NO. 66

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 Job 28:12: "Where shall wisdom be found?"
Let us pray. Lord, help us to let go of the trivial and cling only to Your love and the important aspects of life. In the daily task before these Representatives, give them wisdom to think through problems and the ability to exercise the wisdom that You have given them. In the crucial days of this Session, guide them with Your mighty power to fulfill the needs and desires of the people. Continue Your blessings upon our Nation, President, State, Governor, Speaker, this Honorable Assembly, and all who serve in these Halls of Government. Protect our defenders of freedom at home and abroad as they protect us. Hear our prayer, O Lord. 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.

Rep. HIOTT moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Tony Johnson of Pickens, which was agreed to.

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

H. 4867 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Harrell and Haley: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF ACCOUNTANTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "ATTEST" AND "SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY" AND TO DEFINE "HOME OFFICE" AND "PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS"; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT TO BE LICENSED TO RENDER CERTAIN SERVICES AND TO USE CERTAIN TITLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INDIVIDUALS AND FIRMS MAY ALSO RENDER THESE SERVICES AND USE CERTAIN TITLES IF CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS ARE MET; TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCOUNTING FIRMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH AN OUT-OF-STATE FIRM MAY RENDER CERTAIN SERVICES WITHOUT HAVING A REGISTRATION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-245, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL IN AN OUT-OF-STATE FIRM TO OBTAIN PRACTICE PRIVILEGES IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO REVISE AND FURTHER SPECIFY THESE REQUIREMENTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

The following was introduced:

H. 5123 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield and Witherspoon: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE CONWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM, OF HORRY COUNTY, FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON, AND TO CONGRATULATE THE PLAYERS AND THEIR COACH FOR CAPTURING THIRD PLACE IN THE 2008 SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS STATE TOURNAMENT.

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

The following was introduced:

H. 5124 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield and Witherspoon: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CONWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM, OF HORRY COUNTY, WITH THEIR COACHES AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND COMMENDED FOR CAPTURING THIRD PLACE IN THE 2008 SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS STATE TOURNAMENT.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

The following was introduced:

H. 5125 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Harrell, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Crawford, Daning, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Govan, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutson, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, Kirsh, Knight, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, Moss, Mulvaney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE AMANDA J. MORRIS, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER GRADUATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF LAW, AND TO WISH HER SUCCESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5126 (Word version) -- Rep. Davenport: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE TAYLOR MORRIS, OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY, AND TO CONGRATULATE HER UPON EARNING THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRETEEN NATIONAL TEENAGER TITLE.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5127 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Crawford, Daning, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Govan, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutson, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, Kirsh, Knight, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, Moss, Mulvaney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING MIKE TOLBERT, FORMER STAR FULLBACK OF THE COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM, ON HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TEAM AND ON BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, AND EXTENDING HIM BEST WISHES FOR GREAT SUCCESS AND A LONG CAREER IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5128 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, Breeland, G. Brown, R. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Crawford, Daning, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Govan, Gullick, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutson, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, Kirsh, Knight, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, Moss, Mulvaney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Sellers, Shoopman, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, F. N. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, W. D. Smith, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND CONGRATULATE JEROME SIMPSON, FORMER STAR WIDE RECEIVER OF THE COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM, ON HIS GREAT ATHLETICISM, INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TEAM, AND FOR BEING DRAFTED BY THE CINCINNATI BENGALS IN THE RECENT NFL DRAFT, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Resolution was adopted.

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

Agnew                  Alexander              Allen
Anderson               Anthony                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Brady                  Branham
Brantley               Breeland               G. Brown
R. Brown               Cato                   Chalk
Clemmons               Cobb-Hunter            Coleman
Cooper                 Crawford               Daning
Dantzler               Davenport              Delleney
Duncan                 Edge                   Erickson
Frye                   Funderburk             Gambrell
Govan                  Gullick                Hagood
Haley                  Hamilton               Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Hart
Harvin                 Haskins                Hayes
Herbkersman            Hiott                  Hodges
Hosey                  Howard                 Hutson
Jefferson              Kelly                  Kennedy
Kirsh                  Knight                 Leach
Limehouse              Littlejohn             Loftis
Lowe                   Lucas                  Mahaffey
Merrill                Miller                 Moss
Mulvaney               J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Neilson                Ott                    Owens
Parks                  Perry                  Phillips
Pinson                 M. A. Pitts            Rice
Sandifer               Scarborough            Scott
Shoopman               Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            F. N. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith            W. D. Smith
Stavrinakis            Stewart                Talley
Taylor                 Thompson               Toole
Umphlett               Walker                 Weeks
White                  Williams               Witherspoon
Young

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, May 7.

William Clyburn                   Bill Cotty
Chip Huggins                      Walton McLeod
Harold Mitchell                   Edward H. "Ted" Pitts
Kit Spires                        Thad Viers
William R. "Bill" Whitmire        William Bowers
Bakari Sellers                    Todd Rutherford
David Mack                        Douglas Jennings
Jackson "Seth"  Whipper           Ted Vick

The SPEAKER granted Rep. MOODY-LAWRENCE a leave of absence for the day.

Announcement was made that Dr. Susan Keeshan of Columbia was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

Rep. OTT presented to the House the Calhoun County High School "Saints" Boys Varsity Basketball Team, the 2007-2008 Class A State Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

The following Bill was taken up, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments:

S. 880 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen, Knotts, Fair and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-2110 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO DISQUALIFICATION FROM DRIVING A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WITH A VERIFIED POSITIVE DRUG TEST OR ALCOHOL CONFIRMATION TEST IS DISQUALIFIED FROM DRIVING A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE UNTIL THE PERSON SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES AN ALCOHOL OR DRUG PROGRAM; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 56 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO DRIVER'S LICENSES, TO PROVIDE THAT A MEDICAL REPORTING OFFICER CONDUCTING DRUG OR ALCOHOL CONFIRMATION TESTS PURSUANT TO 49 C.F.R. 40 MUST REPORT POSITIVE VERIFIED TEST RESULTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

The following Bill was read the third time, passed and, 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:

S. 882 (Word version) -- Senator Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-15-175, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF DENTAL INSTRUCTOR LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH LICENSES ARE RESTRICTED LICENSES; TO FURTHER SPECIFY IN WHAT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS SUCH A LICENSEE MAY TEACH; TO PROVIDE FOR IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF SUCH A LICENSE IF THE LICENSEE CEASES TO BE A FACULTY MEMBER AT ONE OF THE SPECIFIED PROGRAMS; AND ALSO TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF DENTISTRY MAY REVOKE SUCH A RESTRICTED LICENSE FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE CHAPTER OR REGULATIONS PROMULGATED UNDER THE CHAPTER; AND TO ADD SECTION 40-15-176 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE QUALIFICATIONS AND ISSUANCE OF RESTRICTED PUBLIC HEALTH DENTAL LICENSES FOR OUT-OF-STATE LICENSED DENTISTS WHO WORK IN A GOVERNMENT OR ELEEMOSYNARY ENTITY TO PROVIDE DENTAL CARE TO UNDERSERVED RESIDENTS OF THIS STATE; TO PROVIDE FOR IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF SUCH A LICENSEE IF THE LICENSEE CEASES TO BE EMPLOYED BY A SPECIFIED PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE SUCH LICENSES TO BE RENEWED ANNUALLY; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF DENTISTRY MAY REVOKE SUCH A RESTRICTED LICENSE FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS CHAPTER OR REGULATIONS PROMULGATED UNDER THIS CHAPTER.

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 1168 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-9-510, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SERVICE OF PROCESS ON THE SUPERINTENDENT OF A STATE MENTAL HOSPITAL, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF SUCH HOSPITAL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-9-50, RELATING TO DIVIDING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH INTO DIVISIONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION REQUIRING A MEDICAL DIVISION TO BE HEADED BY A MEDICAL DOCTOR; TO AMEND SECTION 44-9-60, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EACH HOSPITAL UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF SUCH HOSPITALS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-9-90, RELATING TO THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO EPILEPSY AND TO CERTAIN OBSOLETE TERMS, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS, AND TO SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF A MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-9-100, RELATING TO AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY OVER WHICH THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION MAY EXERCISE ITS AUTHORITY, SO AS TO DELETE OBSOLETE TERMS, MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS, AND SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF A MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-22-220, RELATING TO PATIENT RIGHTS GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A GRIEVANCE MUST BE REVIEWED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THAT A DETERMINATION MUST BE MADE WHETHER CORRECTIVE ACTION IS WARRANTED; TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-10, RELATING TO DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE CARE AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-210, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF PATIENTS BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL RETARDATION FACILITIES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND TO SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF A MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTION OR FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-250, RELATING TO THE SIGNATURE OF A "SUPERINTENDENT OF ANY INSTITUTION" OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH , SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT MEANS THE "DIRECTOR" OF SUCH INSTITUTIONS; TO REPEAL SECTION 44-11-80 RELATING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION SETTING THE SALARIES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF STATE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 44-23-30 RELATING TO A NONRESIDENT PHYSICIAN EXAMINING AN INSTITUTIONALIZED PATIENT OUT OF STATE.

