NO. 10
REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023
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The House assembled at 2:00 p.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr., as follows:
Our thought for today is from Ecclesiastes 8:5: "The wise mind will know the time and the way. For every matter has its time and way, although the trouble of mortals lie heavy upon them."
Let us pray. God of justice and mercy may our time together here reflect Your compassion for all those in need and for our strong and life-giving relationships come to bear with these Representatives and Staff. Bless our defenders of freedom and first responders. Provide for all who are in need, find rest for their souls and keep us all in Your loving care. May we be the light that shines with each present here. Look in favor upon our World, Nation, President, State, Governor, Speaker, Staff, and all who work and serve in this vineyard. Remember our men and women who serve in the armed forces. 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.
After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.
Rep. W. NEWTON moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Charles Edward Dean, which was agreed to.
The House stood in silent prayer for the family and friends of former Representative Wade "Ronnie" Crow.
The following was received:
January 24, 2024
The Honorable G. Murrell Smith, Jr.
Speaker of the House of Representatives
State House, Second Floor
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
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 Congressional Legislative Delegation and is therefore submitted for your consideration.
STATEWIDE APPOINTMENT:
Department of Transportation Commission
Term Commencing: 2/15/2020
Term Expiring: 2/15/2024
Seat: 5th Congressional District
Vice: David Branham, Sr.
Home Information:
Mr. Curtis M. Spencer
American Forest Management/AFM Real Estate
732 Mattison Avenue
Sumter, South Carolina 29150-3108
Yours very truly,
Henry McMaster
Referred to the 5th Congressional District
Rep. LOWE, from the Florence Delegation, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4868 (Word version) -- Reps. Kirby, Lowe, Jordan and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 84 OF 2011, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE TIME AND METHOD BY WHICH THE NINE MEMBERS OF THE FLORENCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER THREE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE ELECTED, TO REAPPORTION THE FIVE SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS AND THE TWO MULTIMEMBER DISTRICTS FROM WHICH THESE NINE MEMBERS MUST BE ELECTED, TO DESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE ELECTION DISTRICTS ARE DELINEATED, AND TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE REAPPORTIONED ELECTION DISTRICTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 3424 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, Carter, McCravy, Lawson, Beach, Pope, Nutt, Oremus, Vaughan, Long, Haddon, Burns, Chumley, Kilmartin, Cromer, O'Neal, Yow, Gilliam, W. Newton, Guest, Schuessler, Moss, Magnuson, Harris, Pace, Brittain, Bailey, Robbins, Sessions, Ligon, Felder, B. L. Cox and Guffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-190 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR AN OPERATOR TO MAKE A PORNOGRAPHIC WEBSITE AVAILABLE TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL CREATE CERTAIN PROCEDURES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4700 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Pope, Guffey, Chapman, Leber, Beach, Kilmartin, Cromer, Oremus, O'Neal, Vaughan, Nutt, Haddon, Burns, Chumley, West, Felder, Guest, McCravy, Bailey, Brittain, Robbins and Sessions: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO PROVIDE THAT A SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANY MAY NOT PERMIT CERTAIN MINORS TO BE ACCOUNT HOLDERS; TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES; TO PROVIDE THAT A SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANY SHALL PROVIDE CERTAIN PARENTS OR GUARDIANS WITH CERTAIN INFORMATION; TO PROVIDE THAT A SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANY SHALL RESTRICT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS TO MINORS DURING CERTAIN HOURS; TO PROVIDE FOR CONSUMER COMPLAINTS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION HAS AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS; TO PROVIDE FOR AN ANNUAL REPORT; TO PROVIDE FOR A CAUSE OF ACTION; AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN WAIVERS AND LIMITATIONS ARE VOID.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3608 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Bailey and Brittain: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-39-260, RELATING TO RECORDS OF SALES OR CONVEYANCES AND RESULTING CHANGES IN DUPLICATES AND ENDORSEMENT OF DEEDS BY AUDITORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE RECORDS OF COUNTY REAL PROPERTY SALES AND TO REMOVE COUNTY AUDITOR FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 30-5-120, RELATING TO THE VALIDATION OF CERTAIN CONVEYANCES NOT ENDORSED BY A COUNTY AUDITOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY CONVEYANCE MEETING THE STATUTORY PREREQUISITES FOR RECORDING ARE VALID AND BINDING; BY REPEALING SECTION 30-5-80 RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF THE AUDITOR'S ENDORSEMENT BEFORE THE RECORDATION OF DEEDS; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 8-21-130 RELATING TO FEES COLLECTED BY COUNTY AUDITORS FOR AN ENDORSEMENT ON A DEED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4825 (Word version) -- Reps. Hewitt, Murphy, W. Newton, Brewer, Gatch, Robbins, Kirby, Mitchell, Crawford, Yow, Bailey, Pope, Guest, Hartnett, West, Oremus, Leber, Williams, Jefferson and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-910, RELATING TO OFFENSES INVOLVING KIDNAPPING, SO AS TO INCLUDE UNLAWFULLY LURING ANOTHER PERSON, TO PROVIDE FOR A SENTENCING ENHANCEMENT WHEN THE VICTIM IS A MINOR, TO SPECIFICALLY PROVIDE FOR PUNISHMENT FOR ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING OFFENSES, AND TO DEFINE THE TERM "MINOR".
