South Carolina General Assembly
122nd Session, 2017-2018
Journal of the House of Representatives

Tuesday, March 6, 2018
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 12:00 noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr., as follows:

Our thought for today is from John 6:68: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

Let us pray. Compassionate God, as we begin another week of service to this State, go with us in discerning what is the way You desire us to go. Lead these Representatives and staff like a flock as Moses led his people. Grant us the light of Your hope for all our people as these, Your people, are called to lead. Grant them Your blessings. Look in favor upon our Nation, President, State, Governor, Speaker, staff, and all who labor in this Assembly. Bless and protect our defenders of freedom and first responders as they protect us. Heal the wounds, those seen and those hidden, of our brave warriors who suffer and sacrifice for our freedom. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers. 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 PRO TEMPORE.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of Friday, the SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ordered it confirmed.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. HENDERSON-MYERS moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Dr. Tyrone Gilmore, Sr., of Spartanburg, which was agreed to.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

The following was received:

State of South Carolina
Office of the Governor

Columbia, S.C., March 5, 2018
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with advice and consent of the General Assembly and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

LOCAL APPOINTMENT:
York County Master-in-Equity
Term Commencing: June 30, 2018
Term Expiring: June 30, 2022
Vice: S. Jackson Kimball

Ms. Teasa Kay Weaver
917 Snow Prince Lane
York, South Carolina 29745

Yours very truly,
Henry McMaster
Governor

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 75; Nays 0

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                Anderson               Anthony
Arrington              Atwater                Bales
Ballentine             Bannister              Bennett
Bernstein              Bowers                 Bradley
Brawley                Brown                  Clary
Clyburn                Cogswell               Collins
Crosby                 Daning                 Davis
Delleney               Dillard                Douglas
Duckworth              Elliott                Erickson
Felder                 Gagnon                 Gilliard
Hamilton               Henderson-Myers        Henegan
Hewitt                 Hosey                  Howard
Jefferson              Johnson                Jordan
King                   Lowe                   Lucas
Mace                   Mack                   Martin
McCravy                McEachern              McGinnis
D. C. Moss             V. S. Moss             Murphy
B. Newton              W. Newton              Norrell
Parks                  Pitts                  Pope
Ridgeway               M. Rivers              Robinson-Simpson
Sandifer               Simrill                G. M. Smith
Sottile                Spires                 Stringer
Taylor                 Thigpen                Trantham
Weeks                  West                   White
Whitmire               Willis                 Young

Total--75

Those who voted in the negative are:

Total--0

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

REGULATION WITHDRAWN AND RESUBMITTED

Document No. 4771
Agency: Department of Social Services
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 43-1-80 and 63-11-30
Wilderness Therapeutic Camps for Children
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 9, 2018
Referred to Regulations and Administrative Procedures Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 9, 2018

01/09/2018   Received by Lt. Gov & Speaker     05/09/2018
H   01/09/2018   Referred to Committee
S   01/09/2018   Referred to Committee
H   03/01/2018   Committee Requested Withdrawal

120 Day Period Tolled
-   03/01/2018   Withdrawn and Resubmitted     05/09/2018

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., Thursday, March 1, 2018
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. 955:

S. 955 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Hutto, Setzler, Rankin, Massey and Leatherman: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE TO RESUME SCREENING CANDIDATES FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SEATS 2, 4, AND 6, AND TO ADVERTISE FOR THESE POSITIONS FOR AN ADDITIONAL TIME PERIOD BEGINNING NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 16, 2018, THROUGH MARCH 2, 2018, AND TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2018, THROUGH NOON ON MARCH 5, 2018.

and has ordered the Joint Resolution enrolled for ratification.

Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received:

Columbia, S.C., March 1, 2018
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the Governor's appointment of:

LOCAL APPOINTMENT:
Florence County Master-in-Equity
Term Commencing: Upon Confirmation
Term Expiring: Six years from date of confirmation