The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\ NBD\12280AC08), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 44-23-10(20) on page 9, line 39 by deleting /afflicted/. So when amended, Section 44-23-10(20) reads:
/   (20)   'Person with a mental illness' means a person with a mental disease to such an extent that, for the person's own welfare or the welfare of others or of the community, the person requires care, treatment, or hospitalization./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

Rep. RICE moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 1174 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-260, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FACILITIES EXEMPT FROM HEALTH FACILITY LICENSURE, SO AS TO EXEMPT HOMESHARE ENHANCED RESPITE PROGRAMS DESIGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

Reps. CHALK and HARVIN proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\DT\27211BB08), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered section to read:
/SECTION   ___.   Section 44-7-260(A) of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an appropriately numbered item at the end to read:

"( )   A person, business entity, corporation, or association that for compensation directly provides or makes provision for in-home care services through its own employees or agents or through contractual arrangements with independent contractors or through referral of other persons to render in-home care services when the individual making the referral has a financial interest in the delivery of those services by those other persons who would deliver those services. The service is provided for individuals who are elderly, convalescing, or who have a disability."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. CHALK explained the amendment.

Rep. HAYES moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.

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

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 311 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-2723 SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL GROUP CHILDCARE HOMES AND FAMILY CHILDCARE HOMES THAT DO NOT CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE TO OBTAIN STATEMENTS FROM EACH PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A CHILD ENROLLED IN THE CHILDCARE FACILITY INDICATING THAT THE PARENT HAS RECEIVED NOTICE FROM THE FACILITY THAT THE FACILITY DOES NOT CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE, TO REQUIRE A GROUP CHILDCARE HOME OR FAMILY CHILDCARE HOME WHOSE LIABILITY INSURANCE LAPSES OR IS CANCELED AND NOT REPLACED TO OBTAIN A STATEMENT FROM THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A CHILD ENROLLED IN THAT CHILDCARE FACILITY, TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO INFORM EACH GROUP CHILDCARE HOME AND FAMILY CHILDCARE HOME OF THIS REQUIREMENT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT COMPLIANCE WITH THIS SECTION IS A CONDITION OF LICENSURE.

Reps. E. H. PITTS, WHITE and PINSON proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name COUNCIL\NBD\12326AC08), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/SECTION   __.   A.   Subarticle 11, Article 13, Chapter 7, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 20-7-2727.   An owner or operator of a childcare center, group childcare home, or family childcare home, as defined by Section 20-7-2700, must notify and obtain signed statements from the custodial parent or parents or guardian or guardians of each child upon enrollment of the child in the childcare center, group childcare home, or family childcare home indicating that the parent or parents or guardian or guardians have received notice that the childcare center, group childcare home, or family childcare home may provisionally employ a person in order to comply with Section 20-7-680(G) and Section 20-7-2725(D) when an unexpected staff vacancy occurs. Provisional employment may only occur pursuant to the provisions of Section 20-7-2725(D).
B.   Within sixty days of this act's effective date, An owner or operator of a childcare center, group childcare home, or family childcare home, as defined by Section 20-7-2700 of the 1976 Code, must notify and obtain signed statements pursuant to the provisions of Section 20-7-2727 from the custodial parent or parents or guardian or guardians of each child enrolled on this act's effective date in the childcare center, group childcare home, or family childcare home ." /
Amend the bill, further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/SECTION   __.   Section 20-7-2725(D) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 444 of 1996, is amended to read:

"(D)(1)   To be employed by or to provide caregiver services at a childcare facility licensed, registered, or approved under this subarticle, a person first shall undergo a state fingerprint review to be conducted by the State Law Enforcement Division to determine any state criminal history and, a fingerprint review to be conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine any other criminal history, and a Central Registry check conducted by the department to determine any abuse or neglect perpetrated by the person upon a child. A person may be provisionally employed or may provisionally provide caregiver services after the favorable completion of the State Law Enforcement Division fingerprint review online background catch and until such time as the State Law Enforcement Division fingerprint review, the Federal Bureau of Investigation review, and the Central Registry check is completed if the person affirms in writing on a form provided by the department that he or she has not been convicted of any crime enumerated in this section. A person provisionally employed must be under supervision of a nonprovisionally employed person at all times when providing direct care to children. Provisional status must be immediately terminated if the requests for the State Law Enforcement Division fingerprint review, the Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint review, and the Central Registry check are not submitted within two business days of employment. If an owner or operator of a childcare facility licensed, registered, or approved under this subarticle violates the requirements of this subsection, the owner or operator may not employ a person provisionally for the succeeding twelve months. The results of the fingerprint reviews are valid and reviews are not required to be repeated as long as the person remains employed by or continues providing caregiver services in a childcare center, group childcare home, family childcare home, or church or religious childcare center; however, if a person is not employed or does not provide caregiver services for one year or longer, the fingerprint reviews must be repeated.

(2)   For purposes of this subsection, the department must complete the Central Registry check within two business days after receipt of the request. For all other Central Registry checks required by Section 20-7-680, the department must complete the check within four business days after receipt of the request."/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. E. H. PITTS explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.

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

Rep. WHITE moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Thursday, May 8, which was adopted:

S. 950 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto and Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-53-630, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE DENMARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE AREA COMMISSION, SO AS TO ALLOW THE COMMISSION TO ENTER INTO GROUND LEASE AGREEMENTS WITH PRIVATE ENTITIES UPON APPROVAL BY THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

Rep. KENNEDY withdrew his request for debate on S. 918 (Word version); however, other requests for debate remained on the Bill.

Rep. MOSS asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4369 (Word version) from the Committee on Judiciary.
Rep. LOFTIS objected.

Rep. HART asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3163 (Word version) from the Committee on Ways and Means.
Rep. WHITE objected.

On motion of Rep. TOOLE, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Judiciary:

S. 401 (Word version) -- Senators Setzler and Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE CONSOLIDATED PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO DELETE THE DEFINITION FOR "OFFICE"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 11-35-1524, RELATING TO VENDOR PREFERENCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PREFERENCES FOR END PRODUCTS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA AND FROM THE UNITED STATES AND FOR CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS WHO EMPLOY INDIVIDUALS DOMICILED IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, PROVIDE FOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PREFERENCES, PROVIDE FOR APPLICATION FOR THE PREFERENCES AND PENALTIES FOR FALSE APPLICATION, AND TO MAKE EXCEPTIONS TO THE PREFERENCES.

Rep. HART asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4616 (Word version) from the Committee on Judiciary.
Rep. THOMPSON objected.

Rep. HART asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3588 (Word version) from the Committee on Judiciary.
Rep. GAMBRELL objected.

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

H. 4800 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2008, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THIS OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate on the Senate Amendments, which was agreed to.

The Senate Amendments to the following Joint Resolution were taken up for consideration:

H. 4801 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008.

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate on the Senate Amendments, which was agreed to.

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

S. 642 (Word version) -- Senators Thomas and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-5-15 AND SECTION 11-13-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE COLLATERAL REQUIRED TO SECURE THE UNINSURED FUNDS ON DEPOSIT OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITY AND THE STATE, SO AS TO DEFINE A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION IN WHICH THESE FUNDS ARE DEPOSITED AS A QUALIFIED PUBLIC DEPOSITORY, TO ALLOW SUCH A DEPOSITORY TO SECURE THESE FUNDS USING THE DEDICATED METHOD OR THE POOLING METHOD, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITY OR STATE TREASURER MAY REQUIRE SUCH A DEPOSITORY TO USE THE DEDICATED METHOD.

Rep. CATO 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.

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

H. 4548 (Word version) -- Reps. Umphlett, Cobb-Hunter, G. M. Smith, Lowe, Hutson, Jefferson, Toole, Vick, J. H. Neal, Huggins, Haley, Witherspoon, Anderson, Dantzler, Duncan, Knight, Ott, E. H. Pitts, Spires, Williams and Funderburk: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 50-13-5 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF CHAPTER 13 OF TITLE 50, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF FISH; BY ADDING SECTION 50-13-221 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CATCH LIMITS, LENGTH LIMITS, AND OTHER REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO STRIPED BASS TAKEN IN THE LOWER SANTEE RIVER AND COOPER RIVER SYSTEMS DURING SPECIFIED PERIODS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-1120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE POINT SYSTEM FOR HUNTING AND FISHING VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO ADD ADDITIONAL POINTS FOR OTHER FISHING VIOLATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-13-285, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR EXCEEDING CERTAIN LIMITS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THESE PENALTIES APPLY; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 50-13-220, 50-13-230, AND 50-13-235 RELATING TO STRIPED BASS CATCH AND TAKING REQUIREMENTS.

Reps. WITHERSPOON and UMPHLETT proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name COUNCIL\GJK\20690SD08), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 50-13-221 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 2, by striking /May thirtieth/ on line 20, page 2 and on line 23, page 2, and inserting /May thirty-first/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

The Senate Amendments, as amended, were then agreed to and the Bill was ordered returned to the Senate.

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

H. 3279 (Word version) -- Rep. Scott: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 1, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE MOBILITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AS A DIVISION WITHIN THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE ITS POWERS AND DUTIES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 57-1-20, 57-3-10, AND 57-3-20, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND ITS DIVISIONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE MASS TRANSIT DIVISION; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-3-40, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MASS TRANSIT DIVISION'S POWERS AND DUTIES; AND TO REPEAL CHAPTER 25, TITLE 58, RELATING TO REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITIES.

Rep. SCOTT 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.

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

H. 3032 (Word version) -- Reps. Viers and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY APPROPRIATE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS RELATING TO THE PRESENCE OF ILLEGAL ALIENS IN THIS STATE AND TO RECOMMEND LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AS APPROPRIATE.

Rep. HARRISON moved to adjourn debate on the Senate Amendments, which was agreed to.

