until it has been so signed by the licensee. The license authorizes the licensee to operate only those classifications of vehicles as indicated on the license."

SECTION   13.   Section 56-1-210 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 459 of 1996, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-1-210.   (A)   Every A license issued or renewed before October 1, 2003, expires on the licensee's birth date on the fifth calendar year after the calendar year in which it is issued. A license issued or renewed on or after October 1, 2003, expires on the licensee's birth date on the tenth calendar year in which it is issued. When a person who is sixty-five years of age or older renews his license, the license shall expire five years from the date it was issued.

(B)   Every A license is renewable on or before its expiration date upon application and the payment of the required fee. The department shall require a vision test of the applicant. The vision examination may be waived upon the submission of a certificate from a person authorized by law to examine eyes.

(C)   The department may renew a driver's license of a resident by mail or electronically upon payment of the required fee, if the renewal is a digitized license.

(D)   No A license may not be renewed until the licensee is reexamined as provided in Section 56-1-130, except that the licensee is not required to take the road test provided in Section 56-1-130; provided, further, that only the visual examination vision screening is required of those persons who have no more than five points for


Printed Page 4124 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

moving traffic violations in the two years prior to making application for renewal. For cause shown, the department may require the submission by the applicant of evidence satisfactory to the department of the applicant's mental and physical fitness to drive and his knowledge of traffic laws and regulations. If the evidence is not satisfactory to the department, the department may require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application. Parallel parking is not required as a part of the driver's test.

(E)   If a person's license expires and he is unable to renew it before its expiration date because he is on active military duty outside this State for a continuous period of at least thirty days immediately before the expiration date or because he is the spouse or dependent living for a continuous period of at least thirty days immediately before the expiration date with a person on active military duty outside this State, within sixty days after returning to this State, the person may renew his license in the manner permitted by this section as though the license had not expired. The department may require proof from the person that he qualifies for renewal of his license under this paragraph. Upon request, the person shall provide the department with a copy of his military service record, a document of his branch of military service showing the date of active military duty outside the State, or other evidence presented by the person showing the dates of service."

SECTION   14.   Section 56-1-220 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 181 of 1993, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-1-220.   (a)(A)   Eye examinations shall be Vision screenings are required for all persons prior to before having their licenses renewed by the department. Such examinations may be made by any person authorized by law in this State to examine eyes or by designated personnel of the department. The vision screening may be waived upon the submission of a certificate of vision examination dated within the previous twelve months from an ophthalmologist or optometrist licensed in any state.

(B)   During the fifth year of a ten-year license, the licensee must submit by mail to the department a certificate from an ophthalmologist or optometrist licensed in any state or appear in person at a department office to complete a vision screening. If a licensee fails to submit a certificate or fails to appear in person, the licensee must be fined fifty dollars. The department shall waive the fine if the person completes the requirements of this section within ninety days after the end of the fifth year of a ten-year license. This fine must be placed by the Comptroller General into a special restricted account to be used by the


Printed Page 4125 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

department to defray the expenses incurred by this section. Interest accrued by this account must remain in this account.

(C)   A vision screening will not be required before October 1, 2008, if a licensee is less than sixty-five years of age, his license expires on his birth date on the fifth calendar year after the calendar year in which it is issued, and his license is renewed for an additional five years by mail or electronically. If a licensee is sixty-five years of age or older and his license expires on his birth date on the fifth calendar year after the calendar year in which it is issued, then he may renew his license by mail for an additional five years upon submission of a certificate of vision examination from an ophthalmologist or optometrist licensed in any state.

(b)(D)   The renewal license forms distributed by the department shall must be designed so as to contain a certification that the vision of the person examined screened meets the minimum standards required by the department or have been corrected to meet such these requirements. Such The certification shall must be executed by the person conducting the examination screening. Provided, that The minimum standards of the department shall not require a greater degree of vision than 20/40 corrected in one eye.

(c)(E)   Any A person whose vision is corrected to meet such the minimum standards shall have such the correction noted on his driver's license by the department.

(d)(F)   It shall be is unlawful for any a person whose vision requires correction in order to meet the minimum standards of the department to drive a motor vehicle in this State without the use of such the correction.

(e)(G)   Unless otherwise provided in this section, any person violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days."

SECTION   15.   Section 56-2-2740 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 40 of 1997, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-2-2740.   (A)   The department Department of Motor Vehicles must refuse to renew the driver's license and motor vehicle registration of a person who has not paid personal property taxes within the time limits prescribed in this chapter. A county treasurer or municipal clerk treasurer must forward notification to the department of persons violating the provisions of this chapter. Notification of individuals violating this chapter must be forwarded to the department


Printed Page 4126 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

in the time and manner determined by the department for the proper administration of this section.

(B)   The Department of Public Safety department shall issue biennial license plates and revalidation decals. The department may enter into contracts with persons, corporations, or governmental subdivisions to issue license plates and revalidation decals. The department, person, corporation, or governmental subdivision shall give a motor vehicle owner a license plate or revalidation decal for the tax year to for which personal property taxes and biennial fees have been paid pursuant to Section 56-3-253.