Mr. William Haigh Porter
908 Madison Avenue
Florence, South Carolina 29501

Very Respectfully,
Henry K. Leatherman, Sr.
President Pro Tempore

Received as information.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

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

H. 4701 (Word version) -- Reps. S. Rivers, King, Allison and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "B.P. ACT"; TO AMEND SECTION 59-63-140, RELATING TO BULLYING PROHIBITION POLICIES ADOPTED BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO AND REMEDIATING ALLEGATIONS OF BULLYING, AND TO REQUIRE AN APPEALS PROCEDURE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 4710 (Word version) -- Reps. Hill, Williams, McKnight, Yow, West, Gagnon and McCravy: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 147 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ISSUE PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERAN SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 4931 (Word version) -- Reps. Elliott, Alexander, Simrill, Stringer, West, Allison, Henderson, G. R. Smith, Burns, Trantham, Hamilton, Bannister, Putnam, Robinson-Simpson, Chumley, Taylor, Douglas, Knight and Dillard: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-15, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MISSIONS AND FOCUSES OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE AN APPLIED BACCALAUREATE IN MANUFACTURING DEGREE IF STATE FUNDS ARE NOT APPROPRIATED FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE DEGREE PROGRAM.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

S. 499 (Word version) -- Senator Malloy: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-148 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE IDENTIFYING CODE AFFIXED TO THE DRIVER'S LICENSE OF A PERSON CONVICTED OF CERTAIN CRIMES, TO REMOVE THE FIFTY DOLLAR FEE ASSOCIATED WITH PLACING THE IDENTIFYING CODE ON A DRIVER'S LICENSE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 3197 (Word version) -- Rep. King: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-5-600, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PERMITS FOR CREMATION WHICH MUST BE ISSUED BY CORONERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO FEE FOR A PERMIT FOR CREMATION MAY BE CHARGED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

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

H. 5045 (Word version) -- Reps. Sandifer, White and Forrester: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 39 AND 40 OF TITLE 58 RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCE PROGRAM AND NET ENERGY METERING, RESPECTIVELY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5056 (Word version) -- Rep. Willis: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LAURENS ACADEMY GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM OF LAURENS COUNTY WITH THE TEAM COACHES AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND COMMENDED FOR CAPTURING THE 2018 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the privilege of the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives be extended to the Laurens Academy girls varsity basketball team of Laurens County with the team coaches and school officials, at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker, for the purpose of being recognized and commended for capturing the 2018 South Carolina Independent School Association Class 1A State Championship title.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5057 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, J. E. Smith, Finlay, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Arrington, Atkinson, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Blackwell, Bowers, Bradley, Brawley, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Caskey, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Cole, Collins, Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Davis, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Forrester, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gilliard, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, King, Kirby, Knight, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mace, Mack, Magnuson, Martin, McCoy, McCravy, McEachern, McGinnis, McKnight, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, B. Newton, W. Newton, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Ridgeway, M. Rivers, S. Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Toole, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Young and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF DR. SELDEN KENNEDY SMITH OF COLUMBIA, TO HONOR DR. SMITH FOR HIS PROFOUND IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND AS THE FATHER OF HOLOCAUST EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5059 (Word version) -- Reps. G. R. Smith, Trantham, Bannister, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Arrington, Atkinson, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bowers, Bradley, Brawley, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Caskey, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Cole, Collins, Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Davis, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Forrester, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gilliard, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, King, Kirby, Knight, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mace, Mack, Magnuson, Martin, McCoy, McCravy, McEachern, McGinnis, McKnight, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, B. Newton, W. Newton, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Ridgeway, M. Rivers, S. Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Toole, Weeks, West, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Young and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO DECLARE JUNE 21, 2018, "MAKE MUSIC DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO ENJOY, APPRECIATE, AND PARTICIPATE IN MAKING MUSIC ACROSS THE PALMETTO STATE.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5060 (Word version) -- Reps. Bowers, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Arrington, Atkinson, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brawley, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Caskey, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Cole, Collins, Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Davis, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Forrester, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gilliard, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, King, Kirby, Knight, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mace, Mack, Magnuson, Martin, McCoy, McCravy, McEachern, McGinnis, McKnight, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, B. Newton, W. Newton, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Ridgeway, M. Rivers, S. Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Toole, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Young and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF COLONEL THEODUS LINWOOD DRAYTON OF RIDGELAND, AND TO HONOR HIS REMARKABLE COMMITMENT TO JASPER COUNTY, THE PALMETTO STATE, AND OUR NATION.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5065 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliard, Mack, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Arrington, Atkinson, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bowers, Bradley, Brawley, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Caskey, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Cole, Collins, Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Davis, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Forrester, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, King, Kirby, Knight, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mace, Magnuson, Martin, McCoy, McCravy, McEachern, McGinnis, McKnight, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, B. Newton, W. Newton, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Ridgeway, M. Rivers, S. Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Toole, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Young and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE REVEREND WILLIAM ALBERT SALLEY, PASTOR OF JERUSALEM BAPTIST CHURCH IN CHARLESTON, FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF GOSPEL MINISTRY, TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HIM GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5066 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Arrington, Atkinson, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Blackwell, Bowers, Bradley, Brawley, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Caskey, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Cole, Collins, Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Davis, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Forrester, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gilliard, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, King, Kirby, Knight, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mace, Mack, Magnuson, Martin, McCoy, McCravy, McEachern, McGinnis, McKnight, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, B. Newton, W. Newton, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Ridgeway, M. Rivers, S. Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Toole, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Young and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND SALUTE THE SPRING VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2018 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5067 (Word version) -- Rep. Bernstein: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SPRING VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM OF RICHLAND COUNTY WITH THE TEAM COACHES AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND COMMENDED FOR CAPTURING THE 2018 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the privilege of the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives be extended to the Spring Valley High School girls varsity basketball team of Richland County with the team coaches and school officials, at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker, for the purpose of being recognized and commended for capturing the 2018 South Carolina Class AAAAA State Championship title.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5068 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrester, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Arrington, Atkinson, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bennett, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bowers, Bradley, Brawley, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Caskey, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cogswell, Cole, Collins, Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Davis, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrest, Fry, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gilliard, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, King, Kirby, Knight, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mace, Mack, Magnuson, Martin, McCoy, McCravy, McEachern, McGinnis, McKnight, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Murphy, B. Newton, W. Newton, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pendarvis, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Ridgeway, M. Rivers, S. Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Sandifer, Simrill, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, Sottile, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Toole, Trantham, Weeks, West, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Young and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO APPLAUD THE DORMAN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR SECURING THE 2018 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO CONGRATULATE THE TEAM'S PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5069 (Word version) -- Rep. Forrester: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE DORMAN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM WITH THE TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AT A DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE SPEAKER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING RECOGNIZED AND COMMENDED FOR CAPTURING THE 2018 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the privilege of the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives be extended to the Dorman High School boys basketball team with the team, coaches, and school officials, at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker, for the purpose of being recognized and commended for capturing the 2018 South Carolina Class AAAAA State Championship title.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5058 (Word version) -- Rep. Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE MRS. EULA MAE GRAHAM CUMMINGS ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDRED THIRD BIRTHDAY ON JUNE 22, 2018, AND TO WISH HER MANY MORE YEARS OF HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT.