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

H. 3649 (Word version) -- Reps. Witherspoon, Merrill, Agnew, Anthony, Brady, R. Brown, Duncan, Funderburk, Hagood, Hardwick, Herbkersman, Hiott, Kelly, Loftis, Moss, Ott, E. H. Pitts, Scott, Talley, Toole, Umphlett, Cobb-Hunter, Leach, Cato, Clemmons, Barfield, Ceips, Dantzler, Hamilton, Howard, Jefferson, Lowe, Phillips, G. R. Smith, J. R. Smith, Stavrinakis, Bannister, J. H. Neal, Stewart, Sellers, Mitchell, Williams, G. M. Smith and Mahaffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 63 TO TITLE 12 SO AS TO ENACT THE "ENERGY FREEDOM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT" TO ALLOW A SALES TAX REBATE FOR THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT USED TO CONVERT A HYBRID VEHICLE INTO A HYBRID PLUG-IN VEHICLE, TO ALLOW AN INCENTIVE PAYMENT FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL PURCHASES, AND TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA RENEWABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3376 SO AS TO ALLOW AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR THE PURCHASE OR LEASE OF A PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE; BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3630 SO AS TO ALLOW AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED EXPENDITURES FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FEEDSTOCKS AND PROCESSES FOR CELLULOSIC ETHANOL AND FOR ALGAE-DERIVED BIODIESEL; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3587, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR SOLAR ENERGY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS, SO AS TO ALLOW A TAX CREDIT EQUAL TO THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR EACH BUILDING THAT IS INSTALLED WITH A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3600, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR AN ETHANOL AND BIODIESEL FACILITY, SO AS TO ALLOW A TAX CREDIT FOR A CORN-BASED ETHANOL AND SOY-BASED BIODIESEL FACILITY AND A NONCORN ETHANOL AND NONSOY OIL BIODIESEL FACILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3610, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR THE COST OF PURCHASING AND INSTALLING PROPERTY TO DISTRIBUTE AND DISPENSE RENEWABLE FUELS, SO AS TO LIMIT THE CREDIT TO ONE MILLION DOLLARS, TO DEFINE THE TERM "RENEWABLE FUEL", AND TO ADD CLARIFYING LANGUAGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-3620, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR THE COST OF METHANE GAS USE, SO AS TO ALLOW A TAX CREDIT FOR THE COST OF EQUIPMENT TO CREATE A FORM OF ENERGY FROM A BIOMASS RESOURCE AND TO LIMIT THE CREDIT TO ONE MILLION DOLLARS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-28-110, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MOTOR FUEL FEES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "BIODIESEL".

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.

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

H. 4492 (Word version) -- Reps. Young, Harrell and Hutson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-230, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN DORCHESTER COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS IN DORCHESTER COUNTY, REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND CORRECT CERTAIN REFERENCES.

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.

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

H. 4876 (Word version) -- Reps. Cooper and Cotty: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-1-1020, 9-1-1620, 9-1-1680, AND 9-1-1970, ALL AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM; BY ADDING SECTIONS 9-1-1625, 9-1-1665, 9-1-1975, AND 9-1-1980 SO AS TO COMPLY WITH THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR THIS RETIREMENT SYSTEM WITH REGARD TO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS, AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS PERTAINING TO PARTICIPATION IN AND PROCEDURES FOR THIS SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-8-130, 9-8-190, BOTH AS AMENDED, AND 9-8-240, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS; BY ADDING SECTIONS 9-8-245, 9-8-250, 9-8-260, AND 9-8-270 SO AS TO COMPLY WITH THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR THIS SYSTEM WITH REGARD TO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS, AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS PERTAINING TO PARTICIPATION IN AND PROCEDURES FOR THIS SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-9-70, AS AMENDED, 9-9-120, 9-9-180, AS AMENDED, AND 9-9-240, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; BY ADDING SECTIONS 9-9-245, 9-9-250, 9-9-255, AND 9-9-260 SO AS TO COMPLY WITH THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR THIS RETIREMENT SYSTEM WITH REGARD TO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS, AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS PERTAINING TO PARTICIPATION IN AND PROCEDURES FOR THIS SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-11-150, 9-11-210, 9-11-270, ALL AS AMENDED, AND 9-11-350, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM; BY ADDING SECTIONS 9-11-155, 9-11-175, 9-11-355, AND 9-11-360 SO AS TO COMPLY WITH THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR THIS RETIREMENT SYSTEM WITH REGARD TO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS, AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS PERTAINING TO PARTICIPATION IN AND PROCEDURES FOR THIS SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTION 9-16-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE INVESTMENT OF ASSETS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, SO AS TO COMPLY WITH THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE; TO AMEND TITLE 9 BY ADDING CHAPTER 12 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR QUALIFIED EXCESS BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-1-10, 9-1-1140, AND 9-1-1620, ALL AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; BY ADDING SECTIONS 9-1-320, 9-1-1135, AND 9-1-1775 SO AS TO CODIFY CERTAIN REGULATIONS TO FURTHER IDENTIFY THE PLAN DOCUMENT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR THIS RETIREMENT SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTION 9-8-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS; BY ADDING SECTIONS 9-8-35 AND 9-8-185 SO AS TO CODIFY CERTAIN REGULATIONS TO FURTHER IDENTIFY THE PLAN DOCUMENT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR THIS RETIREMENT SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTION 9-9-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; BY ADDING SECTIONS 9-9-31 AND 9-9-175 TO FURTHER IDENTIFY THE PLAN DOCUMENT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR THIS SYSTEM; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-11-50 AND 9-11-150, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM; BY ADDING SECTIONS 9-11-35, 9-11-125, AND 9-11-265 SO AS TO CODIFY CERTAIN REGULATIONS TO FURTHER IDENTIFY THE PLAN DOCUMENT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE FOR THIS RETIREMENT SYSTEM; AND TO PROVIDE THAT UPON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT, REGULATIONS 19-900 THROUGH 19-997 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF REGULATIONS SHALL HAVE NO APPLICATION TO THE OPERATION OF TITLE 9 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Rep. NEILSON explained the Senate Amendments.

Rep. MULVANEY made the Point of Order that the Senate Amendments were 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.

Unfortunately, H. 4876 was not voted on today, due to the 24 hour rule. I will not be present tomorrow due to a multi-state conference with Wachovia Mortgage. I believe this very important Bill will have a vote tomorrow and I wish to go on record as voting in favor of the Bill, by concurring in the Senate Amendments.

I applaud our Senators for adopting the amendment that included a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for those two systems and did NOT include a COLA for elected State officials.

Rep. Nathan Ballentine

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

H. 3084 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-16-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS CONTAINED IN CERTAIN PROVISIONS THAT REGULATE MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS, AND WHOLESALERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS "MANUFACTURER", "DEALERSHIP FACILITIES", "FRANCHISE", AND "DEALER", AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR THE TERMS "MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP" AND "DEPARTMENT"; TO AMEND SECTION 56-16-40, RELATING TO THE PROCEDURE A MANUFACTURER WHO SEEKS TO ENTER INTO A FRANCHISE ESTABLISHING AN ADDITIONAL NEW MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP OR RELOCATING AN EXISTING NEW MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP IN A RELEVANT MARKET AREA WHERE THIS LINE MAKE IS REPRESENTED MUST FOLLOW, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXISTING PROCEDURE AND ESTABLISH A NEW PROCEDURE; TO ADD SECTION 56-16-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR CERTAIN ENTITIES TO OWN, OPERATE, OR CONTROL A MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP OR TO ESTABLISH AN ADDITIONAL DEALER OR MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR CERTAIN ENTITIES TO COMPETE UNFAIRLY WITH A MOTORCYCLE DEALER UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR CERTAIN ENTITIES TO OWN A FACILITY THAT ENGAGES PRIMARILY IN THE REPAIR OF MOTORCYCLES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-16-50, RELATING TO THE COMPENSATION OF A MOTORCYCLE DEALER UPON TERMINATION, NONRENEWAL, OR CANCELLATION OF A FRANCHISE BY A MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN SECTION 56-16-45 ARE APPLICABLE TO THIS PROVISION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE MOTORCYCLE DEALER MUST BE COMPENSATED FOR THE REASONABLE GOOD WILL FOR THE FRANCHISE, AND TO REVISE THE CONDITIONS UPON WHICH A DEALER MAY BE COMPENSATED; TO ADD SECTION 56-16-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS THAT REGULATE MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS, AND WHOLESALERS APPLY TO ALL WRITTEN AND ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN A MANUFACTURER, FACTORY BRANCH, DISTRIBUTOR BRANCH, DISTRIBUTOR, WHOLESALER, OR FRANCHISOR WITH A MOTORCYCLE DEALER; TO ADD SECTION 56-16-86 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DEALERSHIP MAY CONTRACT WITH AN ON-LINE ELECTRONIC SERVICE TO PROVIDE MOTORCYCLES TO CONSUMERS IN THIS STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-16-100, RELATING TO CERTAIN PRACTICES ENGAGED IN BY A MANUFACTURER, FACTORY BRANCH, FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE, OR MOTORCYCLE DEALER WHICH ARE UNLAWFUL, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS PROVISION ALSO APPLIES TO WHOLESALERS AND WHOLESALER REPRESENTATIVES, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE THE STANDARD OF PROOF THAT A MANUFACTURER MUST BEAR IN A PROCEEDING THAT ARISES PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 56-16-200, RELATING TO RELIEF AVAILABLE TO PERSONS INJURED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, AND TO PROVIDE THAT PUNITIVE DAMAGES MAY BE AWARDED IF A DEFENDANT HAS ACTED IN BAD FAITH; TO ADD SECTION 56-16-205 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF AN ACTION THAT ARISES OUT OF A PROVISION RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS, AND WHOLESALERS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-16-210, RELATING TO CONTRACTS THAT VIOLATE THE PROVISIONS THAT REGULATE MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS, AND WHOLESALERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THIS STATE'S LAW APPLIES TO ANY FRANCHISE FOR A DEALERSHIP LOCATED IN THIS STATE, AND THAT VENUE IS IN THIS STATE FOR AN ACTION BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THESE PROVISIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-16-70, RELATING TO A DEALER'S VOLUNTARY CANCELLATION, NONRENEWAL, OR TERMINATION OF A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT.