(C)   All validation decals must be issued for a period not to exceed twelve months.

(D)   A person or corporation that issues license plates or revalidation decals pursuant to this section may charge a fee in excess of the fee charged by the department.

(E)   A governmental subdivision that issues license plates or revalidation decals pursuant to this section may charge a one-dollar fee to defray the expenses associated with the issuance of license plates and revalidation decals.

(F)   The department shall supervise the provision of services contained in this section."

SECTION   16.   Section 56-19-420 of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 349 of 2002, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-19-420.   (A)   The department shall charge ten fifteen dollars for:

(1)   the issuance of a certificate of title;

(2)   the transfer of a certificate of title; or

(3)   the issuance of a duplicate certificate of title.

(B)   Five dollars of the fee contained in this section must be placed in a special earmarked account by the Comptroller General and must be distributed in the following manner:

(1)   the first one million dollars must be allocated to the Department of Education and used to support adult education programs; and

(2)   the remainder must be allocated to the Department of Public Safety and used to support highway patrol programs.

(C)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, five dollars of the fee contained in this section must be placed in a special earmarked account by the Comptroller General and must be distributed to the Department of Motor Vehicles and used to defray its operational expenses excluding any expense relating to project phoenix."


Printed Page 4127 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

SECTION   17.   Section 23-6-35 and Article 7, Chapter 6, Title 23 of the 1976 Code are repealed.

SECTION   18.   Wherever the terms Motor Vehicle Division, Motor Vehicles Division, Division of Motor Vehicle, or Division of Motor Vehicles appear in the 1976 Code, they shall mean the Department of Motor Vehicles, when the term refers to the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the former Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Public Safety and the Code Commissioner is directed to change these references at a time and in a manner that is timely and cost effective. Whenever the term Department of Public Safety appears in the 1976 Code, it shall mean the Department of Motor Vehicles when the term refers to the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the former Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Public Safety and means Department of Public Safety otherwise and in Section 56-3-840 and the Code Commissioner is directed to change these references at a time and in a manner that is timely and cost effective.

SECTION   19.   It is unlawful for a person to disclose any confidential information which belongs to the Department of Public Safety Motor Vehicle Division to an individual or entity that is not permitted to have access to the information during or after the transfer of the confidential information from the Motor Vehicle Division to the Department of Motor Vehicles. A person who violates a provision contained in this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than one year and fined not less than one thousand dollars.

SECTION   20.   Chapter 1, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-1-215.   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a person's license expires, the person may have his license renewed without taking the road test or a written examination required pursuant to Section 56-1-130 if the person applies for his license renewal within nine months of the expiration of his license."

SECTION   21.   The Department of Motor Vehicles is prohibited from hiring additional employees during the ninety-day period following the effective date of this act, except with the specific written approval of the State Budget and Control Board.

SECTION   22.   Section 29-5-10(a) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(a)   A person to whom a debt is due for labor performed or furnished or for materials furnished and actually used in the erection, alteration, or repair of a building or structure upon real estate or the


Printed Page 4128 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

boring and equipping of wells, by virtue of an agreement with, or by consent of, the owner of the building or structure, or a person having authority from, or rightfully acting for, the owner in procuring or furnishing the labor or materials shall have a lien upon the building or structure and upon the interest of the owner of the building or structure in the lot of land upon which it is situated to secure the payment of the debt due to him. The costs which may arise in enforcing or defending against the lien under this chapter, including a reasonable attorney's fee, may be recovered by the prevailing party. The fee must be determined by the court in which the action is brought but the fee and the court costs may not exceed the amount of the lien. As used in this section, labor performed or furnished in the erection, alteration, or repair of any building or structure upon any real estate includes the preparation of plans, specifications, and design drawings and the work of making the real estate suitable as a site for the building or structure. The work is considered to include, but not be limited to, the grading, bulldozing, leveling, excavating, and filling of land (including the furnishing of fill soil), the grading and paving of curbs and sidewalks and all asphalt paving, the construction of ditches and other drainage facilities, and the laying of pipes and conduits for water, gas, electric, sewage, and drainage purposes, and the disposal of any construction and demolition debris, as defined in Section 44-96-40(6), including final disposal by a construction and demolition landfill. Any private security guard services provided by any person at the site of the building or structure during its erection, alteration, or repair is considered to be labor performed or furnished within the meaning of this section. As used in this section, materials furnished and actually used include tools, appliances, machinery, or equipment supplied for use on the building or structure to the extent of their reasonable rental value during their actual use. 'Person' as used in this section means any individual, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, or other entity. For purposes of this section, the term 'materials' includes flooring, floor coverings, and wall coverings."

SECTION   23.   The 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 29-5-27.   Any person providing construction and demolition debris disposal services, as defined in Section 44-96-40(6), including, but not limited to, final disposal services provided by a construction and demolition landfill, is a laborer within the meaning of Sections 29-5-20 and 29-5-40. 'Person' as used in this section means


Printed Page 4129 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

any individual, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, or another entity."