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

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 654 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES NAME THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES' FIELD OFFICE LOCATED AT 509 LIBERTY STREET IN BATESBURG-LEESVILLE "CORPORAL KYLE CARPENTER FIELD OFFICE" AND TO ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION THAT CONTAIN THE DESIGNATION.

The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

H. 4950 -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2018, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Without Reference

H. 4951 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018, AND TO ALLOW UNEXPENDED FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO BE CARRIED FORWARD TO SUCCEEDING FISCAL YEARS AND EXPENDED FOR THE SAME PURPOSES.
Without Reference

H. 5061 (Word version) -- Rep. Daning: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "PHARMACIST SAFETY ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 40-43-120 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN MANDATORY THIRTY-MINUTE REST BREAKS FOR PHARMACISTS AND PHARMACY TECHNICIANS WORKING TWELVE-HOUR SHIFTS.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

H. 5062 (Word version) -- Rep. Murphy: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 17-15-15, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEPOSITS IN LIEU OF BOND DELIVERY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A DEFENDANT OR ACCOMMODATION BONDSMAN MAY PLEDGE REAL ESTATE IN LIEU OF BOND DELIVERY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 5063 (Word version) -- Rep. Funderburk: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-1-143, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING IN PART TO THE RIGHT OF HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATIONS TO APPLY FOR REGULATORY EXEMPTIONS FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SO AS TO REFLECT THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DOES NOT HAVE REGULATORY AUTHORITY OVER HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