Rep. CATO 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.

The Senate Amendments to the following Joint Resolution were taken up for consideration:

S. 1066 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman, Setzler, Knotts and Cromer: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO RELOCATE THE COLUMBIA STATE FARMERS' MARKET FROM ITS CURRENT LOCATION IN RICHLAND COUNTY TO LEXINGTON COUNTY, TO RE-AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO EXPEND CERTAIN MONIES FOR THE RELOCATION, TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE TO TERMINATE THE PENDING PROJECT THAT RELOCATES THE MARKET TO THE WALKER TRACT IN RICHLAND COUNTY, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER TO IMPLEMENT A STATEWIDE FARMERS' MARKET PLAN.

Rep. BINGHAM explained the Senate Amendments.

The Senate Amendments were agreed to, and the Joint Resolution 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.

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

H. 4437 (Word version) -- Rep. G. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-15-410, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN STATE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WHO ARE IN POSSESSION OF MATERIAL CONTAINING VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF MINORS ENGAGING IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY DURING THE COURSE OF AN INVESTIGATION.

Rep. G. M. SMITH 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.

The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. G. M. SMITH.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4585 (Word version) -- Rep. G. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 61-6-4160, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY SALES OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND STATEWIDE ELECTION DAY SALES OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION ON THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS ON STATEWIDE ELECTION DAYS.

Rep. G. M. SMITH moved to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Judiciary, which was agreed to.

Rep. CRAWFORD moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Wednesday, May 21, which was adopted:

S. 970 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-29-135, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE RECORDS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO NOTIFY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL NURSE IF A MINOR IS ATTENDING A SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT AND HAS ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME OR IS INFECTED WITH THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4378 (Word version) -- Rep. Miller: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 10, TITLE 4 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPOSITION OF A SALES AND USE TAX NOT TO EXCEED ONE PERCENT BY REFERENDUM IN A MUNICIPALITY FOR A SPECIFIC PERIOD OF TIME AND FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS, AND TO PROVIDE THE METHOD FOR IMPOSITION, PAYMENT, AND COLLECTION OF THIS TAX.

Rep. MILLER moved to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Ways and Means, which was agreed to.

Rep. PERRY moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, May 13, which was adopted:

S. 951 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-33-245, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE FIVE PERCENT EXCISE TAX ON THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE REVENUES OF THE TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION TO STATE AGENCIES, COUNTIES, AND LOCAL ENTITIES MUST BE BASED ON REVENUES RECEIVED IN FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005, RATHER THAN REVENUES ALLOCATED.

Rep. CRAWFORD moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Thursday, May 8, which was adopted:

S. 918 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-43-190 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE CENTRAL FILL PHARMACIES TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THIS STATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILLING PRESCRIPTIONS FOR, AND AT THE REQUEST OF, ANOTHER PHARMACY; TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN OPERATING PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CENTRAL FILL PHARMACIES, INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, OBTAINING A CENTRAL FILL PHARMACY PERMIT AND A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES REGISTRATION, NOTIFYING PATIENTS OF CENTRAL FILL PROCESSING PROCEDURES, REQUIRING WRITTEN PRESCRIPTION DRUG INFORMATION AND A TOLL-FREE NUMBER, PROVIDING PRESCRIPTION LABELING AND RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS, AND REQUIRING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUALS.

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

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

S. 104 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Courson, Vaughn, Knotts and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ARCHIVES ACT, SO AS TO ADD ARTICLE 3 CREATING THE SOUTH CAROLINA CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL ADVISORY BOARD.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

S. 1058 (Word version) -- Senators Hayes, Courson, Lourie, Short, Sheheen and Ceips: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 17, CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND, SO AS TO ELIMINATE DUPLICATIVE DUTIES OF THE ORGANIZATION AND REVISE ITS GOVERNANCE BY RECONSTITUTING THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS A BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSISTING OF SEVENTEEN MEMBERS, INCLUDING ELEVEN AT-LARGE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM NOMINEES MADE BY THE CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS PLUS ONE MEMBER FROM EACH OF THE STATE'S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS, AND TO DELETE VARIOUS QUALIFICATIONS FOR SERVICE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TERM LIMITS ON SERVICE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. HARRISON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 1085 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 13, TITLE 8 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ETHICS, TO PLACE LEGISLATIVE STAFF UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

The following was introduced:

H. 5129 (Word version) -- Reps. Weeks and G. M. Smith: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE DR. DIANE HULETT, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH AT MORRIS COLLEGE IN SUMTER COUNTY, ON BEING NAMED A 2008 RECIPIENT OF THE EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD BY SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, INC.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5130 (Word version) -- Rep. Delleney: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERCHANGE LOCATED AT EXIT 65 ALONG INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 77 IN CHESTER COUNTY "SENATOR LINDA SHORT INTERCHANGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERCHANGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "SENATOR LINDA SHORT INTERCHANGE".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

The following was introduced:

H. 5131 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins, McLeod and Ballentine: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE CHAPIN GARDEN CLUB FOR ITS VOLUNTEER WORK IN THE CHAPIN COMMUNITY, AND TO CONGRATULATE JUANITA MOTELY, SHOW CHAIRMAN, AND THE MEMBERS UPON THE OCCASION OF THEIR SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5132 (Word version) -- Reps. Huggins and Ballentine: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE MR. AND MRS. FURMAN RAYMOND YOUNGINER, OF LEXINGTON COUNTY, UPON THE OCCASION OF THEIR SIXTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR MANY MORE YEARS OF BLESSING AND FULFILLMENT TOGETHER.

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

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

S. 1168 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-9-510, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SERVICE OF PROCESS ON THE SUPERINTENDENT OF A STATE MENTAL HOSPITAL, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF SUCH HOSPITAL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-9-50, RELATING TO DIVIDING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH INTO DIVISIONS, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION REQUIRING A MEDICAL DIVISION TO BE HEADED BY A MEDICAL DOCTOR; TO AMEND SECTION 44-9-60, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EACH HOSPITAL UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF SUCH HOSPITALS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-9-90, RELATING TO THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO EPILEPSY AND TO CERTAIN OBSOLETE TERMS, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS, AND TO SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF A MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-9-100, RELATING TO AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY OVER WHICH THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION MAY EXERCISE ITS AUTHORITY, SO AS TO DELETE OBSOLETE TERMS, MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS, AND SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF A MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL; TO AMEND SECTION 44-22-220, RELATING TO PATIENT RIGHTS GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A GRIEVANCE MUST BE REVIEWED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THAT A DETERMINATION MUST BE MADE WHETHER CORRECTIVE ACTION IS WARRANTED; TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-10, RELATING TO DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND THE CARE AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-210, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF PATIENTS BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL RETARDATION FACILITIES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND TO SUBSTITUTE "DIRECTOR" FOR "SUPERINTENDENT" OF A MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTION OR FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 44-23-250, RELATING TO THE SIGNATURE OF A "SUPERINTENDENT OF ANY INSTITUTION" OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH , SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT MEANS THE "DIRECTOR" OF SUCH INSTITUTIONS; TO REPEAL SECTION 44-11-80 RELATING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION SETTING THE SALARIES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF STATE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 44-23-30 RELATING TO A NONRESIDENT PHYSICIAN EXAMINING AN INSTITUTIONALIZED PATIENT OUT OF STATE.

Rep. HAYES explained the Bill.

Rep. KENNEDY asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3262 (Word version) from the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. KELLY objected.

On motion of Rep. HOWARD, with unanimous consent, Regulation No. 3207 was ordered recalled from Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs and was referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

Rep. HAGOOD moved that the House recede until 1:30 p.m., which was agreed to.

At 1:30 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

The question of a quorum was raised.
A quorum was later present.

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

H. 4800 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2008, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THIS OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Rep. COOPER explained the amendment.
Rep. OTT spoke against the amendment.

Rep. OTT moved to adjourn debate on the amendment, which was agreed to.

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate on the Senate Amendments, which was agreed to.

The Senate Amendments to the following Joint Resolution were taken up for consideration:

H. 4801 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008.

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate on the Senate Amendments, which was agreed to.

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

H. 3032 (Word version) -- Reps. Viers and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY APPROPRIATE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS RELATING TO THE PRESENCE OF ILLEGAL ALIENS IN THIS STATE AND TO RECOMMEND LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AS APPROPRIATE.

Rep. DAVENPORT proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (Doc Name COUNCIL\MS\7630MM08), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
/ SECTION   ___.   Article 1, Chapter 5, Title 39 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 39-5-175.   It is an unlawful trade practice pursuant to Section 39-5-20 for a person directly or indirectly to pay compensation to another person, for services rendered within this State by that person, knowingly or in reckless disregard of the fact that the compensated person has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of the law." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. DAVENPORT explained the amendment.

Rep. RUTHERFORD raised the Point of Order that Amendment No. 1A was out of order in that it was not germane to the Bill. He stated that while the Bill originally dealt with a study committee concerning immigration issues, the Amendment made it an unfair trade practice to hire an illegal alien.
SPEAKER HARRELL stated that the Bill, as amended by the Senate, dealt with immigration reform and that the Amendment, which concerned the legality of hiring illegal aliens, was germane to the Bill as amended by the Senate. He, therefore, overruled the Point of Order.

Rep. DAVENPORT continued speaking.