SECTION   24.   The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

SECTION   25.   If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this portion, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.

SECTION   26.   SECTIONS 5 and 15 of this act take effect at least sixty days after approval by the Governor. All other SECTIONS take effect upon approval by the Governor./
Amend title to read:

/TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 41 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ISSUE "SOUTH CAROLINA ELKS ASSOCIATION" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FEES COLLECTED FOR THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES; TO ENACT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES REFORM ACT OF 2003; BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-5 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY OF STATE GOVERNMENT; TO TRANSFER ALL FUNCTIONS, POWERS, DUTIES,


Printed Page 4130 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

RESPONSIBILITIES, AND AUTHORITY STATUTORILY EXERCISED BY THE MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION AND THE MOTOR CARRIER SERVICES UNIT WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND HIS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COUNCIL SHALL CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE EMPLOYEES, FUNDS, APPROPRIATIONS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, BONDED INDEBTEDNESS, REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY, CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS, AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION AND THE MOTOR CARRIER SERVICES UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY ARE TRANSFERRED TO AND BECOME PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL HAVE ACCESS TO CERTAIN DATA AND REPORTS MAINTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES OR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, OR BOTH, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MUST IMPLEMENT MOTOR CARRIER SERVICES IN SIX LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE, TO CREATE AN INTERAGENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL BETWEEN THE STATE TRANSPORT POLICE AND THE MOTOR CARRIER SERVICES TO FACILITATE A SMOOTH AND EFFICIENT TRANSITION AND ENSURE EFFICIENT INFORMATION EXCHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNOR SHALL DESIGNATE A LEAD AGENCY TO DISTRIBUTE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS AND FUNDS; BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-15 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MUST ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH VARIOUS ENTITIES TO ADMINISTER CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THE DRIVER'S LICENSE EXAMINATION, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ENTITY MAY CHARGE A FEE IN EXCESS OF THE FEE CHARGED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MUST RANDOMLY TEST DRIVER'S LICENSE APPLICANTS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A DRIVER'S LICENSE EXAMINATION ADMINISTERED BY AN

Printed Page 4131 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

ENTITY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY SUSPEND THE AUTHORITY OR CONTRACT OF AN ENTITY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL REGISTER CERTAIN PERSONS FOR THE UNITED STATES SELECTIVE SERVICE WHEN THEY APPLY FOR THE ISSUANCE, RENEWAL, OR A DUPLICATE COPY OF CERTAIN DRIVER'S LICENSES OR AN IDENTIFICATION CARD; BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-345 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY CHARGE AND COLLECT CERTAIN FEES FOR PROVIDING COPIES OF CERTAIN RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, SO AS TO DELETE ITS MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION, TO DELETE THE RESPONSIBILITIES IT ASSUMED WHEN CERTAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES WERE TRANSFERRED TO IT, AND TO DELETE ITS MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSING, REGISTRATION, AND TITLING FUNCTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-6-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, SO AS TO DELETE ITS MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION, AND CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES THAT WERE TRANSFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT WHEN IT WAS ESTABLISHED; TO AMEND SECTION 23-6-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE DEPARTMENT TO INCLUDE LICENSE SUSPENSIONS AND REVOCATIONS, THE TITLING AND REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, THE LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATORS, THE COLLECTION OF LICENSE, REGISTRATION, TITLING, AND OTHER FEES, AND THE MAINTENANCE OF AN AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR THE STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF ALL MOTOR VEHICLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR RECORDS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS OF TERMS CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "DEPARTMENT" TO MEAN THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR

Printed Page 4132 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

VEHICLES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY UNDER OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-140, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE THAT IS VALID FOR TEN YEARS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-210, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO WHEN A DRIVER'S LICENSE IS NO LONGER VALID, AND THE RENEWAL OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH A DRIVER'S LICENSE IS VALID FOR FIVE YEARS AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH A DRIVER'S LICENSE IS VALID FOR TEN YEARS, TO DELETE A PROVISION THAT REQUIRES A DRIVER'S LICENSE APPLICANT TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS A VISION TEST AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH THIS TEST MAY BE WAIVED, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ALLOW A PERSON TO RENEW HIS DRIVER'S LICENSE ELECTRONICALLY, TO SUBSTITUTE THE TERM VISION SCREENING FOR THE TERM VISUAL EXAMINATION; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE EYE EXAMINATION THAT IS REQUIRED OF A PERSON WHO SEEKS TO RENEW HIS DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO REVISE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH A PERSON WHO SEEKS TO RENEW HIS DRIVER'S LICENSE MUST HAVE HIS EYES EXAMINED OR SCREENED; TO AMEND SECTION 56-2-2740, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY'S AUTHORITY TO REFUSE TO RENEW THE DRIVER'S LICENSE AND MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION OF A PERSON WHO HAS NOT PAID CERTAIN PROPERTY TAXES, AND TO THE DEPARTMENT'S ISSUANCE OF BIENNIAL LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION DECALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS PROVISION RELATES TO PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES, TO PROVIDE THAT THESE FUNCTIONS ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH CERTAIN ENTITIES TO ISSUE LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION DECALS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THESE ENTITIES MAY CHARGE A FEE IN EXCESS OF THE FEE CHARGED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE

Printed Page 4133 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

PROVISION OF THESE SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-19-420, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CERTAIN FEES THAT MAY BE CHARGED FOR THE ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE TITLES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE FEE THAT MAY BE CHARGED FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THESE TITLES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THIS FEE MUST BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO DEFRAY CERTAIN OPERATIONAL EXPENSES; TO REPEAL SECTION 23-6-35 RELATING TO CERTAIN FEES THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MAY CHARGE AND COLLECT FOR PROVIDING COPIES OF CERTAIN RECORDS, AND ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 6, TITLE 23, RELATING TO THE DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERMS MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION, MOTOR VEHICLES DIVISION, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLE, AND DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL MEAN THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERM DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL MEAN THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO DIRECT THE CODE COMMISSIONER TO CHANGE THESE REFERENCES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO PROVIDE THAT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO DISCLOSE ANY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION WHICH BELONGS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES DURING OR AFTER THE TRANSFER OF THE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION FROM THE MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS PROVISION; BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-215 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES A PERSON MAY HAVE HIS LICENSE RENEWED WITHOUT TAKING THE ROAD TEST OR A WRITTEN EXAMINATION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES IS PROHIBITED FROM HIRING ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 29-5-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MECHANICS LIENS CONCERNING A PERSON WHO FURNISHES LABOR AND

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MATERIAL FOR THE ERECTION, ALTERATION, OR REPAIR OF A BUILDING OR STRUCTURES, SO AS TO REVISE THE COMPONENTS OF THE TERM "WORK OF MAKING THE REAL ESTATE SUITABLE AS A SITE FOR A BUILDING OR STRUCTURE" TO INCLUDE THE DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 29-5-27 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON PROVIDING CERTAIN CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS DISPOSAL SERVICES IS A LABORER, AND TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR THE TERM PERSON. /

The Honorable W. Greg Ryberg      The Honorable Ronald P. Townsend
The Honorable C. Bradley Hutto    The Honorable James M. Neal
The Honorable James H. Ritchie    The Honorable JoAnne Gilham
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

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

H. 3749--CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED

CONFERENCE REPORT
H. 3749
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., May 29, 2003

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:
H. 3749 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING, JULY 1, 2003; TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THE FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
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:

Amend title to conform.

John W. Matthews, Jr.   Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Thomas C. Alexander   Herb Kirsh


Printed Page 4135 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Hugh K. Leatherman                Rex F. Rice
On Part of the Senate.            On Part of the House.

Rep. HARRELL explained the Conference Report.

Rep. J. E. SMITH spoke against the Conference Report.

The question then recurred to the adoption of the Conference Report.

Rep. J. E. SMITH demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 72; Nays 37

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Altman                 Bales                  Battle
Bingham                Bowers                 Ceips
Chellis                Clark                  Clemmons
Coates                 Cooper                 Cotty
Dantzler               Delleney               Edge
Frye                   Gilham                 Hagood
Hamilton               Harrell                Harrison
Haskins                Herbkersman            Hinson
Huggins                Keegan                 Kirsh
Koon                   Leach                  Limehouse
Littlejohn             Loftis                 Lucas
Mahaffey               Martin                 McCraw
McGee                  Merrill                Neilson
Owens                  Perry                  Phillips
Pinson                 E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts
Quinn                  Rice                   Richardson
Sandifer               Scarborough            Simrill
Sinclair               Skelton                D. C. Smith
G. M. Smith            Stewart                Talley
Taylor                 Thompson               Toole
Townsend               Tripp                  Trotter
Umphlett               Vaughn                 Viers
Walker                 White                  Whitmire
Wilkins                Witherspoon            Young

Total--72


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Those who voted in the negative are:
Allen                  Anthony                Branham
Breeland               G. Brown               R. Brown
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Coleman
Emory                  Freeman                Gourdine
Govan                  Hayes                  J. Hines
Hosey                  Howard                 Lee
Lloyd                  Lourie                 Mack
McLeod                 Miller                 Moody-Lawrence
J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal             Ott
Parks                  Rivers                 Rutherford
Scott                  Sheheen                J. E. Smith
Snow                   Stille                 Weeks
Whipper

Total--37

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

RECORD FOR VOTING

I was attending my granddaughter's graduation and missed the vote on H. 3749. I would have voted in favor of the Bill.

Rep. Roland Smith

RECORD FOR VOTING

I was attending my daughter's graduation and missed the vote on H. 3749. I would have voted in favor of the Bill.

