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 86:7: "In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me."
Let us pray. O Lord, let Your power be my strength. Guide me this day as I continue to do my best in the assigned task for the people of this State. Bless me in all activities today. Give me rest for the week ahead. Bestow Your blessings on our Nation, President, State and her leaders. Protect our defenders of freedom and keep them safe. O Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

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

H. 4070 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 16, ARTICLE X OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO BENEFITS AND FUNDING OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS IN THIS STATE AND INVESTMENTS ALLOWED FOR FUNDS OF THE VARIOUS STATE-OPERATED RETIREMENT SYSTEMS, SO AS TO DELETE THE RESTRICTIONS LIMITING SUCH INVESTMENTS TO AMERICAN-BASED CORPORATIONS REGISTERED ON AN AMERICAN NATIONAL EXCHANGE AS PROVIDED IN THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR QUOTED THROUGH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS AUTOMATIC QUOTATION SYSTEM.

H. 3407 (Word version) -- Reps. J. M. Neal, Govan, McCraw, Phillips, Altman, Bales, Branham, Emory, Harrell, Huggins, Limehouse, Rhoad, Scarborough, G. R. Smith and Neilson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-111-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO TUITION FOR CHILDREN OF FIREMEN, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, AND GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES DISABLED OR KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, SO AS TO INCLUDE SPOUSES IN THE PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE TUITION EXEMPTION AND TO INCLUDE SUMMER SEMESTERS IN THE FOUR YEARS THE PERSONS MAY RECEIVE THE TUITION EXEMPTION; TO AMEND SECTION 59-111-160, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "TOTAL DISABILITY", SO AS TO INCLUDE SPOUSES IN THE APPLICATION OF THIS ARTICLE.

H. 3335 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse, Hagood, Merrill, Whipper, Altman, Breeland, R. Brown, Chellis, Harrell, Hinson, Mack, Scarborough, Umphlett, Ceips and Miller: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-676 SO AS TO DESIGNATE SWEET GRASS BASKET THE OFFICIAL STATE HANDCRAFT.

H. 4096 (Word version) -- Reps. Clemmons, Barfield, Edge, Hardwick, Hayes, Viers and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-320, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN HORRY COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS OF HORRY COUNTY AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD, AND TO CORRECT ARCHAIC REFERENCES.

H. 3554 (Word version) -- Rep. Huggins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-9-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO QUALIFYING AS A SELF-INSURER FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUED BY A BANK CHARTERED IN THIS STATE OR A MEMBER BANK OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM MAY BE SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN LIEU OF THE CASH DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO DETERMINE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF A POTENTIAL SELF-INSURER, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON OR COMPANY THAT QUALIFIES AS A SELF-INSURER MAY ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE FOR ALL PURPOSES ONLY ON THE VEHICLES LISTED IN THE APPLICANT'S NAME; AND TO AMEND SECTION 58-23-1240, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC TAXI PLATE WHICH MUST BE AFFIXED TO A TAXI, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PLATE MUST BE AFFIXED ONLY TO THE REAR OF A TAXI, TO PROVIDE THAT A STICKER MAY BE AFFIXED TO THE TAXI IN LIEU OF A METAL PLATE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CITY WHERE THE TAXI PRINCIPALLY OPERATES MUST APPROVE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE STICKER OR PLATE INSTEAD OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE COUNTY, TO REMOVE THE TERM "PUBLIC" AND THE TAXI LICENSE NUMBER FROM THE CONTENTS OF THE STICKER OR PLATE, TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE COLOR OF THE PLATE MUST BE CHANGED ANNUALLY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE OWNER OF A TAXI THAT QUALIFIES AS A SELF-INSURER MUST ISSUE TO EACH OPERATOR OF THE TAXI A CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE WHICH MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE TAXI WHILE IT IS IN OPERATION.

H. 3362 (Word version) -- Reps. W. D. Smith and Altman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 14-7-810, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DISQUALIFICATIONS OF JURORS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DISQUALIFICATION FOR A PERSON CONVICTED OF A CRIME PUNISHABLE BY IMPRISONMENT FOR MORE THAN ONE YEAR TO A CRIME PUNISHABLE BY IMPRISONMENT OF THIRTY DAYS OR MORE AND TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL DISQUALIFICATION FOR A PERSON WHO HAS CRIMINAL CHARGES PENDING.