Rep. MCLEOD inquired as to whether the House should first consider concurrence or nonconcurrence in the Senate Amendments on the Bill before considering Amendments proposed by House members on the same Bill.
SPEAKER HARRELL stated that House Rule 9.1 stated that amendments to the Senate Amendments must be considered first. If any amendments were adopted the Bill would be immediately returned to the Senate after consideration of all the amendments. If no amendments were offered or adopted then the House would debate concurrence or nonconcurrence in the Senate amendments.

Rep. DAVENPORT moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.

Rep. OTT proposed the following Amendment No. 5A (Doc Name COUNCIL\GGS\22102MM08), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting all after the enacting words and inserting:
/   SECTION   1.   Chapter 11, Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 8-11-1310.   As used in this article, the term:

(1)   'Contractor' means a person having a service contract, as defined in subitem (5), with a public employer.

(2)   'Director' means the director of the State Budget and Control Board.

(3)   'Federal work authorization program' means one of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or an equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), D.L. 99-603.

(4)   'Public employer' means the State and any department, agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the State.

(5)   'Service contract' means a contract that involves the physical performance of manual labor if the total cost of that labor exceeds (i) thirty percent of the total cost of all the labor, or (ii) five percent of the total contract price. The term does not include:

(a)   a contract with a political subdivision with a total value of less than fifteen thousand dollars in a twelve-month period or a contract with any other public employer with a total value of less than twenty-five thousand dollars in a twelve-month period;

(b)   a contract primarily for the acquisition of an end product; and

(c)   a contract that is predominantly for the performance of professional or consultant services.

(6)   'Subcontractor' has the same meaning as in Section 11-35-310(30).

Section 8-11-1320.   (A)   On or after July 1, 2008, a public employer shall register and participate in the federal work authorization program to verify information of all new employees.

(B)   A public employer may not enter into a service contract to be performed within this State unless:

(1)   the contractor registers and participates in the federal work authorization program to verify information of all new employees and requires his subcontractors to register and participate in the federal work authorization program to verify information of all new employees; or

(2)   the contractor agrees to employ only workers who:

(a)   possess a valid South Carolina driver's license or identification card issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles;

(b)   are eligible to obtain a South Carolina driver's license or identification in compliance with Sections 56-1-40 through 56-1-90; or

(c)   possess a valid driver's license or identification card from another state where the license requirements are at least as strict as those in South Carolina, as determined by the Attorney General.

(C)   Subsection (B) applies as follows:

(1)   on or after July 1, 2008, with respect to contractors or subcontractors of five hundred or more employees;

(2)   on or after July 1, 2009, with respect to contractors or subcontractors of one hundred or more employees but fewer than five hundred employees; and

(3)   on or after July 1, 2010, with respect to all other contractors or subcontractors.

Section 8-11-1330.   In addition to the remedies provided in Chapter 35 of Title 11, the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code, a public employer shall receive from a contractor or subcontractor who violates this article a penalty of five percent of the gross amount of the contract. This five percent penalty must be assessed against a contractor based upon the gross amount of the total contract and against the subcontractor based upon the gross amount of the contract between the subcontractor and the contractor. A contractor who received written certification of compliance with this article from a subcontractor is not vicariously liable for the penalty pursuant to this section for the failure of that subcontractor to comply with this article. However, the contractor is responsible for withholding the penalty amount from payments to the subcontactor. The provisions of this article are enforceable without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or national origin.

Section 8-11-1335.   (A)   All other terms of this article notwithstanding, a public employer may not withhold a payment or a portion of a payment to a contractor and contractor may not withhold a payment or a portion of a payment to a subcontractor for more than five days after receipt from the intended recipient of the payment of a sworn affidavit of the recipient's compliance with Section 8-11-1320.

(B)   A person who knowingly files a false, fictitious, or fraudulent affidavit pursuant to this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined within the discretion of the court or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.

Section 8-11-1340.   A public employer complies with this article if it obtains a written statement from the contractor certifying that the contractor will comply with the requirements of this article and agrees to provide to the public employer documentation required to establish either the applicability of this article to the contractor and subcontractors or the compliance with this article by the contractor and any subcontractor. A public employer need not audit or independently verify a contractor's compliance with this article.

Section 8-11-1350.   A contractor who in good faith complies with the requirements of this article may not be sanctioned or subjected to civil or administrative action for employing an individual not authorized for employment in the United States.

Section 8-11-1360.   A local government must not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from seeking to enforce the provisions of this article.

Section 8-11-1370.   Except as provided in Section 8-11-1380, the director shall prescribe forms, promulgate regulations, and adopt rules necessary to administer the provisions of this article and publish those rules and regulations on the board's state website.

Section 8-11-1380.   The director of the Department of Transportation shall prescribe forms, promulgate regulations, and adopt rules necessary for the application of this article to a contract or agreement relating to public transportation and shall publish these rules and regulations on the Department of Transportation's website."
SECTION   2.   Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 23-52-10.   (A)   If a person charged with a criminal offense is confined, for any period, in a local, regional, or state jail or other correctional facility, a reasonable effort must be made to determine the nationality of the person confined.

(B)   If the person is not a United States citizen, the keeper of the jail or other officer shall make a reasonable effort to verify that the prisoner has been lawfully admitted to the United States and, if lawfully admitted, that the lawful status has not expired. If verification of lawful status cannot be made from documents in the possession of the person and the person is not a United States citizen, verification must be made within seventy-two hours through a query to the Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) of the United States Department of Homeland Security or other office or agency designated for that purpose by the United States Department of Homeland Security. If the prisoner is determined not to be lawfully admitted to the United States, the keeper of the jail or other law enforcement officer shall notify the United States Department of Homeland Security.

(C)   Upon notification to the United States Department of Homeland Security pursuant to subsection (B), the keeper of the jail must account for daily expenses incurred for the housing, maintenance, and care of the prisoner who is unlawfully admitted to the United States and forward an invoice for those expenses to the Department of Homeland Security.

(D)   This section does not allow the denial of bond to a person or timely release from confinement when the person is otherwise eligible for bond or release. However, pursuant to the provisions of Section 17-15-30, a court setting bond shall consider the immigration status of the person charged.

(E)   The State Law Enforcement Division shall prepare and issue guidelines and procedures used to comply with the provisions of this section."
SECTION   3.   Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 40-91-10.   This chapter may be cited as the 'Registration of Immigration Assistance Act'.

Section 40-91-20.   The purpose and intent of this chapter is to establish and enforce standards of ethics in the profession of immigration assistance by private individuals who are not licensed attorneys.

Section 40-91-30.   As used in this chapter, the term:

(1)   'Compensation' means money, property, services, promise of payment, or anything else of value given in exchange for a service.

(2)   'Employed by' means that a person is on the payroll of the employer and the employer deducts from the employee's paycheck social security and withholding taxes or that a person receives compensation from the employer on a commission basis or as an independent contractor.

(3)   'Immigration assistance service' means information or action provided or offered to customers or prospective customers related to immigration matters, excluding legal advice, recommending a specific course of legal action or providing other assistance that requires legal analysis, legal judgment, or interpretation of the law.

(4)   'Immigration matter' means any proceeding, filing, or action affecting the nonimmigrant, immigrant, or citizenship status of a person that arises pursuant to immigration and naturalization law, executive order, or presidential proclamation of the United States or a foreign country; or action of the United States Department of Labor, the United States Department of State, the United States Department of Homeland Security, or the United States Department of Justice.

Section 40-91-40.   (A)   A person who provides or offers to provide immigration assistance services may perform only these services:

(1)   completing a government agency form, requested by the customer and appropriate to the customer's needs, only if the completion of that form does not involve a legal judgment for that particular matter;

(2)   transcribing responses to a government agency form that is related to an immigration matter but not advising a customer as to the answers on those forms;

(3)   translating information on forms to a customer and translating the customer's answers to questions posed on those forms;

(4)   securing for the customer supporting documents currently in existence, including birth and marriage certificates, for submission with government agency forms;

(5)   translating documents from a foreign language into English;

(6)   notarizing signatures on government agency forms, if the person performing the service is a notary public commissioned in the State of South Carolina and is lawfully present in the United States;

(7)   making referrals, without fee, to attorneys who undertake legal representation for a person in an immigration matter;

(8)   preparing or arranging for the preparation of photographs and fingerprints;

(9)   arranging for the performance of medical testing (including x-rays and AIDS tests) and the obtaining of reports of test results;

(10)   conducting English language and civics courses; and

(11)   performing other services that the director of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, or his designee, determines by rule may be appropriately performed by these persons in light of the purposes of this chapter.

(B)   These persons are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

(1)   an attorney licensed to practice law in South Carolina or an attorney licensed to practice law in another state or territory of the United States or in a foreign country when acting with the approval of a judge having lawful jurisdiction over the matter;

(2)   a legal intern, clerk, paralegal, or person in a similar position employed by and under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney meeting the requirements of item (1) and rendering immigration assistance services in the course of employment; and

(3)   a not-for-profit organization recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals under 8 CFR 292.2(a) and employees, of those organizations accredited pursuant to 8 CFR 292.2(d).

(C)   This chapter does not regulate a business if that regulation is prohibited or preempted by federal law.

(D)   A person performing the services described in this chapter shall obtain a business license from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and as may be required by a local governing authority.

(E)   A person who provides or offers immigration assistance services and who is not exempted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall post signs at his or her place of business setting forth information in English and in every other language in which the person provides or offers to provide immigration assistance services. Each language must be on a separate sign. Signs must be posted in a location where the signs are readily visible to customers. Each sign must be at least twelve inches by seventeen inches and must contain the following statement: 'I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.'

