South Carolina General Assembly
118th Session, 2009-2010
Journal of the House of Representatives


Printed Page 1680 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Wednesday, March 3, 2010
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

Our thought for today is from Psalm 49:1: "Hear this, all you people; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding."
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, open our ears and our hearts to listen to Your call. Give Your strength to these people, who labor so diligently to achieve the results that will help all those in need. Give each Representative wisdom, courage, and integrity to accomplish those things that come from our hearts, so that we all may understand--You provide. Guard our Nation, State, our leaders and their staff, that they may be servants of You and the people whom they serve. Be the protector of our defenders of freedom at home and abroad as they protect us. Hear us, O Lord, as we pray. 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.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

H. 4667 (Word version) -- Reps. Neilson, Williams, Whipper, R. L. Brown, Clyburn and Jefferson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-32 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS AN UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE TO CHARGE OR RECEIVE AN UNREASONABLE FEE TO PREPARE, ASSIST, OR ADVISE A PROSPECTIVE APPLICANT, AN APPLICANT, OR A RECIPIENT IN PROCURING, MAINTAINING, OR SECURING OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES AND TO


Printed Page 1681 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

PROVIDE TREBLE DAMAGES FOR ENGAGING IN THIS UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4668 (Word version) -- Reps. Neilson, McLeod, Williams, Jefferson, Whipper, R. L. Brown, Clyburn, Hodges and J. H. Neal: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-142 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN AN ACTION FOR AN UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE BROUGHT BY A PERSON WHO IS SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, A VULNERABLE ADULT, OR HANDICAPPED, THE PERSON MAY BE AWARDED UP TO FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN ADDITION TO OTHER DAMAGES AND REMEDIES WHERE CERTAIN FINDINGS ARE MADE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE AWARDING OF COURT COSTS AND ATTORNEY'S FEES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4669 (Word version) -- Reps. Neilson, Harvin, Jefferson, Brantley, McLeod, Williams, Whipper, R. L. Brown, Clyburn, Hodges and J. H. Neal: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 35, TITLE 43 SO AS TO ESTABLISH FINANCIAL ABUSE OF A PERSON SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, A VULNERABLE ADULT, OR A HANDICAPPED PERSON, AS A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION; TO DEFINE FINANCIAL ABUSE GENERALLY AS TAKING REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM SUCH A PERSON FOR A WRONGFUL USE, WITH INTENT TO DEFRAUD, OR BY UNDUE INFLUENCE OR WHEN SUCH A PERSON LACKS CAPACITY; TO SPECIFY CONDUCT THAT IS DEEMED TO BE FINANCIAL ABUSE; TO AUTHORIZE THE AWARDING OF ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS; AND TO ESTABLISH A FOUR-YEAR STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4670 (Word version) -- Reps. Neilson, Bales, Gambrell, Harvin, Williams, Jefferson, Clyburn, R. L. Brown, J. H. Neal and Rice: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 15-36-110 SO AS TO ALLOW A CATTLE PRODUCER OR OTHER LIVESTOCK PRODUCER TO RECOVER PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN ADDITION TO RECOVERING ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE


Printed Page 1682 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

CIVIL ACTION WHEN THE ACTION IS FOUND TO BE FRIVOLOUS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4671 (Word version) -- Reps. Gunn, Sellers, Brantley, J. H. Neal, Williams, Gilliard, Jefferson, Whipper, Allen, R. L. Brown, Clemmons, Clyburn, Funderburk, Hart, Littlejohn, Lucas and Mitchell: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 41-35-105 SO AS TO ENACT THE "MILITARY FAMILY LEAVE ACT", TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR LEAVE ENTITLEMENT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4672 (Word version) -- Reps. Long, Erickson, Lowe, Scott, Bales, Brady, Daning, Gambrell, Horne, Hutto, Sottile, Umphlett, Willis, Wylie and A. D. Young: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 28, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, SO AS TO CONFORM THE CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40 FOR BOARDS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4673 (Word version) -- Reps. Long, Erickson, Lowe, Scott, Bales, Brady, Daning, Gambrell, Horne, Hutto, Sottile, Umphlett, Willis, Wylie and A. D. Young: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 65, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF PROFESSIONAL SOIL CLASSIFIERS, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE ORGANIZATIONAL STATUTORY FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION; TO PROVIDE THAT PERSONS ENGAGING IN PROFESSIONAL SOIL CLASSIFICATION MUST BE LICENSED, RATHER THAN REGISTERED; TO REVISE QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE; TO PROVIDE GRANDFATHERING PROVISIONS FOR


Printed Page 1683 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL SOIL CLASSIFIERS TO BECOME LICENSED PROFESSIONAL SOIL CLASSIFIERS UPON THE NEXT RENEWAL OF THE PERSON'S REGISTRATION; AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF PROFESSIONAL SOIL CLASSIFIERS.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

ROLL CALL

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

Agnew                  Allen                  Allison
Anderson               Anthony                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Bowers                 Brady
Branham                Brantley               G. A. Brown
H. B. Brown            R. L. Brown            Cato
Chalk                  Clemmons               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cole                   Cooper
Crawford               Daning                 Delleney
Dillard                Duncan                 Erickson
Forrester              Frye                   Funderburk
Gambrell               Gilliard               Govan
Gunn                   Hamilton               Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Harvin
Hayes                  Hearn                  Herbkersman
Hiott                  Hodges                 Horne
Hosey                  Howard                 Huggins
Hutto                  Jefferson              Kelly
Kennedy                King                   Kirsh
Knight                 Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Long                   Lucas
McEachern              McLeod                 Miller
Millwood               D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss
Nanney                 J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Norman                 Ott                    Owens
Parker                 Parks                  Pinson
M. A. Pitts            Rice                   Sandifer
Scott                  Sellers                Simrill
Skelton                D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith

Printed Page 1684 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

G. R. Smith            J. E. Smith            J. R. Smith
Sottile                Spires                 Stavrinakis
Stringer               Thompson               Toole
Umphlett               Vick                   Weeks
Whipper                White                  Whitmire
Williams               Willis                 Wylie
A. D. Young            T. R. Young

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, March 3.

Nikki Haley                       Chris Hart
Douglas Jennings                  David Mack
Denny Neilson                     Todd Rutherford
James E. Stewart                  Thad Viers
Harold Mitchell                   Tracy Edge

Total Present--120

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Stanley Baker of Greenwood was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Rep. UMPHLETT presented to the House the Berkeley High School "Stags" Football Team, the 2009 Class AAAA Champions, their coaches and other school officials.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED AND REMOVED

In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2   Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written


Printed Page 1685 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3736 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   LOFTIS and LUCAS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4069 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   LITTLEJOHN

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4248 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   LOFTIS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4411 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   J. E. SMITH

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4478 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   JENNINGS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4546 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   SOTTILE

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4551 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   GUNN


Printed Page 1686 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4633 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   HARRISON, GUNN, BRADY, J. E. SMITH, HALEY, COBB-HUNTER, CATO, MCEACHERN, HAMILTON, LOFTIS, G. R. SMITH, WYLIE, STRINGER, WILLIS, CLEMMONS, BARFIELD, BALLENTINE, WHITMIRE, WHITE and TOOLE

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3412 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   M. A. PITTS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4192 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   M. A. PITTS

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4663 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/03/10   HUGGINS and PINSON

CO-SPONSORS REMOVED

Bill Number:   H. 4622 (Word version)
Date:   REMOVE:
03/03/10   RICE and WHITE

CO-SPONSOR REMOVED

Bill Number:   H. 4112 (Word version)
Date:   REMOVE:
03/03/10   BEDINGFIELD

STATEMENT FOR THE JOURNAL

Today I removed my name as a sponsor of H. 4112, after having had some conversation with others. I believe that all Concealed Weapons Permit holders (CWP) should be included in the Bill. No special favors or rights should be extended to Members of the General Assembly that are not available to other CWP holders. If the Bill were


Printed Page 1687 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

to be amended to include all CWP holders, then I would consider co-sponsoring the Bill.

Rep. Eric Bedingfield

SENT TO THE SENATE

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

H. 4635 (Word version) -- Rep. Sellers: A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF BAMBERG TO ADD TWO ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONERS TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE CITY OF BAMBERG.

H. 4093 (Word version) -- Reps. Loftis, Mitchell, H. B. Brown, Bedingfield, Anthony, G. A. Brown, Crawford, Dillard, Harvin, Hiott, Knight, Lowe, J. R. Smith, Toole, D. C. Moss, Sellers, Brady, Funderburk, Hodges, Horne, Gunn, Bowers, Hutto and Stavrinakis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 60 TO TITLE 48 TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSUMER CONVENIENCE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT COLLECTION AND RECOVERY ACT"; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN FINDINGS BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RELATED TO THE ACT; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS RELATED TO THE ACT; TO REQUIRE A MANUFACTURER OF CERTAIN COMPUTING, DISPLAY, OR PRINTING EQUIPMENT TO OFFER A RECOVERY PROGRAM FOR THE COLLECTION OF EQUIPMENT FROM A CONSUMER IN A MANNER CONVENIENT TO THE CONSUMER; TO REQUIRE A MANUFACTURER TO DOCUMENT ITS COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CHAPTER IN AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT; TO LIMIT THE LIABILITY OF A MANUFACTURER FOR DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY A CONSUMER FROM INFORMATION CONTAINED ON EQUIPMENT RETURNED BY THE CONSUMER TO A MANUFACTURER THROUGH THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOVERY PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE A RETAILER TO SELL ONLY EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CHAPTER; TO LIMIT THE LIABILITY OF A RETAILER FOR DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY A CONSUMER FROM INFORMATION CONTAINED ON EQUIPMENT SOLD BY THE


Printed Page 1688 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

RETAILER TO A CONSUMER AND RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER OF THE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOVERY PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE A MANUFACTURER TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS ABOUT THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOVERY PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS ABOUT ALL RECOVERY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE IN THIS STATE; TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO AUDIT A MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE THE MANUFACTURER'S COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CHAPTER; TO PROVIDE THAT FINANCIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT BY A MANUFACTURER OR RETAILER PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER IS EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT ANNUALLY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY A MANUFACTURER OR A RETAILER TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR RECOVERY PROGRAMS, REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND RECOVERER CERTIFICATION THAT COMPLY WITH THE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING OPERATING PRACTICES OF THE INSTITUTE OF SCRAP RECYCLING INDUSTRIES; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THIS CHAPTER'S PROVISIONS.

H. 4530 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO REGULATIONS FOR SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES OF NON-GAME WILDLIFE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4069, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

H. 4531 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4070, PURSUANT TO


Printed Page 1689 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

S. 442--ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

S. 442 (Word version) -- Senators Ryberg and Massey: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 503 OF 1982, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AIKEN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE AIKEN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO REVISE THE BOARD'S AUTHORITY WITH REGARD TO ADMINISTRATIVE AREA OFFICES AND AREA ADVISORY COUNCILS.

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

Yeas 4; Nays 3

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Clyburn                J. R. Smith            Stewart
T. R. Young

Total--4

Those who voted in the negative are:

Frye                   D. C. Smith            Spires

Total--3

So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

RETURNED TO THE SENATE WITH AMENDMENTS

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

S. 328 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin, Grooms, Cromer, Campbell, Bright, Bryant and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-5-60 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO INOCULATING PETS AGAINST RABIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE INOCULATIONS MUST BE ADMINISTERED BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN OR SOMEONE UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED VETERINARIAN.


Printed Page 1690 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

H. 3561--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Joint Resolution until Thursday, March 4, which was adopted:

H. 3561 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE REVENUES FOR THE OPERATIONS OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 TO SUPPLEMENT APPROPRIATIONS MADE FOR THOSE PURPOSES BY THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010.

H. 3854--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Thursday, March 4, which was adopted:

H. 3854 (Word version) -- Rep. Cooper: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 12, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TAXATION, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN CHAPTERS AND SECTIONS PERTAINING TO VARIOUS TAX MATTERS.

H. 4520--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, March 9, which was adopted:

H. 4520 (Word version) -- Reps. Bales, Neilson and Clemmons: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 51-3-60, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO USE OF FACILITIES AND CAMPSITES AT REDUCED RATES BY THE AGED, BLIND, OR DISABLED, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PERSONS MAY GAIN ADMISSION TO AND USE THE CAMPGROUNDS OF STATE PARKS AT ONE HALF THE PRESCRIBED FEE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT DISABLED VETERANS MAY GAIN ADMISSION TO AND USE THE CAMPGROUNDS OF STATE PARKS WITHOUT CHARGE; BY ADDING SECTION 51-3-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BASED ON A REVIEW OF BUSINESS AND PERSONAL USE OF A PARTICULAR STATE PARK OR FACILITY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM, AND THE LABOR AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS IT SUSTAINS AT THAT FACILITY, IT MAY ALTER THE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THAT PARK OR FACILITY BY PERMITTING THE RELETTING OF CAMPSITES,


Printed Page 1691 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

CAMPING FACILITIES, OR OTHER AMENITIES BEFORE THE RENTAL TERM OF THE ORIGINAL RENTER HAS EXPIRED IF VACATED BY THE ORIGINAL RENTER BEFORE THE END OF THE STATED TERM, AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT ALSO MAY WAIVE THE CHARGES FOR ITS REUSE AND FOR THE USE OF THESE AND OTHER AMENITIES.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

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

H. 4200 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Cooper, Wylie and Lucas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-6520, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE ADMISSIONS TAX ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE A REVISED DEFINITION FOR AN "EXTRAORDINARY RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT" BY INCLUDING WITHIN THAT DEFINITION "AN EXTRAORDINARY TOURISM ESTABLISHMENT" AND REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY AS "AN EXTRAORDINARY RETAIL OR TOURISM ESTABLISHMENT"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-21-6590, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF AN EXTRAORDINARY RETAIL OR TOURISM ESTABLISHMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM, SO AS TO DELETE THE LIMIT ON SUCH DESIGNATIONS, TO ADD ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT COSTS WHICH MAY BE INCLUDED WITH RESPECT TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUCH FACILITIES, AND TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE CONDITIONAL CERTIFICATION OF THE QUALIFICATION ON THESE FACILITIES.

Rep. COOPER explained the Bill.

S. 1142 (Word version) -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, RELATING TO UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY RECORDING ACT, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4078,


Printed Page 1692 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.

Rep. VIERS explained the Joint Resolution.

H. 4225--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4225 (Word version) -- Reps. Rutherford, McLeod and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1400, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE ARTICLE ON THE VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERM "VICTIM SERVICE PROVIDER" DOES NOT INCLUDE MAGISTRATE OR MUNICIPAL JUDGES AND THEIR STAFF.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\MS\7688AHB10), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting Section 16-3-1400(1)(c), as contained in SECTION 1, page 1, lines 38 and 39, and inserting:
/   (c)   does not mean a person who is a magistrates court judge, municipal court judge, circuit court judge, special circuit court judge, or family court judge; and /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

H. 4256--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4256 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-30-125, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INCIDENCES WHEN THE SUPERVISING AGENT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MAY ORDER CERTAIN PERSONS TO CUT, REROUTE, OR DIVERT


Printed Page 1693 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

TELEPHONE LINES FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SUPERVISING AGENT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MAY ISSUE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA TO A TELEPHONE COMPANY, INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER, OR ANOTHER COMMUNICATIONS ENTITY WHEN IT RECEIVES INFORMATION THAT INDICATES THAT A PERSON'S LIFE IS THREATENED, A PRISONER MAY ESCAPE, A PERSON IS BEING HELD AS A HOSTAGE, A PERSON MAY RESIST ARREST WHILE USING A WEAPON, OR AN ARMED PERSON MAY COMMIT SUICIDE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOOD FAITH RELIANCE BY A TELEPHONE COMPANY, INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER, OR ANOTHER COMMUNICATIONS ENTITY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION SPECIFIED IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA IS A COMPLETE DEFENSE TO A CIVIL, CRIMINAL, OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION ARISING OUT OF THE ORDER OR ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\NBD\11980CM10), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/SECTION   1.   Section 17-30-125 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 339 of 2002, is amended to read:

"Section 17-30-125.   (A)   The supervising agent of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division or the supervising law enforcement officer of a political subdivision of this State at the scene of an incident where there is reasonable cause to believe:

(1)   that it involves immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any person or the danger of escape of a prisoner;

(2)   that a person is holding one or more hostages;

(3)   that there is the probability that a subject about to be arrested will resist with the use of weapons; or

(4)   that a person has barricaded himself and is armed and is threatening suicide; or

(5)   that a threat has been made against a critical infrastructure in South Carolina as defined by 42 U.S.C. 5195c(e); may order law enforcement or telephone company personnel to cut, reroute, or divert telephone lines solely for the purpose of preventing telephone communications between the suspect and any person other than a law enforcement officer or the law enforcement officer's designee, if the


Printed Page 1694 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

cutting, rerouting, or diverting of telephone lines is technically feasible and can be performed without endangering the lives of telephone company or other utility personnel.

(B)   An officer of the court who is employed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, or his designee, when in receipt of information indicating that a situation:

(1)   involves a threat of death or serious physical injury to a person or the danger of the escape of a prisoner;

(2)   involves a person who is holding one or more hostages;

(3)   exists where there is the probability that a person about to be arrested will resist arrest with the use of weapons;

(4)   exists where a person has barricaded himself, is armed, and is threatening to commit suicide; or

(5)   exists that a threat has been made against a critical infrastructure in South Carolina as defined by 42 U.S.C. 5195c(e); may issue an administrative subpoena to a telephone company, an Internet Service Provider, or another communications entity to provide information needed to resolve a situation contained in this subsection.

(C)   The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is authorized pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act in Chapter 23, Title 1 to promulgate:

(1)   emergency regulations to define the procedures and guidelines needed to issue an administrative subpoena as defined in this section until such time as permanent regulations are promulgated and affirmatively approved by the General Assembly; and

(2)   permanent regulations to define the procedures and guidelines needed to issue an administrative subpoena as defined in this section, which are to be affirmatively approved by the General Assembly.

(D)   The good faith reliance by a telephone company on an oral or written order to cut, reroute, divert, or intercept telephone lines given by a supervising law enforcement officer under pursuant to subsection (A), or good faith reliance by a telephone company, Internet Service Provider, or another communications entity to provide information specified in an administrative subpoena pursuant to subsection (B), constitutes a complete defense to any civil, criminal, or administrative action arising out of the order or administrative subpoena.

(E)   The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division regulations shall comply with the requirements and limitations established in Title 18, U.S.C. Section 2703(c)(2)."
SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./


Printed Page 1695 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

H. 4261--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4261 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrison and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, OR HIS DESIGNEE, MAY ISSUE AN ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RECORDS DURING THE INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN CRIMINAL CASES THAT INVOLVE FINANCIAL CRIMES.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\NBD\11981CM10), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/SECTION   1.   Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-3-75.     (A)   An officer of the court who is employed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, or his designee, when there is reasonable cause, may issue an administrative subpoena for the production of subscriber or customer records, as defined by Title 18, U.S.C. Section 2703(c)(2), during the investigation of criminal cases involving financial crimes. Investigations eligible for an administrative subpoena under this section shall include Section 16-13-230 (Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent), Section 16-13-240 (Obtaining a signature or property by false pretenses), Section 16-13-510 et seq (Financial Identity Fraud), Section 16-14-20 et seq (Financial transaction card or number theft), Section 16-14-60 et seq (Financial transaction card fraud), 16-16-10 et seq (Computer Crimes Act), and Section 34-3-110 (Crimes against a federally chartered or insured financial institution). Information that may be requested under


Printed Page 1696 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

this section includes, but is not limited to, records from financial institutions, public and private utilities, and communications providers.