Rep. Garry R. Smith

RECORD FOR VOTING

I support the conference committee and most of the budget. However, I did not vote for H. 3749 because it appropriated monies to be expended for abortion which I oppose.

Rep. G. Ralph Davenport, Jr.

RECORD FOR VOTING

I support the conference committee and most of the budget. However, I did not vote for H. 3749 because it appropriated monies to be expended for abortion which I oppose.

Rep. Liston D. Barfield


Printed Page 4137 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 29, 2003
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has requested and has granted free conference powers and appointed Senators McGill, Peeler and Hayes of the Committee of Free Conference on the part of the Senate on S. 516:

S. 516 (Word version) -- Senator McGill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TARGETED JOBS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF "NEW JOB" TO INCLUDE JOBS MAINTAINED WHEN AN UNRELATED ENTITY ACQUIRES SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS OF A COMPANY OPERATING UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY CODE, MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED INDIVIDUALS ARE HIRED WHO WERE LAST EMPLOYED BY THE BANKRUPT TAXPAYER, AND THE JOBS ARE IN A MANUFACTURING FACILITY LOCATED IN A COUNTY CLASSIFIED AS DISTRESSED OR LEAST DEVELOPED.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 29, 2003
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Free Conference on S. 516:

S. 516 (Word version) -- Senator McGill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TARGETED JOBS TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF "NEW JOB" TO INCLUDE JOBS MAINTAINED WHEN AN UNRELATED ENTITY ACQUIRES SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS OF A


Printed Page 4138 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

COMPANY OPERATING UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY CODE, MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED INDIVIDUALS ARE HIRED WHO WERE LAST EMPLOYED BY THE BANKRUPT TAXPAYER, AND THE JOBS ARE IN A MANUFACTURING FACILITY LOCATED IN A COUNTY CLASSIFIED AS DISTRESSED OR LEAST DEVELOPED.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

S. 516--ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The Report of the Committee of Free Conference having been adopted by both Houses, and this Bill having been read three times in each House, it was ordered that the title thereof be changed to that of an Act and that it be enrolled for ratification.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., May 29, 2003
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Free Conference on S. 342:

S. 342 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 41 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ISSUE "SOUTH CAROLINA ELKS ASSOCIATION" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF FEES COLLECTED FOR THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.


Printed Page 4139 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

S. 342--ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The Report of the Committee of Free Conference having been adopted by both Houses, and this Bill having been read three times in each House, it was ordered that the title thereof be changed to that of an Act and that it be enrolled for ratification.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Rep. CATO, from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

S. 449 (Word version) -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, TITLE 6, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO BUILDING CODES, SO AS TO UPDATE REFERENCES TO NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BUILDING CODE ORGANIZATIONS AND MODIFY THE PROCEDURE BY WHICH BUILDING CODES ARE ADOPTED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

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

S. 356 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1 OF TITLE 56 OF THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-205 TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT, UPON REQUEST, MUST PLACE A NOTATION ON AN APPLICANT'S DRIVER'S LICENSE THAT THE APPLICANT IS HEARING IMPAIRED AND IF THE APPLICANT SUFFERS HEARING LOSS OF FORTY DECIBELS OR MORE; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 56 BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-1930 TO PROVIDE FOR IDENTIFICATION PLACARDS FOR HEARING IMPAIRED DRIVERS.

S. 356--REQUESTS FOR DEBATE

On motion of Rep. TOWNSEND, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was taken up for immediate consideration:

S. 356 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1 OF TITLE 56 OF THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-205 TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT, UPON REQUEST, MUST PLACE A NOTATION ON AN APPLICANT'S DRIVER'S


Printed Page 4140 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

LICENSE THAT THE APPLICANT IS HEARING IMPAIRED AND IF THE APPLICANT SUFFERS HEARING LOSS OF FORTY DECIBELS OR MORE; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 56 BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-1930 TO PROVIDE FOR IDENTIFICATION PLACARDS FOR HEARING IMPAIRED DRIVERS.

The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (Doc Name COUNCIL\SWB\5542CM03):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION   1.   Section 56-5-6540 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 65 of 2001, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-5-6540.   (A)   A person who violates the provisions of this article, upon conviction, must be fined not more than twenty-five dollars, all or part of which may be suspended. No Court costs, assessments, or surcharges may not be assessed against the person convicted. No A person may not be fined more than fifty dollars for any one incident of one or more violations of the provisions of this article. No A custodial arrest for a violation of this article may not be made, except upon a warrant issued for failure to appear in court when summoned or for failure to pay an imposed fine. A conviction for violation of this article does not constitute a criminal offense. Notwithstanding Section 56-1-640, a conviction for a violation of this article must not be included in the offender's motor vehicle records maintained by the Department of Public Safety or in the criminal records maintained by SLED.