H. 5064 (Word version) -- Reps. Funderburk and W. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-13-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION ON HUMAN AFFAIRS, SO AS TO DELETE A DUPLICITOUS REPORTING REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 1-13-70, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE COMMISSION MAY REQUIRE REPORTS FROM ALL EMPLOYERS; TO AMEND SECTION 1-13-90, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO EXTEND THE TIME BY WHICH A COMPLAINANT MAY BRING AN ACTION IN CIRCUIT COURT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 31-21-120, RELATING TO COMPLAINTS INVOLVING DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICES, SO AS TO DELETE A REQUIREMENT THAT THE COMPLAINT AND ANSWER BE VERIFIED.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 857 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-51-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE WIL LOU GRAY OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO REVISE THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD BY ELIMINATING TWO EX OFFICIO SEATS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 889 (Word version) -- Senator Campbell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 4-10-330(A)(1) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE CONTENTS OF BALLOT QUESTIONS UNDER THE CAPITAL PROJECT SALES TAX ACT, TO PROVIDE THAT AN ORDINANCE MUST SPECIFY WHETHER THE PURPOSE OF THE TAX PROCEEDS WOULD INCLUDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INFRASTRUCTURE, LAND PURCHASES, AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

ROLL CALL

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

Alexander              Allison                Anderson
Anthony                Arrington              Atkinson
Atwater                Bales                  Ballentine
Bamberg                Bannister              Bennett
Bernstein              Blackwell              Bowers
Bradley                Brawley                Brown
Bryant                 Burns                  Caskey
Chumley                Clary                  Clemmons
Clyburn                Cobb-Hunter            Cogswell
Cole                   Collins                Crosby
Daning                 Davis                  Delleney
Dillard                Douglas                Duckworth
Elliott                Erickson               Felder
Finlay                 Forrest                Forrester
Fry                    Funderburk             Gagnon
Gilliard               Govan                  Hamilton
Hardee                 Hart                   Hayes
Henderson              Henderson-Myers        Henegan
Hewitt                 Hill                   Hiott
Hixon                  Hosey                  Howard
Huggins                Jefferson              Johnson
Jordan                 King                   Kirby
Knight                 Loftis                 Long
Lowe                   Lucas                  Mace
Mack                   Magnuson               Martin
McCoy                  McCravy                McEachern
McGinnis               McKnight               D. C. Moss
V. S. Moss             Murphy                 B. Newton
W. Newton              Norrell                Ott
Parks                  Pendarvis              Pitts
Pope                   Putnam                 Ridgeway
M. Rivers              S. Rivers              Robinson-Simpson
Rutherford             Sandifer               Simrill
G. M. Smith            G. R. Smith            J. E. Smith
Sottile                Spires                 Stavrinakis
Stringer               Tallon                 Taylor
Thayer                 Thigpen                Toole
Trantham               Weeks                  West
Wheeler                White                  Whitmire
Williams               Willis                 Young
Yow

Total Present--121

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE granted Rep. HERBKERSMAN a leave of absence for the day.

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. March E. Seabrook of West Columbia was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

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 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-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3177 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   HUGGINS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3345 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   MCCRAVY

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3448 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   CLARY

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3473 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   COLLINS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3521 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   ALEXANDER

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3769 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   HENDERSON

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3770 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   HENDERSON

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3771 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   HENDERSON

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3847 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   MCCRAVY

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 3887 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   MCCRAVY

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4094 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   MCCRAVY

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4385 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   MCCRAVY

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4418 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   MURPHY

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4683 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   ELLIOTT, ATKINSON and BANNISTER

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4874 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   PENDARVIS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4912 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   MCCRAVY

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4932 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   BANNISTER, WILLIS and PITTS

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4936 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   JEFFERSON and WILLIAMS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:   H. 4975 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
03/06/18   THIGPEN

CO-SPONSOR REMOVED

Bill Number:   H. 5043 (Word version)
Date:   REMOVE:
03/06/18   ATKINSON

SPEAKER IN CHAIR

JOINT ASSEMBLY

At 12:30 p.m. the Senate appeared in the Hall of the House. The President of the Senate called the Joint Assembly to order and announced that it had convened under the terms of a Concurrent Resolution adopted by both Houses.

H. 4716 (Word version) -- Rep. Bales: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO WELCOME THE NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, THE HONORABLE DENISE H. ROHAN, TO SOUTH CAROLINA AND INVITE HER TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION IN THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 12:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018.

The Honorable Denise H. Rohan and distinguished party were escorted to the rostrum by Senators Peeler, Matthews, Cromer, Shealy and Fanning and Representatives JEFFERSON, HOSEY, DANING and YOW. The Lieutenant Governor recognized our special guests and then the National American Legion Commander addressed the General Assembly as follows:

Lt. Governor Bryant, Mr. Speaker, Senators and Representatives, it's truly an honor to speak to such a distinguished body in this historic State House.