(B)   A good faith reliance by financial institutions, public and private utilities, communications providers, or other entities to provide information specified in an administrative subpoena pursuant to subsection (A), constitutes a complete defense to any civil, criminal, or administrative action arising out of the administrative subpoena.

(C)   The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is authorized pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act in Chapter 23, Title 1 to promulgate:

(1)   emergency regulations to define the procedures and guidelines needed to issue an administrative subpoena as defined in this subsection until such time as permanent regulations are promulgated and affirmatively approved by the General Assembly; and

(2)   permanent regulations to define procedures and guidelines needed to issue an administrative subpoena as defined in this subsection, which are to be affirmatively approved by the General Assembly.

(D)   The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division shall promulgate emergency regulations that are in compliance with Title 18, U.S.C. Section 2703(c)(2)."
SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

H. 4434--REQUESTS FOR DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4434 (Word version) -- Reps. Nanney, Clemmons, Horne and Sellers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-35, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE NOTICE OF ELECTION GIVEN BY THE AUTHORITY CHARGED BY LAW WITH CONDUCTING AN ELECTION, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE NOTICE BE PUBLISHED IN A NEWSPAPER AND THAT INSTEAD IT BE POSTED ON THE


Printed Page 1697 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

WEBSITE OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS NOTICE BE POSTED FORTY-FIVE DAYS INSTEAD OF SIXTY DAYS BEFORE AN ELECTION.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\DKA\3916DW10):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 in its entirety and inserting:
/ SECTION 1.   Section 7-13-35 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 434 of 1996, is further amended to read:

"Section 7-13-35.   (A)   The authority charged by law with conducting an election must publish two notices notice of general, municipal, special, and primary elections held in the county in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality, as appropriate. The notice only must include the date, time, and type of election to be held, as well as the date by which a voter shall register in order to vote in the election. The notice must direct readers to the website of the State Election Commission for further information.

(B)   The authority charged by law with conducting an election shall cause to be posted on the website of the State Elections Commission a notice of general, municipal, special, and primary elections held in the county. Included in each notice must be a reminder of the last day persons may register to be eligible to vote in the election for which notice is given, notification of the date, time, and location of the hearing on ballots challenged in the election, a list of the precincts involved in the election, the location of the polling places in each of the precincts, and notification that the process of examining the return-addressed envelopes containing absentee ballots may begin at 2:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. on election day at a place designated in the notice by the authority charged with conducting the election.

(C)   The first notice must appear, in a paper of general circulation and on the State Elections Commission website, not later than sixty forty-five days before the election and the second notice must appear not later than two weeks after the first notice.

(D)   The authority charged by law with conducting an election also shall cause to be posted on either the county or municipal board of election website, as appropriate, a conspicuous link to the website of the State Elections Commission. Nothing in the this section, must be construed to require a county or municipal board of election to create or maintain a website." /


Printed Page 1698 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. NANNEY explained the amendment.

Reps. KENNEDY, J. H. NEAL, COBB-HUNTER, HOSEY, CLYBURN, OTT, WILLIAMS, JEFFERSON, HART, MCEACHERN, GUNN, HARVIN, CLEMMONS, NORMAN, KING, PARKS, NANNEY, ERICKSON and NEILSON requested debate on the Bill.

H. 4248--INTERRUPTED DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4248 (Word version) -- Reps. Horne, Allison, Daning, Long, Littlejohn, Wylie, Gunn, Ballentine, Clemmons and Loftis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-115 SO AS TO REQUIRE A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER HIRED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO UNDERGO A CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCH, TO REQUIRE EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO DEVELOP A WRITTEN POLICY ON THE CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCH, TO PROVIDE WHAT THE POLICY MUST INCLUDE, AND TO REQUIRE THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO PROVIDE TRAINING TO APPROPRIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-115, RELATING TO FEES FOR CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCHES, SO AS TO FIX THE FEE AT EIGHT DOLLARS FOR CERTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES.

The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL_ AMENDMENTS\19900BH10KRL):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Chapter 19, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-19-115.   An individual hired by a local school district board of trustees to serve as a substitute teacher shall undergo a name-based South Carolina criminal record search conducted by the local school district using records maintained by the State Law Enforcement Division pursuant to regulations contained in Subarticle 1, Article 3,


Printed Page 1699 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Chapter 73 of the Code of Regulations, at no charge to the school district. By August 1, 2010, a school district board of trustees shall adopt a written policy that specifies the required criminal record search as well as how the information received from the search impacts substitute teacher hiring decisions. The policy must include, at a minimum, a prohibition of hiring individuals convicted of violent crimes as defined in Section 16-1-60 to serve as substitute teachers and hiring recommendations relative to felony convictions and relevant just-cause examples provided in Section 59-25-160. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, working with the Department of Education, shall provide training to appropriate school district personnel regarding appropriate use of the information provided in criminal record searches."
SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. HORNE explained the amendment.

Further proceedings were interrupted by expiration of time on the uncontested Calendar, the pending question being consideration of amendments.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. HART asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4556 (Word version) from the Committee on Rules.
Rep. WHITE objected.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. DUNCAN asked unanimous consent to recall S. 1095 (Word version) from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
Rep. KENNEDY objected.

H. 3536--RECALLED FROM COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

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

H. 3536 (Word version) -- Rep. J. E. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-5-130, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE QUALIFICATIONS OF CORONERS, SO AS TO


Printed Page 1700 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

INCREASE THOSE QUALIFICATIONS BY REQUIRING THOSE PERSONS WITH HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS TO ALSO HAVE AT LEAST SIX YEARS' EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD, BY REQUIRING THOSE PERSONS WITH A TWO YEAR ASSOCIATE DEGREE TO ALSO HAVE FOUR YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD, AND BY REQUIRING THOSE PERSONS WITH A FOUR YEAR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE TO ALSO HAVE AT LEAST TWO YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD; AND TO REQUIRE THAT A CANDIDATE FOR CORONER FILE A SWORN AFFIDAVIT WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PERSON'S POLITICAL PARTY UNDER SPECIFIED TIME FRAMES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE FILING OF THE AFFIDAVIT BY PETITION CANDIDATES, AND TO DELINEATE THE INFORMATION THAT THE AFFIDAVIT MUST CONTAIN.

H. 4629--RECALLED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

On motion of Rep. COOPER, with unanimous consent, the following Bill was ordered recalled from the Committee on Judiciary and was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means:

H. 4629 (Word version) -- Rep. Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 14-1-240 SO AS TO IMPOSE A SURCHARGE ON CASES INVOLVING CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES IN A COURT IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF THE REVENUE COLLECTED FROM THIS SURCHARGE, TO EXPRESS THE INTENTION THAT THIS REVENUE NOT BE USED TO SUPPLANT EXISTING FUNDING FOR CERTAIN SERVICES RELATED TO THE CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROSECUTION, AND TO ENABLE THE STATE AUDITOR TO EXAMINE CERTAIN RELATED FINANCIAL RECORDS AT THE REQUEST OF THE STATE TREASURER.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. KENNEDY asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3340 (Word version) from the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. WHITMIRE objected.


Printed Page 1701 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. VIERS asked unanimous consent to recall S. 1095 (Word version) from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
Rep. KENNEDY objected.

S. 1099--RECALLED FROM COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

On motion of Rep. HARRISON, with unanimous consent, the following Joint Resolution was ordered recalled from the Committee on Judiciary:

S. 1099 (Word version) -- Senator McConnell: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ADOPT REVISED CODE VOLUME 22 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO THE EXTENT OF ITS CONTENTS, AS THE ONLY GENERAL PERMANENT STATUTORY LAW OF THE STATE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2010.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. HART asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3083 (Word version) from the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. WHITMIRE objected.

S. 1095--RECALLED FROM COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

On motion of Rep. G. M. SMITH, with unanimous consent, the following Concurrent Resolution was ordered recalled from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs:

S. 1095 (Word version) -- Senators Cleary, Cromer, Campsen, Land and Davis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE ANY FISHING AREA CLOSURES OFF THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL'S PROPOSED AMENDMENT 17A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION.


Printed Page 1702 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

R. 130, H. 3624--GOVERNOR'S VETO OVERRIDDEN

The Veto on the following Act was taken up:

(R130) H. 3624 (Word version) -- Reps. A. D. Young, Horne, Knight and Harrell: AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE DORCHESTER COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE IS ALLOWED AND MUST BE PAID FROM DORCHESTER COUNTY "C" FUND REVENUES SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH THE MEMBER IS IN ATTENDANCE.

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

Yeas 4; Nays 1

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Harrell                Horne                  Knight
A. D. Young

Total--4

Those who voted in the negative are:

Kirsh

Total--1

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

H. 3418--DEBATE ADJOURNED

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

H. 3418 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Simrill, Crawford, Huggins, Bedingfield, Merrill, G. R. Smith, Erickson, Ballentine, Brady, Chalk, Daning, Delleney, Frye, Gambrell, Hamilton, Harrison, Hearn, Herbkersman, Loftis, Long, Lucas, Nanney, Pinson, Rice, G. M. Smith, Spires, Stringer, Thompson, Viers, Willis, Wylie, T. R. Young, Clemmons, Owens, Parker, Toole, M. A. Pitts, Lowe, Bingham, Umphlett, Sandifer and Edge: A BILL RELATING TO REFORM OF THE SOUTH


Printed Page 1703 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

CAROLINA ELECTION LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTION REFORM ACT"; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-710 OF THE 1976 CODE TO REQUIRE PHOTOGRAPH IDENTIFICATION TO VOTE, PERMITTING FOR PROVISIONAL BALLOTS IF THE IDENTIFICATION CANNOT BE PRODUCED AND PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR A RELIGIOUS OBJECTION TO BEING PHOTOGRAPHED; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-3350 TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO PROVIDE FREE IDENTIFICATION CARDS UPON REQUEST; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-25 TO PROVIDE FOR AN EARLY VOTING PERIOD BEGINNING SIXTEEN DAYS BEFORE A STATEWIDE PRIMARY OR GENERAL ELECTION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE HOURS AND EARLY VOTING LOCATION; TO AMEND SECTION 7-3-20(C) TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE ELECTIONS COMMISSION TO MAINTAIN IN THE MASTER FILE A SEPARATE DESIGNATION FOR ABSENTEE AND EARLY VOTERS IN A GENERAL ELECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-30 TO ADD STATUTORY CITES REGARDING THE REQUEST OF AN ABSENTEE BALLOT; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-470 TO PROVIDE FOR EARLY VOTING ON MACHINES DURING THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD ONLY AND DELETE THE REFERENCE TO ABSENTEE VOTING; TO AMEND SECTION 7-1-25 TO LIST FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR DOMICILE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 7-5-230 TO REFERENCE REVISIONS TO SECTION 7-1-25.

Rep. CLEMMONS moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Thursday, March 4, which was agreed to.

H. 3395--DEBATE ADJOURNED

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

H. 3395 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A. D. Young, Edge, Bedingfield, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, D. C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Hiott, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Scott, Sottile, Stewart, Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T. R. Young and Wylie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE


Printed Page 1704 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

GENERAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND PURSUANT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE AND THE RATE OF REPLENISHMENT OF THAT AMOUNT.

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

H. 3396--DEBATE ADJOURNED

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

H. 3396 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Scott, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A. D. Young, Edge, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, Bedingfield, Whitmire, Hiott, D. C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Sottile, Stewart, Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T. R. Young and Wylie: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 36, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND AND THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THREE TO FIVE PERCENT THE AMOUNT OF STATE GENERAL FUND REVENUE IN THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND.

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

H. 3442--DEBATE ADJOURNED

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

H. 3442 (Word version) -- Reps. Bingham, Harrell, Duncan, Harrison, Owens, Toole, Merrill, Brady, E. H. Pitts, G. M. Smith, Daning, Haley, Huggins, Cato, Ballentine, D. C. Smith, J. R. Smith, Rice, T. R. Young, Horne, Wylie, Bedingfield, Clemmons, Bales, Lucas, Neilson, Long, J. M. Neal and M. A. Pitts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 41-29-300 SO AS CREATE THE WORKFORCE DEPARTMENT


Printed Page 1705 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

APPELLATE PANEL WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE FILLING OF A VACANCY, TO REQUIRE THE PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION MUST CONSTITUTE THE INITIAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE NEW PANEL, TO PROVIDE THE PANEL SHALL DISSOLVE WHEN THE MEMBERS' TERMS EXPIRE IN 2012, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED APPELLATE PROCEDURES; BY ADDING SECTION 41-29-310 SO AS TO TRANSFER THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH; TO AMEND SECTION 41-29-10, RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN CHAPTERS WITHIN TITLE 41 MUST BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE AND TO DELETE REFERENCES TO THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION; TO AMEND SECTION 41-29-20, RELATING TO THE CHAIRMAN, QUORUM, AND FILLING OF A VACANCY ON THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE MUST BE MANAGED AND OPERATED BY A DIRECTOR APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, AND THAT THE DIRECTOR IS SUBJECT TO REMOVAL BY THE GOVERNOR AT HIS DISCRETION BY EXECUTIVE ORDER; TO AMEND SECTION 41-29-30, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A SECRETARY OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND PROVIDE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE OR HIS DESIGNEE MUST RECEIVE ANNUAL COMPENSATION AS PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICIAL EXPENSES AS PROVIDED BY LAW FOR EXECUTING THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 8-17-370, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STATE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCESS, SO AS TO INCLUDE EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF


Printed Page 1706 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

WORKFORCE AMONG THOSE EXEMPTED; TO AMEND SECTIONS 41-27-10, 41-27-30, 41-27-150, 41-27-160, 41-27-190, 41-27-210, AS AMENDED, 41-27-230, 41-27-235, AS AMENDED, 41-27-260, AS AMENDED, 41-27-360, 41-27-370, AS AMENDED, 41-27-380, 41-27-390, 41-27-510, 41-27-550, 41-27-560, 41-27-570, 41-27-580, 41-27-600, 41-27-610, 41-27-620, 41-27-630, 41-27-670, 41-29-40, 41-29-50, 41-29-60, 41-29-70, 41-29-80, 41-29-90, 41-29-100, 41-29-110, 41-29-120, AS AMENDED, 41-29-130, 41-29-140, 41-29-150, 41-29-170, AS AMENDED, 41-29-180, 41-29-190, 41-29-200, 41-29-210, 41-29-220, 41-29-230, 41-29-240, 41-29-250, 41-29-270, 41-29-280, 41-29-290, 41-33-10, 41-33-20, 41-33-30, 41-33-40, 41-33-45, 41-33-80, AS AMENDED, 41-33-90, 41-33-100, 41-33-110, 41-33-120, 41-33-130, 41-33-170, 41-33-180, 41-33-190, 41-33-200, 41-33-210, 41-33-430, 41-33-460, 41-33-470, 41-33-610, 41-33-710, 41-35-10, 41-35-30, 41-35-100, 41-35-110, AS AMENDED, 41-35-115, AS AMENDED, 41-35-120, AS AMENDED, 41-35-125, 41-35-126, 41-35-130, AS AMENDED, 41-35-140, 41-35-330, 41-35-340, 41-35-410, 41-35-420, AS AMENDED, 41-35-450, 41-35-610, 41-35-630, 41-35-640, AS AMENDED, 41-35-670, 41-35-680, AS AMENDED, 41-35-690, 41-35-700, 41-35-710, AS AMENDED, 41-35-720, 41-35-730, 41-35-740, 41-35-750, AS AMENDED, 41-37-20, 41-37-30, 41-39-30, 41-39-40, 41-41-20, AS AMENDED, 41-41-40, AS AMENDED, 41-41-50, 41-42-10, 41-42-20, 41-42-30, AND 41-42-40, ALL RELATING TO VARIOUS DEPARTMENT PROVISIONS, SO AS TO CONFORM THEM TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 41-29-260 RELATING TO THE ABILITY OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION TO FILE OPINIONS OR OFFICIAL MINUTES.

Rep. BINGHAM moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Tuesday, March 9, which was agreed to.

S. 424--DEBATE ADJOURNED

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

S. 424 (Word version) -- Senators Bright, S. Martin, Alexander, Campbell, Fair, Knotts, Cromer, Mulvaney, Verdin, L. Martin, Shoopman, Rose, McConnell, Thomas, Cleary, Courson, Coleman, Davis, Reese,


Printed Page 1707 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Campsen, Grooms, Ryberg, Peeler, O'Dell, Bryant and Massey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM THE RIGHTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA BASED ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE NINTH AND TENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

Rep. CRAWFORD moved to adjourn debate upon the Senate Amendments until Thursday, March 4, which was agreed to.

H. 3280--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. T. R. YOUNG moved to adjourn debate upon the following Joint Resolution until Thursday, March 4, which was adopted:

H. 3280 (Word version) -- Reps. T. R. Young, Allison, Parker, D. C. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. R. Smith, Stewart, Millwood, Horne, Funderburk, Wylie, Bedingfield, Harrell, A. D. Young, Viers, Gunn, Erickson, Clemmons and Loftis: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 7, ARTICLE VI OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS OF THIS STATE, SO AS TO DELETE THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION FROM THE LIST OF STATE OFFICERS WHICH THE CONSTITUTION REQUIRES TO BE ELECTED AND PROVIDE THAT THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION MUST BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR A TERM COTERMINOUS WITH THE GOVERNOR UPON THE EXPIRATION OF THE TERM OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION SERVING IN OFFICE ON THE DATE OF THE RATIFICATION OF THIS PROVISION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL PROVIDE BY LAW FOR THE DUTIES, COMPENSATION, AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE, THE PROCEDURES BY WHICH THE APPOINTMENT IS MADE, AND THE PROCEDURES BY WHICH THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION MAY BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE.

MOTION PERIOD

The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. SANDIFER.


Printed Page 1708 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

H. 3608--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. CLEMMONS moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Tuesday, March 9, which was adopted:

H. 3608 (Word version) -- Reps. Mack, Alexander, Allen, R. L. Brown, Williams, Weeks, Whipper, Gilliard and Jefferson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE AUTHORITY CHARGED BY LAW CONDUCTING AN ELECTION SHALL ESTABLISH EARLY VOTING CENTERS, TO ESTABLISH EARLY VOTING CENTERS TO ALLOW A REGISTERED COUNTY RESIDENT TO VOTE OUTSIDE THEIR PRECINCT, TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE BY WHICH A QUALIFIED ELECTOR MAY REGISTER TO VOTE AND CAST A BALLOT DURING THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS, AND TO REQUIRE THESE LOCATIONS AND TIMES TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 30-4-80.

H. 3736--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3736 (Word version) -- Reps. Rice, Cato, Hiott, Owens, Wylie, Clemmons, Viers, Bedingfield, Loftis and Lucas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41-7-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZED DEDUCTIONS OF LABOR ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP DUES FROM WAGES, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THESE DEDUCTIONS MAY BE MADE AND FOR CERTAIN PROHIBITED DEDUCTIONS.

The Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\DKA\3857DW10), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 41-7-40(A), SECTION 1, page 2, lines 4 and 6, after /written/ by inserting / or electronic /.
When amended subsection (A) reads:
/   (A)   It shall be unlawful to deduct from the wages, earnings, or compensation of an employee any union dues, fees, assessments, or other charges to be held for, transferred to, or paid over to a labor organization, unless the employee has first presented, and the employer


Printed Page 1709 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

has received a signed written or electronic authorization for the deductions, which authorization may be revoked by the employee at any time by giving written or electronic notice of the revocation to the employer. /
Amend further by striking subsection (B) in its entirety.
Reletter subsections to conform.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 87; Nays 26

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Bowers                 Brady
Branham                H. B. Brown            Cato
Clemmons               Cole                   Cooper
Crawford               Daning                 Delleney
Duncan                 Erickson               Forrester
Frye                   Funderburk             Gambrell
Haley                  Hamilton               Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Hayes
Hearn                  Herbkersman            Hiott
Horne                  Huggins                Hutto
Jennings               Kelly                  Kirsh
Knight                 Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Long                   Lucas
McLeod                 Miller                 Millwood
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Nanney
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Norman
Ott                    Owens                  Parker
Pinson                 M. A. Pitts            Rice
Sandifer               Scott                  Simrill
Skelton                D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. E. Smith            J. R. Smith

Printed Page 1710 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Sottile                Spires                 Stavrinakis
Stewart                Stringer               Thompson
Toole                  Umphlett               Viers
White                  Whitmire               Willis
Wylie                  A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--87

Those who voted in the negative are:

Allen                  Anderson               Brantley
R. L. Brown            Cobb-Hunter            Dillard
Gilliard               Govan                  Gunn
Hart                   Harvin                 Hodges
Hosey                  Howard                 Jefferson
Kennedy                King                   McEachern
Mitchell               J. H. Neal             Parks
Rutherford             Sellers                Weeks
Whipper                Williams

Total--26

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

H. 4479--REJECTED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4479 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, M. A. Pitts, D. C. Moss, Crawford and Viers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1140, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TAXABLE INCOME OF INDIVIDUALS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX ACT, SO AS TO INCLUDE DETENTION OFFICERS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS PERSONNEL WITHIN THE CATEGORY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM THE EIGHT DOLLARS A DAY SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE DEDUCTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Rep. CLEMMONS explained the Bill.


Printed Page 1711 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 41; Nays 67

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Bales                  Bannister              Barfield
Bowen                  Bowers                 Brady
H. B. Brown            Chalk                  Clyburn
Crawford               Daning                 Gambrell
Gilliard               Govan                  Gunn
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Hayes                  Hearn                  Herbkersman
Hutto                  Limehouse              Long
Miller                 D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss
Neilson                Ott                    Pinson
M. A. Pitts            Sandifer               Scott
Sellers                G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
Sottile                Stavrinakis            Umphlett
Viers                  Willis

Total--41

Those who voted in the negative are:

Allison                Anderson               Anthony
Ballentine             Battle                 Bedingfield
Bingham                Brantley               G. A. Brown
R. L. Brown            Cato                   Clemmons
Cole                   Cooper                 Delleney
Dillard                Duncan                 Erickson
Forrester              Frye                   Funderburk
Haley                  Hamilton               Hart
Harvin                 Hiott                  Hodges
Horne                  Hosey                  Huggins
Jefferson              Kennedy                King
Kirsh                  Knight                 Littlejohn
Loftis                 Lucas                  Mack
McEachern              McLeod                 Millwood
Mitchell               Nanney                 J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Norman                 Owens
Parker                 Parks                  Rice
Rutherford             Simrill                Skelton

Printed Page 1712 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

J. E. Smith            J. R. Smith            Spires
Stringer               Thompson               Toole
Weeks                  Whipper                White
Whitmire               Wylie                  A. D. Young
T. R. Young

Total--67

So, the Bill was rejected.

RECORD FOR VOTING

I inadvertently voted in the negative on H. 4479, however, my intention was to vote in the affirmative.

Rep. James M. Neal

H. 4478--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill, which was adopted:

H. 4478 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Cato, Cooper, Duncan, Harrison, Owens, Sandifer, White, Bingham, Barfield, D. C. Moss, Horne, Skelton, V. S. Moss, Bannister, Whitmire, Toole, J. R. Smith, Merrill, Hamilton, Thompson, Bedingfield, Stewart, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Battle, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cole, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Erickson, Forrester, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Hardwick, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Hutto, Jefferson, Kelly, Huggins, Kennedy, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Mack, McEachern, Miller, Millwood, Nanney, J. M. Neal, Norman, Ott, Parker, Parks, Pinson, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young, T. R. Young, Mitchell, Lucas and Jennings: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMPETITIVENESS ACT OF 2010" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO AMEND SECTION 2-75-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RESEARCH CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE MATCHING ENDOWMENTS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROCESS AND PROCEDURES FOR AWARDING ENDOWMENTS AND FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF


Printed Page 1713 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

MATCHING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 2-75-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AWARD FROM THE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE MATCHING ENDOWMENT, SO AS TO CLARIFY WHAT THE CONTENTS OF AN APPLICATION TO THE REVIEW BOARD MUST CONTAIN; TO AMEND SECTION 4-12-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FEES IN LIEU OF TAXES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF YEARS A FEE IS AVAILABLE AND TO DELETE A PROVISION THAT REQUIRES THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ESTABLISHED FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FEE TO REMAIN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE REAL PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-67, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS REQUIRING A FEE IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES AGREEMENT, SO AS TO ADD CERTAIN DEFINITIONS, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF INVESTMENT FOR A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TIMELINE WHEN THE SPONSOR MUST ENTER INTO AN INITIAL LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY IN REGARD TO A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY, AND THE TIMELINES WHEN THE SPONSOR MUST MEET MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY AND PLACE THE PROJECT INTO SERVICE, AND TO DELETE A PROVISION REQUIRING THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ESTABLISHED FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FEE TO REMAIN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-68, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SPECIAL SOURCE REVENUE BONDS WHICH MAY BE ISSUED BASED ON THE RECEIPT OF CERTAIN REVENUES, SO AS TO SPECIFY THAT ONE OF THE PURPOSES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THESE BONDS IS TO PAY FOR THE COST OF PERSONAL PROPERTY INCLUDING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT; BY ADDING CHAPTER 18 TO TITLE 11 SO AS TO ESTABLISH MECHANISMS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ALLOCATION, REALLOCATION, AND ISSUANCE OF FEDERAL RECOVERY ZONE BONDS; TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PROJECT" TO INCLUDE


Printed Page 1714 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

RECOVERY ZONE PROPERTY AS DEFINED BY FEDERAL LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-530, RELATING TO THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX, SO AS TO REDUCE THE RATE OF THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX FROM FIVE PERCENT ANNUALLY TO ZERO BEGINNING IN 2011 OVER A TEN-YEAR PERIOD IN INTERVALS OF ONE-HALF PERCENT PER YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JOB TAX CREDITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DESIGNATION TERMINOLOGY FOR COUNTIES COMING WITHIN SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATIONS, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING HOW COUNTIES FALL WITHIN CERTAIN TIERS, AND TO REVISE SPECIFIC TERMS OR DEFINITIONS USED FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3375, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR PORT CARGO VOLUME INCREASES, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH TAX CREDIT ALLOCATIONS ARE DETERMINED AND THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS WHICH MAY BE ALLOCATED TO A QUALIFYING TAXPAYER; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "EMPLOYEE" AND "PROJECT"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR BENEFITS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THESE QUALIFICATIONS AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR WHAT A BUSINESS MUST DO TO MEET THESE QUALIFICATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REVITALIZATION AGREEMENTS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND APPLICATION OF THESE REVITALIZATION AGREEMENTS, PROVIDE FOR WHEN SUCH AN AGREEMENT MUST BE EXECUTED, AND PERMIT THE ASSIGNMENT OF ENTERPRISE PROGRAM BENEFITS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JOB DEVELOPMENT CREDITS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO EXPAND ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURES WHICH QUALIFY FOR THE CREDIT, TO CAP THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS PER JOB PER YEAR, TO REVISE CERTAIN TERMINOLOGY TO CONFORM TO EARLIER CHANGES HEREIN, TO FURTHER


Printed Page 1715 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN THESE CREDITS MAY BE CLAIMED AND THE MANNER OF THE DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN FACTORS NECESSARY TO QUALIFY FOR THE CREDITS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUSPENSION OF THE CREDITS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND FOR WHEN THE CREDITS MAY BE CLAIMED; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-85, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE AND USE OF STATE RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THESE FUNDS MAY BE USED AND THEIR AVAILABILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-14-20, RELATING TO THE PURPOSES OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THESE PURPOSES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-14-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS UNDER THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS, THE QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR THE CREDITS, AND FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS TO THESE CREDITS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-10, RELATING TO THE CITATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LIFE SCIENCES ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE CITATION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE RENAMED LIFE SCIENCES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING FACILITY"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-30, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF CERTAIN EXPENSES UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT, PROCEDURES FOR WAIVERS, AND THE DURATION OF THESE PROVISIONS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPES OF FACILITIES THAT QUALIFY AND THE DURATION OF THESE PROVISIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-40, RELATING TO INCOME TAX ALLOCATION AND APPORTIONMENT AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXPAYERS ESTABLISHING A LIFE SCIENCES FACILITY, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPES OF FACILITIES TO WHICH THIS PROVISION APPLIES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-20-105, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CREDITS AGAINST ITS CORPORATE LICENSE TAX LIABILITY FOR A COMPANY WHO PAYS CASH FOR INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AN ELIGIBLE


Printed Page 1716 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

PROJECT, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE CREDIT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES OR THE CONTINUATION OF THE CREDIT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL TO EXPEND CERTAIN FUNDS FOR SPECIFIED PURPOSES UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-930, RELATING TO VALUATION OF PROPERTY FOR PROPERTY TAX PURPOSES AND DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES FOR MANUFACTURERS, MACHINERY, AND EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO INCLUDE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OF A RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING FACILITY WITHIN THE DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES ALLOWED FOR MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OF A LIFE SCIENCES FACILITY, AND TO DEFINE WHAT IS A QUALIFYING FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CLASSIFICATION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR AD VALOREM TAX PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY OR LEASED TO A MANUFACTURER AND USED PRIMARILY RATHER THAN EXCLUSIVELY FOR WAREHOUSING AND WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION IS NOT CONSIDERED USED BY THE MANUFACTURER IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS FOR PROPERTY TAX CLASSIFICATION PURPOSES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND ADD CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED FEE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SPONSOR AND THE COUNTY UNDER THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A SPONSOR HAS TO ENTER INTO A FEE AGREEMENT IN REGARD TO A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF A FEE AGREEMENT UNDER THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO DELETE A PROVISION THAT REQUIRES THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ESTABLISHED FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FEE TO REMAIN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE


Printed Page 1717 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

OF THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MINIMUM INVESTMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR A FEE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO CORRECT A REFERENCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 12-6-3450 RELATING TO AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR PERSONS TERMINATED FROM EMPLOYMENT AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSING OR REALIGNMENT OF A FEDERAL MILITARY INSTALLATION, SECTION 12-10-88 RELATING TO REDEVELOPMENT FEES IN REGARD TO CLOSED OR REALIGNED MILITARY INSTALLATIONS, SECTIONS 12-14-30, 12-14-40, 12-14-50, AND 12-14-70 RELATING TO ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONES AND ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS AGAINST SOUTH CAROLINA TAXABLE INCOME IN REGARD TO THESE ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONES.

H. 4551--DEBATE ADJOURNED

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

H. 4551 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Thompson, Bedingfield, Hayes, Brady, Mack, Harrell, Cato, Ott, Harrison, Duncan, J. R. Smith, White, Cooper, Hutto, Horne, Cobb-Hunter, Anderson, Hodges, Harvin, Skelton and Gunn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITION OF TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF SEVERAL EXISTING TERMS AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR SEVERAL NEW TERMS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO 911 SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE "A CAPABILITY TO HAVE CELLULAR PHONES ROUTED TO 911" AS A SYSTEM REQUIREMENT AND TO ADD "ROUTING AND CAPABILITIES TO RECEIVE AND PROCESS CMRS SERVICE AND VOIP SERVICE CAPABLE OF MAKING 911 CALLS" AS A SYSTEM REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-50, RELATING TO SUBSCRIBER BILLING OR 911 SERVICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR THE BILLING OF 911 CHARGES FOR LOCAL EXCHANGE ACCESS FACILITIES THAT ARE CAPABLE OF SIMULTANEOUSLY CARRYING FIVE OR MORE OUTGOING 911 VOICE CALLS, TO REVISE THE 911 CHARGE THAT PREPAID WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE


Printed Page 1718 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

IS SUBJECT TO AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-65, RELATING TO THE CMRS EMERGENCY TELEPHONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SO AS TO REVISE THE NAME OF THE COMMITTEE AND ITS MEMBERSHIP, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMITTEE AND THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD ARE AUTHORIZED TO REGULATE PREPAID WIRELESS SELLERS; BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-67 SO AS TO IMPOSE A VOIP 911 CHARGE ON EACH LOCAL EXCHANGE ACCESS FACILITY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION OF THE CHARGE AND ITS DISTRIBUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-68 SO AS TO IMPOSE A PREPAID WIRELESS 911 CHARGE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-69 SO AS TO LIMIT THE CHARGES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED FOR 911 SERVICE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-70, RELATING TO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES THAT MAY OCCUR FROM A GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY PROVIDING 911 SERVICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR LIABILITY WHEN 911 SERVICE IS PROVIDED AND WHEN IT IS NOT PROVIDED PURSUANT TO TARIFFS ON FILE WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE.

H. 4282--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. OWENS moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill, which was adopted:

H. 4282 (Word version) -- Reps. D. C. Smith, Owens, Littlejohn, Gilliard, Daning, Hosey, Clemmons and Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3890 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR CERTAIN PERSONS WHO ARE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE TO USE A TEXT MESSAGING DEVICE OR A HAND-HELD MOBILE TELEPHONE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THIS PROVISION.

H. 3489--INTERRUPTED DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3489 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Cato, Sandifer, Cooper, Duncan, Owens, White, Bingham, A. D. Young, Huggins, E. H. Pitts, Edge, Toole,


Printed Page 1719 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Kirsh, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, Brady, Crawford, Barfield, Bedingfield, Erickson, Loftis, Pinson, Rice, Hiott, Littlejohn, Allison, Chalk, Daning, Bowen, Gambrell, Hamilton, Wylie, Sottile, Nanney, Parker, Forrester, Haley, Millwood, Battle, Frye, Simrill, Spires, Thompson, Whitmire, Horne, Clemmons, Skelton and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA FAIRNESS IN CIVIL JUSTICE ACT OF 2009" BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 32, TITLE 15, PREVIOUSLY RESERVED, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE CHAPTER; TO AMEND SECTION 15-32-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LIMITS ON NONECONOMIC DAMAGES, AND ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 32, TITLE 15, RELATING TO PUNITIVE DAMAGES, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE LIMITS ON THE AWARD OF NONECONOMIC AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN ALL PERSONAL INJURY ACTIONS AND TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE AWARD OF THESE DAMAGES; BY ADDING SECTION 1-7-750 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PRIVATE ATTORNEY RETENTION SUNSHINE ACT" TO GOVERN THE RETENTION OF PRIVATE ATTORNEYS BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR A SOLICITOR AND TO PROVIDE TERMS AND CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE RETAINER AGREEMENT INCLUDING LIMITS ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUTSIDE COUNSEL IN CONTINGENCY FEE CASES; TO AMEND SECTION 15-3-670, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON ACTIONS BASED ON UNSAFE OR DEFECTIVE IMPROVEMENTS TO REAL PROPERTY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE VIOLATION OF A BUILDING CODE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PER SE FRAUD, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, OR RECKLESSNESS; BY ADDING SECTION 15-3-160 SO AS TO PROVIDE A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION THAT A MANUFACTURER OR SELLER IS NOT LIABLE FOR A PRODUCT IF IT IS MANUFACTURED OR SOLD IN A MANNER APPROVED BY A GOVERNMENT AGENCY; BY ADDING SECTION 15-5-10 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES TO BRING, MAINTAIN, AND CERTIFY CLASS ACTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 15-73-10, RELATING TO LIABILITY OF THE SELLER FOR A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SELLER IS NOT LIABLE FOR DAMAGE CAUSED ONLY TO THE PRODUCT ITSELF; TO AMEND SECTION 18-9-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE


Printed Page 1720 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

EFFECT OF A NOTICE OF APPEAL ON THE EXECUTION OF JUDGMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE LIMITS FOR APPEAL BONDS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 33-6-220 AND 33-44-303, RELATING TO CORPORATIONS AND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A JUDGMENT AGAINST A CORPORATION OR LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY IS A PREREQUISITE TO AN ALTER EGO CLAIM TO PIERCE THE CORPORATE VEIL; TO AMEND SECTION 39-5-20, RELATING TO UNFAIR METHODS OF COMPETITION AND UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE ACTIONS OR TRANSACTIONS OTHERWISE PERMITTED OR REGULATED BY THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION OR ANOTHER REGULATORY BODY OR OFFICE ACTING UNDER STATUTORY AUTHORITY OF THIS STATE OR THE UNITED STATES ARE NOT COVERED BY THE ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 39-5-140, RELATING TO AN ACTION FOR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF AN UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON SEEKING DAMAGES SHALL PAY "OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES" AND TO DEFINE THIS TERM; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6540, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PENALTIES FOR THE MANDATORY USE OF SEATBELTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION MAY BE CONSIDERED IN A CIVIL ACTION AS EVIDENCE OF COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE OR AS EVIDENCE OF FAILURE TO MITIGATE DAMAGES; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 15-32-200, 15-32-210, AND 15-32-240 ALL RELATING TO NONECONOMIC DAMAGES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING THE LIMITATION AND COLLECTION OF NONECONOMIC DAMAGES.

Rep. SELLERS moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Saturday, January 1, 2011.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the motion.

Rep. HALEY demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 93; Nays 19


Printed Page 1721 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Brady                  Branham
G. A. Brown            H. B. Brown            Cato
Chalk                  Clemmons               Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Cole                   Cooper
Crawford               Daning                 Delleney
Duncan                 Erickson               Forrester
Frye                   Gambrell               Govan
Gunn                   Haley                  Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Harvin                 Hayes                  Hearn
Hiott                  Horne                  Howard
Huggins                Hutto                  Jennings
Kelly                  Kirsh                  Knight
Limehouse              Littlejohn             Loftis
Long                   Lucas                  McEachern
McLeod                 Miller                 Millwood
D. C. Moss             Nanney                 J. H. Neal
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Norman
Ott                    Owens                  Parker
Parks                  Pinson                 Rice
Sandifer               Scott                  Simrill
Skelton                D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith            Sottile
Spires                 Stavrinakis            Stewart
Stringer               Thompson               Toole
Umphlett               Viers                  White
Whitmire               Williams               Willis
Wylie                  A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--93

Those who voted in the negative are:

Allen                  Anderson               Bowers
Brantley               R. L. Brown            Gilliard
Hart                   Hosey                  Jefferson
Kennedy                King                   Mack
Mitchell               M. A. Pitts            Rutherford

Printed Page 1722 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Sellers                J. E. Smith            Weeks
Whipper

Total--19

So, the motion to adjourn debate was tabled.

