South Carolina General Assembly
113th Session, 1999-2000

Bill 3696


                    Current Status

Bill Number:                      3696
Ratification Number:              200
Act Number:                       100
Type of Legislation:              General Bill GB
Introducing Body:                 House
Introduced Date:                  19990309
Primary Sponsor:                  Ways and Means Committee HWM 30
All Sponsors:                     Ways and Means Committee
Date Bill Passed both Bodies:     19990623
Date of Last Amendment:           19990623
Governor's Action:                S
Date of Governor's Action:        19990630
Subject:                          Appropriations Bill, 1999-2000; Acts 
                                  Cited By Popular Name


                        History

Body    Date      Action Description                     Com     Leg Involved
______  ________  ______________________________________ _______ ____________
Senate  20000113  Governor's Vetoes:
                  Overridden 12, 17
                  Sustained 8
House   20000112  Governor's Vetoes:
                  Overridden 8, 12, 17 
                  Sustained 1-7, 9-11, 13-16, 18, 19
------  19990721  Act No. A100
------  19990630  Signed by Governor
------  19990630  Line items vetoed by the Governor
------  19990624  Ratified R200
Senate  19990623  Ordered enrolled for ratification
House   19990623  Free Conference Committee Report       99 HFCC
                  adopted
House   19990623  Free Conference Powers granted,        99 HFCC H. Brown
                  appointed Reps. to Committee of                Harrell
                  Free Conference                                Allison
House   19990623  Free Conference Powers rejected
House   19990622  Free Conference Powers Rejected
Senate  19990622  Free Conference Committee Report       89 SFCC
                  adopted
Senate  19990622  Free Conference Powers granted,        89 SFCC McConnell
                  appointed Senators to Committee of             Setzler
                  Free Conference                                Drummond
Senate  19990622  Reconsidered vote whereby
                  the Conference Committee Report
                  was adopted
Senate  19990603  Conference Committee Report adopted    88 SCC
Senate  19990512  Conference powers granted,             88 SCC  Drummond
                  appointed Senators to Committee                McConnell
                  of Conference                                  Setzler
House   19990511  Conference powers granted,             98 HCC  Allison
                  appointed Reps. to Committee of                H. Brown
                  Conference                                     Harrell
House   19990511  Insists upon amendment
Senate  19990506  Non-concurrence in House amendment
House   19990505  Senate amendments amended,
                  returned to Senate with amendment
House   19990429  Debate interrupted by adjournment
House   19990429  Senate amendments amended
House   19990429  Debate adjourned on Senate
                  amendments 
Senate  19990422  Amended, read third time, 
                  returned to House with amendment
Senate  19990421  Amended, debate interrupted
                  by adjournment
Senate  19990420  Read second time, ordered to
                  third reading with notice of
                  general amendments, carrying
                  over all amendments to third
                  reading
Senate  19990420  Committee amendment adopted
Senate  19990415  Committee report: Favorable with       06 SF
                  amendment
Senate  19990324  Introduced, read first time,           06 SF
                  referred to Committee
House   19990323  Amended, read third time, 
                  sent to Senate
House   19990318  Amended, read second time
House   19990317  Amended, debate interrupted
                  by adjournment
House   19990316  Amended, debate interrupted
                  by adjournment
House   19990315  Amended, debate interrupted
                  by adjournment
House   19990310  Made Special Order
House   19990309  Introduced, read first time


              Printed Versions of This Bill

View additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.


(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

No. 100

(R200, H3696)

AN ACT TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING, JULY 1, 1999 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THE FISCAL YEAR; TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS ALLOTTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1976 (FEDERAL); TO PROVIDE CODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CODE COMMISSIONER FOR THE PERMANENT LAW PROVISIONS IN THIS ACT AND TO MAKE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT SEVERABLE IF ANY PORTIONS OF THE ACT ARE FOUND UNCONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHERWISE INVALID; TO AMEND CHAPTER 24, TITLE 59, CODE OF LAW OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, BY ADDING SECTION 59-24-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRINCIPALS' EXECUTIVE INSTITUTE; TO AMEND SECTION 59-39-105, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE STAR DIPLOMA AND SCHOLARSHIP, SO AS TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DIPLOMA TO THE "SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY OR ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS"; TO AMEND SECTION 59-39-190, RELATING TO THE STAR SCHOLARSHIP, SO AS TO DELETE THE SCHOLARSHIP AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS FOR THE SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY OR ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS DIPLOMA; TO REPEAL SECTION 59-39-180 RELATING TO THE STAR SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-500, RELATING TO ACADEMIC PLANS FOR UNDERPERFORMING STUDENTS, SO AS TO PERMIT SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO REQUIRE AN UNDERPERFORMING STUDENT TO ATTEND SUMMER SCHOOL OR PARTICIPATE IN A COMPREHENSIVE REMEDIATION PROGRAM THE FOLLOWING YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 12-23-810, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL TAX ON LICENSED HOSPITALS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE ANNUAL REVENUES OF THE TAX FROM TWENTY-ONE AND ONE-HALF TO TWENTY-NINE AND ONE-HALF MILLION DOLLARS; BY ADDING CHAPTER 40 TO TITLE 48 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA BEACH RESTORATION AND IMPROVEMENT TRUST ACT" SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A TRUST FUND FOR PUBLIC BEACH RESTORATION AND MAINTENANCE, IMPROVEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT OF PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS, AND