(B)   A law enforcement officer must not stop a driver for a violation of this article in the absence of another violation of the motor vehicle laws except as follows:

(1)   when the officer has probable cause for a violation of this article based on his clear and unobstructed view of a driver seventeen years of age or younger or an occupant of the motor vehicle seventeen years of age or younger who is not wearing a safety belt or is not secured in a child restraint system as required by Article 47; or

(2)   when the stop is made in conjunction with a driver's license check or registration check conducted at a checkpoint established to stop all drivers on a certain road for a period of time.

(C)   A citation for a violation of this article, except for a citation issued pursuant to a stop made under subsection (B)(1), must not be


Printed Page 4141 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

issued without citing the violation that initially caused the officer to effect the enforcement stop.

(D)   A citation issued pursuant to a stop made under subsection (B)(1) may be issued without citing any other violation.

In addition, a conviction for violation of this article must not be reported to the offender's motor vehicle insurer.

(E)(B)   A violation of this article does is not constitute negligence per se or contributory negligence, and is not admissible as evidence in a civil action.

(F)(C)   No A vehicle, driver, or occupant in a vehicle may not be searched solely because of a violation of this article, nor may consent to search be requested or a stop made under subsection (B)(1).

(D)   A law enforcement officer must not stop a driver for a violation of this article except when the officer has probable cause for a violation of this article based on his clear and unobstructed view of a driver or an occupant of the motor vehicle who is not wearing a safety belt or is not secured in a child restraint system as required by Article 47 of this chapter."
SECTION   2.   This act takes effect six months after the date of approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. TOWNSEND explained the amendment.

Rep. ALTMAN moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Tuesday, June 3.

Rep. LOURIE moved to table the motion, which was agreed to by a division vote of 37 to 32.

Reps. SCARBOROUGH, ALTMAN, YOUNG, PERRY, WALKER, TOWNSEND, J. E. SMITH, LOURIE, HOSEY, OWENS, RICE, MOODY-LAWRENCE, SIMRILL, RICHARDSON, KIRSH, SKELTON, THOMPSON, CLARK, COTTY, GILHAM, CHELLIS, UMPHLETT and HINSON requested debate on the Bill.


Printed Page 4142 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

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

H. 4330 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, J. E. Smith, Quinn, Allen, Frye, Hamilton, Haskins, Leach, Loftis, Miller, Rice, Tripp and Vaughn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE HAYWOOD ROAD BRIDGE OVER I-385 IN GREENVILLE COUNTY AS THE "TERRY E. HASKINS MEMORIAL BRIDGE" IN HONOR OF THIS LATE DISTINGUISHED SOUTH CAROLINIAN AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THE WORDS "TERRY E. HASKINS MEMORIAL BRIDGE".

H. 4330--ADOPTED AND SENT TO SENATE

On motion of Rep. LEACH, with unanimous consent, the following Concurrent Resolution was taken up for immediate consideration:

H. 4330 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, J. E. Smith, Quinn, Allen, Frye, Hamilton, Haskins, Leach, Loftis, Miller, Rice, Tripp and Vaughn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE HAYWOOD ROAD BRIDGE OVER I-385 IN GREENVILLE COUNTY AS THE "TERRY E. HASKINS MEMORIAL BRIDGE" IN HONOR OF THIS LATE DISTINGUISHED SOUTH CAROLINIAN AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THE WORDS "TERRY E. HASKINS MEMORIAL BRIDGE".

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

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina request the Department of Transportation to name the Haywood Road Bridge over I-385 in Greenville County as the "Terry E. Haskins Memorial Bridge" in honor of this late distinguished South Carolinian and to erect appropriate signs or markers along this portion of highway containing the words "Terry E. Haskins Memorial Bridge".


Printed Page 4143 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

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

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Rep. COBB-HUNTER, from the Committee on Orangeburg Delegation, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 716 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 526 OF 1996, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS, THE ELECTIONS OF BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF THESE DISTRICTS AND OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THESE BOARDS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MEET MORE FREQUENTLY THAN QUARTERLY AND FOR EACH BOARD MEMBER TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR ALL BOARD MEETINGS ATTENDED DURING A FISCAL YEAR, NOT TO EXCEED A TOTAL OF EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY NOT EXCEED THE DOLLAR VALUE OF ONE-TENTH MILL; TO REQUIRE THAT FUNDS REMAINING ON THIS ACT'S EFFECTIVE DATE UNDER THE CONTROL OR USE OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR OPERATIONS BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE THREE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP FORMULA; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO RETAIN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR OPERATIONS; TO REVISE THE FORMULA EQUALIZING WEALTH PER STUDENT AMONG THE DISTRICTS BY USING FIVE MILLS RATHER THAN TWENTY-FIVE MILLS AS THE MULTIPLIER IN THIS FORMULA, AND TO REVISE AN ADJUSTMENT IF THE REMIT IS ZERO OR LESS; AND TO DELETE OUTDATED PROVISIONS RELATING TO INITIAL ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS.