Rep. HART moved to recommit the Bill to the Committee on Judiciary.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the motion.

Rep. HARRISON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 85; Nays 21

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Brady                  Branham
G. A. Brown            H. B. Brown            Cato
Chalk                  Clemmons               Clyburn
Cole                   Cooper                 Crawford
Daning                 Delleney               Duncan
Erickson               Forrester              Frye
Gambrell               Govan                  Haley
Hamilton               Hardwick               Harrell
Harrison               Harvin                 Hayes
Hearn                  Hiott                  Horne
Huggins                Hutto                  Kelly
Kirsh                  Knight                 Limehouse
Loftis                 Long                   Lucas
McEachern              Miller                 Millwood
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Nanney
Neilson                Norman                 Ott
Owens                  Parker                 Parks
Pinson                 Rice                   Sandifer
Scott                  Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Sottile                Spires

Printed Page 1723 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Stavrinakis            Stewart                Stringer
Thompson               Toole                  Umphlett
Viers                  White                  Whitmire
Willis                 Wylie                  A. D. Young
T. R. Young

Total--85

Those who voted in the negative are:

Allen                  Anderson               Bowers
Brantley               R. L. Brown            Gilliard
Hart                   Hosey                  Jefferson
Jennings               Kennedy                King
Mack                   Mitchell               J. H. Neal
Rutherford             Sellers                J. E. Smith
Weeks                  Whipper                Williams

Total--21

So, the motion to recommit the Bill was tabled.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\MS\7683AHB10):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Fairness in Civil Justice Act of 2010".
SECTION   2.   Chapter 32, Title 15 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 5
Punitive Damages

Section 15-32-510.   (A)   A claim for punitive damages must be specifically prayed for in the complaint.

(B)   The plaintiff shall not specifically plead an amount of punitive damages, only that punitive damages are sought in the action.

Section 15-32-520.     (A)   All actions tried before a jury involving punitive damages, if requested by any defendant against which punitive damages are sought, must be conducted in a bifurcated manner before the same jury.

(B)   In the first stage of a bifurcated trial, the jury shall determine liability for compensatory damages and the amount of compensatory or


Printed Page 1724 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

nominal damages. Evidence relevant only to the issues of punitive damages is not admissible at this stage.

(C)   Punitive damages may be considered if compensatory damages have been awarded in the first stage of the trial. An award of nominal damages cannot support an award of punitive damages.

(D)   Punitive damages may only be awarded if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that his harm was the result of the defendant's wilful, wanton, or reckless conduct.

(E)   In the second stage of a bifurcated trial, the jury shall determine if a defendant is liable for punitive damages and, if determined to be liable, the amount of punitive damages. In determining the amount of punitive damages, the jury may consider all relevant evidence, including, but not limited to:

(1)   the defendant's degree of culpability;

(2)   the severity of the harm caused by the defendant;

(3)   the extent to which the plaintiff's own conduct contributed to the harm;

(4)   the duration of the conduct, the defendant's awareness, and any concealment by the defendant;

(5)   the existence of similar past conduct;

(6)   the profitability of the conduct to the defendant;

(7)   the defendant's ability to pay;

(8)   the likelihood the award will deter the defendant or others from like conduct;

(9)   the awards of punitive damages against the defendant in any state or federal court action alleging harm from the same act or course of conduct complained of by the plaintiff;

(10)   any criminal penalties imposed on the defendant as a result of the same act or course of conduct complained of by the plaintiff; and

(11)   the amount of any civil fines assessed against the defendant as a result of the same act or course of conduct complained of by the plaintiff.

(F)   If punitive damages are awarded, the trial court shall review the jury's decision, considering all relevant evidence, including the factors identified in subsection (E), to ensure that the award is not excessive or the result of passion or prejudice.

(G)   In an action with multiple defendants, a punitive damages award must be specific to each defendant, and each defendant is liable only for the amount of the award made against that defendant.


Printed Page 1725 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Section 15-32-530.   (A)   An award of punitive damages may not exceed three times the amount of the plaintiff's compensatory damages award or three hundred fifty thousand dollars, whichever is greater.

(B)   The limitations provided in subsection (A) do not apply in the following situations, when the:

(1)   fact finder determines that at the time of the plaintiff's injury the defendant pursued a course of conduct that the defendant knew or should have known would cause injury or damage;

(2)   defendant pleads guilty to or is convicted of a felony arising out of the same act or course of conduct complained of by the plaintiff and that act or course of conduct is the proximate cause of the plaintiff's damages; or

(3)   fact finder determines that the defendant acted or failed to act while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, other than lawfully prescribed drugs administered in accordance with a prescription, or any intentionally consumed glue, aerosol, or other toxic vapor to the degree that defendant's judgment is substantially impaired.

(C)   The limitations provided in subsection (A) may not be disclosed to the jury. If the jury returns a verdict for punitive damages in excess of the maximum amount specified in subsection (A) and the exemptions in subsection (B) do not apply, the court shall reduce the award and enter judgment for punitive damages in the maximum amount allowed in subsection (A)."
SECTION   3.   Article 5, Chapter 7, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-7-750.   (A)   This section may be cited as the 'Private Attorney Retention Sunshine Act'.

(B)   Except as provided in Section 1-7-760, when the Attorney General or a circuit solicitor retains, engages, associates, hires, or otherwise obtains a private attorney, attorneys, or law firm as outside counsel for any reason, the outside counsel is required to enter into a contract that is governed by the following terms, provisions, or conditions:

(1)   the Attorney General or circuit solicitor, in his sole discretion has the right to appoint a designated assistant, who must be an assistant attorney general or assistant solicitor, to oversee the litigation or other matter for which outside counsel has been retained, which appointment the Attorney General or circuit solicitor may modify at will;

(2)   the Attorney General or circuit solicitor may provide attorneys and other staff members to assist outside counsel with the


Printed Page 1726 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

litigation. The identity and responsibilities of personnel assigned to assist must be determined solely by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor. All pleadings, motions, briefs, formal documents, and agreements must bear the signature of the Attorney General or circuit solicitor or his designated assistant;

(3)   outside counsel shall coordinate the provision of legal services with the Attorney General or circuit solicitor or his designated assistant, other personnel of the Office of the Attorney General or circuit solicitor, and other persons the Attorney General or circuit solicitor may appoint as outside counsel. All pleadings, motions, briefs, and other material which may be filed with the court must first be approved by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor and provided to his office in draft form in a reasonable and timely manner for review;

(4)   outside counsel will render services as an independent contractor. Neither outside counsel nor an employee of outside counsel is regarded as employed by, or as an employee of, the Attorney General, a circuit solicitor, or the State. An attorney-client relationship exists between the Attorney General or circuit solicitor and outside counsel;

(5)   detailed time and cost records reflecting all work must be maintained by outside counsel and presented monthly to the Attorney General or circuit solicitor;

(6)   the Attorney General or circuit solicitor or his designated assistant shall approve in advance all aspects of the litigation or other matter for which outside counsel is retained and must be included in settlement discussions. Outside counsel agrees that all settlements must receive the Attorney General's or circuit solicitor's express prior approval in writing;

(7)   any material, data, files, discs, or documents created, produced, or gathered by outside counsel, or in outside counsel's possession in furtherance of the litigation or other matter for which outside counsel has been retained, or which fulfills an obligation of the appointment, is considered the exclusive property of the State. Outside counsel agrees to adhere to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, pursuant to Chapter 4, Title 30, and maintain all public records concerning the matter in accordance with state law provided; however, that outside counsel shall consult with, and obtain the approval of, the Attorney General or circuit solicitor before responding to a public records request. The contract of retention that satisfies this section is considered a public document. At the conclusion of the litigation or


Printed Page 1727 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

other matter for which outside counsel has been retained, all time records and monthly statements maintained or presented by outside counsel are public documents;

(8)   in contingent fee cases, outside counsel may not receive compensation for services rendered unless the State receives a settlement or damage award in connection with the litigation. If the State receives an award, outside counsel will be compensated as follows:

(a)   outside counsel may not be paid, not including punitive or exemplary damages, more than the following percentages corresponding to the amount of the judgment or settlement:

(i)   twenty-three percent of the judgment or settlement up to and including the first $5,000,000;

(ii)   nineteen percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $5,000,000 up to $10,000,000;

(iii)   fifteen percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $10,000,000 up to $25,000,000;

(iv)   eleven percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $25,000,000 up to $50,000,000;

(v)   seven percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $50,000,000 but less than $100,000,000; and

(vi)   four percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $100,000,000.

Provided, that the Attorney General or circuit solicitor shall retain ten percent of outside counsel's fees awarded pursuant to this subitem;

(b)   the remaining net settlement or judgment proceeding, but not including punitive or exemplary damages, must be paid or applied to or for the State or the people of South Carolina or the victims in a manner to be determined by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor in his sole discretion; and

(c)   outside counsel may not be paid more than the following percentages corresponding to the amount of punitive or exemplary damages:

(i)   ten percent of the damages up to and including the first $10,000,000;

(ii)   five percent of that portion of the damages in excess of $10,000,000 up to $100,000,000; and

(iii)   three percent of that portion of the damages in excess of $100,000,000.

Provided, that the Attorney General or circuit solicitor shall retain ten percent of outside counsel's fees awarded pursuant to this subitem;


Printed Page 1728 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

(d)   the remaining amount of punitive and exemplary damages must be paid or applied to or for the State or the people of South Carolina or the victims in a manner to be determined by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor in his sole discretion;

(e)   all settlement or judgment proceeds shall be paid by or on behalf of any defendant to the Attorney General or circuit solicitor's office for distribution; and

(f)   the fee schedule required by this section applies to all settlements or judgments, whether the settlement or judgment is entirely monetary in nature or is combined with nonmonetary relief. Should the litigation be resolved by settlement or judgment involving a combination of monetary and nonmonetary relief, such as injunctive relief, nonmonetary payment, the provision of goods or services or other in kind terms, or a combination of these, the Attorney General or circuit solicitor shall determine the monetary value to the State;

(9)   outside counsel must be reimbursed solely from the gross recovery of the litigation or other matter for which outside counsel has been retained as approved by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor for reasonable expenses and costs. Proper documentation by receipts or otherwise must be submitted with all invoices and all documentation must be retained by outside counsel for at least one year following the agreement's termination. All expenses must be itemized and no reimbursement may be applied for or requested for miscellaneous listings. The Attorney General or circuit solicitor in his sole discretion may decline to reimburse outside counsel for improperly documented, unnecessary, or unreasonable costs or expenses. In addition:

(a)   outside counsel must be reimbursed for the retention of experts, including fees and other reasonable costs, only when expressly authorized by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor; and

(b)   for reimbursements of expenses for lodging, travel, or mileage, receipts are required and these expenses must be expressly authorized in advance by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor; and

(10)   outside counsel may not speak to any representative of a television station, radio station, newspaper, magazine, or other media outlet concerning the work outlined or contemplated in the contract of retention without first obtaining approval of the Attorney General or circuit solicitor. Outside counsel is specifically prohibited from speaking on behalf of the Attorney General or circuit solicitor or the State of South Carolina to any representative of the news media.

Section 1-7-760.   The provisions of Section 1-7-750 may be suspended only under certain conditions when the Attorney General or


Printed Page 1729 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

the circuit solicitor, in his discretion, decides that exceptional circumstances exist which warrant departure from the requirements of Section 1-7-750 and in his judgment that departure is absolutely necessary and in the best interests of the State. If the Attorney General or the circuit solicitor decides to invoke the provisions of this section, he must specifically state in writing those provisions of Section 1-7-750 that he intends to depart from and must delineate the exceptional circumstances that he finds exists as they relate to each provision. This information is considered public information and is subject to disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act as provided in Chapter 4, Title 30."
SECTION   4.   Section 15-3-670 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 15-3-670.     (A)   The limitation provided by Sections 15-3-640 through 15-3-660 may not be asserted as a defense by any a person in actual possession or control, as owner, tenant, or otherwise, of the improvement at the time the defective or unsafe condition constitutes the proximate cause of the injury or death for which it is proposed to bring an action, in the event such the person in actual possession or control knows, or reasonably should have known, of the defective or unsafe condition. The limitations provided by Sections 15-3-640 through 15-3-660 are not available as a defense to any a person guilty of fraud, gross negligence, or recklessness in providing components in furnishing materials, in developing real property, in performing or furnishing the design, plans, specifications, surveying, planning, supervision, testing or observation of construction, construction of, or land surveying, in connection with such an improvement, or to any a person who conceals any such cause of action.

(B)   For the purposes of subsection (A), the violation of a building code of a jurisdiction or political subdivision does not constitute per se fraud, gross negligence, or recklessness but this type of violation may be admissible as evidence of fraud, negligence, gross negligence, or recklessness.

(C)   The limitation provided by Section 15-3-640 may not be asserted as a defense to any an action for personal injury, including a personal injury resulting in death, or property damage which is:

(i)(1)   by its nature not discoverable in the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time of its occurrence; and

(ii)(2)   the result of ingestion of or exposure to some toxic or harmful or injury producing substance, element, or particle, including


Printed Page 1730 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

radiation, over a period of time as opposed to resulting from a sudden and fortuitous trauma."
SECTION   5.   Section 18-9-130(A)(1) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 216 of 2004, is further amended to read:

"(1)   A notice of appeal from a judgment directing the payment of money does not stay the execution of the judgment unless the presiding judge before whom the judgment was obtained grants a stay of execution. If the presiding judge grants a stay of execution and requires a bond or other surety to guarantee the payment of the judgment pending the appeal, the amount of the bond or other surety may not exceed the amount of the judgment or:

(a)   twenty-five million dollars, whichever is less, for a business entity that employs more than fifty persons and has gross revenues exceeding five million dollars for the previous tax year; or

(b)   one million dollars, whichever is less, for all other entities or individuals."
SECTION   6.   Section 56-5-6540 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 147 of 2005, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-5-6540.   (A)   A person who is adjudicated to be in violation of the provisions of this article must be fined not more than twenty-five dollars, no part of which may be suspended. No Court costs, assessments, or surcharges may not be assessed against a person who violates a provision of this article. A person must may not be fined more than fifty dollars for any one incident of one or more violations of the provisions of this article. A custodial arrest for a violation of this article must may not be made, except upon a warrant issued for failure to appear in court when summoned or for failure to pay an imposed fine. A violation of this article does not constitute a criminal offense. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 56-1-640, a violation of this article must may not be:

(1)   included in the offender's motor vehicle records maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles or in the criminal records maintained by SLED; or

(2)   reported to the offender's motor vehicle insurer.

(B)   A law enforcement officer must may not issue a citation to a driver or a passenger for a violation of this article when the stop is made in conjunction with a driver's license check, safety check, or registration check conducted at a checkpoint established to stop all drivers on a certain road for a period of time, except when the driver is cited for violating another motor vehicle law. The driver and any passenger shall must be required to buckle up before departing the


Printed Page 1731 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

checkpoint and should the driver or the passenger refuse, then the person refusing may be charged with a primary violation.

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

(D)   A vehicle, driver, or occupant in a vehicle must may not be searched, nor may consent to search be requested by a law enforcement officer, solely because of a violation of this article.

(E)(D)   A law enforcement officer must may not stop a driver for a violation of this article except when the officer has probable cause that a violation has occurred based on his clear and unobstructed view of a driver or an occupant of the motor vehicle who is not wearing a safety belt or is not secured in a child restraint system as required by Article 47 of this chapter.

(F)(E)   A person charged with a violation of this article may admit or deny the violation, enter a plea of nolo contendere, or be tried before either a judge or a jury. If the trier of fact is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the person was not wearing a safety belt at the time of the incident, the penalty is a civil fine pursuant to the provisions of Section 56-5-6540. If the trier of fact determines that the State has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person was not wearing a safety belt, no penalty shall may be assessed.

(G)(F)   A person found to be in violation of this article may bring an appeal to the court of common pleas pursuant to Section 18-3-10 or Section 14-25-95."
SECTION   7.   The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.
SECTION   8.   If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the


Printed Page 1732 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this , and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION   9.   The General Assembly finds that all the provisions contained in this act relate to one subject as required by Article III, Section 17 of the South Carolina Constitution, 1895, in that each provision relates directly to or in conjunction with other sections to the subject of fairness in civil justice.

The General Assembly further finds that a common purpose or relationship exists among the sections, representing a potential plurality but not disunity of topics, notwithstanding that reasonable minds might differ in identifying more than one topic contained in the act.
SECTION   10.   This act takes effect July 1, 2010, and applies to all actions filed on or after this date. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. HARRISON explained the amendment.

SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE IN CHAIR

Rep. WHIPPER spoke against the amendment.
Rep. WHIPPER spoke against the amendment.

Rep. KENNEDY moved that the House recede until 2:30 p.m.

Rep. SANDIFER demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 16; Nays 76

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Bowers                 Gilliard               Hart
Harvin                 Hosey                  Jennings
Kennedy                Mack                   McLeod
Miller                 Rutherford             Sellers

Printed Page 1733 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Spires                 Stavrinakis            Thompson
Vick

Total--16

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Allison
Anderson               Bales                  Ballentine
Bannister              Barfield               Bedingfield
Bingham                Bowen                  Brady
Brantley               G. A. Brown            Cato
Chalk                  Clemmons               Cole
Cooper                 Crawford               Daning
Delleney               Duncan                 Erickson
Forrester              Funderburk             Gambrell
Govan                  Haley                  Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Hearn                  Hiott                  Huggins
Hutto                  Jefferson              Kelly
Kirsh                  Knight                 Limehouse
Littlejohn             Loftis                 Lucas
Millwood               D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss
Nanney                 J. H. Neal             Norman
Owens                  Parker                 Pinson
M. A. Pitts            Rice                   Sandifer
Scott                  Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Sottile                Stewart
Stringer               Toole                  Umphlett
Viers                  Weeks                  White
Whitmire               Willis                 Wylie
T. R. Young

Total--76

So, the House refused to recede.

Rep. SELLERS spoke against the amendment.
Rep. JENNINGS spoke against the amendment.
Rep. JENNINGS spoke against the amendment.


Printed Page 1734 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Rep. G. A. BROWN moved that the House recede until 3:00 p.m., which was agreed to.

Further proceedings were interrupted by the House receding, the pending question being consideration of amendments.

THE HOUSE RESUMES

At 3:00 p.m. the House resumed, Acting Speaker JENNINGS in the Chair.