EMERGENCY SUPPORT FOLLOWING SEVERE STORM DAMAGE TO THE BEACH AND DUNES SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUND'S CAPITALIZATION IN FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000 BY APPROPRIATION FROM THE GENERAL TAX REVENUES IN AN AMOUNT CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND AN ANNUAL APPROPRIATION OF AN APPROPRIATE AMOUNT AFTER THAT, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS ADMINISTRATION BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, AND TO REQUIRE COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION AND EVALUATION OF DATA CONCERNING EROSION RATES AND HAZARD AREAS OF PUBLIC BEACHES TO BE USED FOR FUNDING PROJECTS FROM THE TRUST FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 12-33-245, RELATING TO THE TWENTY-FIVE CENT EXCISE TAX ON MINIBOTTLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ELEVEN PERCENT OF THE REVENUES OF THIS TAX MUST BE CREDITED TO A FUND SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FROM THE STATE GENERAL FUND, ALLOCATED TO COUNTIES ON A PER CAPITA BASIS, AND USED IN COMBINATION WITH MONIES FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES PERTAINING TO THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND FOR THE REHABILITATION OF ALCOHOLICS AND DRUG ADDICTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 61-12-10, 61-12-20, AND 61-12-70, RELATING TO DISBURSEMENT OF MONIES FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND TO COUNTIES FOR PROGRAMS FOR ALCOHOLICS, DRUG ABUSERS, AND DRUG ADDICTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MONIES GENERATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-33-245 ABOVE INTO THIS PROGRAM AND ITS DISBURSEMENT PROCEDURES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-1330, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN APPLICANT FOR A PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE MUST COMPLETE AN ALCOHOL TRAFFIC SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISIONS WHICH REQUIRE AN ASSESSMENT OF A PERSON ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM AND THE COMPLETION OF A TREATMENT PROGRAM, AND DELETE THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE ASSESSMENT OF COSTS RELATED TO THE PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2990, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF THE DRIVER'S LICENSE OF A PERSON CONVICTED OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR ANY OTHER DRUG, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG ACTION PROGRAM SHALL DETERMINE IF A PERSON WHOSE DRIVER'S LICENSE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED AND IS ENROLLED IN ONE OF ITS ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PROGRAMS HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ITS SERVICES, TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH SERVICES FOR AN APPLICANT ARE DETERMINED, TO REVISE THE SCHEDULE OF FEES THAT A PERSON ENROLLED IN AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM IS ASSESSED, TO CAP THE FEES FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF SERVICES, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO IS UNABLE TO PAY FOR CERTAIN SERVICES MUST PERFORM COMMUNITY SERVICE AND MAY NOT BE DENIED SERVICES, TO PROVIDE THAT INABILITY TO PAY MAY NOT BE USED AS A FACTOR IN DETERMINING SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM, TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE SERVICES TO REPORT TO THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE THE NUMBER OF FIRST AND MULTIPLE OFFENDERS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM, TO REVISE THE PERIOD IN WHICH A PERSON MUST COMPLETE THE SERVICES DIRECTED BY THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM BEFORE A HEARING ON THE PERSON'S STATUS MUST BE HELD, AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROVIDES THAT THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF EDUCATION, TREATMENT SERVICES, OR BOTH, FOR PURPOSES OF RECEIVING A PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED IN LIEU OF SERVICES RECEIVED FROM AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2951, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SUSPENSION OF PRIVILEGES TO DRIVE A MOTOR VEHICLE IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT A PERSON BE ENROLLED IN OR HAVE COMPLETED AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG SAFETY PROGRAM BEFORE DRIVING PRIVILEGES CAN BE RESTORED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE SUSPENSION PERIOD, TO PROVIDE FOR RESTORATION OF A PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE, PERMIT, OR NONRESIDENT OPERATING PRIVILEGE WHEN THE PERSON'S PERIOD OF SUSPENSION HAS CONCLUDED EVEN IF HE HAS NOT COMPLETED THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG SAFETY PROGRAM, TO REQUIRE COMPLETION OF THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG SAFETY PROGRAM, AND TO REQUIRE SUSPENSION OF THE PERSON'S LICENSES UPON WITHDRAWAL FROM THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG SAFETY PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-510, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE FEE FOR A COMBINATION HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE FOR RESIDENTS FROM SEVENTEEN DOLLARS TO TWENTY DOLLARS AND TO INCREASE FROM ONE DOLLAR TO TWO DOLLARS THE AMOUNT THAT THE ISSUING AGENT MAY RETAIN AND TO INCREASE THE NONRESIDENTIAL HUNTING LICENSE FEE FROM SEVENTY-FIVE TO ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-510, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LICENSES AUTHORIZED FOR SALE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE FEE FOR A SPORTSMAN LICENSE FROM FORTY-FOUR TO FIFTY DOLLARS, AND TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT THAT MAY BE RETAINED BY THE ISSUING AGENT FROM ONE TO TWO DOLLARS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-510, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING LICENSES, SO AS TO RAISE THE LICENSE FEE FOR A BIG GAME PERMIT FROM EIGHTY DOLLARS TO EIGHTY-NINE DOLLARS WITH TWO DOLLARS RATHER THAN ONE DOLLAR TO BE RETAINED BY THE ISSUING AGENT; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-920, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEPOSIT OF REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF LIFETIME LICENSES IN THE STATE TREASURY, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXCEPTION FOR REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF LICENSES AND PERMITS PURSUANT TO THE MARINE RESOURCES LAWS; TO AMEND SECTION 51-17-115, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE HERITAGE LAND TRUST FUND, SO AS TO DELETE LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT OF MANAGEMENT