H. 3900 (Word version) -- Reps. M. A. Pitts and Scarborough: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR DEPARTMENT MUST ISSUE A PICTURE IDENTIFICATION TO CERTAIN RETIREES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE AGENCY OR DEPARTMENT MUST ALLOW CERTAIN RETIREES TO QUALIFY ANNUALLY WITH A FIREARM, TO PROVIDE THAT AN AGENCY OR DEPARTMENT THAT FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THIS PROVISION SHALL NOT RECEIVE ANY STATE GRANTS OR MONIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRIVILEGES CONTAINED IN THIS PROVISION MAY NOT BE CONFERRED UPON A PERSON CONVICTED OF A CRIME THAT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED HIM FROM BECOMING A CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.

H. 3968 (Word version) -- Reps. Govan, Clyburn, Rutherford, Hosey, Moody-Lawrence, Lee, Clark, Allen, Breeland, J. Brown, R. Brown, Davenport, Jefferson, Littlejohn, Mack, J. H. Neal, Rice and Scott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 44-1-285 SO AS TO ENACT THE HEALTHY SOUTH CAROLINIANS 2010 ACT AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SHALL DEVELOP AND PROMOTE HEALTHY SOUTH CAROLINIANS 2010 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES, USING THE FEDERAL HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010 AS A MODEL; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REPORT ANNUALLY TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE STATUS OF DISPARITIES IN HEALTH AMONG MINORITIES AND NONMINORITIES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL WORK WITH MINORITY PHYSICIAN NETWORKS TO DEVELOP PROGRAMS TO EDUCATE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE IN HEALTH STATUS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL WORK WITH HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS TO INCREASE THE PROPORTION OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS FROM MINORITY BACKGROUNDS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROMOTE RESEARCH ON METHODS TO REDUCE DISPARITIES IN HEALTH CARE; AND TO ADD SECTION 44-6-225 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SHALL CONTRACT WITH MINORITY PHYSICIAN NETWORKS TO PROVIDE COST-EFFECTIVE MEDICAID SERVICES; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL WORK TO EXPAND MINORITY PHYSICIAN NETWORKS IN EACH HEALTH DISTRICT.

The following Bills were read the third time, passed and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title of each be changed to that of an Act, and that they be enrolled for ratification:

S. 362 (Word version) -- Senators J. V. Smith and McGill: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 50, TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE STANDARDS THE FACULTY OF THE SCHOOL MUST MEET TO TEACH AT THE SCHOOL, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SCHOOL, TO PROVIDE THAT OUT-OF-STATE OR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS SHALL PAY TUITION AS DETERMINED BY THE SCHOOL, TO CHANGE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO THE PRESIDENT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL ADOPT POLICIES AND PROMULGATE REGULATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOL.

S. 85 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Moore, Elliott, Alexander, Fair, Richardson, Ford and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-650, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COURT MUST ORDER A PERSON'S NAME TO BE ENTERED IN THE CENTRAL REGISTRY IF THERE IS A FINDING BY A PREPONDERANCE OF EVIDENCE THAT THE PERSON ABUSED OR NEGLECTED A CHILD PURSUANT TO SECTION 20-7-490 AND TO PROVIDE THAT PLACEMENT ON THE REGISTRY CANNOT BE WAIVED BY ANY PARTY OR BY THE COURT.

S. 491 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell, Martin and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-3-80, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT OF THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION, SO AS TO TIE THE MAXIMUM SALARY PAID TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR TO THE SALARY PAID TO COMMISSIONERS INSTEAD OF CIRCUIT JUDGES.