POINT OF QUORUM

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

SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE IN CHAIR

H. 3489--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

Debate was resumed on the following Bill, the pending question being the consideration of amendments:

H. 3489 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Cato, Sandifer, Cooper, Duncan, Owens, White, Bingham, A. D. Young, Huggins, E. H. Pitts, Edge, Toole, Kirsh, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, Brady, Crawford, Barfield, Bedingfield, Erickson, Loftis, Pinson, Rice, Hiott, Littlejohn, Allison, Chalk, Daning, Bowen, Gambrell, Hamilton, Wylie, Sottile, Nanney, Parker, Forrester, Haley, Millwood, Battle, Frye, Simrill, Spires, Thompson, Whitmire, Horne, Clemmons, Skelton and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA FAIRNESS IN CIVIL JUSTICE ACT OF 2009" BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 32, TITLE 15, PREVIOUSLY RESERVED, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE CHAPTER; TO AMEND SECTION 15-32-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LIMITS ON NONECONOMIC DAMAGES, AND ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 32, TITLE 15, RELATING TO PUNITIVE DAMAGES, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE LIMITS ON THE AWARD OF NONECONOMIC AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN ALL PERSONAL INJURY ACTIONS AND TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE AWARD OF THESE DAMAGES; BY ADDING SECTION 1-7-750 SO AS TO ENACT THE "PRIVATE ATTORNEY RETENTION SUNSHINE ACT" TO


Printed Page 1735 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

GOVERN THE RETENTION OF PRIVATE ATTORNEYS BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR A SOLICITOR AND TO PROVIDE TERMS AND CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE RETAINER AGREEMENT INCLUDING LIMITS ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUTSIDE COUNSEL IN CONTINGENCY FEE CASES; TO AMEND SECTION 15-3-670, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON ACTIONS BASED ON UNSAFE OR DEFECTIVE IMPROVEMENTS TO REAL PROPERTY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE VIOLATION OF A BUILDING CODE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PER SE FRAUD, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, OR RECKLESSNESS; BY ADDING SECTION 15-3-160 SO AS TO PROVIDE A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION THAT A MANUFACTURER OR SELLER IS NOT LIABLE FOR A PRODUCT IF IT IS MANUFACTURED OR SOLD IN A MANNER APPROVED BY A GOVERNMENT AGENCY; BY ADDING SECTION 15-5-10 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES TO BRING, MAINTAIN, AND CERTIFY CLASS ACTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 15-73-10, RELATING TO LIABILITY OF THE SELLER FOR A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SELLER IS NOT LIABLE FOR DAMAGE CAUSED ONLY TO THE PRODUCT ITSELF; TO AMEND SECTION 18-9-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF A NOTICE OF APPEAL ON THE EXECUTION OF JUDGMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE LIMITS FOR APPEAL BONDS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 33-6-220 AND 33-44-303, RELATING TO CORPORATIONS AND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A JUDGMENT AGAINST A CORPORATION OR LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY IS A PREREQUISITE TO AN ALTER EGO CLAIM TO PIERCE THE CORPORATE VEIL; TO AMEND SECTION 39-5-20, RELATING TO UNFAIR METHODS OF COMPETITION AND UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE ACTIONS OR TRANSACTIONS OTHERWISE PERMITTED OR REGULATED BY THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION OR ANOTHER REGULATORY BODY OR OFFICE ACTING UNDER STATUTORY AUTHORITY OF THIS STATE OR THE UNITED STATES ARE NOT COVERED BY THE ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 39-5-140, RELATING TO AN ACTION FOR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF AN UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON SEEKING DAMAGES SHALL PAY "OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES" AND


Printed Page 1736 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

TO DEFINE THIS TERM; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-6540, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PENALTIES FOR THE MANDATORY USE OF SEATBELTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION MAY BE CONSIDERED IN A CIVIL ACTION AS EVIDENCE OF COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE OR AS EVIDENCE OF FAILURE TO MITIGATE DAMAGES; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 15-32-200, 15-32-210, AND 15-32-240 ALL RELATING TO NONECONOMIC DAMAGES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING THE LIMITATION AND COLLECTION OF NONECONOMIC DAMAGES.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\MS\7683AHB10), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Fairness in Civil Justice Act of 2010".
SECTION   2.   Chapter 32, Title 15 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 5
Punitive Damages

Section 15-32-510.   (A)   A claim for punitive damages must be specifically prayed for in the complaint.

(B)   The plaintiff shall not specifically plead an amount of punitive damages, only that punitive damages are sought in the action.

Section 15-32-520.     (A)   All actions tried before a jury involving punitive damages, if requested by any defendant against which punitive damages are sought, must be conducted in a bifurcated manner before the same jury.

(B)   In the first stage of a bifurcated trial, the jury shall determine liability for compensatory damages and the amount of compensatory or nominal damages. Evidence relevant only to the issues of punitive damages is not admissible at this stage.

(C)   Punitive damages may be considered if compensatory damages have been awarded in the first stage of the trial. An award of nominal damages cannot support an award of punitive damages.

(D)   Punitive damages may only be awarded if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that his harm was the result of the defendant's wilful, wanton, or reckless conduct.

(E)   In the second stage of a bifurcated trial, the jury shall determine if a defendant is liable for punitive damages and, if


Printed Page 1737 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

determined to be liable, the amount of punitive damages. In determining the amount of punitive damages, the jury may consider all relevant evidence, including, but not limited to:

(1)   the defendant's degree of culpability;

(2)   the severity of the harm caused by the defendant;

(3)   the extent to which the plaintiff's own conduct contributed to the harm;

(4)   the duration of the conduct, the defendant's awareness, and any concealment by the defendant;

(5)   the existence of similar past conduct;

(6)   the profitability of the conduct to the defendant;

(7)   the defendant's ability to pay;

(8)   the likelihood the award will deter the defendant or others from like conduct;

(9)   the awards of punitive damages against the defendant in any state or federal court action alleging harm from the same act or course of conduct complained of by the plaintiff;

(10)   any criminal penalties imposed on the defendant as a result of the same act or course of conduct complained of by the plaintiff; and

(11)   the amount of any civil fines assessed against the defendant as a result of the same act or course of conduct complained of by the plaintiff.

(F)   If punitive damages are awarded, the trial court shall review the jury's decision, considering all relevant evidence, including the factors identified in subsection (E), to ensure that the award is not excessive or the result of passion or prejudice.

(G)   In an action with multiple defendants, a punitive damages award must be specific to each defendant, and each defendant is liable only for the amount of the award made against that defendant.

Section 15-32-530.   (A)   An award of punitive damages may not exceed three times the amount of the plaintiff's compensatory damages award or three hundred fifty thousand dollars, whichever is greater.

(B)   The limitations provided in subsection (A) do not apply in the following situations, when the:

(1)   fact finder determines that at the time of the plaintiff's injury the defendant pursued a course of conduct that the defendant knew or should have known would cause injury or damage;

(2)   defendant pleads guilty to or is convicted of a felony arising out of the same act or course of conduct complained of by the plaintiff and that act or course of conduct is the proximate cause of the plaintiff's damages; or


Printed Page 1738 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

(3)   fact finder determines that the defendant acted or failed to act while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, other than lawfully prescribed drugs administered in accordance with a prescription, or any intentionally consumed glue, aerosol, or other toxic vapor to the degree that defendant's judgment is substantially impaired.

(C)   The limitations provided in subsection (A) may not be disclosed to the jury. If the jury returns a verdict for punitive damages in excess of the maximum amount specified in subsection (A) and the exemptions in subsection (B) do not apply, the court shall reduce the award and enter judgment for punitive damages in the maximum amount allowed in subsection (A)."
SECTION   3.   Article 5, Chapter 7, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-7-750.   (A)   This section may be cited as the 'Private Attorney Retention Sunshine Act'.

(B)   Except as provided in Section 1-7-760, when the Attorney General or a circuit solicitor retains, engages, associates, hires, or otherwise obtains a private attorney, attorneys, or law firm as outside counsel for any reason, the outside counsel is required to enter into a contract that is governed by the following terms, provisions, or conditions:

(1)   the Attorney General or circuit solicitor, in his sole discretion has the right to appoint a designated assistant, who must be an assistant attorney general or assistant solicitor, to oversee the litigation or other matter for which outside counsel has been retained, which appointment the Attorney General or circuit solicitor may modify at will;

(2)   the Attorney General or circuit solicitor may provide attorneys and other staff members to assist outside counsel with the litigation. The identity and responsibilities of personnel assigned to assist must be determined solely by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor. All pleadings, motions, briefs, formal documents, and agreements must bear the signature of the Attorney General or circuit solicitor or his designated assistant;

(3)   outside counsel shall coordinate the provision of legal services with the Attorney General or circuit solicitor or his designated assistant, other personnel of the Office of the Attorney General or circuit solicitor, and other persons the Attorney General or circuit solicitor may appoint as outside counsel. All pleadings, motions, briefs, and other material which may be filed with the court must first be approved by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor and provided


Printed Page 1739 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

to his office in draft form in a reasonable and timely manner for review;

(4)   outside counsel will render services as an independent contractor. Neither outside counsel nor an employee of outside counsel is regarded as employed by, or as an employee of, the Attorney General, a circuit solicitor, or the State. An attorney-client relationship exists between the Attorney General or circuit solicitor and outside counsel;

(5)   detailed time and cost records reflecting all work must be maintained by outside counsel and presented monthly to the Attorney General or circuit solicitor;

(6)   the Attorney General or circuit solicitor or his designated assistant shall approve in advance all aspects of the litigation or other matter for which outside counsel is retained and must be included in settlement discussions. Outside counsel agrees that all settlements must receive the Attorney General's or circuit solicitor's express prior approval in writing;

(7)   any material, data, files, discs, or documents created, produced, or gathered by outside counsel, or in outside counsel's possession in furtherance of the litigation or other matter for which outside counsel has been retained, or which fulfills an obligation of the appointment, is considered the exclusive property of the State. Outside counsel agrees to adhere to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, pursuant to Chapter 4, Title 30, and maintain all public records concerning the matter in accordance with state law provided; however, that outside counsel shall consult with, and obtain the approval of, the Attorney General or circuit solicitor before responding to a public records request. The contract of retention that satisfies this section is considered a public document. At the conclusion of the litigation or other matter for which outside counsel has been retained, all time records and monthly statements maintained or presented by outside counsel are public documents;

(8)   in contingent fee cases, outside counsel may not receive compensation for services rendered unless the State receives a settlement or damage award in connection with the litigation. If the State receives an award, outside counsel will be compensated as follows:

(a)   outside counsel may not be paid, not including punitive or exemplary damages, more than the following percentages corresponding to the amount of the judgment or settlement:


Printed Page 1740 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

(i)   twenty-three percent of the judgment or settlement up to and including the first $5,000,000;

(ii)   nineteen percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $5,000,000 up to $10,000,000;

(iii)   fifteen percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $10,000,000 up to $25,000,000;

(iv)   eleven percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $25,000,000 up to $50,000,000;

(v)   seven percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $50,000,000 but less than $100,000,000; and

(vi)   four percent of that portion of the judgment or settlement in excess of $100,000,000.

Provided, that the Attorney General or circuit solicitor shall retain ten percent of outside counsel's fees awarded pursuant to this subitem;

(b)   the remaining net settlement or judgment proceeding, but not including punitive or exemplary damages, must be paid or applied to or for the State or the people of South Carolina or the victims in a manner to be determined by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor in his sole discretion; and

(c)   outside counsel may not be paid more than the following percentages corresponding to the amount of punitive or exemplary damages:

(i)   ten percent of the damages up to and including the first $10,000,000;

(ii)   five percent of that portion of the damages in excess of $10,000,000 up to $100,000,000; and

(iii)   three percent of that portion of the damages in excess of $100,000,000.

Provided, that the Attorney General or circuit solicitor shall retain ten percent of outside counsel's fees awarded pursuant to this subitem;

(d)   the remaining amount of punitive and exemplary damages must be paid or applied to or for the State or the people of South Carolina or the victims in a manner to be determined by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor in his sole discretion;

(e)   all settlement or judgment proceeds shall be paid by or on behalf of any defendant to the Attorney General or circuit solicitor's office for distribution; and

(f)   the fee schedule required by this section applies to all settlements or judgments, whether the settlement or judgment is entirely monetary in nature or is combined with nonmonetary relief. Should the litigation be resolved by settlement or judgment involving a


Printed Page 1741 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

combination of monetary and nonmonetary relief, such as injunctive relief, nonmonetary payment, the provision of goods or services or other in kind terms, or a combination of these, the Attorney General or circuit solicitor shall determine the monetary value to the State;

(9)   outside counsel must be reimbursed solely from the gross recovery of the litigation or other matter for which outside counsel has been retained as approved by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor for reasonable expenses and costs. Proper documentation by receipts or otherwise must be submitted with all invoices and all documentation must be retained by outside counsel for at least one year following the agreement's termination. All expenses must be itemized and no reimbursement may be applied for or requested for miscellaneous listings. The Attorney General or circuit solicitor in his sole discretion may decline to reimburse outside counsel for improperly documented, unnecessary, or unreasonable costs or expenses. In addition:

(a)   outside counsel must be reimbursed for the retention of experts, including fees and other reasonable costs, only when expressly authorized by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor; and

(b)   for reimbursements of expenses for lodging, travel, or mileage, receipts are required and these expenses must be expressly authorized in advance by the Attorney General or circuit solicitor; and

(10)   outside counsel may not speak to any representative of a television station, radio station, newspaper, magazine, or other media outlet concerning the work outlined or contemplated in the contract of retention without first obtaining approval of the Attorney General or circuit solicitor. Outside counsel is specifically prohibited from speaking on behalf of the Attorney General or circuit solicitor or the State of South Carolina to any representative of the news media.

Section 1-7-760.   The provisions of Section 1-7-750 may be suspended only under certain conditions when the Attorney General or the circuit solicitor, in his discretion, decides that exceptional circumstances exist which warrant departure from the requirements of Section 1-7-750 and in his judgment that departure is absolutely necessary and in the best interests of the State. If the Attorney General or the circuit solicitor decides to invoke the provisions of this section, he must specifically state in writing those provisions of Section 1-7-750 that he intends to depart from and must delineate the exceptional circumstances that he finds exists as they relate to each provision. This information is considered public information and is subject to disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act as provided in Chapter 4, Title 30."


Printed Page 1742 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

SECTION   4.   Section 15-3-670 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 15-3-670.     (A)   The limitation provided by Sections 15-3-640 through 15-3-660 may not be asserted as a defense by any a person in actual possession or control, as owner, tenant, or otherwise, of the improvement at the time the defective or unsafe condition constitutes the proximate cause of the injury or death for which it is proposed to bring an action, in the event such the person in actual possession or control knows, or reasonably should have known, of the defective or unsafe condition. The limitations provided by Sections 15-3-640 through 15-3-660 are not available as a defense to any a person guilty of fraud, gross negligence, or recklessness in providing components in furnishing materials, in developing real property, in performing or furnishing the design, plans, specifications, surveying, planning, supervision, testing or observation of construction, construction of, or land surveying, in connection with such an improvement, or to any a person who conceals any such cause of action.

(B)   For the purposes of subsection (A), the violation of a building code of a jurisdiction or political subdivision does not constitute per se fraud, gross negligence, or recklessness but this type of violation may be admissible as evidence of fraud, negligence, gross negligence, or recklessness.

(C)   The limitation provided by Section 15-3-640 may not be asserted as a defense to any an action for personal injury, including a personal injury resulting in death, or property damage which is:

(i)(1)   by its nature not discoverable in the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time of its occurrence; and

(ii)(2)   the result of ingestion of or exposure to some toxic or harmful or injury producing substance, element, or particle, including radiation, over a period of time as opposed to resulting from a sudden and fortuitous trauma."
SECTION   5.   Section 18-9-130(A)(1) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 216 of 2004, is further amended to read:

"(1)   A notice of appeal from a judgment directing the payment of money does not stay the execution of the judgment unless the presiding judge before whom the judgment was obtained grants a stay of execution. If the presiding judge grants a stay of execution and requires a bond or other surety to guarantee the payment of the judgment pending the appeal, the amount of the bond or other surety may not exceed the amount of the judgment or:


Printed Page 1743 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

(a)   twenty-five million dollars, whichever is less, for a business entity that employs more than fifty persons and has gross revenues exceeding five million dollars for the previous tax year; or

(b)   one million dollars, whichever is less, for all other entities or individuals."
SECTION   6.   Section 56-5-6540 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 147 of 2005, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-5-6540.   (A)   A person who is adjudicated to be in violation of the provisions of this article must be fined not more than twenty-five dollars, no part of which may be suspended. No Court costs, assessments, or surcharges may not be assessed against a person who violates a provision of this article. A person must may not be fined more than fifty dollars for any one incident of one or more violations of the provisions of this article. A custodial arrest for a violation of this article must may not be made, except upon a warrant issued for failure to appear in court when summoned or for failure to pay an imposed fine. A violation of this article does not constitute a criminal offense. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 56-1-640, a violation of this article must may not be:

(1)   included in the offender's motor vehicle records maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles or in the criminal records maintained by SLED; or

(2)   reported to the offender's motor vehicle insurer.

(B)   A law enforcement officer must may not issue a citation to a driver or a passenger for a violation of this article when the stop is made in conjunction with a driver's license check, safety check, or registration check conducted at a checkpoint established to stop all drivers on a certain road for a period of time, except when the driver is cited for violating another motor vehicle law. The driver and any passenger shall must be required to buckle up before departing the checkpoint and should the driver or the passenger refuse, then the person refusing may be charged with a primary violation.

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

(D)   A vehicle, driver, or occupant in a vehicle must may not be searched, nor may consent to search be requested by a law enforcement officer, solely because of a violation of this article.

(E)(D)   A law enforcement officer must may not stop a driver for a violation of this article except when the officer has probable cause that a violation has occurred based on his clear and unobstructed view of a


Printed Page 1744 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

driver or an occupant of the motor vehicle who is not wearing a safety belt or is not secured in a child restraint system as required by Article 47 of this chapter.

(F)(E)   A person charged with a violation of this article may admit or deny the violation, enter a plea of nolo contendere, or be tried before either a judge or a jury. If the trier of fact is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the person was not wearing a safety belt at the time of the incident, the penalty is a civil fine pursuant to the provisions of Section 56-5-6540. If the trier of fact determines that the State has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person was not wearing a safety belt, no penalty shall may be assessed.

(G)(F)   A person found to be in violation of this article may bring an appeal to the court of common pleas pursuant to Section 18-3-10 or Section 14-25-95."
SECTION   7.   The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.
SECTION   8.   If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this , and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
SECTION   9.   The General Assembly finds that all the provisions contained in this act relate to one subject as required by Article III, Section 17 of the South Carolina Constitution, 1895, in that each provision relates directly to or in conjunction with other sections to the subject of fairness in civil justice.


Printed Page 1745 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The General Assembly further finds that a common purpose or relationship exists among the sections, representing a potential plurality but not disunity of topics, notwithstanding that reasonable minds might differ in identifying more than one topic contained in the act.
SECTION   10.   This act takes effect July 1, 2010, and applies to all actions filed on or after this date. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

The amendment was then adopted.

Reps. HARRISON, HARRELL, CATO, J. E. SMITH, BANNISTER, STAVRINAKIS, HORNE, JENNINGS, HEARN, T. R. YOUNG and CRAWFORD proposed the following Amendment No. 2 (COUNCIL\MS\7693AHB10), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting Section 15-32-530(B)(1), as contained in SECTION 2, page 3489-3, lines 11 through 13, and inserting:
/     (1)   fact finder determines that at the time of the plaintiff's injury the defendant pursued an intentional course of conduct that the defendant knew or should have known would cause injury or damage; /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

Rep. JENNINGS proposed the following Amendment No. 3 (COUNCIL\MS\7707AHB10), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 15-32-530(A), as contained in SECTION 2, page 3489-3, line 6, by deleting / three / and inserting / six /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. JENNINGS explained the amendment.
Rep. JENNINGS spoke in favor of the amendment.
Rep. SKELTON spoke upon the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the amendment.