(F)   Each person engaged in immigration assistance service who is not an attorney who advertises immigration assistance service in a language other than English, whether by radio, television, signs, pamphlets, newspapers, or other written communication, with the exception of a single desk plaque, shall include in the document, advertisement, stationery, letterhead, business card, or other comparable written material the following notice in English and the language in which the written communication appears. This notice must be of a conspicuous size, if in writing, and must state: 'I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.' If the advertisement is by radio or television, the statement may be modified but must include substantially the same message.

(G)   A person who provides or offers immigration assistance service and who is not exempted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may not literally translate from English into another language any document, advertisement, stationery, letterhead, business card, or other comparable written material terms or titles including, but not limited to, notary public, notary, licensed attorney, lawyer, or another term that implies the person is an attorney.

(H)   A person engaged in providing immigration services who is not exempted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may not:

(1)   accept payment in exchange for providing legal advice or other assistance that requires legal analysis, legal judgment, or interpretation of the law;

(2)   refuse to return documents supplied by, prepared on behalf of, or paid for by the customer upon the request of the customer. These documents must be returned upon request even if there is a fee dispute between the immigration assistant and the customer;

(3)   represent or advertise, in connection with assistance in immigration matters, other titles or credentials including, but not limited to, 'notary public' or 'immigration consultant', that could cause a customer to believe that the person possesses special professional skills or is authorized to provide advice on an immigration matter, except that a certified notary public may use the term 'notary public' if the use is accompanied by the statement that the person is not an attorney; the term 'notary public' may not be translated to another language;

(4)   provide legal advice, recommend a specific course of legal action, or provide other assistance that requires legal analysis, legal judgment, or interpretation of the law; or

(5)   make a misrepresentation or false statement, directly or indirectly, to influence, persuade, or induce patronage.

(I)   Violations of this chapter may result in a civil fine up to one thousand dollars for each violation. A fine charged pursuant to this chapter does not preempt or preclude additional appropriate civil or criminal penalties, including disgorgement and restitution.

(J)(1)   Any person who knowingly and wilfully makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in a document prepared or executed as part of the provision of immigration assistance services in an immigration matter pursuant to this chapter, or anyone who aids or abets a person in knowingly and wilfully making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in a document prepared or executed as part of the provision of immigration assistance services in an immigration matter pursuant to this chapter, or who solicits or conspires to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in a document prepared or executed as part of the provision of immigration assistance services in an immigration matter pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

(2)   In addition, a person convicted of violating this subsection must disgorge the benefit received or make restitution, or both, to the agency or political subdivision that administered the benefit or entitlement program.

(3)   It is a separate violation of this subsection each time a person knowingly and wilfully makes, aids, or abets in the making of, or solicits or conspires to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in a document prepared or executed pursuant to this subsection.

(4)   A criminal charge pursuant to this chapter does not preempt or preclude additional appropriate civil or criminal charges or penalties. A person who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property, real or personal, as a result of a conviction or plea to a violation of this subsection may bring an action individually, or in a representative capacity, to recover actual damages from a person convicted of the violation of this subsection. If the court finds that a violation has been established, the court shall award three times the actual damages sustained and may provide such relief as it considers necessary or proper. Upon the finding by the court of a violation, the court shall award to the person bringing the action pursuant to this section reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

(5)   Persons convicted of a violation of this subsection are jointly and severally liable for any loss suffered by any person or any agency or political subdivision of the State.

(K)   The director of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation shall promulgate regulations not inconsistent with this chapter for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of this chapter.

(L)   This chapter does not apply to a person employed by or working for an educational institution if that person is registered as a designated school official with the SEVIS program, or a successor program, operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security."
SECTION   4.   Chapter 5, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 43-5-1410.   This article may be cited as the 'Illegal Aliens and Public Benefits Act'.

Section 43-5-1420.   (A)   Except as provided in subsection (C) or if exempted by federal law, on or after July 1, 2008, every agency and political subdivision of this State shall verify the lawful presence in the United States of a natural person eighteen years of age or older who has applied for state or local public benefits, as defined in 8 USC Section 1621, or for federal public benefits, as defined in 8 USC Section 1611, that are administered by an agency or a political subdivision of this State.

(B)   The provisions of this article must be enforced without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or national origin.

(C)   Verification of lawful presence pursuant to the provisions of this article is not required for:

(1)   a purpose for which lawful presence in the United States is not required by law, ordinance, or regulation;

(2)   assistance for health care items and services that are necessary for the treatment of an emergency medical condition, as defined in 42 USC Section 1396b(v)(3), of the alien involved and are not related to an organ transplant procedure;

(3)   short-term, noncash, in-kind emergency disaster relief;

(4)   public health assistance for immunizations with respect to immunizable diseases and for testing and treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases whether or not the symptoms are caused by a communicable disease; or

(5)   programs, services, or assistance including soup kitchens, crisis counseling and intervention, and short-term shelter specified by the United States Attorney General, in the United States Attorney General's sole discretion after consultation with appropriate federal agencies and departments, which:

(i)   deliver in-kind services at the community level, including through public or private nonprofit agencies;

(ii)   do not condition the provision of assistance, the amount of assistance provided, or the cost of assistance provided on the individual recipient's income or resources; and

(iii)   are necessary for the protection of life or safety;

(6)   prenatal care; or

(7)   for benefits, programs, services, or other assistance provided to victims of domestic violence, irrespective of immigration status, under the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, PL 106-386, or the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, PL 104-208.

(D)   Verification of lawful presence in the United States by the agency or political subdivision required to make the verification must occur as follows:

(1)   the applicant shall execute an affidavit that he is a United States citizen or legal permanent resident eighteen years of age or older; or

(2)   the applicant shall execute an affidavit that he is a qualified alien or nonimmigrant under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, PL 82-414, eighteen years of age or older, lawfully present in the United States.

(E)   For an applicant who has executed an affidavit that he is an alien lawfully present in the United States, eligibility for benefits must be made through the Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or a successor program designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Until that eligibility verification is made, the affidavit is presumed to be proof of lawful presence for the purposes of this article.

(F)(1)   A person who knowingly and wilfully makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement of representation in an affidavit executed pursuant to subsection (D), or who aids or abets a person in knowingly and wilfully making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit executed pursuant to that subsection, or who solicits or conspires to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit executed pursuant to that subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

(2)   In addition, a person convicted pursuant to this subsection must disgorge any benefit received or make restitution, or both, to the agency or political subdivision of this State that administered the benefit or entitlement program.

(3)   It is a separate violation of this subsection each time a person received a public benefit based on such a statement or representation.

(4)   A conviction and fine charged pursuant to this subsection does not preempt or preclude additional appropriate civil or criminal charges or penalties. A person who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property, real or personal, as a result of the actions of anyone convicted of a violation of this subsection may bring an action individually, or in a representative capacity, to recover actual damages. If the court finds that a violation has been established, the court shall award three times the actual damages sustained and may provide other relief it considers necessary and proper. Upon a finding by the court of a violation, the court shall award to the person bringing the action pursuant to this subsection reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

(5)   Persons convicted of a violation of this subsection are jointly and severally liable for a loss suffered by a person or an agency or political subdivision of the State.

(6)   If an affidavit constitutes a false claim of United States citizenship under 18 USC Section 911, a complaint must be filed by the agency or political subdivision with the United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina.

(G)   It is unlawful for an agency or a political subdivision of this State to provide a state, local, or federal benefit, as defined in 8 USC Section 1621 or 8 USC Section 1611, in violation of the provisions of this article. Each state agency, department, division, or other political subdivision that administers a program of state or local public benefits shall provide an annual report with respect to its compliance with the provisions of this article.

(H)   All errors and significant delays by SAVE must be reported to the United States Department of Homeland Security and to the Secretary of State which will monitor SAVE and its verification application errors and significant delays and report yearly on such errors and significant delays to ensure that the application of SAVE is not wrongfully denying benefits to legal residents of South Carolina.

(I)   An agency or a political subdivision of this State that provides a state, local, or federal benefit, as defined in 8 USC 1621 or 8 USC Section 1611, must require a person currently under the age of eighteen who received the benefit to comply with the provisions of this article upon reaching the age of eighteen. If the recipient is unwilling or unable to comply, receipt of all benefits must cease immediately upon the recipient's eighteenth birthday.

(J)   A local government may not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from seeking to enforce the provisions of this article."
SECTION   5.   Chapter 1, Title 6 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 6-1-170.   (A)   For purposes of this section, 'political subdivision' includes, but is not limited to, a municipality, county, school district, special purpose district, or public service district.

(B)   A political subdivision of this State may not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from seeking to enforce a state law with regard to immigration.

(C)   A political subdivision of this State may not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from communicating to appropriate federal or state officials with regard to the immigration status of any person within this State.

(D)   A city, county, municipality, or other local government or political subdivision may not enact any ordinance, regulation, or other legislation pertaining to the employment, licensing, permitting, or otherwise doing business with a person based upon that person's authorization to work in the United States that exceeds or otherwise conflicts with federal or state law. An enactment found to be in conflict with federal or state law is void."
SECTION   6.   Article 25, Chapter 6, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-6-3595.   (A)   As used in this section:

(1)   'Authorized employee' means an individual authorized for employment in the United States as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of 8 USC Section 1324a.

(2)   'Labor services' means the physical performance of services in this State.

(B)   Notwithstanding another provision of law, on or after January 1, 2009, wages or remuneration paid for labor services to an individual of six hundred dollars or more per annum must not be claimed and allowed as a deductible business expense for state income tax purposes by a taxpayer unless the individual is an authorized employee.