Printed Page 4144 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

S. 716--ORDERED TO THIRD READING

On motion of Rep. COBB-HUNTER, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was taken up for immediate consideration:

S. 716 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 526 OF 1996, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS, THE ELECTIONS OF BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF THESE DISTRICTS AND OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THESE BOARDS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MEET MORE FREQUENTLY THAN QUARTERLY AND FOR EACH BOARD MEMBER TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR ALL BOARD MEETINGS ATTENDED DURING A FISCAL YEAR, NOT TO EXCEED A TOTAL OF EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY NOT EXCEED THE DOLLAR VALUE OF ONE-TENTH MILL; TO REQUIRE THAT FUNDS REMAINING ON THIS ACT'S EFFECTIVE DATE UNDER THE CONTROL OR USE OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR OPERATIONS BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE THREE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP FORMULA; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO RETAIN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR OPERATIONS; TO REVISE THE FORMULA EQUALIZING WEALTH PER STUDENT AMONG THE DISTRICTS BY USING FIVE MILLS RATHER THAN TWENTY-FIVE MILLS AS THE MULTIPLIER IN THIS FORMULA, AND TO REVISE AN ADJUSTMENT IF THE REMIT IS ZERO OR LESS; AND TO DELETE OUTDATED PROVISIONS RELATING TO INITIAL ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

The Bill was read second time and ordered to third reading.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4325 (Word version) -- Rep. Cotty: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND ONE OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S GREATEST


Printed Page 4145 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

CITIZENS AND PATRIOTS, MRS. NELIDA CABALLERO, WHO WAS BORN IN CUBA, SPENT MANY YEARS OPPOSING THE COMMUNIST REGIME IN CUBA, AND WHO SACRIFICED EVERYTHING TO BRING HER CHILDREN TO THIS COUNTRY AND ESCAPE COMMUNISM.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4326 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith and Taylor: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE TALMADGE GRAY OF SIMPSONVILLE UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-FOUR YEARS IN EDUCATION, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL OF HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4327 (Word version) -- Reps. J. Hines, Neilson and Lucas: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL SILVER FOXES OF DARLINGTON COUNTY ON THEIR 2003 STATE CLASS A TRACK TITLE AND TO HONOR THE PLAYERS AND COACH CHARLIE POOLE ON THEIR EXEMPLARY SEASON.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4328 (Word version) -- Reps. Richardson, Cobb-Hunter, J. Hines, Haskins, McLeod, Parks, Neilson, McCraw, Martin, R. Brown, Whipper, Allen, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Freeman, Frye, Gilham,


Printed Page 4146 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

Gourdine, Govan, Hagood, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Hayes, Herbkersman, M. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jennings, Keegan, Kennedy, Kirsh, Koon, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lourie, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, McGee, Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Ott, Owens, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Sheheen, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Snow, Stewart, Stille, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Umphlett, Vaughn, Viers, Walker, Weeks, White, Whitmire, Wilkins, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION APPLAUDING LADIES GOLF PROFESSIONAL ANNIKA SORENSTAM FOR HER OUTSTANDING CAREER ON THE LPGA TOUR AND RECOGNIZING HER INSPIRING AND COURAGEOUS PLAY IN THE BANK OF AMERICA COLONIAL AS THE FIRST FEMALE GOLFER TO TEE IT UP WITH THE MEN IN A PGA TOUR EVENT IN ALMOST SIXTY YEARS.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4329 (Word version) -- Reps. J. Hines, Neilson and Lucas: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL SILVER FOXES OF DARLINGTON COUNTY ON THEIR 2003 STATE DIVISION A BASEBALL TITLE AND TO HONOR THE PLAYERS AND COACH J. R. BOYD ON THEIR OUTSTANDING SEASON.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4330 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, J. E. Smith, Quinn, Allen, Frye, Hamilton, Haskins, Leach, Loftis, Miller, Rice, Tripp and Vaughn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE HAYWOOD ROAD BRIDGE OVER I-385 IN GREENVILLE


Printed Page 4147 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

COUNTY AS THE "TERRY E. HASKINS MEMORIAL BRIDGE" IN HONOR OF THIS LATE DISTINGUISHED SOUTH CAROLINIAN AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THE WORDS "TERRY E. HASKINS MEMORIAL BRIDGE".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4331 (Word version) -- Reps. Bowers and Rivers: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR HAMPTON COUNTY, ONE OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S MOST HISTORIC AND SCENIC AREAS, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY.