EXPENDITURES THAT MAY BE MADE FROM THE FUND IN ANY FISCAL YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 17-3-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE AFFIDAVIT OF INABILITY TO EMPLOY COUNSEL AND THE WAIVER OR REDUCTION OF THE APPLICATION FEE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE TRIAL JUDGE SHALL ORDER THE REMAINDER OF THE FEE PAID DURING PROBATION, IF PROBATION IS GRANTED, AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER THAT THE CLERK OF COURT OR OTHER APPROPRIATE OFFICIAL SHALL MAINTAIN A RECORD OF ALL PERSONS APPLYING FOR REPRESENTATION AS AN INDIGENT AND PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS COLLECTED OR WAIVED TO THE OFFICE OF INDIGENT DEFENSE ON A MONTHLY BASIS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-216, RELATING TO THE COLLECTION OF CONCEALABLE WEAPON FEES BY THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION SHALL COLLECT, RETAIN, AND CARRY FORWARD ALL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONCEALABLE WEAPON PERMIT PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 41-27-410, RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY ADMINISTRATIVE CONTINGENCY ASSESSMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CONTRIBUTION RATE MEANS THE CONTRIBUTION BASE RATE; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-10, RELATING TO THE GENERAL RATE OF CONTRIBUTION FOR EMPLOYMENT SECURITY PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2000 AND THEREAFTER, EMPLOYERS SUBJECT TO THE PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS ARE SUBJECT ALSO TO AN ADJUSTMENT OVER AND ABOVE THEIR BASE RATE, IF SO REQUIRED BY SECTION 41-31-80; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-40, RELATING TO RATE COMPUTATION PERIODS AND THE MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION FOR THE FIRST TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS FOR EMPLOYMENT SECURITY PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RATE MEANS BASE RATE; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-50, RELATING TO THE DETERMINATION OF RATES AND VOLUNTARY PAYMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT SECURITY PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RATE MEANS BASE RATE, PROVIDE FOR THE SCHEDULE OF DETERMINED RATES FOR CALENDAR YEARS COMMENCING WITH THE YEAR 2000, AND PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-60, RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, THE APPLICABLE RATE WHERE A DELINQUENT REPORT IS RECEIVED, AND THE PROVISION THAT THERE SHALL BE NO REDUCTION PERMITTED IN THE RATE WHEN EXECUTION FOR THE UNPAID TAX IS OUTSTANDING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RATE MEANS BASE RATE; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-80, RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AND THE STATEWIDE RESERVE RATIO, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, FOR THE BASE RATE COMPUTATIONS MADE FOR YEARS PRIOR TO CALENDAR YEAR 2000, WHEN THE STATEWIDE RESERVE RATIO COMPUTED DURING ANY CALENDAR YEAR EQUALS OR EXCEEDS THREE AND ONE-HALF PERCENT, CONTRIBUTION RATES APPLICABLE TO THE ENSUING CALENDAR YEAR ARE COMPUTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 41-31-40 AND 41-31-50, AND PROVIDE THAT, FOR THE BASE RATE COMPUTATIONS MADE FOR YEARS COMMENCING WITH CALENDAR YEAR 2000, WHEN THE STATEWIDE RESERVE RATIO COMPUTED DURING ANY CALENDAR YEAR IS LESS THAN TWO PERCENT, ALL CONTRIBUTION BASE RATES AS COMPUTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 41-31-40 AND 41-31-50 ARE ADJUSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVIDED SCHEDULE; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-110, RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AND THE COMPUTATION OF RATES APPLICABLE TO SUCCESSORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RATE MEANS BASE RATE; TO AMEND SECTION 41-31-670, RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, FINANCING BENEFITS PAID TO EMPLOYEES OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS THAT MADE REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1969, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EMPLOYER'S RATE MEANS EMPLOYER'S BASE RATE; TO AMEND SECTION 4-12-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAXES, SO AS TO REDUCE FROM FIVE MILLION DOLLARS TO ONE MILLION DOLLARS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE FEE IN A COUNTY WITH AVERAGE UNEMPLOYMENT OF AT LEAST TWICE THE STATE AVERAGE DURING THE LAST TWO CALENDAR YEARS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-44-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT, SO AS TO REDUCE FROM FIVE MILLION DOLLARS TO ONE MILLION DOLLARS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT THRESHOLD FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE FEE IN A COUNTY WITH AVERAGE UNEMPLOYMENT OF AT LEAST TWICE THE STATE AVERAGE DURING THE LAST TWO CALENDAR YEARS; BY ADDING SECTION 11-43-255 SO AS TO PROVIDE SIXTEEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS OF GENERAL FUND REVENUES ON JULY 1, 2000, AND EACH JULY 1 THEREAFTER, TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK IF THE BANK HAS SUBMITTED ALL ITS PROCEDURES, OPERATING STANDARDS, AND GUIDELINES IN THE FORM OF REGULATIONS FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY REVIEW AND APPROVAL UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT, TO PROVIDE THAT EMERGENCY REGULATIONS MAY NOT BE USED TO CIRCUMVENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE REGULATIONS PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION HAVE NOT TAKEN EFFECT BEFORE JULY 1, 2000, THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION SHALL HAVE NO FORCE OR EFFECT; TO AMEND SECTION 11-43-130, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK ACT, SO AS TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF "ELIGIBLE PROJECT" TO MASS TRANSIT, INCLUDING MONORAIL AND MONOBEAM TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-43-140, RELATING TO THE BANK'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE TO GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS OF DIRECTORS; TO AMEND SECTION 11-43-150, RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE BANK, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT APPLY TO THE BANK; TO AMEND SECTION 11-43-160, RELATING TO SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK, SO AS TO REVISE THE CONTRIBUTION TO THE BANK BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FROM A MAXIMUM ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION OF THREE PERCENT OF FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE HIGHWAYS TO AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE REVENUE PRODUCED BY ONE CENT A GALLON