Printed Page 1746 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Rep. HARRISON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 69; Nays 38

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Ballentine
Barfield               Battle                 Bedingfield
Bingham                Brady                  H. B. Brown
Cato                   Chalk                  Clemmons
Cole                   Crawford               Daning
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Erickson               Forrester              Gambrell
Hamilton               Hardwick               Harrell
Harrison               Harvin                 Hayes
Hearn                  Hiott                  Horne
Huggins                Kelly                  Kirsh
Limehouse              Littlejohn             Loftis
Long                   Lucas                  Millwood
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Nanney
Norman                 Owens                  Parker
Pinson                 M. A. Pitts            Rice
Sandifer               Scott                  Simrill
Skelton                D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith            Sottile
Spires                 Stewart                Stringer
Thompson               Umphlett               Viers
White                  Whitmire               Willis
Wylie                  A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--69

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anderson
Bales                  Bowers                 Branham
Brantley               G. A. Brown            R. L. Brown
Clyburn                Dillard                Funderburk
Gilliard               Gunn                   Hart
Hodges                 Hosey                  Hutto
Jefferson              Jennings               Kennedy
King                   Knight                 Mack
McLeod                 Miller                 Mitchell

Printed Page 1747 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal             Neilson
Parks                  Sellers                J. E. Smith
Stavrinakis            Vick                   Weeks
Whipper                Williams

Total--38

So, the amendment was tabled.

Rep. JENNINGS proposed the following Amendment No. 4 (COUNCIL\MS\7711AHB10), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 15-32-530(A), as contained in SECTION 2, page 3489-3, line 6, by deleting / three / and inserting / five /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. JENNINGS explained the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to by a division vote of 54-37.

Rep. JENNINGS proposed the following Amendment No. 5 (COUNCIL\MS\7712AHB10), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 15-32-530(A), as contained in SECTION 2, page 3489-3, line 6, by deleting / three / and inserting / five /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. JENNINGS explained the amendment.
Rep. JENNINGS spoke in favor of the amendment.
Rep. HART spoke in favor of the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 73; Nays 37


Printed Page 1748 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Ballentine
Bannister              Barfield               Battle
Bedingfield            Bingham                Bowen
Brady                  H. B. Brown            Cato
Chalk                  Clemmons               Cole
Cooper                 Crawford               Daning
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Erickson               Forrester              Frye
Gambrell               Govan                  Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Hearn                  Hiott                  Horne
Huggins                Kelly                  Knight
Limehouse              Littlejohn             Long
Lucas                  Millwood               D. C. Moss
V. S. Moss             Nanney                 Norman
Ott                    Owens                  Parker
Pinson                 M. A. Pitts            Rice
Sandifer               Scott                  Simrill
Skelton                D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith            Sottile
Spires                 Stewart                Stringer
Thompson               Toole                  Umphlett
Viers                  White                  Whitmire
Willis                 Wylie                  A. D. Young
T. R. Young

Total--73

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anderson
Bales                  Bowers                 Branham
Brantley               G. A. Brown            R. L. Brown
Clyburn                Dillard                Funderburk
Gilliard               Gunn                   Hart
Harvin                 Hodges                 Hosey
Hutto                  Jefferson              Jennings
King                   Kirsh                  Mack
McLeod                 Miller                 Mitchell
J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal             Neilson
Parks                  J. E. Smith            Stavrinakis

Printed Page 1749 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Vick                   Weeks                  Whipper
Williams

Total--37

So, the amendment was tabled.

RECORD FOR VOTING

I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on Amendment No. 5 to H. 3489. If I had been present, I would have voted to table this Amendment.

Rep. Eric Bedingfield

Rep. JENNINGS proposed the following Amendment No. 6 (COUNCIL\MS\7713AHB10), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 15-32-530(A), as contained in SECTION 2, page 3489-3, line 7, by deleting / three hundred fifty / and inserting / five hundred /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. JENNINGS explained the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 75; Nays 32

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Ballentine
Bannister              Barfield               Battle
Bingham                Bowen                  Brady
H. B. Brown            Cato                   Chalk
Clemmons               Cole                   Cooper
Crawford               Daning                 Delleney
Duncan                 Edge                   Erickson
Forrester              Frye                   Gambrell
Govan                  Hamilton               Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Hayes
Hearn                  Hiott                  Horne

Printed Page 1750 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Huggins                Kelly                  Kirsh
Knight                 Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Long                   Lucas
Millwood               D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss
Nanney                 J. M. Neal             Norman
Ott                    Owens                  Parker
Pinson                 M. A. Pitts            Rice
Sandifer               Scott                  Simrill
Skelton                D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith
G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith            Sottile
Spires                 Stewart                Stringer
Toole                  Umphlett               Viers
White                  Whitmire               Willis
Wylie                  A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--75

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anderson
Bales                  Bowers                 Branham
Brantley               G. A. Brown            R. L. Brown
Dillard                Funderburk             Gilliard
Gunn                   Hart                   Harvin
Hosey                  Hutto                  Jefferson
Jennings               Kennedy                King
McLeod                 Miller                 J. H. Neal
Neilson                Parks                  Rutherford
J. E. Smith            Stavrinakis            Weeks
Whipper                Williams

Total--32

So, the amendment was tabled.

Rep. JENNINGS proposed the following Amendment No. 7 (COUNCIL\MS\7714AHB10), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 15-32-530(A), as contained in SECTION 2, page 3489-3, line 7, by deleting / three hundred fifty / and inserting / five hundred /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.


Printed Page 1751 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Rep. JENNINGS explained the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 73; Nays 36

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Ballentine
Bannister              Barfield               Battle
Bedingfield            Bingham                Bowen
Brady                  H. B. Brown            Cato
Chalk                  Clemmons               Cole
Cooper                 Crawford               Daning
Delleney               Duncan                 Edge
Erickson               Forrester              Frye
Gambrell               Govan                  Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Hayes                  Hearn                  Horne
Huggins                Kelly                  Kennedy
Kirsh                  Limehouse              Loftis
Long                   Lucas                  Millwood
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Nanney
Norman                 Ott                    Owens
Parker                 Pinson                 M. A. Pitts
Rice                   Sandifer               Scott
Simrill                Skelton                D. C. Smith
G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
Sottile                Spires                 Stewart
Stringer               Toole                  Umphlett
Viers                  White                  Whitmire
Willis                 Wylie                  A. D. Young
T. R. Young

Total--73

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anderson
Bales                  Bowers                 Brantley
G. A. Brown            R. L. Brown            Cobb-Hunter

Printed Page 1752 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Dillard                Funderburk             Gilliard
Gunn                   Hart                   Hodges
Hosey                  Hutto                  Jefferson
Jennings               King                   Knight
Littlejohn             McLeod                 Miller
Mitchell               J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Neilson                Parks                  Sellers
J. E. Smith            Stavrinakis            Vick
Weeks                  Whipper                Williams

Total--36

So, the amendment was tabled.

Rep. JENNINGS proposed the following Amendment No. 8 (COUNCIL\MS\7715AHB10), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting in its entirety Section 15-32-530(B)(3), as contained in SECTION 2, page 3489-3, lines 18 through 23, and inserting:
/   (3)   fact finder determines that the defendant acted or failed to act while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any intentionally consumed glue, aerosol, or other toxic vapor to the degree that defendant's judgment is materially impaired. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. JENNINGS explained the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 66; Nays 32

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Ballentine
Bannister              Barfield               Battle
Bedingfield            Bingham                Bowen
Brady                  Cato                   Chalk
Clemmons               Cooper                 Delleney
Duncan                 Edge                   Erickson

Printed Page 1753 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Forrester              Frye                   Gambrell
Hamilton               Hardwick               Harrell
Harrison               Hayes                  Hearn
Hiott                  Horne                  Huggins
Kelly                  Kennedy                Kirsh
Limehouse              Loftis                 Lucas
Millwood               D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss
Nanney                 Norman                 Ott
Parker                 Pinson                 Sandifer
Scott                  Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Sottile                Spires
Stewart                Stringer               Thompson
Toole                  Umphlett               Viers
White                  Whitmire               Willis
Wylie                  A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--66

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anderson
Bales                  Bowers                 Brantley
G. A. Brown            R. L. Brown            Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter            Dillard                Funderburk
Gilliard               Hart                   Harvin
Hosey                  Hutto                  Jefferson
Jennings               King                   Knight
Miller                 Mitchell               Neilson
Parks                  Rice                   Sellers
J. E. Smith            Stavrinakis            Weeks
Whipper                Williams

Total--32

So, the amendment was tabled.

Rep. JENNINGS proposed the following Amendment No. 9 (COUNCIL\MS\7716AHB10), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting in its entirety SECTION 10, page 3489-10, lines 26 through 27, and inserting:


Printed Page 1754 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

/   SECTION   10.   This act takes effect July 1, 2010, and applies to all torts occurring on or after this date. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. JENNINGS explained the amendment.

Rep. HARRISON moved to table the amendment.

Rep. BALLENTINE demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 69; Nays 33

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Ballentine
Bannister              Barfield               Battle
Bedingfield            Bingham                Bowen
Brady                  H. B. Brown            Cato
Clemmons               Cole                   Crawford
Daning                 Delleney               Duncan
Edge                   Erickson               Forrester
Frye                   Gambrell               Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Hearn                  Hiott                  Horne
Huggins                Kelly                  Kennedy
Limehouse              Loftis                 Long
Lucas                  McEachern              Millwood
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Nanney
Norman                 Ott                    Owens
Parker                 Rice                   Sandifer
Scott                  Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Sottile                Spires
Stewart                Stringer               Thompson
Toole                  Umphlett               Viers
White                  Whitmire               Willis
Wylie                  A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--69


Printed Page 1755 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Anderson
Bales                  Bowers                 Brantley
G. A. Brown            R. L. Brown            Clyburn
Dillard                Funderburk             Gilliard
Hart                   Hayes                  Hosey
Hutto                  Jefferson              Jennings
King                   Littlejohn             McLeod
Miller                 J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Neilson                Parks                  Sellers
J. E. Smith            Stavrinakis            Vick
Weeks                  Whipper                Williams

Total--33

So, the amendment was tabled.

The question then recurred to the passage of the Bill, as amended, on second reading.

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 104; Nays 9

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Allison
Anderson               Anthony                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Battle
Bedingfield            Bingham                Bowen
Brady                  Branham                G. A. Brown
Cato                   Chalk                  Clemmons
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Cole
Cooper                 Crawford               Daning
Delleney               Dillard                Duncan
Edge                   Erickson               Forrester
Frye                   Funderburk             Gambrell
Govan                  Gunn                   Hamilton
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Harvin                 Hayes                  Hearn
Hiott                  Hodges                 Horne
Hosey                  Huggins                Hutto

Printed Page 1756 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Jefferson              Kelly                  Kennedy
Kirsh                  Knight                 Limehouse
Littlejohn             Loftis                 Long
Lucas                  McEachern              McLeod
Miller                 Millwood               Mitchell
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Nanney
J. M. Neal             Neilson                Norman
Ott                    Owens                  Parker
Parks                  Pinson                 M. A. Pitts
Rice                   Sandifer               Scott
Sellers                Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. E. Smith            J. R. Smith            Sottile
Spires                 Stavrinakis            Stewart
Stringer               Thompson               Toole
Umphlett               Vick                   Viers
Weeks                  White                  Whitmire
Williams               Willis                 Wylie
A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--104

Those who voted in the negative are:

Brantley               Gilliard               Hart
Jennings               King                   Mack
J. H. Neal             Rutherford             Whipper

Total--9

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

RECORD FOR VOTING

I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 3489. If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.

Rep. Nikki Haley


Printed Page 1757 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

RECORD FOR VOTING

I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 3489. If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.

Rep. Liston Barfield

H. 4434--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4434 (Word version) -- Reps. Nanney, Clemmons, Horne and Sellers: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-35, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE NOTICE OF ELECTION GIVEN BY THE AUTHORITY CHARGED BY LAW WITH CONDUCTING AN ELECTION, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE NOTICE BE PUBLISHED IN A NEWSPAPER AND THAT INSTEAD IT BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS NOTICE BE POSTED FORTY-FIVE DAYS INSTEAD OF SIXTY DAYS BEFORE AN ELECTION.

The Judiciary Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\DKA\3916DW10), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 in its entirety and inserting:
/ SECTION 1.   Section 7-13-35 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 434 of 1996, is further amended to read:

"Section 7-13-35.   (A)   The authority charged by law with conducting an election must publish two notices notice of general, municipal, special, and primary elections held in the county in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality, as appropriate. The notice only must include the date, time, and type of election to be held, as well as the date by which a voter shall register in order to vote in the election. The notice must direct readers to the website of the State Election Commission for further information.

(B)   The authority charged by law with conducting an election shall cause to be posted on the website of the State Elections Commission a notice of general, municipal, special, and primary elections held in the county. Included in each notice must be a reminder of the last day persons may register to be eligible to vote in the election for which notice is given, notification of the date, time, and location of the hearing on ballots challenged in the election, a list of the


Printed Page 1758 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

precincts involved in the election, the location of the polling places in each of the precincts, and notification that the process of examining the return-addressed envelopes containing absentee ballots may begin at 2:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. on election day at a place designated in the notice by the authority charged with conducting the election.

(C)   The first notice must appear, in a paper of general circulation and on the State Elections Commission website, not later than sixty forty-five days before the election and the second notice must appear not later than two weeks after the first notice.

(D)   The authority charged by law with conducting an election also shall caused to be posted on either the county or municipal board of election website, as appropriate, a conspicuous link to the website of the State Elections Commission. Nothing in the this section, must be construed to require a county or municipal board of election to create or maintain a website." /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

The amendment was then adopted.

The question then recurred to the passage of the Bill, as amended, on second reading.

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 80; Nays 32

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allen                  Allison                Anthony
Bales                  Ballentine             Bannister
Barfield               Battle                 Bedingfield
Bingham                Bowen                  Brady
Cato                   Chalk                  Clemmons
Cole                   Cooper                 Crawford
Daning                 Delleney               Duncan
Edge                   Erickson               Forrester
Frye                   Funderburk             Gambrell
Hamilton               Harrell                Harrison
Hayes                  Hearn                  Herbkersman
Hiott                  Horne                  Huggins
Kelly                  Kirsh                  Knight

Printed Page 1759 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Limehouse              Littlejohn             Loftis
Long                   Lucas                  Miller
Millwood               D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss
Nanney                 Neilson                Owens
Parker                 Pinson                 M. A. Pitts
Rice                   Sandifer               Scott
Sellers                Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Sottile                Spires
Stewart                Stringer               Thompson
Toole                  Umphlett               Viers
Weeks                  White                  Whitmire
Williams               Willis                 Wylie
A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--80

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Anderson               Bowers
Branham                Brantley               G. A. Brown
R. L. Brown            Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter
Dillard                Gilliard               Govan
Gunn                   Hart                   Harvin
Hodges                 Hosey                  Hutto
Jefferson              Kennedy                King
Mack                   McEachern              McLeod
Mitchell               J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal
Norman                 Ott                    Parks
Stavrinakis            Vick

Total--32

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

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

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


Printed Page 1760 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., March 3, 2010
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the House to S. 19:

S. 19 (Word version) -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-116-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EVERY POLICE/SECURITY DEPARTMENT SHALL IMPLEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO GOVERN THEIR OPERATIONS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 59-116-10, 59-116-20, 59-116-30, 59-116-50, 59-116-60, 59-116-80, 59-116-100, AND 59-116-120, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT, POWERS, AND OPERATION OF CAMPUS SECURITY DEPARTMENTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERMS "CAMPUS" AND "CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER", AND TO DEFINE THE TERM "CAMPUS SECURITY OFFICER", TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, TO REVISE THE JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARY OF A CONSTABLE AND SECURITY OFFICER, AND TO REVISE THE MARKINGS THAT MAY APPEAR ON A CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER'S VEHICLE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF CAMPUS UNMARKED VEHICLES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-116-70, RELATING TO THE POSTING OF A BOND BY A CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER BEFORE THE ASSUMPTION OF THEIR DUTIES.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for ratification.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4674 (Word version) -- Reps. Hutto, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons,


Printed Page 1761 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Forrester, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Gunn, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young and T. R. Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MARGARET "MARGIE" MILLER OF JAMES ISLAND UPON BEING NAMED PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE NATIONAL EXCHANGE CLUB, AND TO WISH HER WELL AS SHE BEGINS HER WORK AS PRESIDENT IN 2010.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4675 (Word version) -- Reps. Horne, Stavrinakis, J. E. Smith, Bannister, Cole, Funderburk, McLeod, Rutherford, T. R. Young, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Forrester, Frye, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Gunn, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutto, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Sandifer, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers,


Printed Page 1762 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wylie and A. D. Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JOANNE HEITING UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF LAW, AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4676 (Word version) -- Reps. Brady, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Forrester, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Gunn, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutto, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young and T. R. Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM FOR ITS EXCELLENT SEASON AND FOR PINNING DOWN THE 2010 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

The Resolution was adopted.


Printed Page 1763 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4677 (Word version) -- Reps. Brantley, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, G. A. Brown, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Forrester, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Gunn, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutto, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young and T. R. Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MRS. ALICE LAW STEPHENSON OF RIDGELAND ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY, AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4678 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliard, Barfield, Mack, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Forrester, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Govan, Gunn, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutto, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly,


Printed Page 1764 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, McEachern, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young and T. R. Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR KALYN LEWIS AND AMY LEWIS, BOTH OF CHARLESTON COUNTY, FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL SPELLING PROWESS, TO CONGRATULATE KALYN FOR CAPTURING THE 2010 CHARLESTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND EARNING THE RIGHT TO COMPETE IN THE SPELLBOUND! REGIONAL SPELLING BEE ON MARCH 11, 2010, AND TO CONGRATULATE AMY FOR EARNING FIRST RUNNER-UP HONORS IN THE DISTRICT SPELLING BEE.

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

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4679 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Whitmire, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Forrester, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Gunn, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutto, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson,


Printed Page 1765 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Whipper, White, Williams, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young and T. R. Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CAPTAIN NEAL BROWN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-THREE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was taken up for immediate consideration:

S. 1209 (Word version) -- Senator Courson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PALMETTO GIRLS STATE TO USE THE CHAMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2010.