Before I begin, please allow me to take a moment to introduce members of the American Legion family who are with me today.

We have with us the Commander of the South Carolina American Legion, Michael D. Strauss, of North Augusta. It is also my pleasure to introduce the President of the Department of South Carolina American Legion Auxiliary, Judy Hennis, of Murrells Inlet; Alternate National Executive Committeeman for the Department of South Carolina, Gary Mitchell, of Rock Hill; Department Adjutant, Nick Diener, of Columbia; and the American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Carolina National Executive Committeewoman, Brenda Holland, of Aiken. I'd also like to thank Howard Metcalf, the Director of the South Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs. And of course, the aide to the National Commander, who also happens to be my husband, Mike Rohan of Madison, Wisconsin.

On behalf of the three million Legionnaires from around the world and the 163 American Legion Posts throughout the State of South Carolina, I want to express my appreciation to each of you for what you do for our men and women who serve in our military and our veterans from past wars.

The theme for my year as National Commander is "Family First". As the wife of a retired soldier, I know firsthand that it just isn't the veteran who serves, it is the entire family.

In fact, the Army of the 1970's, when I enlisted, wasn't nearly as family-friendly as it is today. I very well might have re-enlisted myself, had the Army shown a willingness to station me in the same part of the world as my active-duty husband. Today, there are no "guarantees", but I think there is more of an appreciation for these situations and the military branches do make a genuine effort to consider family status when assigning duty stations and other obligations.

I honestly believe some of these family-friendly policies are the result of the advocacy of organizations like the American Legion and lawmakers like you, who understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by these military families.

That sacrifice was brought home to South Carolina in its greatest manifestation when Specialist Javion Shavonte Sullivan lost his life in Iraq on January 8, 2018.

Specialist Sullivan, a native of Fort Mill, South Carolina, not only sacrificed his life while fighting ISIS, but his wife Rayven has now lost her 24-year-old husband. And while Rayven can take comfort in understanding that she was the "love of his life," their 3-year-old daughter, Mahogany, will no longer have her daddy.

While many wars are controversial, can anyone doubt the pure depravity of ISIS and other terrorist groups?

The sacrifice and void felt by the Sullivan family are permanent. Specialist Sullivan's aunt, Patricia Hackett, recalled to a local Fox news station why Javion served.

He joined the Army to "make a better life for his family and fight for his Country. It was just something he wanted to do," she said.

In return, the American Legion believes we must make life better for the Sullivans. We have our American Legion Legacy Scholarship program just so girls like Mahogany will never have to worry about being able to afford college.

I would also like to commend this Body for offering "in-state" tuition and fee benefits to the children and spouses of those who have served. Policies and programs will never take the pain away that goes with losing a loved one, but it does send a message of gratitude and support to those who most need it.

Our society must always put families such as these first. I will be taking our Family-First message to airmen and soldiers stationed at Shaw Air Force Base when I visit the 10th Fighter Wing and 3rd Army Headquarters tomorrow. Your State gets it when it comes to Family First.

We welcome the Governor's proposal to fully exempt all military and first responder pensions from state taxes. This can be needed assistance to a surviving spouse, as well. Whether it's protecting military retirement benefits or providing free hunting and fishing licenses to veterans, you see veterans as model Americans - people who have earned a special status in your communities.

You know who else has earned a special status? Those who went "Over There!" - the World War I heroes, who 100 years ago liberated a continent and fought what they believed and what the world had hoped would be the "War to End All Wars."

I am looking forward to visiting your magnificent World War I Memorial today at the USC Campus. My understanding is that like most of our World War I Memorials, it is showing its age and is in need of refurbishing. Any assistance that this great Body can provide to that effort would be most appreciated.

We, in the American Legion, understand the need to be prudent and responsible with revenues raised from taxpayers, but we also like to remind people that no other government programs would exist - indeed, our American way of life would be radically different - if not for the sacrifices of our veterans.

The American Legion was founded in Paris, France, by World War I veterans, just a few months after the armistice was signed that ended the war. The tradition and bonds that the American Legion shares with the doughboys - and yes, there were some women veterans back then as well - run deep.

The very first commander of Richland American Legion Post 6, right here in Columbia, was Wyndham Meredith Manning. Not only did he serve in your state's House of Representatives, but his father - Richard Irvine Manning III, was Governor of South Carolina during World War I.