OF THE TAX ON GASOLINE AND TO DELETE SPECIFIC PURPOSES FOR THE USE OF THE CONTRIBUTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1140, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TAXABLE INCOME OF INDIVIDUALS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX ACT, SO AS TO ALLOW A THREE HUNDRED DOLLAR DEDUCTION FOR TAXABLE YEAR 1999 AND A THREE THOUSAND DOLLAR DEDUCTION FOR TAXABLE YEAR 2000 FOR QUALIFYING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND RESCUE SQUAD MEMBERS; TO PROVIDE THE METHOD OF CALCULATING THE MAXIMUM DEDUCTION AMOUNT FOR TAXABLE YEARS AFTER 2000; BY ADDING SECTION 23-9-190 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A PERFORMANCE-BASED POINT SYSTEM FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND RESCUE SQUAD MEMBERS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL USED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE TAX DEDUCTION ALLOWED BY THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-10-35, RELATING TO THE INCOME TAX MORATORIUM APPLICABLE IN CERTAIN COUNTIES FOR A QUALIFYING BUSINESS, SO AS TO ADD A COUNTY WHICH IS ONE OF THE THREE LOWEST PER CAPITA INCOME COUNTIES BASED ON THE AVERAGE OF SUCH INCOME IN THE THREE MOST RECENT YEARS TO THOSE COUNTIES IN WHICH A QUALIFYING BUSINESS IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE MORATORIUM; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 8, RELATING TO STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, BY ADDING SECTION 8-11-186 SO AS TO REQUIRE A STATE AGENCY TO REPORT AN INTERIM NEW FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT POSITION TO THE APPROPRIATE SENATE FINANCE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WAYS AND MEANS SUBCOMMITTEES; TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 8, RELATING TO STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, BY ADDING SECTION 8-11-187 SO AS TO REQUIRE A STATE AGENCY TO REPORT A FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT POSITION TRANSFERRED TO OR RECEIVED FROM ANOTHER STATE AGENCY TO THE APPROPRIATE SENATE FINANCE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WAYS AND MEANS SUBCOMMITTEES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-1-1790 AND 9-11-90, BOTH AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT WHICH MAY BE EARNED WITHOUT AFFECTING RETIREMENT BENEFITS BY RETIREES UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM WHO RETURN TO COVERED EMPLOYMENT, SO AS TO PERMANENTLY INCREASE THE MAXIMUM TO TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN A FISCAL YEAR, TO REQUIRE AN EMPLOYER TO REIMBURSE THE SYSTEM FOR BENEFITS WRONGLY PAID TO A RETIREE IF THE EMPLOYER DID NOT NOTIFY THE SYSTEM ON HIRING A RETIREE, TO REQUIRE THE EMPLOYER TO PAY THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS ON AMOUNTS PAID TO RETIREES, AND TO DEDUCT UNPAID CONTRIBUTIONS FROM STATE PAYMENTS OTHERWISE DUE THE EMPLOYER IF THE EMPLOYER FAILS TO MAKE THE REQUIRED CONTRIBUTION; TO REPEAL SECTION 9-1-1600 RELATING TO A LIMITED EXEMPTION FROM THE EARNINGS LIMITATION BY A TEACHER OR OTHER EMPLOYEE ESPECIALLY SKILLED IN SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-1170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT INCOME DEDUCTION AND THE TAXABLE INCOME DEDUCTION ALLOWED INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE ATTAINED AGE SIXTY-FIVE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE TAXABLE INCOME DEDUCTION ALLOWED INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE ATTAINED AGE SIXTY-FIVE FROM ELEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-36-90, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES" FOR PURPOSES OF THE STATE SALES AND USE TAX, SO AS TO EXEMPT FROM THAT DEFINITION THE SALES PRICE ON SALES WHICH ARE UNCOLLECTIBLE, TO PROVIDE FOR CREDIT FOR TAXES PAID ON UNCOLLECTIBLE AMOUNTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR LATER PAYMENT OF TAXES ON AMOUNTS SUBSEQUENTLY COLLECTED; TO AMEND SECTION 43-5-1135, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE GOAL TO RECRUIT AND HIRE INTO PUBLIC SECTOR JOBS COVERED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM PERSONS RECEIVING FAMILY INDEPENDENCE OR FOOD STAMP ASSISTANCE, SO AS TO REQUIRE AGENCIES TO REPORT THESE HIRES TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES RATHER THAN TO THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD; BY ADDING SECTION 8-19-15 SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL GRANT-IN-AID STATE AGENCIES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW TO OPERATE UNDER MERIT PRINCIPLES IN PERSONNEL POLICIES AS A CONDITION OF RECEIVING FEDERAL GRANTS TO ESTABLISH THOSE MERIT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL MERIT PRINCIPLES REQUIREMENTS, TO REPEAL SECTIONS 8-19-10, 8-19-20, 8-19-30, 8-19-40, 8-19-50, 8-19-55, AND 8-19-60, ALL OBSOLETE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE "SINGLE COOPERATIVE INTERAGENCY MERIT SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION" ESTABLISHED FOR GRANT-AIDED AGENCIES IN THE STATE; BY ADDING SECTION 8-11-197 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EMPLOYER-PAID REIMBURSEMENTS OF MILEAGE EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE COURSE OF OFFICIAL BUSINESS BY STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES MUST BE AT A PER MILE RATE THAT IS EQUAL TO THE STANDARD BUSINESS MILEAGE RATE ESTABLISHED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AS THAT RATE IS PERIODICALLY ADJUSTED; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-2070, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST AND EXCEPTIONS TO THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE DRIVING OF A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE WITHOUT A VALID COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE, SO AS TO REVISE THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH CERTAIN MILITARY PERSONNEL MAY OPERATE A GOVERNMENT-OWNED MOTOR VEHICLE WITHOUT A COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN MILITARY PERSONNEL MAY OPERATE A STATE-OWNED MOTOR VEHICLE WITHOUT A COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 59-67-510, RELATING TO THE USE OF SCHOOL BUS EQUIPMENT FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF INDIVIDUALS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SCHOOL BUS EQUIPMENT MAY BE USED FOR TRANSPORTATION IN CONNECTION WITH OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA ADJUTANT GENERAL AND THE RESERVE COMPONENTS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND PROVIDE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE BUSES USE; BY ADDING SECTION 1-11-115 SO AS TO REQUIRE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY TITLED TO OR