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

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

H. 4680 (Word version) -- Rep. Huggins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-53-190, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MATERIALS, COMPOUNDS, MIXTURES, AND PREPARATIONS CLASSIFIED AS SCHEDULE I DRUGS, SO AS TO ADD SALVIA DIVINORUM AND SALVINORIN A TO THE LIST OF SCHEDULE I DRUGS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 4681 (Word version) -- Rep. Funderburk: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-5-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A PENALTY FOR FAILURE OF AN EMPLOYER TO SECURE WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE FOR ITS EMPLOYEES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EMPLOYER GIVING HIM THIRTY DAYS BEFORE A PENALTY SHALL APPLY WHILE A CLAIM IS


Printed Page 1766 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

PENDING, AND PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSION MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS BY WHICH AN EMPLOYER NOT ACTING IN GOOD FAITH WHILE FAILING TO SECURE WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE SHALL NOT BE OFFERED THE BENEFITS OF THE THIRTY-DAY GRACE PERIOD PROVIDED ABOVE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 4682 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Herbkersman, Chalk, Bowen, Brady, Gambrell, Harrison and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-10-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DIRECTORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT DANCE INSTRUCTION THAT MEETS CERTAIN STANDARDS MAY BE USED TO SATISFY ONE-HALF OF THE REQUIRED PHYSICAL EDUCATION MINUTES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 4683 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Herbkersman, Chalk, Wylie, Sottile, Bowen, Bannister, Brady, Harrison and Stringer: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 39 TO TITLE 6 SO AS TO CREATE THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY FINANCING DISTRICT ACT"; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO AUTHORIZE A MUNICIPALITY OR A COUNTY TO ESTABLISH A DISTRICT TO PROMOTE, ENCOURAGE, AND FACILITATE RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT WITH A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY; TO AUTHORIZE THE IMPOSITION OF AN ASSESSMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT BONDS OR REVENUE BONDS; AND TO REQUIRE CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN ORDINANCES AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A DISTRICT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 4684 (Word version) -- Rep. Anthony: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 848 OF 1946, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE UNION HOSPITAL DISTRICT, SO AS TO ADD THREE ADVISORY MEMBERS TO THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND TO DELETE PROVISIONS MAKING THE UNION COUNTY TREASURER THE BOARD'S TREASURER, PROHIBITING A


Printed Page 1767 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

TRUSTEE FROM RECEIVING COMPENSATION, ALLOWING REIMBURSEMENT TO A TRUSTEE FOR ACTUAL CASH EXPENDITURES MADE BY HIM AS A TRUSTEE, AND CONCERNING A SEAL AND CERTAIN OFFICE PROCEDURES OF THE DISTRICT.
On motion of Rep. ANTHONY, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

H. 4685 (Word version) -- Reps. Sellers, Williams and Hosey: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-25-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO APPLIES FOR A CERTIFICATE TO BECOME A TEACHER IN THIS STATE SHALL REGISTER TO VOTE IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A TEACHING CERTIFICATE.
Rep. SELLERS asked unanimous consent to have the Bill placed on the Calendar without reference.
Rep. A. D. YOUNG objected.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 932 (Word version) -- Senators L. Martin and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-16-25 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE RELEASE OF PIGS FOR HUNTING PURPOSES, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO POSSESS, BUY, SELL, OFFER FOR SALE, TRANSFER, RELEASE, OR TRANSPORT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RELEASE A MEMBER OF THE SUIDAE FAMILY FOR HUNTING OR TO SUPPLEMENT A FREE ROAMING POPULATION, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE A LIVE HOG FROM A TRAP OR FROM THE WOODS, FIELDS, OR MARSHES OF THIS STATE, AND TO CLARIFY THAT THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO ACCEPTED FARMING PRACTICES RELATED TO MEMBERS OF THE SUIDAE FAMILY.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 964 (Word version) -- Senators Pinckney and Davis: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-53-2410, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TECHNICAL COLLEGE ENTERPRISE CAMPUS AUTHORITIES, SO AS TO CREATE THE TECHNICAL


Printed Page 1768 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

COLLEGE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY ENTERPRISE CAMPUS AUTHORITY.
On motion of Rep. ERICKSON, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.

S. 974 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-20 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DURATION OF HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES, TO PROVIDE THAT ANNUAL HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES SHALL BE VALID FOR ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ISSUANCE AND TO PROVIDE THAT THREE-YEAR HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES SHALL BE VALID FOR THREE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUANCE; BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-560, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE THREE-YEAR COMBINATION LICENSES, SPORTSMAN LICENSES, JUNIOR SPORTSMAN LICENSES, BIG GAME PERMITS, AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA PERMITS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-920, RELATING TO REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF LIFETIME LICENSES, TO ESTABLISH THE THREE-YEAR HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE FUND, TO PROVIDE THAT THREE-YEAR LICENSE FEES ARE DEPOSITED IN THE FUND, TO PROVIDE THAT ONE THIRD OF THE FUND MUST BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE GAME PROTECTION FUND, TO ESTABLISH THE THREE-YEAR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA PERMIT FUND, TO PROVIDE THAT THREE-YEAR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA PERMIT FEES ARE DEPOSITED IN THE FUND, TO PROVIDE THAT ONE-THIRD OF THE FUND MUST BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE WILDLIFE ENDOWMENT FUND; AND TO MAKE CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

S. 1116 (Word version) -- Senators Fair and Anderson: A BILL TO EXPAND THE AUTHORITY OF THE RENEWABLE WATER RESOURCES OF GREENVILLE COUNTY, ORIGINALLY CREATED AS THE GREATER GREENVILLE SEWER DISTRICT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ACT 362 OF 1925, TO USE THE BY-PRODUCTS OF WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR ALTERNATE ENERGY PRODUCTION.
Referred to Greenville Delegation


Printed Page 1769 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

H. 4248--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4248 (Word version) -- Reps. Horne, Allison, Daning, Long, Littlejohn, Wylie, Gunn, Ballentine, Clemmons and Loftis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-115 SO AS TO REQUIRE A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER HIRED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO UNDERGO A CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCH, TO REQUIRE EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO DEVELOP A WRITTEN POLICY ON THE CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCH, TO PROVIDE WHAT THE POLICY MUST INCLUDE, AND TO REQUIRE THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO PROVIDE TRAINING TO APPROPRIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-3-115, RELATING TO FEES FOR CRIMINAL RECORD SEARCHES, SO AS TO FIX THE FEE AT EIGHT DOLLARS FOR CERTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES.

The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (LEGWORK\HOUSE\COMBINED_COUNCIL_ AMENDMENTS\19900BH10KRL), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Chapter 19, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-19-115.   An individual hired by a local school district board of trustees to serve as a substitute teacher shall undergo a name-based South Carolina criminal record search conducted by the local school district using records maintained by the State Law Enforcement Division pursuant to regulations contained in Subarticle 1, Article 3, Chapter 73 of the Code of Regulations, at no charge to the school district. By August 1, 2010, a school district board of trustees shall adopt a written policy that specifies the required criminal record search as well as how the information received from the search impacts substitute teacher hiring decisions. The policy must include, at a minimum, a prohibition of hiring individuals convicted of violent crimes as defined in Section 16-1-60 to serve as substitute teachers and hiring recommendations relative to felony convictions and relevant just-cause examples provided in Section 59-25-160. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, working with the Department of


Printed Page 1770 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Education, shall provide training to appropriate school district personnel regarding appropriate use of the information provided in criminal record searches."
SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

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

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. HART asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4533 (Word version) from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Rep. BOWEN objected.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. KENNEDY asked unanimous consent to recall H. 3340 (Word version) from the Committee on Education and Public Works.
Rep. OWENS objected.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. HART asked unanimous consent to recall H. 4534 (Word version) from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Rep. BRADY objected.

OBJECTION TO RECALL

Rep. V. S. MOSS asked unanimous consent to recall S. 1131 (Word version) from the Committee on Ways and Means.
Rep. SELLERS objected.

H. 3395--DEBATE ADJOURNED

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

H. 3395 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A. D. Young, Edge, Bedingfield, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, D. C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Hiott, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Scott, Sottile, Stewart,


Printed Page 1771 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T. R. Young and Wylie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND PURSUANT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE AND THE RATE OF REPLENISHMENT OF THAT AMOUNT.

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

H. 3396--DEBATE ADJOURNED

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

H. 3396 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Scott, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A. D. Young, Edge, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, Bedingfield, Whitmire, Hiott, D. C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Sottile, Stewart, Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T. R. Young and Wylie: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 36, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND AND THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THREE TO FIVE PERCENT THE AMOUNT OF STATE GENERAL FUND REVENUE IN THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND.

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

H. 4478--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Thursday, March 4, which was adopted:

H. 4478 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Cato, Cooper, Duncan, Harrison, Owens, Sandifer, White, Bingham, Barfield, D. C. Moss, Horne, Skelton, V. S. Moss, Bannister, Whitmire, Toole, J. R. Smith, Merrill, Hamilton, Thompson, Bedingfield, Stewart, Alexander, Allen, Allison,


Printed Page 1772 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Battle, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cole, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Erickson, Forrester, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Hardwick, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Hutto, Jefferson, Kelly, Huggins, Kennedy, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Mack, McEachern, Miller, Millwood, Nanney, J. M. Neal, Norman, Ott, Parker, Parks, Pinson, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young, T. R. Young, Mitchell, Lucas and Jennings: A BILL TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMPETITIVENESS ACT OF 2010" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO AMEND SECTION 2-75-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO RESEARCH CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE MATCHING ENDOWMENTS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROCESS AND PROCEDURES FOR AWARDING ENDOWMENTS AND FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF MATCHING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 2-75-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AWARD FROM THE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE MATCHING ENDOWMENT, SO AS TO CLARIFY WHAT THE CONTENTS OF AN APPLICATION TO THE REVIEW BOARD MUST CONTAIN; TO AMEND SECTION 4-12-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FEES IN LIEU OF TAXES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF YEARS A FEE IS AVAILABLE AND TO DELETE A PROVISION THAT REQUIRES THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ESTABLISHED FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FEE TO REMAIN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE REAL PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-67, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS REQUIRING A FEE IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES AGREEMENT, SO AS TO ADD CERTAIN DEFINITIONS, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF INVESTMENT FOR A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TIMELINE WHEN THE SPONSOR MUST ENTER INTO AN INITIAL LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY IN REGARD TO A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY, AND THE TIMELINES WHEN THE SPONSOR MUST MEET MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF A


Printed Page 1773 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY AND PLACE THE PROJECT INTO SERVICE, AND TO DELETE A PROVISION REQUIRING THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ESTABLISHED FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FEE TO REMAIN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-68, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SPECIAL SOURCE REVENUE BONDS WHICH MAY BE ISSUED BASED ON THE RECEIPT OF CERTAIN REVENUES, SO AS TO SPECIFY THAT ONE OF THE PURPOSES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THESE BONDS IS TO PAY FOR THE COST OF PERSONAL PROPERTY INCLUDING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT; BY ADDING CHAPTER 18 TO TITLE 11 SO AS TO ESTABLISH MECHANISMS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ALLOCATION, REALLOCATION, AND ISSUANCE OF FEDERAL RECOVERY ZONE BONDS; TO AMEND SECTION 4-29-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PROJECT" TO INCLUDE RECOVERY ZONE PROPERTY AS DEFINED BY FEDERAL LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-530, RELATING TO THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX, SO AS TO REDUCE THE RATE OF THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX FROM FIVE PERCENT ANNUALLY TO ZERO BEGINNING IN 2011 OVER A TEN-YEAR PERIOD IN INTERVALS OF ONE-HALF PERCENT PER YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3360, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JOB TAX CREDITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DESIGNATION TERMINOLOGY FOR COUNTIES COMING WITHIN SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATIONS, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING HOW COUNTIES FALL WITHIN CERTAIN TIERS, AND TO REVISE SPECIFIC TERMS OR DEFINITIONS USED FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3375, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR PORT CARGO VOLUME INCREASES, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH TAX CREDIT ALLOCATIONS ARE DETERMINED AND THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS WHICH MAY BE ALLOCATED TO A QUALIFYING TAXPAYER; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF "EMPLOYEE" AND "PROJECT"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO


Printed Page 1774 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

QUALIFICATIONS FOR BENEFITS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THESE QUALIFICATIONS AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR WHAT A BUSINESS MUST DO TO MEET THESE QUALIFICATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REVITALIZATION AGREEMENTS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND APPLICATION OF THESE REVITALIZATION AGREEMENTS, PROVIDE FOR WHEN SUCH AN AGREEMENT MUST BE EXECUTED, AND PERMIT THE ASSIGNMENT OF ENTERPRISE PROGRAM BENEFITS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-80, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO JOB DEVELOPMENT CREDITS UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO EXPAND ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURES WHICH QUALIFY FOR THE CREDIT, TO CAP THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS PER JOB PER YEAR, TO REVISE CERTAIN TERMINOLOGY TO CONFORM TO EARLIER CHANGES HEREIN, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN THESE CREDITS MAY BE CLAIMED AND THE MANNER OF THE DETERMINATION OF CERTAIN FACTORS NECESSARY TO QUALIFY FOR THE CREDITS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUSPENSION OF THE CREDITS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND FOR WHEN THE CREDITS MAY BE CLAIMED; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-85, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE AND USE OF STATE RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THESE FUNDS MAY BE USED AND THEIR AVAILABILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-14-20, RELATING TO THE PURPOSES OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THESE PURPOSES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-14-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS UNDER THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1995, SO AS TO REVISE THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDITS, THE QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR THE CREDITS, AND FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS TO THESE CREDITS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-10, RELATING TO THE CITATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA LIFE SCIENCES ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE CITATION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS


Printed Page 1775 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

UNDER THE RENAMED LIFE SCIENCES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING FACILITY"; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-30, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF CERTAIN EXPENSES UNDER THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT, PROCEDURES FOR WAIVERS, AND THE DURATION OF THESE PROVISIONS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPES OF FACILITIES THAT QUALIFY AND THE DURATION OF THESE PROVISIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-15-40, RELATING TO INCOME TAX ALLOCATION AND APPORTIONMENT AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXPAYERS ESTABLISHING A LIFE SCIENCES FACILITY, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPES OF FACILITIES TO WHICH THIS PROVISION APPLIES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-20-105, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CREDITS AGAINST ITS CORPORATE LICENSE TAX LIABILITY FOR A COMPANY WHO PAYS CASH FOR INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AN ELIGIBLE PROJECT, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE CREDIT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES OR THE CONTINUATION OF THE CREDIT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-28-2910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL TO EXPEND CERTAIN FUNDS FOR SPECIFIED PURPOSES UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-930, RELATING TO VALUATION OF PROPERTY FOR PROPERTY TAX PURPOSES AND DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES FOR MANUFACTURERS, MACHINERY, AND EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO INCLUDE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OF A RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING FACILITY WITHIN THE DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES ALLOWED FOR MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OF A LIFE SCIENCES FACILITY, AND TO DEFINE WHAT IS A QUALIFYING FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CLASSIFICATION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR AD VALOREM TAX PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY OR LEASED TO A MANUFACTURER AND USED PRIMARILY RATHER THAN EXCLUSIVELY FOR WAREHOUSING AND WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION IS NOT CONSIDERED USED BY THE


Printed Page 1776 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

MANUFACTURER IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS FOR PROPERTY TAX CLASSIFICATION PURPOSES; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND ADD CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED FEE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SPONSOR AND THE COUNTY UNDER THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A SPONSOR HAS TO ENTER INTO A FEE AGREEMENT IN REGARD TO A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PLANT FACILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF A FEE AGREEMENT UNDER THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO DELETE A PROVISION THAT REQUIRES THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ESTABLISHED FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FEE TO REMAIN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MINIMUM INVESTMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR A FEE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO CORRECT A REFERENCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 12-6-3450 RELATING TO AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR PERSONS TERMINATED FROM EMPLOYMENT AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSING OR REALIGNMENT OF A FEDERAL MILITARY INSTALLATION, SECTION 12-10-88 RELATING TO REDEVELOPMENT FEES IN REGARD TO CLOSED OR REALIGNED MILITARY INSTALLATIONS, SECTIONS 12-14-30, 12-14-40, 12-14-50, AND 12-14-70 RELATING TO ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONES AND ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS AGAINST SOUTH CAROLINA TAXABLE INCOME IN REGARD TO THESE ECONOMIC IMPACT ZONES.

H. 4551--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. THOMPSON moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Thursday, March 4, which was adopted:

H. 4551 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, Thompson, Bedingfield, Hayes, Brady, Mack, Harrell, Cato, Ott, Harrison, Duncan, J. R. Smith, White, Cooper, Hutto, Horne, Cobb-Hunter, Anderson, Hodges, Harvin, Skelton and Gunn: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-10, CODE


Printed Page 1777 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITION OF TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF SEVERAL EXISTING TERMS AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR SEVERAL NEW TERMS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-20, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO 911 SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE "A CAPABILITY TO HAVE CELLULAR PHONES ROUTED TO 911" AS A SYSTEM REQUIREMENT AND TO ADD "ROUTING AND CAPABILITIES TO RECEIVE AND PROCESS CMRS SERVICE AND VOIP SERVICE CAPABLE OF MAKING 911 CALLS" AS A SYSTEM REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-50, RELATING TO SUBSCRIBER BILLING OR 911 SERVICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR THE BILLING OF 911 CHARGES FOR LOCAL EXCHANGE ACCESS FACILITIES THAT ARE CAPABLE OF SIMULTANEOUSLY CARRYING FIVE OR MORE OUTGOING 911 VOICE CALLS, TO REVISE THE 911 CHARGE THAT PREPAID WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE IS SUBJECT TO AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-65, RELATING TO THE CMRS EMERGENCY TELEPHONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SO AS TO REVISE THE NAME OF THE COMMITTEE AND ITS MEMBERSHIP, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMITTEE AND THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD ARE AUTHORIZED TO REGULATE PREPAID WIRELESS SELLERS; BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-67 SO AS TO IMPOSE A VOIP 911 CHARGE ON EACH LOCAL EXCHANGE ACCESS FACILITY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION OF THE CHARGE AND ITS DISTRIBUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-68 SO AS TO IMPOSE A PREPAID WIRELESS 911 CHARGE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 23-47-69 SO AS TO LIMIT THE CHARGES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED FOR 911 SERVICE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-47-70, RELATING TO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES THAT MAY OCCUR FROM A GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY PROVIDING 911 SERVICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR LIABILITY WHEN 911 SERVICE IS PROVIDED AND WHEN IT IS NOT PROVIDED PURSUANT TO TARIFFS ON FILE WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE.


Printed Page 1778 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

H. 4282--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4282 (Word version) -- Reps. D. C. Smith, Owens, Littlejohn, Gilliard, Daning, Hosey, Clemmons and Harrison: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3890 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR CERTAIN PERSONS WHO ARE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE TO USE A TEXT MESSAGING DEVICE OR A HAND-HELD MOBILE TELEPHONE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THIS PROVISION.

The Education and Public Works Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\BBM\9570HTC10):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   Article 31, Chapter 5, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-5-3890.   (A)   As contained in this section:

(1)   'text messaging device' means an electronic wireless communications device used to manually type, send or read a written communication, including without limitation a text message or an electronic message, or electronic mail, but does not include a device that is physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle's architecture; and

(2)   'mobile telephone' means a device used by subscribers and other users of wireless telephone service to access or respond to such service; and

(3)   'hands-free mode' means the use of a mobile telephone or text messaging device by way of an internal feature or function, or an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such telephone or device, by which a user engages in a conversation or communication without the use of either hand; provided, however, this definition shall not preclude the use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of such telephone or device.

(B)   A person may not use a text messaging device to read, or to manually write or send, a written communication, including without limitation text message, or electronic mail while operating a motor vehicle in motion or in the travel portion of the roadway.

(C)   A person may not use a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle that is in motion or in the travel portion of the roadway.


Printed Page 1779 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

(D)   This section does not apply to:

(1)   an authorized emergency vehicle;

(2)   a moving motor vehicle using a mobile telephone or a text messaging device in hands-free mode; or

(3)   a moving motor vehicle using a mobile telephone or a text messaging device to:

(a)   report illegal activity;

(b)   summon medical or other emergency help; or

(c)   prevent injury to a person or property.