S. 67 (Word version) -- Senators Short, Elliott and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-11-1460 SO AS TO ENACT THE "VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER JOB PROTECTION ACT", PROHIBITING AN EMPLOYER FROM FIRING A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER WHO MISSES TIME AT WORK AS A RESULT OF RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY IN THE COURSE OF PERFORMING HIS DUTIES AS A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER, ALLOWING THE EMPLOYER TO REQUIRE A WRITTEN STATEMENT AND REASONABLE NOTICE AND TO DEDUCT TIME LOST FROM THE EMPLOYEE'S REGULAR PAY, TO CREATE A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION FOR VIOLATION OF THIS ACT AND PROVIDE REMEDIES, AND TO MAKE THIS ACT APPLICABLE TO A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER FOR A FIRE AUTHORITY SERVING A POPULATION OF THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED OR LESS.

S. 135 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-7-65, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF WAGES FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENTS THAT THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE ENTITY USING A VOLUNTARY STATE CONSTABLE'S SERVICES MUST APPROVE AND FUND THE PREMIUMS FOR HIS PARTICIPATION IN THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION SYSTEM AND INSTEAD PROVIDE THAT THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUMS FOR THESE CONSTABLES MUST BE PAID FROM THE STATE GENERAL FUND UPON WARRANT OF THE CHIEF OF THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION.

S. 144 (Word version) -- Senators Mescher, Short and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTIONS 59-63-80 AND 59-63-90 TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT A POLICY AUTHORIZING A STUDENT TO SELF ADMINISTER ASTHMA MEDICATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELEMENTS OF THE POLICY INCLUDING REQUIRING THE PARENT OF THE STUDENT TO PROVIDE CERTAIN MEDICAL INFORMATION, AND TO AMEND SECTION 15-78-60 BY PROVIDING IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR DISTRICTS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES.

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

S. 27 (Word version) -- Senators Leatherman and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-4-35 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE TOURISM EXPENDITURE REVIEW COMMITTEE'S DETERMINATION OF NONCOMPLIANT EXPENDITURE OF ACCOMMODATIONS TAX REVENUE, TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE BY WHICH A MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY MAY REFUND ANY AMOUNT DETERMINED TO BE IN NONCOMPLIANCE AND AVOID FUTURE WITHHOLDINGS.

S. 557 (Word version) -- Senator Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-1-500, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS OF PRISONERS IN THE CUSTODY OF THE COUNTY PENAL SYSTEM, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A MUNICIPALITY TO COVER PRISONERS WORKING FOR THE MUNICIPALITY.

S. 75 (Word version) -- Senators Knotts, Hutto, O'Dell, Alexander, Cromer and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 42-11-30, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW, OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES, AND THE PRESUMPTION THAT HEART OR RESPIRATORY DISEASES OCCURRING IN FIREFIGHTERS AROSE OUT OF AND IN THE COURSE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CARDIAC-RELATED INCIDENT RESULTING IN IMPAIRMENT OR INJURY TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER RESULTING IN TOTAL OR PARTIAL DISABILITY, OR DEATH, IS PRESUMED TO HAVE ARISEN OUT OF AND IN THE COURSE OF EMPLOYMENT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

S. 268 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler and Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 37, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF OPTOMETRISTS, SO AS TO CONFORM THIS CHAPTER TO THE STATUTORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL BOARDS IN CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40, UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION; AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF OPTOMETRISTS, AND AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO PROVIDE THAT A BACHELOR OF ARTS OR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IS REQUIRED FOR LICENSURE, TO ESTABLISH LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2008, ALL LICENSED OPTOMETRISTS MUST BE LICENSED AS THERAPEUTICALLY-CERTIFIED OPTOMETRISTS, AND TO PROVIDE TRANSITION PROVISIONS.

S. 321 (Word version) -- Senators Moore and Martin: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 25, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 25-11-90 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A WAR ROSTER PREPARED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE DIVISION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IN THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR TO INCLUDE THE NAME AND PRINCIPAL ITEMS OF RECORD OF PERSONS WHO SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY DURING CERTAIN CONFLICTS AND AN ORDER OF BATTLE TO INCLUDE THE NAME OF MILITARY UNITS BASED IN SOUTH CAROLINA PARTICIPATING IN CERTAIN CONFLICTS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 73, PART II OF ACT 164 OF 1993 RELATING TO PUBLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF OTHER MILITARY ROSTERS.

At 11:20 a.m. the House in accordance with the ruling of the SPEAKER adjourned to meet at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, May 24.

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