Like a true Legionnaire, Wyndham continued to serve his community in many ways long after he took his uniform off. Sacrifice was common in the Manning family. The Governor's son and Wyndham's brother, Major Willliam Sinkler Manning, also served in World War I.

According to a New York Times report, Major William Manning led a charge up a German-held hill in the closing days of the war. The temptation to hold back at a time when rumors circulated that Germany already agreed to President Wilson's terms for surrender must have been very strong.

But "holding back" was not consistent with Major Manning's character. He advanced on that hill, which was heavily occupied with enemy machine gunners and snipers. He was shot through the head. When his fallen body was recovered, he was wearing a prominent black cape - certain to inspire bravery among his men. He was found with his pistol extended forward, toward a machine gun nest.

Ladies and gentlemen, that is valor. And that is the type of sacrifice that a select group of Americans have made since the Revolutionary War. It is why we remember them.   It is why the American Legion advocates for fallen heroes, surviving veterans and their families.

Last week, I testified before Congress. My message to our national lawmakers is one that I think would be of interest to veterans here in the Palmetto State. We often hear about the problems that exist within the VA Health System. "If it bleeds, it leads," is still the prevailing coverage policy at many newspapers and media outlets.

What is lost in all the negative coverage is that private sector health care systems don't have inspector generals and do not have to withstand nearly the same scrutiny as the VA. Our position about the Department of Veterans Affairs has always been clear.

We believe it is a system worth saving. Yes, it is far from perfect, but I challenge anyone to come up with a healthcare system that is. Moreover, I challenge anyone to come up with a system that delivers better healthcare than what we have with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This doesn't mean that we don't recognize the important role private providers play in veterans' healthcare. Some veterans, here in South Carolina, live in locations that are far from a VA facility. And others may be near an overcrowded clinic or hospital that hasn't done an adequate job of managing wait times.

Choice, when run efficiently, is an important component to overall VA healthcare - but that choice should not lead to a private system that would break a solemn promise that we as a Nation have made to those who have defended our freedom.

Whether it's treatment for PTSD or its research into state-of-the-art prosthetics, there are health care needs that are simply best provided by VA. Seventy percent of all U.S. doctors had some training in VA hospitals. VA Secretary Shulkin has promised to resist efforts to privatize his department and we fully support him in trying to stem back well-funded lobbying efforts to do just that.

More than 370,000 service members were medically diagnosed with traumatic brain injury between 2000 and 2017. An estimated 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have suffered from depression or PTSD. In 2014, the suicide rate for 18-24 year-old U.S. combat veterans was 10 times the national average. As of 2016, VA had identified approximately 175,000 hepatitis c patients within its system. These men and women deserve far more than a healthcare voucher and a 'thank you.' They deserve treatment in a system that was created specifically for them.

Our veterans put their lives on the line not for Blue Cross & Blue Shield - but for the Red, White & Blue. It is our Country that sends them to war and it is our Country that should tend their wounds. It is our Country that owes them a network of trained professional counselors - veterans in their peer group, who have gone through similar experiences - ready to tell them that life is always worth living. They have to respond any time and all of the time - 24/7.

The suicide rate among veterans is a national tragedy. I fear that it would be even higher if not for a strong VA system and advocates like the American Legion who make suicide prevention a priority.

I am confident that the people of this great State understand the need to "care for him - and her - who shall have borne the battle."

Now, if you would allow me for one moment to call to the dais two members of this distinguished Body who have proven that they do care about those who have served. They have been designated by the American Legion Department of South Carolina as the Outstanding Members of the Legislature for 2018. They are true friends of veterans and the American Legion.

Senator Ken Williams and Representative Michael Pitts would you please join me?

We appreciate all that you do on behalf of veterans.

Thank you so much, South Carolina Legislature.

God Bless you and God Bless America.

JOINT ASSEMBLY RECEDES

The purposes of the Joint Assembly having been accomplished, the PRESIDENT announced that under the terms of the Concurrent Resolution the Joint Assembly would recede from business.
The Senate accordingly retired to its Chamber.

THE HOUSE RESUMES

At 1:00 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.

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

ADJOURNMENT

At 1:12 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. HENDERSON-MYERS, adjourned in memory of Dr. Tyrone Gilmore, Sr., of Spartanburg, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

***

This web page was last updated on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 4:20 P.M.