(E)   A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars and have two points assessed against his driving record.

(F)   Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all penalties imposed pursuant to this section shall be divided between the South Carolina State Trauma Care Fund to be used by the Department of Health and Environmental Control as established and provided for in Section 44-61-540 and the Office of Highway Safety in the Department of Public Safety to fund highway safety education programs highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.

(G)   This Section occupies the entire field and preempts any ordinance, resolution, or similar matter adopted by a municipality, county, or other local governmental entity regarding the use of a text messaging device or a mobile telephone, or both, by an operator of a motor vehicle."
SECTION   2.   Article 31, Chapter 5, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 56-5-3895.   (A)   For purposes of this section, the following terms shall mean:

(1)   'text messaging device' means text messaging device as defined in Section 56-5-3890(A)(1);

(2)   'mobile telephone' means mobile telephone as defined in Section 56-5-3890(A)(2);

(3)   'emergency situation' means circumstances such as medical concerns, unsafe road conditions, matters of public safety, or mechanical problems that create a risk of harm for the operator or passengers of a school bus or intended passengers of a school bus;

(4)   'school bus' means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency and operated for the transportation of children to or from school or privately owned and operated for compensation for the transportation of children to or from school, the motor vehicle is defined in Section 56-5-195 a 'school bus' under 49 U.S.C. Section


Printed Page 1780 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

30125, as defined on April 5, 2000, meeting federal school bus safety standards, as contained in 49 U.S.C. Section 30101, et seq., or any successor statutes, and all applicable federal regulations; and

(5)   'Great bodily injury' means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss of or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ.

(B)   Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person may not use a text messaging device to manually write or send a text message; or a mobile telephone, radio or other communication device whether hands-free or otherwise; while operating a school bus in motion or in the travel portion of a roadway or while monitoring the loading and unloading of students.

(C)   The provisions of subsection (B) of this section shall not apply to the use of a mobile telephone, radio or other communication device whether hands-free or otherwise, or a text messaging device, for the sole purpose of communicating in an emergency situation. However, this exception applies only if the school bus is not in motion.

(D)   A person who violates subsection (A):

(1)   for a first offense where no great bodily injury or death resulted from the violation, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined two hundred and fifty dollars, and loss of the school bus driver's school bus driving certification issued by the South Carolina Department of Education for a period of one year. The violator shall have two points assessed against his driving record in accordance with Section 56-1-720.

(2)   for a second or subsequent offense or any offense where great bodily injury or death results from the violation, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined five hundred dollars , and imprisoned for not more than three years. The school bus driver's school bus driving certification issued by the South Carolina Department of Education is revoked and the person is therefore permanently ineligible to apply for certification. The violator shall have triple the points assessed against his driving record as are otherwise assessed pursuant to Section 56-1-720, for using a text messaging device or an otherwise prohibited communications device while driving.

(E)   To assist in enforcing this and the state seatbelt laws, all state or district owned school buses, and school buses contracted by school districts for student transportation service, shall have a sticker attached to the interior of the school bus in a location that is clearly readable by


Printed Page 1781 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

the school bus passengers that confirms that the school bus driver is required to wear a seat belt and that use of a mobile telephone, radio or other communication device is prohibited while driving. The sticker should also include the appropriate law citation for each of these requirements and ask the passengers to report violations to a toll free phone number at the South Carolina Department of Education. Upon receipt of a violation report the South Carolina Department of Education shall record the complaint and forward the information to the appropriate school district that employs the school bus driver to initiate an investigation. The South Carolina Department of Education shall design and publish these stickers free of charge to school districts."
SECTION   3.   Section 56-1-720 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-1-720.   There is established a point system for the evaluation of the operating record of persons to whom a license to operate motor vehicles has been granted and for the determination of the continuing qualifications of these persons for the privileges granted by the license to operate motor vehicles. The system shall have as its basic element a graduated scale of points assigning relative values to the various violations in accordance with the following schedule:
VIOLATION POINTS
Reckless driving                                   6
Passing stopped school bus                           6
Hit-and-run, property damages only                     6
Driving too fast for conditions, or speeding:
(1) No more than 10 m.p.h. above the posted limits     2
(2) More than 10 m.p.h. but less than 25 m.p.h. above the posted limits                                               4
(3) 25 m.p.h. or above the posted limits             6
Disobedience of any official traffic control device         4
Disobedience to officer directing traffic                 4
Failing to yield right of way                           4
Driving on wrong side of road                         4
Passing unlawfully                                 4
Turning unlawfully                                 4
Driving through or within safety zone                   4
Failing to give signal or giving improper signal for stopping, turning, or suddenly decreased speed                             4
Shifting lanes without safety precaution                 2
Improper dangerous parking                           2


Printed Page 1782 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Following too closely                                 4
Failing to dim lights                                   2
Operating with improper lights                           2
Operating with improper brakes                         4
Operating a vehicle in unsafe condition                   2
Driving in improper lane                               2
Improper backing                                     2
Using a text messaging device or an otherwise prohibited communications device while driving                       2."
SECTION   4.   This act takes effect ninety days after approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. D. C. SMITH explained the amendment.

Rep. HART moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Thursday, March 4.

Rep. D. C. SMITH moved to table the motion.

Rep. WEEKS demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 60; Nays 47

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anthony                Barfield
Battle                 Bingham                Bowen
Brady                  Cato                   Chalk
Clemmons               Cole                   Daning
Duncan                 Edge                   Erickson
Forrester              Frye                   Gambrell
Hardwick               Harrell                Harrison
Hearn                  Herbkersman            Hiott
Horne                  Huggins                Hutto
Kelly                  Kirsh                  Limehouse
Littlejohn             Lucas                  Millwood
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             J. M. Neal
Norman                 Owens                  Parker
Pinson                 Rice                   Sandifer
Scott                  Simrill                Skelton

Printed Page 1783 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

D. C. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
Sottile                Stavrinakis            Stewart
Stringer               Thompson               Umphlett
White                  Whitmire               Willis
Wylie                  A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--60

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Ballentine
Bedingfield            Bowers                 Branham
G. A. Brown            H. B. Brown            R. L. Brown
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Crawford
Delleney               Dillard                Funderburk
Gilliard               Govan                  Hamilton
Hart                   Harvin                 Hayes
Hodges                 Hosey                  Jefferson
Kennedy                King                   Knight
Loftis                 Mack                   McEachern
McLeod                 Miller                 Mitchell
Nanney                 J. H. Neal             Ott
Parks                  M. A. Pitts            Rutherford
Sellers                G. M. Smith            Spires
Toole                  Vick                   Weeks
Whipper                Williams

Total--47

So, the House refused to adjourn debate.

SPEAKER IN CHAIR

Rep. CRAWFORD moved that the House do now adjourn.

Rep. A. D. YOUNG demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 29; Nays 71

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Bowers                 Branham                Clyburn
Crawford               Delleney               Dillard

Printed Page 1784 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Funderburk             Govan                  Hamilton
Hart                   Harvin                 Hosey
Jefferson              King                   Limehouse
Loftis                 Mack                   McLeod
Nanney                 J. H. Neal             Ott
M. A. Pitts            Rutherford             Sellers
G. M. Smith            Spires                 Vick
Weeks                  Williams

Total--29

Those who voted in the negative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Allison
Anthony                Ballentine             Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Brady                  G. A. Brown
Cato                   Chalk                  Clemmons
Cole                   Cooper                 Daning
Duncan                 Edge                   Erickson
Forrester              Frye                   Gambrell
Gilliard               Hardwick               Harrell
Harrison               Herbkersman            Hiott
Hodges                 Horne                  Huggins
Hutto                  Kelly                  Kennedy
Kirsh                  Knight                 Littlejohn
Lucas                  McEachern              Millwood
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             J. M. Neal
Norman                 Owens                  Parker
Pinson                 Rice                   Sandifer
Scott                  Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
Sottile                Stavrinakis            Stewart
Stringer               Thompson               Toole
Umphlett               Whipper                White
Whitmire               Willis                 Wylie
A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--71

So, the House refused to adjourn.


Printed Page 1785 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Rep. D. C. SMITH moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Thursday, March 4, which was agreed to.

RECURRENCE TO THE MORNING HOUR

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

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4686 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliard, Agnew, R. L. Brown, Clyburn, Hosey, Jefferson, Long, Sottile, Stavrinakis and Whipper: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO DECLARE MAY 2010 AS "WATER SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH" AND TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THIS STATE TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE HOUR OF INSTRUCTION ON WATER SAFETY DURING THE MONTH OF MAY.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Education and Public Works.

INTRODUCTION OF BILL

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

H. 4687 (Word version) -- Rep. G. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-80, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AN APPLICATION FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR PERMIT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MAY PRESENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES A VALID BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR UNITED STATES MILITARY IDENTIFICATION WITH HIS APPLICATION TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN APPLICANT FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR PERMIT MUST PRESENT THE DEPARTMENT WITH ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works


Printed Page 1786 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

H. 3395--SENATE AMENDMENTS AMENDED AND RETURNED TO THE SENATE

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

H. 3395 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A. D. Young, Edge, Bedingfield, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, D. C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Hiott, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Scott, Sottile, Stewart, Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T. R. Young and Wylie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 11-11-310, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND PURSUANT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE AND THE RATE OF REPLENISHMENT OF THAT AMOUNT.

Rep. COOPER proposed the following Amendment No. 1A (COUNCIL\BBM\9583HTC10), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, in Section 11-11-310(A), as contained in SECTION 1. A, page 1 by striking lines 34 through 39 and inserting:
/ completed fiscal year. /
Amend further, as and if amended, in Section 11-11-310(E)(2), as contained in SECTION 1. A, page 2, line 38, by striking /(C)/ and inserting / (D) /.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

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

Rep. COOPER proposed the following Amendment No. 2A (COUNCIL\BBM\9618HTC10), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1. A.   Section 11-11-310 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 385 of 1988, is further amended to read:

"Section 11-11-310.   (A)   The State Budget and Control Board shall provide for a General Reserve Fund. Funds accumulating in excess of the annual operating expenditures must be transferred to the


Printed Page 1787 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

General Reserve Fund and the transfer must continue to be made in succeeding fiscal years until the accumulated total in this reserve reaches an amount equal to three percent the applicable percentage amount of the general fund revenue of the latest completed fiscal year.

(B)   If there is a year-end operating deficit, so much of the General Reserve Fund as is necessary must be used to cover the deficit. The amount so applied must be restored to the General Reserve Fund out of future revenues as provided in Section 36 of Article III of the Constitution of this State and out of funds accumulating in excess of annual operating expenditures as provided in this section until the three percent maximum applicable percentage amount is again reached and actually maintained.

(C)   For purposes of this section 'applicable percentage amount' means three percent of general fund revenue of the latest completed fiscal year plus an additional cumulative one-half of one percent of such revenue in each fiscal year succeeding the last state fiscal year to which the three percent limit applied and in which that full three percent balance was actually maintained, until the percentage of such revenue equals five percent, which then and thereafter shall apply."
SECTION   2.   This act takes effect upon ratification of an amendment to Section 36, Article III of the Constitution of this State authorizing its terms submitted to the electors of this State at the general election of 2010 and first applies as provided in that amendment. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.

Rep. COOPER explained the amendment.

Rep. A. D. YOUNG demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 108; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Allison
Anthony                Ballentine             Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham
Bowen                  Bowers                 Brady
Branham                Brantley               H. B. Brown
R. L. Brown            Cato                   Chalk
Clemmons               Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter

Printed Page 1788 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Cole                   Cooper                 Crawford
Daning                 Delleney               Dillard
Duncan                 Edge                   Erickson
Forrester              Frye                   Funderburk
Gambrell               Gilliard               Govan
Gunn                   Hamilton               Hardwick
Harrell                Harrison               Hart
Harvin                 Hayes                  Hearn
Herbkersman            Hiott                  Hodges
Horne                  Hosey                  Huggins
Hutto                  Jefferson              Kelly
Kennedy                King                   Kirsh
Knight                 Limehouse              Littlejohn
Loftis                 Long                   Lucas
Mack                   McEachern              McLeod
Miller                 Millwood               Mitchell
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Nanney
J. H. Neal             J. M. Neal             Norman
Ott                    Owens                  Parker
Parks                  Pinson                 M. A. Pitts
Rice                   Sandifer               Scott
Sellers                Simrill                Skelton
D. C. Smith            G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith
J. R. Smith            Sottile                Spires
Stavrinakis            Stewart                Stringer
Thompson               Toole                  Umphlett
Weeks                  Whipper                White
Whitmire               Williams               Willis
Wylie                  A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--108

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

So, the amendment was adopted.

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


Printed Page 1789 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

H. 3396--SENATE AMENDMENTS AMENDED AND RETURNED TO THE SENATE

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

H. 3396 (Word version) -- Reps. Harrell, Thompson, Scott, Cooper, Erickson, Bingham, A. D. Young, Edge, J. R. Smith, G. R. Smith, Bedingfield, Whitmire, Hiott, D. C. Smith, Bannister, Brady, Cato, Chalk, Forrester, Gambrell, Hamilton, Horne, Long, Nanney, Parker, E. H. Pitts, Rice, Sottile, Stewart, Viers, White, Willis, Toole, Neilson, Bales, T. R. Young and Wylie: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 36, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND AND THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THREE TO FIVE PERCENT THE AMOUNT OF STATE GENERAL FUND REVENUE IN THE LATEST COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR REQUIRED TO BE HELD IN THE GENERAL RESERVE FUND.

Rep. COOPER proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (COUNCIL\BBM\9615HTC10), which was adopted:
Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION   1.   It is proposed that Section 36(A), Article III of the Constitution of this State be amended to read:

"(A)   The General Assembly shall provide for a General Reserve Fund of three percent of the general fund revenue of the latest completed fiscal year plus an additional cumulative one half of one percent of such revenue in each fiscal year succeeding the last fiscal year to which the three percent applied and in which the full three percent balance was actually maintained until the percentage of such revenues equals five percent, which shall then and thereafter apply. Funds may be withdrawn from the reserve only for the purpose of covering operating deficits of state government. The General Assembly must provide for the orderly restoration of funds withdrawn from the reserve from future revenues and out of funds accumulating in excess of annual operating expenditures.

(1)   The General Assembly shall provide by law for a procedure to survey the progress of the collection of revenue and the expenditure of funds and to authorize and direct reduction of appropriations as may be necessary to prevent a deficit.


Printed Page 1790 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

(2)   In the event of a year-end operating deficit, so much of the reserve fund as may be necessary must be used to cover the deficit; and the amount must be restored to the reserve fund within three fiscal years out of future revenues until the three full amount required to be maintained in the General Reserve Fund for the fiscal year is again reached and maintained. Provided that However, a minimum of one percent of the general fund revenue of the latest completed fiscal year, if so much is necessary, must be restored to the reserve fund each year following the deficit until the three percent full amount required to be maintained in the General Reserve Fund is restored."
SECTION   2.   The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives. Ballots must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballot:

"Must Section 36(A), Article III of the Constitution of this State, relating to the General Reserve Fund, be amended so as to increase from three to five percent in cumulative increments of one half of one percent each fiscal year the amount of state general fund revenue in the latest completed fiscal year required to be maintained in the General Reserve Fund and to provide that the increase begins after the last state fiscal year to which the three percent amount applied and in which that full three percent balance was actually maintained?

Yes   []
No   []

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

Rep. COOPER explained the amendment.

Rep. A. D. YOUNG demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:

Yeas 105; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Agnew                  Allen                  Allison
Anthony                Ballentine             Barfield
Battle                 Bedingfield            Bingham

Printed Page 1791 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Bowen                  Bowers                 Brady
Branham                Brantley               H. B. Brown
R. L. Brown            Cato                   Chalk
Clemmons               Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter
Cole                   Cooper                 Crawford
Daning                 Delleney               Dillard
Duncan                 Edge                   Erickson
Forrester              Frye                   Funderburk
Gambrell               Gilliard               Govan
Hamilton               Hardwick               Harrell
Harrison               Hart                   Harvin
Hayes                  Hearn                  Herbkersman
Hiott                  Hodges                 Horne
Hosey                  Huggins                Hutto
Jefferson              Kelly                  King
Kirsh                  Knight                 Limehouse
Littlejohn             Long                   Lucas
Mack                   McEachern              McLeod
Miller                 Millwood               Mitchell
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Nanney
J. M. Neal             Norman                 Ott
Owens                  Parker                 Parks
Pinson                 M. A. Pitts            Rice
Sandifer               Scott                  Sellers
Simrill                Skelton                D. C. Smith
G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. R. Smith
Sottile                Spires                 Stavrinakis
Stewart                Stringer               Thompson
Toole                  Umphlett               Vick
Weeks                  Whipper                White
Whitmire               Williams               Willis
Wylie                  A. D. Young            T. R. Young

Total--105

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

The amendment was then adopted.


Printed Page 1792 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

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

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

MOTION NOTED

Rep. CLEMMONS moved to reconsider the vote whereby H. 4479 (Word version) was rejected and the motion was noted.

RETURNED WITH CONCURRENCE

The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:

H. 4580 (Word version) -- Rep. Crawford: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PALMETTO BOYS STATE TO USE THE CHAMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2010, FROM 11:30 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M. FOR ITS ANNUAL STATE HOUSE MEETING.

H. 4645 (Word version) -- Rep. G. A. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF FAIR H. SMITH OF CHARLOTTE, FORMERLY OF BISHOPVILLE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

H. 4646 (Word version) -- Rep. G. A. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF CAROLYN DORITY BEASLEY OF BISHOPVILLE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

H. 4665 (Word version) -- Reps. Sellers, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Forrester, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Gunn, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges,


Printed Page 1793 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutto, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young and T. R. Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR BISHOP CARDELL SUTTON OF GASTON, FOUNDER OF KINGDOM COVENANT FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED, FOR HIS TWENTY-FOUR YEARS OF PASTORAL MINISTRY, AND TO DECLARE MARCH 18, 2010, "BISHOP CARDELL SUTTON DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

H. 4666 (Word version) -- Reps. Owens, Agnew, Alexander, Allen, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Brantley, G. A. Brown, H. B. Brown, R. L. Brown, Cato, Chalk, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Duncan, Edge, Erickson, Forrester, Frye, Funderburk, Gambrell, Gilliard, Govan, Gunn, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Hart, Harvin, Hayes, Hearn, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Hutto, Jefferson, Jennings, Kelly, Kennedy, King, Kirsh, Knight, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McEachern, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Millwood, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Nanney, J. H. Neal, J. M. Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Parker, Parks, Pinson, E. H. Pitts, M. A. Pitts, Rice, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scott, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, D. C. Smith, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stewart, Stringer, Thompson, Toole, Umphlett, Vick, Viers, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wylie, A. D. Young and T. R. Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE EIGHTEEN SOUTH CAROLINA TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS NAMED TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2010 ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM IN THE ALL-USA ACADEMIC TEAM COMPETITION FOR TECHNICAL COLLEGES, COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND JUNIOR COLLEGES SPONSORED BY PHI THETA KAPPA, THE


Printed Page 1794 . . . . . Wednesday, March 3, 2010

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND USA TODAY.

ADJOURNMENT

At 5:45 p.m. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. HARRISON adjourned to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

***

This web page was last updated on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 12:50 P.M.