(C)   The provisions of this section apply whether or not an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 is issued in conjunction with the wages or remuneration. This section does not apply to:

(1)   a business domiciled in this State which is exempt from compliance with federal employment verification procedures under federal law which makes the employment of unauthorized aliens unlawful;

(2)   an individual hired by the taxpayer before January 1, 2009;

(3)   a taxpayer when the individual being paid is not directly compensated or employed by the taxpayer; or

(4)   to wages or remuneration paid for labor services to an individual who holds and presents to the taxpayer a valid license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, who is eligible to obtain a South Carolina driver's license or identification card in compliance with Sections 56-1-40 through 56-1-90, or who possesses a valid driver's license or identification card from another state where the license requirements are at least as strict as those in South Carolina, as determined by the Attorney General.

(D)   A taxpayer must not be held liable for failing to comply with the provisions of this section, if, based on a reasonable investigation of the individual, the taxpayer did not know or should not have known that the individual was an unauthorized employee. For purposes of this subsection, a taxpayer is considered to have conducted a reasonable investigation if the individual met the requirements of subsection (C)(4), and the information provided by the individual to the taxpayer was facially correct.

(E)   The director of the South Carolina Department of Revenue may prescribe forms and promulgate regulations necessary to administer and effectuate this section.

(F)   The executive director of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission shall send written notice of this section to all South Carolina employers no later than July 1, 2008."
SECTION   7.   Article 5, Chapter 8, Title 12 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 12-8-610.   (A)   Notwithstanding another provision of law, a withholding agent, as defined in Section 12-8-10, shall withhold state income tax at the rate of six percent of the amount of compensation paid to an individual, which compensation is reported on Form 1099 and with respect to which the individual has:

(1)   failed to provide a taxpayer identification number or social security number;

(2)   failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number or social security number; or

(3)   provided an Internal Revenue Service-issued taxpayer identification number issued for nonresident aliens.

(B)   A withholding agent who fails to comply with the withholding requirements of this section is liable for the taxes required to have been withheld unless the withholding agent is exempt from federal withholding with respect to the individual pursuant to a properly filed Internal Revenue Service Form 8233.

(C)   A withholding agent does not violate this section if the individual provides a false or incorrect taxpayer identification number that is facially correct and the withholding agent does not know or should not have known based on reasonable investigation that the number provided is false or incorrect.

(D)   The executive director of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission shall send written notice of this section to all South Carolina employers no later than July 1, 2008."
SECTION   8.   Article 5, Chapter 9, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 16-9-460.   (A)   It is a felony for a person knowingly or in reckless disregard of the fact that another person has come to, entered, or remained in the United States in violation of law to transport, move, or attempt to transport that person within the State or to solicit or conspire to transport or move that person within the State with specific intent to further that person's illegal entry into the United States or avoiding apprehension or detection of that person's illegal status by state or federal authorities.

(B)   It is be a felony for a person knowingly or in reckless disregard of the fact that another person has come to, entered, or remained in the United States in violation of law to conceal, harbor, or shelter from detection or to solicit or conspire to conceal, harbor, or shelter from detection that person in any place, including a building or means of transportation, with specific intent to further that person's illegal entry into the United States or avoiding apprehension or detection of that person's illegal status by state or federal authorities.

(C)   A person who violates the provisions of subsection (A) or (B) of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years, or both.

(D)   A person who is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or enters into a plea of nolo contender to a violation of this section must not be permitted to seek or obtain a professional license offered by the State or any agency or political subdivision of the State.

(E)   Providing health care treatment or services to a natural person who is in the United States unlawfully is not a violation of this section.

(F)   Shelter provided for strictly humanitarian purposes or provided under the Violence Against Women Act is not a violation of this section, so long as that shelter is not provided in furtherance of or in an attempt to conceal a person's illegal presence in the United States."
SECTION   9.   Article 2, Chapter 13, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 16-13-525.   (A)   In addition to the penalties provided for in this chapter, a person who is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or enters into a plea of nolo contender to financial identity fraud or identity fraud involving the false, fictitious, or fraudulent creation or use of documents that enable a person who is not authorized to live or work in the United States or to receive benefits administered by an agency or political subdivision of this State must disgorge the benefit received or make restitution to the agency or political subdivision that administered the benefit or entitlement program, or both. A criminal charge pursuant to this chapter does not preempt or preclude additional appropriate civil or criminal charges or penalties.

(B)   A person who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property, real or personal, as a result of a conviction or plea to a violation of financial identity fraud or identity fraud involving a matter described in subsection (A), may bring an action individually, or in a representative capacity, to recover actual damages against the person convicted of the violation. If a court finds that a violation has been established, the court shall award three times the actual damages sustained and may provide such other relief as it considers necessary or proper. Upon the finding by the court of a violation, the court shall award to the person bringing this action pursuant to this section reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

(C)   A person convicted of a violation of this subsection is jointly and severally liable for a loss suffered by a person or an agency or political subdivision of the State."
SECTION   10.   Chapter 23, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 16-23-530.   (A)   It is unlawful for a person who is not lawfully present in the United States to store, keep, buy, transport, distribute, manufacture, possess, or have in possession or permit another to store, keep, buy, transport, distribute, manufacture, possess, or have in possession a rifle, pistol, or other firearm.

(B)   It is unlawful for a person to sell, rent, give away, or participate, directly or indirectly, in the sale, renting, giving away, or otherwise disposing of a rifle, pistol, or other firearm to a person who is known by the person charged pursuant to this subsection to be not lawfully present in the United States.

(C)   A person violating the provisions of subsection (A) of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

(D)   A person violating the provisions of subsection (B) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years, or both."
SECTION   11.   Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-3-80.   (A)   The chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is authorized and directed to negotiate the terms of a memorandum of understanding between the State of South Carolina and the United States Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security addressing:

(1)   the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local law enforcement, specifically through the 287-G program or other applicable federal law designed for the purpose of state enforcement of federal immigration laws;

(2)   the detention of illegal immigrants by state and local law enforcement officials and the costs associated with those detentions;

(3)   the removal of detained illegal immigrants by federal authorities or, instead of removal, the deportation of illegal immigrants by state and local law enforcement officials;

(4)   training of state and local law enforcement officials pursuant to the 287-G program or other applicable federal laws and the costs of such training; and

(5)   further communication and cooperation between federal law enforcement and state and local law enforcement officials in the area of immigration enforcement.

(B)   The memorandum of understanding negotiated pursuant to subsection (A) must be signed on behalf of the State by the chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Governor or as otherwise required by the appropriate federal agency.

(C)   The chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division shall designate appropriate law enforcement officers to be trained pursuant to the memorandum of understanding provided for in subsections (A) and (B). This training must be funded pursuant to the federal Homeland Security Appropriation Act of 2006, Public Law 109-90, or a subsequent source of federal funding. The provisions of this subsection become effective upon the securing of this funding.

(D)   The director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the sheriff of a county, and the governing body of a municipality that maintains a paid police department may enter into the memorandum of understanding between the State of South Carolina and the United States Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security as a party, and, subject to the availability of funds provided for in subsection (C) of this section, provide corrections officers and local law enforcement officers for training in accordance with the memorandum of understanding.

(E)   A law enforcement officer certified as trained in accordance with the memorandum of understanding as provided in this section is authorized to enforce federal immigration and customs laws while performing within the scope of his or her authorized duties."
SECTION   12.   Chapter 1, Title 41 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 41-1-30.   (A)   There is a civil right of action for wrongful termination against an employer who knowingly terminates an employee while retaining a person the employer knows and should reasonably know is an illegal alien and is engaged in substantially the same job category.

(B)   Termination for cause is an absolute bar to recovery under this section.

(C)   This section does not create an employment contract for either a public of private employer

(D)   An employee who brings a civil suit pursuant to this section is limited to the following recovery:

(1)   reinstatement to his former position; and

(2)   lost wages.

(E)   A cause of action does not arise against an employer who makes a determination of legal status of all employees through the Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or a successor program designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security. This subsection takes effect ninety days after the effective date of the act."
SECTION   13.   Chapter 101, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-101-430.   (A)   A person who is not lawfully present in the United States is not eligible to attend a public institution of higher learning in this State, as defined in Section 59-103-5. The trustees of a public institution of higher learning in this State shall develop and institute a process by which lawful presence in the United States is verified.

(B)   A person not lawfully present in the United States is not eligible on the basis of residence for a public higher education benefit including, but not limited to, scholarships, financial aid, grants, or resident tuition.

(C)   This section does not apply to students already enrolled or those granted enrollment as of the effective date of this section."
SECTION   14.   Section 14-7-1630(A)(8) and (9) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 82 of 2007, is further amended to read:

"(8)   a crime involving obscenity including, but not limited to, a crime as provided in Article 3, Chapter 15, Title 16 or any attempt, aiding, abetting, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a crime involving obscenity; and

(9)   a crime involving the knowing and wilful making of, aiding and abetting in the making of, or soliciting or conspiring to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit regarding a person's lawful presence in the United States, as defined in Section 43-5-1410, if the number of violations exceeds twenty or if the public benefit received by a person from a violation or combination of violations exceeds twenty thousand dollars;

(10)   a crime involving financial identity fraud or identity fraud involving the false, fictitious, or fraudulent creation or use of documents used in an immigration matter as defined in Section 16-13-525, if the number of violations exceeds twenty, or if the value of the ascertainable loss of money or property suffered by a person or persons from a violation or combination of violations exceeds twenty thousand dollars;

(11)   a crime involving the knowing and wilful making of, aiding or abetting in the making of, or soliciting or conspiring to make a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in a document prepared or executed as part of the provision of immigration assistance services in an immigration matter, as defined in Section 40-91-40, if the number of violations exceeds twenty, or if a benefit received by a person from a violation or combination of violations exceeds twenty thousand dollars; and

(12)   a knowing and wilful crime involving actual and substantial harm to the water, ambient air, soil or land, or both soil and land. This crime includes a knowing and wilful violation of the Pollution Control Act, the Atomic Energy and Radiation Control Act, the State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank Act, the State Safe Drinking Water Act, the Hazardous Waste Management Act, the Infectious Waste Management Act, the Solid Waste Policy and Management Act, the Erosion and Sediment Control Act, the South Carolina Mining Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act, or a knowing and wilful crime arising out of or in connection with environmental laws, or any attempt, aiding, abetting, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a knowing and wilful crime involving the environment if the anticipated actual damages including, but not limited to, the cost of remediation, are two million dollars or more, as certified by an independent environmental engineer who must be contracted by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. If the knowing and wilful crime is a violation of federal law, then a conviction or an acquittal pursuant to federal law for the same act is a bar to the impaneling of a state grand jury pursuant to this section."
SECTION   15.   Section 17-15-30 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 106 of 2005, is further amended to read:

"Section 17-15-30.   (A)   In determining conditions of release that will reasonably assure appearance, or if release would constitute an unreasonable danger to the community, the court, on the basis of available information, may consider the nature and circumstances of the offense charged, and the accused's:

(1)   family ties,;

(2)   employment,;

(3)   financial resources,;

(4)   character and mental condition,;

(5)   the length of his residence in the community,;

(6)   his record of convictions,; and

(7)   his record of flight to avoid prosecution or failure to appear at other court proceedings.