UNDER THE CARE AND CONTROL OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO BE DEPOSITED TO THE CREDIT OF THE SINKING FUND AND USED BY THE BOARD TO ACQUIRE AND MAINTAIN FACILITIES OWNED BY IT FOR THE USE AND OCCUPANCY OF STATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES; TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-720, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ENTITIES ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE PLAN, SO AS TO MAKE ELIGIBLE LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS COMMITTEES AND THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR THESE BENEFITS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-5-135 SO AS TO ESTABLISH WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION THE GOVERNOR'S INSTITUTE OF READING AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUNCTIONS OF THE INSTITUTE AND ITS FUNDING; BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-175 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION VEHICLE THEFT UNIT MAY CONDUCT INSPECTIONS OF A JUNKYARD, SCRAP METAL PROCESSING FACILITY, SALVAGE YARD, AND OTHER FACILITIES THAT RELATE TO MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE PRESENCE OF A FACILITY'S EMPLOYEE OR OWNER FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOCATING A STOLEN VEHICLE OR TO INVESTIGATE THE TITLING OR REGISTRATION OF WRECKED OR DISMANTLED VEHICLES; TO AMEND SECTION 50-9-510, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HUNTING LICENSES AUTHORIZED FOR SALE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A NONRESIDENT TEMPORARY PERMIT, IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIRED HUNTER'S LICENSE FOR HUNTING BIG GAME FOR A CONSECUTIVE TEN-DAY PERIOD, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE ISSUING AGENT RETAIN ONE DOLLAR OF THE TWENTY-FIVE DOLLAR FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-251, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUND, SO AS TO REVISE HOW SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE REIMBURSED FROM THE TRUST FUND FOR TAX RELIEF, INCLUDING A PROVISION FOR REIMBURSEMENT ON A PER CAPITA BASIS, AND THE MEANS OF ALLOCATING REIMBURSEMENT WHEN AMOUNTS AVAILABLE ARE INSUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE A FULL PER CAPITA REIMBURSEMENT; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH DISTRICTS MUST USE THESE FUNDS RECEIVED; TO REQUIRE THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL FROM FUNDS APPROPRIATED IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR THE OPERATION OF HIS OFFICE TO CALCULATE DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THIS FORMULA, TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE AMOUNT REIMBURSED TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT IS INSUFFICIENT TO REIMBURSE FULLY FOR THE BASE YEAR OPERATING MILLAGE, THE SCHOOL BOARD SHALL CALCULATE A SCHOOL OPERATING MILLAGE SUFFICIENT TO MAKE UP THE SHORTFALL; AND TO PROVIDE THAT NO DISTRICT SHALL RECEIVE LESS THAN IT RECEIVED DURING THE 1998-99 FISCAL YEAR; TO AMEND SECTION 9-1-1515, RELATING TO EARLY RETIREMENT UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE SPECIAL BENEFIT REDUCTION FACTOR APPLIED TO THE BENEFITS PAID AN EARLY RETIREE WHEN THE MEMBER, BEFORE RETIRING, MAKES A LUMP SUM PAYMENT TO THE SYSTEM IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO TWENTY PERCENT OF THE MEMBER'S EARNABLE COMPENSATION FOR EACH YEAR OF CREDITABLE SERVICE LESS THAN THIRTY OR THE AVERAGE OF THE MEMBER'S TWELVE HIGHEST CONSECUTIVE FISCAL QUARTERS OF COMPENSATION AT THE TIME OF PAYMENT, WHICHEVER IS LARGER, AND TO REQUIRE THE MEMBER TO RETIRE NOT MORE THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE PAYMENT; TO AMEND CHAPTER 4, TITLE 30, RELATING TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, BY ADDING SECTION 30-4-160 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OR OTHER RELEASE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD PHOTOGRAPHS OR SIGNATURES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-545 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY FROM SELLING OR OTHERWISE FURNISHING SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS, PHOTOGRAPHS, OR SIGNATURES FROM ITS RECORDS TO A PRIVATE PARTY; BY ADDING SECTION 23-1-225 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UPON RETIREMENT, STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MAY RETAIN THEIR COMMISSIONS IN RETIRED STATUS WITH THE RIGHT TO RETAIN THEIR SERVICE WEAPONS ISSUED WHILE SERVING IN ACTIVE DUTY STATUS; TO AMEND SECTION 22-3-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CIVIL JURISDICTION IN MAGISTRATES' COURTS, SO AS TO RAISE THE JURISDICTIONAL AMOUNT FROM FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-2320, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ALLOCATION AND APPORTIONMENT OF A TAXPAYER'S INCOME AND THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS WITH TAXPAYERS ESTABLISHING SUCH ALLOCATION AND APPORTIONMENT, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE CONDITIONS FOR THE AGREEMENTS AND TO ALLOW AGREEMENTS UP TO TEN YEARS IN DURATION UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO CORRECT A CODE REFERENCE, TO RELOCATE LANGUAGE STIPULATING THAT LIBRARY, CHURCH, AND CHARITABLE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS DO NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE PROPERTY ACTUALLY OCCUPIED BY THE OWNERS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF ACCRUED PROPERTY TAXES ON REAL PROPERTY TRANSFERRED TO A CHURCH IF THAT PROPERTY IS EXEMPT WHEN OWNED BY THE CHURCH, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROPERTY'S EXEMPTION IMMEDIATELY UPON TRANSFER TO THE CHURCH, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CESSATION OF TRANSFEROR LIABILITY FOR THE TAX WHEN THE TRANSFER OCCURS, TO PROVIDE THE METHOD OF DETERMINING MILLAGE AND THE DUE DATE FOR THE ACCRUED TAXES, TO PROVIDE A LIEN FOR THE COLLECTION OF THE ACCRUED TAX, AND TO MAKE THESE PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO THE TAXATION OF PROPERTY TRANSFERRED TO A CHURCH RETROACTIVE TO PROPERTY TAX YEARS BEGINNING AFTER 1997; TO AMEND SECTION 10-1-179, RELATING TO THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONUMENT COMMISSION, SO AS TO EXTEND THE DURATION OF THE COMMISSION AND ITS FINAL ACTIVITIES UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2001; BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-2675 SO AS TO DEFINE "MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER" AND TO PROVIDE THAT A MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER MAY OBTAIN AND ISSUE TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES IN THE SAME MANNER AS A MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-2600, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF AND FEE FOR A SET OF TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES AND REGISTRATION CARDS, SO AS TO REVISE THE FEE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-2660, RELATING TO THE PERIOD OF TIME THAT TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES AND REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES ARE VALID, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PERIOD OF VALIDITY IS THIRTY DAYS FOR VEHICLES WHICH ARE TO BE PERMANENTLY LICENSED IN A FOREIGN JURISDICTION; TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-170, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE HAZARDOUS WASTE CONTINGENCY FUND AND THE IMPOSITION OF CERTAIN HAZARDOUS WASTE FEES, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUNDS GENERATED FROM THIS FEE ARE USED, TO DEFINE THE PHRASE "ECONOMICALLY DEPRESSED AREA OF THAT COUNTY", AND TO REPEAL CERTAIN HAZARDOUS WASTE FEES EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2002, UNLESS REENACTED BY SUBSEQUENT ACT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; TO AMEND SECTION 50-21-160, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF FEES AND FINES COLLECTED IN CONNECTION WITH REGISTRATION OF BOATS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT REVENUES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEE INCREASES BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999, MUST BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 50-21-340, 50-21-370, AND 50-21-380, ALL AS AMENDED AND ALL RELATING TO REGISTRATION FEES FOR BOATS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION FEES FROM TEN DOLLARS TO THIRTY DOLLARS AND THE TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION FEE FROM THREE TO SIX DOLLARS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-23-70, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A CERTIFICATE OF TITLE FOR A BOAT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE APPLICATION FEE FROM THREE DOLLARS TO TEN DOLLARS AND THE FEE FOR A TITLE DUPLICATE FROM ONE DOLLAR TO FIVE DOLLARS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-23-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF FEES COLLECTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE TITLING OF BOATS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT REVENUES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEE INCREASES BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999, MUST BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR ITS LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 50-21-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE EQUIPMENT AND OPERATION OF WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO DEFINE 'DEALER PERMIT' AND 'DEMONSTRATION NUMBERS'; BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-35 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF THE USE OF DEALER DEMONSTRATION NUMBERS; TO REPEAL SECTION 51-1-75 RELATING TO THE ALLOCATION OF A PORTION OF THE ADMISSIONS TAX TO THE DEPARTMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-2830, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DETERMINATION OF VALUE OF A MOTOR CARRIER'S VEHICLES FOR PROPERTY TAX PURPOSES, SO AS TO DELETE THE WORD "ENTIRE" IN DESCRIBING THE CARRIER'S FLEET; TO AMEND SECTION 58-15-2110, RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF GRADE CROSSINGS BY RAILROADS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION, MODIFICATION, OR RELOCATION OF RAIL-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSINGS WHEN SUCH RELOCATION PROJECTS ARE INITIATED BY RAILROADS, AND WHEN SUCH RELOCATION PROJECTS ARE INITIATED BY A PUBLIC AUTHORITY; TO AMEND SECTION 58-15-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MAKING SPECIFICATIONS AND ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS CONCERNING GRADE CROSSINGS OF STATE HIGHWAYS, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE OPERATOR OR A RAILROAD CONSTRUCTING AND MAINTAINING RAILROAD CROSSINGS TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DO SO AT ITS OWN EXPENSE; BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-223 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A COUNTY GOVERNING BODY BY ORDINANCE TO LIMIT THE INCREASE IN REAL PROPERTY VALUE TO FIFTEEN PERCENT AS THE RESULT OF A COUNTYWIDE REASSESSMENT AND EQUALIZATION PROGRAM AND TO SPECIFY THE APPLICATION OF THIS PROVISION, PROVIDE CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS AND AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY TO MAKE THE ORDINANCE APPLY RETROACTIVELY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-217, RELATING TO THE SCHEDULE OF APPRAISAL AND EQUALIZATION OF THE VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED VALUES RESULTING FROM THE EQUALIZATION PROGRAM FOR PURPOSES OF PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO ALLOW A COUNTY BY ORDINANCE TO POSTPONE IMPLEMENTATION FOR NOT MORE THAN ONE PROPERTY TAX YEAR AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS POSTPONEMENT DOES NOT ALTER THE SCHEDULE OF APPRAISAL AND EQUALIZATION; BY ADDING SECTION 15-1-330 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY IS NOT LIABLE FOR A LOSS ARISING FROM THE FAILURE OF A COMPUTER, SOFTWARE PROGRAM, DATABASE, NETWORK, INFORMATION SYSTEM, FIRMWARE, OR ANY OTHER DEVICE, WHETHER OPERATED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY, TO INTERPRET, PRODUCE, CALCULATE, GENERATE, OR ACCOUNT FOR A DATE WHICH IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE "YEAR 2000" DATE CHANGE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS IMMUNITY DOES NOT APPLY TO A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY WHICH PROGRAMMED AND OPERATED THE DEVICE ITSELF IN A WILFUL, WANTON, RECKLESS, OR GROSSLY NEGLIGENT MANNER THEREBY CAUSING A YEAR 2000 COMPUTER FAILURE; TO AMEND ACT 419 OF 1998, RELATING TO THE ADDITION OF SECTION 52-7-37 TO THE 1976 CODE WHICH PROHIBITED THE IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND FEES ON THE GROSS RECEIPTS OF CERTAIN COMPETITIVE SPORTS EXHIBITIONS OR PERFORMANCES, SO AS TO EXTEND THE REPEAL DATE FROM JULY 30, 1999, TO JULY 30, 2000; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-25, RELATING TO ENTITIES ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE SOUTH CAROLINA FILM OFFICE; TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-80, RELATING TO ENTITIES ADMINISTERED AS A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM, SO AS TO DELETE THE FILM OFFICE OF THE STATE DEVELOPMENT BOARD; TO REPEAL ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 1, TITLE 51 RELATING TO THE FILM OFFICE AS A DIVISION OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3385, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR THE TUITION TAX CREDIT, SO AS TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS NECESSARY FOR THE TUITION TAX CREDIT FROM FIFTEEN CREDIT HOURS A SEMESTER TO THIRTY CREDIT HOURS A YEAR, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT OR HAS BEEN CONVICTED OR PLED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO AN ALCOHOL OR DRUG RELATED MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE IS INELIGIBLE ONLY FOR THE TAXABLE YEAR IN WHICH THE ADJUDICATION, CONVICTION, OR PLEA OCCURRED; TO AMEND SECTION 59-149-90, RELATING TO LIFE SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT OR HAS BEEN CONVICTED OR PLED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO AN ALCOHOL OR DRUG RELATED MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE IS INELIGIBLE ONLY FOR ONE CALENDAR YEAR AFTER THE ADJUDICATION, CONVICTION, OR PLEA OCCURRED; TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-1530, RELATING TO TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL SPECIALISTS AND THE SALARY SUPPLEMENTS RECEIVED BY THEM, SO AS TO DELETE LANGUAGE RELATING TO THE INCLUSION OF THE SUPPLEMENT IN THE COMPUTATION OF AVERAGE FINAL COMPENSATION FOR RETIREMENT PURPOSES; TO AMEND SECTION 8-11-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO STATE EMPLOYEE SICK LEAVE, SO AS TO EXPAND THE DEFINITION OF "IMMEDIATE FAMILY" TO INCLUDE THE BROTHER, SISTER, OR GRANDPARENT OF AN EMPLOYEE OR AN EMPLOYEE'S SPOUSE; TO AMEND SECTION 59-123-60, RELATING TO THE ORGANIZATION AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO MAKE CONTRACTS AND TO PURCHASE, SELL, OR LEASE REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR ITS AUTHORIZED PURPOSES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 9-1-1795 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE LIMITATION ON THE AMOUNT OF EARNINGS IN A FISCAL YEAR A RETIREE MAY RECEIVE FROM A COVERED EMPLOYER UNDER THE STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM WITHOUT LOSS OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS DOES NOT APPLY TO THE EARNINGS OF A RETIRED CERTIFIED TEACHER WHO IS EMPLOYED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT TO TEACH IN THE CLASSROOM IN HIS AREA OF CERTIFICATION IN A CRITICAL ACADEMIC OR GEOGRAPHIC NEED AREA AS DEFINED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE BY WHICH A RETIRED TEACHER MAY BE EMPLOYED; TO NAME THE BRIDGE TO BE BUILT REPLACING THE JOHN P. GRACE BRIDGE AND THE SILAS N. PEARMAN BRIDGE IN CHARLESTON COUNTY THE "ARTHUR RAVENEL, JR. BRIDGE", AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL ERECT SUCH SIGNS AS APPROPRIATE TO DESIGNATE AND NAME THE NEW BRIDGE OVER THE COOPER RIVER AS THE "ARTHUR RAVENEL, JR. BRIDGE"; TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 1, RELATING TO THE GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, BY ADDING SECTION 1-11-480 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO HIRE CONSULTANTS OR A MANAGEMENT FIRM TO ASSIST IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR STATE EMPLOYEES, TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO TRANSFER FUNDS FOR THIS PURPOSE, AND TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO ANNUALLY REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE PAYMENTS TO THE CONSULTANTS OR MANAGEMENT FIRM; TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-840, RELATING TO DELINQUENT MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING PENALTY FEES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTY FEES ASSOCIATED WITH DELINQUENT REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE RETENTION OF ADDITIONAL MONIES COLLECTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING A BUILDING FUND FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-720, RELATING TO ENTITIES ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS, SO AS TO EXTEND ELIGIBILITY TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION, THE PALMETTO STATE TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION, THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, THE SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION; TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX ACT, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE DATE WHEREBY THIS STATE ADOPTS VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CLASSIFICATION AND THE APPLICABLE ASSESSMENT RATIO OF PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF THE PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY RECEIVING THE FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO RETAINS THAT ASSESSMENT RATIO, THE RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION FROM SCHOOL OPERATING MILLAGE, AND THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, IF APPLICABLE, FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR IN WHICH THE OWNERSHIP OR USE OF SUCH PROPERTY CHANGES AND TO MAKE CONFORMING AMENDMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-4-320, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PERMISSIVE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE TAX COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PRESCRIPTION OF TEMPORARY RULES IN THE EVENT OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY WAR, TERRORISM, OR NATURAL DISASTER OR HAZARDOUS MILITARY DUTY; TO AMEND ARTICLE 25, CHAPTER 6, TITLE 12, RELATING TO STATE INCOME TAX CREDITS, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3520 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR COSTS INCURRED BY A TAXPAYER FOR HABITAT MANAGEMENT OR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS ON REAL PROPERTY DESIGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AS CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES; TO AMEND CHAPTER 15, TITLE 50, RELATING TO NONGAME AND ENDANGERED SPECIES, BY ADDING SECTION 50-15-55 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS ADDRESSING CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATING LAND AS CERTIFIED MANAGEMENT AREA FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES OR SPECIES IN NEED OF PROTECTION TO QUALIFY FOR THE CREDIT ALLOWED BY THIS SECTION AND ALLOW PERIODIC REVIEW OF THE POPULATIONS OF SPECIES AND CRITERIA FOR CERTIFIED MANAGEMENT AREAS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-139-11 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SCHOOL ACCREDITED BY THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS MAY SUBSTITUTE THE SACS PLAN FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ANNUAL UPDATES REQUIRED BY THE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE ACT AND EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, AND PROVIDE THAT THE REVIEW