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

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4332 (Word version) -- Rep. Rivers: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY S-27-13 IN JASPER COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH U. S. HIGHWAY 17 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH U. S. HIGHWAY 462 AS THE "MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARKWAY", AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THE WORDS "MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARKWAY".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4333 (Word version) -- Reps. McLeod, Bowers, Lloyd and R. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE DEEPEST


Printed Page 4148 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS OF W. MULLINS McLEOD OF WALTERBORO--ATTORNEY AT LAW, VIETNAM WAR VETERAN, AND PROMINENT PUBLIC OFFICIAL--UPON HIS DEATH.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

H. 4334 (Word version) -- Reps. Scarborough and Altman: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-141 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A NO WAKE ZONE ON THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY IN CHARLESTON COUNTY BEGINNING AT THE SIGN POSTED AT MARKER 4 AND ENDING AT THE WAPOO CUT BRIDGE.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 4335 (Word version) -- Rep. Sinclair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 55-11-230, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG AIRPORT ENVIRONS PLANNING COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION DOES NOT HAVE JURISDICTION OVER PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE ENVIRONS AREA IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY ON WHICH A HEALTH CARE FACILITY IS LOCATED OR WILL BE CONSTRUCTED.
Rep. SINCLAIR asked unanimous consent to have the Bill placed on the Calendar without reference.
Rep. LEE objected.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. SINCLAIR asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4335 (Word version) from the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. DAVENPORT objected.


Printed Page 4149 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. G. BROWN asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4226 (Word version) from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Rep. SANDIFER objected.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

Rep. COBB-HUNTER moved that the House recur to the Morning Hour, which was agreed to.

S. 716--RECONSIDERED, AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

Rep. COBB-HUNTER moved to reconsider the vote whereby the following Bill was given a second reading, which was agreed to:

S. 716 (Word version) -- Senators Matthews and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 526 OF 1996, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ORANGEBURG COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS, THE ELECTIONS OF BOARDS OF TRUSTEES OF THESE DISTRICTS AND OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THESE BOARDS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MEET MORE FREQUENTLY THAN QUARTERLY AND FOR EACH BOARD MEMBER TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR ALL BOARD MEETINGS ATTENDED DURING A FISCAL YEAR, NOT TO EXCEED A TOTAL OF EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY NOT EXCEED THE DOLLAR VALUE OF ONE-TENTH MILL; TO REQUIRE THAT FUNDS REMAINING ON THIS ACT'S EFFECTIVE DATE UNDER THE CONTROL OR USE OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR OPERATIONS BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE THREE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP FORMULA; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO RETAIN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR OPERATIONS; TO REVISE THE FORMULA EQUALIZING WEALTH PER STUDENT AMONG THE DISTRICTS BY USING FIVE MILLS RATHER THAN TWENTY-FIVE MILLS AS THE MULTIPLIER IN THIS FORMULA, AND TO REVISE AN ADJUSTMENT IF THE REMIT IS ZERO OR LESS; AND TO DELETE OUTDATED PROVISIONS RELATING TO


Printed Page 4150 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

INITIAL ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

Rep. GOVAN proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\11875AC03), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 of the bill in its entirety and inserting:
/SECTION   1.   Section 3(A) of Act 526 of 1996, is amended by adding at the end:

"The county board shall meet and members shall receive up to twelve-hundred dollars compensation for board meetings attended in a fiscal year."/
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, page 2, line 35 by deleting /July 1, 2003/ and inserting /July 15, 2003/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

The amendment was then adopted.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

S. 716--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. COBB-HUNTER, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that S. 716 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. YOUNG moved that the House recede pending the receipt of messages from the Senate and upon completion of the Ratification of Acts, the House stand adjourned, which was agreed to.

RETURNED WITH CONCURRENCE

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 4315 (Word version) -- Rep. Clyburn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO MRS. CHRISTINE JOHNSON OF AIKEN COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY ON JUNE 10, 2003, AND TO WISH HER MANY MORE YEARS OF HAPPINESS.


Printed Page 4151 . . . . . Thursday, May 29, 2003

H. 4316 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith and Taylor: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE EXTREME SKILLS AND DETERMINATION OF MR. ZACK SIEFERT OF HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL IN GREENVILLE COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO MR. SIEFERT ON HIS MANY ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS.

H. 4319 (Word version) -- Reps. Quinn, E. H. Pitts, Huggins, Koon, Bingham, Frye and Toole: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROUDLY RECOGNIZING AND HEARTILY CONGRATULATING THE POND BRANCH TELEPHONE COMPANY, NOW PBT TELECOM, ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF ITS MODEST BEGINNINGS IN LEXINGTON COUNTY AND ITS ONE HUNDRED-YEAR HISTORY OF PERSONAL SERVICE TO ITS LOCAL CUSTOMERS, COMMUNITIES, AND EMPLOYEES.

H. 4330 (Word version) -- Reps. Wilkins, J. E. Smith, Quinn, Allen, Frye, Hamilton, Haskins, Leach, Loftis, Miller, Rice, Tripp and Vaughn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NAME THE HAYWOOD ROAD BRIDGE OVER I-385 IN GREENVILLE COUNTY AS THE "TERRY E. HASKINS MEMORIAL BRIDGE" IN HONOR OF THIS LATE DISTINGUISHED SOUTH CAROLINIAN AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THE WORDS "TERRY E. HASKINS MEMORIAL BRIDGE".

ADJOURNMENT

At 7:20 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. BAILEY, adjourned in memory of Mrs. Dorothy "Dot" Garrett of St. George, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

***

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