(B)   The court shall consider:

(1)   the accused's criminal record, if any. The court shall consider, if available,;

(2)   all incident reports generated as a result of the offense charged., if available; and

(3)   whether the accused is an illegal alien in violation of the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act or another federal law relating to aliens illegally present in the United States and poses a substantial flight risk due to this status."
SECTION   16.   All requirements of this act concerning immigration or the classification of immigration status must be construed in conformity with federal immigration law.
SECTION   17.   If any section, subsection, item, subitem, 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 act, and each and every section, subsection, item, subitem, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsection, items, subitems, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION   18.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.   /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. OTT explained the amendment.
Rep. OTT spoke in favor of the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the amendment.

Rep. COBB-HUNTER demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Bedingfield            Bingham                Bowen
Brady                  Cato                   Chalk
Clemmons               Cotty                  Crawford
Daning                 Dantzler               Davenport
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Erickson               Gambrell               Gullick
Hagood                 Haley                  Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Haskins                Herbkersman            Hiott
Huggins                Hutson                 Kelly
Kirsh                  Leach                  Limehouse
Littlejohn             Loftis                 Lowe
Lucas                  Merrill                Mulvaney
Owens                  Perry                  Pinson
E. H. Pitts            M. A. Pitts            Rice
Sandifer               Scarborough            Shoopman
Simrill                Skelton                D. C. Smith
G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
W. D. Smith            Spires                 Stewart
Talley                 Taylor                 Thompson
Toole                  Umphlett               Viers
Walker                 White                  Whitmire
Young

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Alexander              Anderson
Bales                  Battle                 Bowers
Branham                Brantley               Breeland
G. Brown               R. Brown               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Funderburk             Hart
Harvin                 Hayes                  Hodges
Hosey                  Howard                 Jefferson
Jennings               Kennedy                Knight
Mack                   McLeod                 Miller
Mitchell               Moss                   J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Ott
Parks                  Rutherford             Scott
Sellers                Stavrinakis            Weeks
Whipper                Williams

So, the amendment was tabled.

Reps. HARRELL, HARRISON, DELLENEY and VIERS proposed the following Amendment No. 8A (Doc Name COUNCIL\ AGM\19244MM08), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act".
SECTION   2.   Section 1-31-40(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)   The commission shall:

(1)   provide the minority community consisting of African Americans, Native American Indians, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and others with a single point of contact for statistical and technical assistance in the areas of research and planning for a greater economic future;

(2)   work with minority officials on the state, county, and local levels of government in disseminating statistical data and its impact on their constituencies;

(3)   provide for publication of a statewide statistical abstract on minority affairs;

(4)   provide statistical analyses for members of the General Assembly on the state of minority communities as the State experiences economic growth and changes;

(5)   provide the minority community with assistance and information on Voting Rights Act submissions in the State, as well
as other related areas of concern to the minority community;

(6)   determine, approve, and acknowledge by certification state recognition for Native American Indian entities; however, notwithstanding their state certification, the tribes have no power or authority to take any action which would establish, advance, or promote any form of gambling in this State;

(7)   establish advisory committees representative of minority groups, as the commission considers appropriate to advise the commission;

(8)   act as liaison with the business community to provide programs and opportunities to fulfill its duties under this chapter;

(9)   seek federal and other funding on behalf of the State of South Carolina for the express purpose of implementing various programs and services for African Americans, Native American Indians, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and other minority groups;

(10)   promulgate regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this article including, but not limited to, regulations regarding State Recognition of Native American Indian entities in the State of South Carolina; and

(11)   establish and maintain a twenty-four hour toll free telephone number and electronic website in accordance with Section 8-30-10; and

(11)(12)   perform other duties necessary to implement programs."
SECTION   3.   Title 8 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 8-14-10.   (A)   As used in this article, the term:

(1)   'Contractor' means any person having a contract with a public employer except a political subdivision, where the total value of the contract to be performed in a twelve-month period exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars, or, if the public employer is a political subdivision, where the total value of the contract to be performed in a twelve-month period exceeds fifteen thousand dollars.

(2)   'Director' means the director of the State Budget and Control Board.

(3)   'End product' means movable personal property described in the solicitation and in final form and ready for the use intended including, without limitation, commodities or equipment.

(4)   'Federal work authorization program' means the E-Verify Program or one of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, or an equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), Public Law 99-603, or an electronic verification of work authorization program operated by a private entity and approved by the Attorney General.

(5)   'Public employer' means every department, agency, or instrumentality of the State or a political subdivision of the State.

(6)   'Service contract' means a contract that involves the physical performance of manual labor, if the total cost of such labor exceeds (i) thirty percent of the total cost of all labor, or (ii) five percent of the total contract price. The term does not include:

(a)   a contract with a public employer, other than a political subdivision, with a total value of less than twenty-five thousand dollars, or a contract with a political subdivision with a total value of less than fifteen thousand dollars;

(b)   a contract primarily for the acquisition of an end product; and

(c)   a contract that is predominantly for the performance of professional or consultant services.

(7)   'Subcontractor' means any person having either: (a) a services contract with a contractor; or (b) a contract with a sub-subcontractor.

(8)   'Sub-subcontractor' means any person having a services contract with a subcontractor.

(9)   'Private employer' means any person carrying on any employment and the legal representative of a deceased person or the receiver or trustee of any person, and any person for whom an individual performs a service, of whatever nature, as an employee, as defined in Section 12-8-10.

Section 8-14-20.   (A)   On or after January 1, 2009, every public employer shall register and participate in the federal work authorization program to verify information of all new employees.

(B)   A public employer may not enter into a services contract with a contractor for the physical performance of services within this State unless the contractor agrees:

(1)   to register and participate in the federal work authorization program to verify information of all new employees; and require agreement from its subcontractors, and through the subcontractors, the sub-subcontractors, to register and participate in the federal verification of information of all new employees; or

(2)   to employ only workers who:

(a)   possess a valid South Carolina driver's license or identification card issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles;

(b)   are eligible to obtain a South Carolina driver's license or identification card in that they meet the requirements set forth in S.C. Code Ann. Section 56-1-40 through 56-1-90; or

(c)   possess a valid driver's license or identification card from another state where the license requirements are at least as strict as those in South Carolina, as determined by the Attorney General.

(C)   A public employer and contractor must not divide work or duties that would otherwise constitute a single service contract into separate contracts for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this chapter.

(D)   Subsection (B) applies as follows:

(1)   on and after January 1, 2009, with respect to contractors, subcontractors, or sub-subcontractors of five hundred or more employees;

(2)   on and after July 1, 2009, with respect to contractors, subcontractors, or sub-subcontractors of one hundred or more employees but less than five hundred employees; and

(3)   on and after January 1, 2010, with respect to all other contractors, subcontractors or sub-subcontractors.

(E)   Private employers shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 8, Title 41.

Section 8-14-30.   The provisions of this article are enforceable without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or national origin. Section 11-35-4210 provides the exclusive remedy for violations of this article for any contract governed by Title 11, Chapter 35. A pre-award protest process appearing in a procurement ordinance adopted by a political subdivision pursuant to Section 11-35-50 or Section 11-35-70 provides the exclusive remedy for violations of this article for any contract governed by that procurement ordinance.

Section 8-14-40.   A public employer complies with this article if it obtains a written statement from the contractor certifying that the contractor will comply with the requirements of this article and agrees to provide to the public employer any documentation required to establish either: (a) the applicability of this article to the contractor, subcontractor, and sub-subcontractor; or (b) the compliance with this article by the contractor and any subcontractor or sub-subcontractor. A public employer need not audit or independently verify a contractor's compliance with this article.

Section 8-14-50.   A contractor or public employer who in good faith complies with the requirements of this article may not be sanctioned or subjected to any civil or administrative action for employing an individual not authorized for employment in the United States.

Section 8-14-60.   A person who knowingly makes or files any false, fictitious, or fraudulent document, statement, or report pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, must be fined within the discretion of the court or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.

Section 8-14-70.   A local government must not enact any ordinance or policy that limits or prohibits a law enforcement officer, local official, or local government employee from seeking to enforce the provisions of this article.

Section 8-14-80.   Except as otherwise provided in this section, the director shall prescribe all forms and promulgate regulations necessary for the application of this article to contracts or agreements and may publish these regulations on the Budget and Control Board's website in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 23 of Title 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

Section 8-14-90.   Except as otherwise provided in this se