CYCLE OF A DISTRICT MAY BE ADJUSTED TO COINCIDE WITH THE SACS REVIEW CYCLE OF ITS SCHOOLS; BY ADDING SECTION 17-25-137 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COURT THAT IMPOSES AN ALTERNATIVE SENTENCE UPON A DEFENDANT IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INJURIES SUSTAINED BY THE DEFENDANT WHILE THE DEFENDANT COMPLETES HIS SENTENCE; BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-395 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REINSTATEMENT FEE FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE WHICH HAS BEEN SUSPENDED MUST BE REFUNDED UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHOSE LICENSE IS SUSPENDED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE TO PAY A FINE IMPOSED PURSUANT TO A TRAFFIC VIOLATION, AND WHO IS SUBSEQUENTLY ISSUED A CITATION FOR DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION IN THIS STATE, MUST NOT BE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IF THE SOLE BASIS FOR THE SUSPENSION IS THE FAILURE TO PAY THE FINE FOR THE TRAFFIC VIOLATION; TO AMEND SECTION 60-11-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY SOUTH CAROLINIANA SOCIETY SHALL SERVE AS A NON-EX OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION; TO AMEND SECTION 50-21-136, RELATING TO NO WAKE ZONES ON CERTAIN CREEKS AND COVES ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND ON THE NEW RIVER IN BEAUFORT COUNTY, SO AS TO CORRECT A DIRECTIONAL REFERENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-440, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CHARGE OF DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE WITHOUT A DRIVER'S LICENSE MUST BE DISMISSED UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-10-225, RELATING TO PROOF OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CHARGE OF FAILING TO MAINTAIN PROOF THAT A MOTOR VEHICLE IS INSURED MUST BE DISMISSED UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-365, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SURRENDER OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AT THE TIME A PERSON SURRENDERS A DRIVER'S LICENSE TO A CLERK OF COURT OR MAGISTRATE, HE ALSO MAY PAY THE FEE REQUIRED TO HAVE HIS DRIVER'S LICENSE REINSTATED; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-390, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE FEE FOR REINSTATEMENT OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REINSTATEMENT FEE MAY BE PAID TO THE CLERK OF COURT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 20-7-420, 20-7-1315, AS AMENDED, AND 20-7-1440, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO COLLECTION OF CHILD SUPPORT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A CENTRALIZED SYSTEM FOR THE COLLECTION OF WAGE WITHHOLDING; TO AMEND SECTIONS 20-1-220, AS AMENDED, 20-3-235, 20-7-853, 20-7-854, AND 20-7-949, 20-7-957, 44-7-77, 44-63-75, ALL AS AMENDED, AND 43-5-595 AND 43-5-596, RELATING TO THE USE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS IN CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF ALIEN IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS IN CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-941, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MEANINGS OF RELEVANT CHILD SUPPORT TERMS, SO AS TO DEFINE "DIRECTOR" AND TO REDEFINE "COMPLIANCE WITH AN ORDER OF SUPPORT" AND "LICENSING ENTITY" AND TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR "DIRECTOR"; TO AMEND SECTIONS 20-7-942 AND 20-7-945, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE LICENSE REVOCATION PROGRAM, SO AS TO DECREASE THE TIME FOR REVOCATION FROM NINETY DAYS TO FORTY-FIVE DAYS AND TO REQUIRE THE COURT TO FILE AN AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ARREARAGE PAYMENT SCHEDULE WHICH THEN HAS THE FORCE AND EFFECT OF LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF SUPPORT AND INCOME WITHHOLDING ORDERS, SO AS TO CREATE DISCRETION IN THE USE OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES; TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-1295, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE LIENS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LIENS CREATED UNDER THIS SECTION MAY BE MAINTAINED BY THE REGISTER OF DEEDS UNDER ESTABLISHED LOCAL PROCEDURES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF ALIEN IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS IN CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-5-585, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REPORTING ARREARAGES TO CONSUMER CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REPORTING WHEN AN ARREARAGE IS EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS; TO AMEND SECTION 43-5-598, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO NEW HIRE REPORTING, SO AS TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR EMPLOYERS; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE THE CENTRALIZED SYSTEM FOR THE COLLECTION OF WAGE WITHHOLDING FROM FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 16-11-700, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF DUMPING LITTER OR OTHER SOLID WASTE ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MONETARY FINE FOR DUMPING LITTER OR SOLID WASTE IN AN AMOUNT LESS THAN FIFTEEN POUNDS IN WEIGHT OR TWENTY-SEVEN CUBIC FEET IN VOLUME AND FOR THE DEPOSIT OF A COLLECTION OF LITTER OR GARBAGE IN AN AREA OR FACILITY NOT INTENDED FOR PUBLIC DEPOSIT OR GARBAGE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE FINE MUST BE DEPOSITED IN THE STATE'S GENERAL FUND AND USED BY THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR TO FUND A LITTER CONTROL CAMPAIGN; TO PROVIDE THAT IF A FAILURE OF A COMPUTER, SOFTWARE PROGRAM, OR OTHER RELATED COMPUTER DEVICE RESULTING FROM A "YEAR 2000" DATE CHANGE CAUSES A NOTICE OR BILLS, ISSUED BY THE STATE OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, TO BE MAILED OR FORWARDED LATE OR UNTIMELY PROVIDED TO A TAXPAYER, THE TAXPAYER MAY NOT BE PENALIZED OR ASSESSED ANY PENALTIES OR INTEREST FOR MAKING A LATE PAYMENT; BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-2735 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUND OF NOT MORE THAN NOR LESS THAN TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS FOR A FISCAL YEAR TO REDUCE AD VALOREM TAX ON PERSONAL MOTOR VEHICLES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE REVENUES OF THE FUND, AND TO REQUIRE THE AMOUNTS DISTRIBUTED TO BE USED TO REDUCE PROPERTY TAXES ON PERSONAL MOTOR VEHICLES; AND TO APPROPRIATE SURPLUS REVENUES FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT AND PROVIDE FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF THESE SURPLUS REVENUES.

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

Text of Appropriation Bill