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4029 (Word version) -- Reps. Dillard, Hyde, Bailey and Brittain: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 33-1-103, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF REPRESENTATION IN MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO INCLUDE HOUSING AUTHORITIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3523 (Word version) -- Reps. McCravy, Lawson, Yow, Leber, Bailey, Brittain, Robbins and Sessions: A BILL TO AMEND SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 11, TITLE 1 SO AS TO CREATE THE "FALLEN FIRST RESPONDER SURVIVOR ADVOCATE" POSITION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND PROVIDE ITS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4231 (Word version) -- Reps. M. M. Smith, Davis, Bernstein, Guest, Brittain, Henegan, B. Newton, Carter, B. L. Cox, Bannister, Herbkersman and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-1155, RELATING TO MICRO-DISTILLERIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A MICRO-DISTILLERY MAY SELL CERTAIN LIQUORS DISTILLED ON THE PREMISES ON SUNDAYS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-4160, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION ON THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS ON CERTAIN DAYS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES MAY AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS ON SUNDAYS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4364 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Davis, Rutherford, Bernstein, M. M. Smith, Ott, Brittain, Guest, Hewitt, Elliott, Stavrinakis, Bradley, Wooten, Murphy, Herbkersman, Leber, Sessions, Caskey, Rose, Mitchell, Brewer, Guffey, Hardee, Collins, Gatch, B. Newton, Pace, Bauer and Bailey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-170, RELATING TO DRIVE-THROUGH OR CURBSIDE SERVICE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 61-4-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE CERTAIN LICENSES OR PERMITS ALLOWING A RETAILER TO OFFER CERTAIN CURBSIDE DELIVERY OR PICK UP; BY ADDING SECTION 61-4-280 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A RETAIL DEALER MAY HIRE A DELIVERY SERVICE TO DELIVER CERTAIN BEER AND WINE AND TO PROVIDE FOR REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 61-6-1570 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE CERTAIN LICENSES OR PERMITS ALLOWING A RETAILER TO OFFER CERTAIN CURBSIDE DELIVERY OR PICK UP; AND BY ADDING SECTION 61-6-1580 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A RETAIL DEALER MAY HIRE A DELIVERY SERVICE TO DELIVER CERTAIN ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND TO PROVIDE FOR REQUIREMENTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. THAYER, from the Anderson Delegation, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4892 (Word version) -- Reps. Thayer, West, Chapman, Beach, Cromer and Gagnon: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 510 OF 1982, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ANDERSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO REAPPORTION THE DISTRICTS FROM WHICH BOARD MEMBERS ARE ELECTED; AND TO AMEND ACT 509 OF 1982, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF TRUSTEES OF ANDERSON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1, SO AS TO REAPPORTION THESE DISTRICTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HYDE, from the Spartanburg Delegation, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 410 (Word version) -- Senator Talley: A BILL TO CONVEY THE REAL PROPERTY OF THE FAIRMONT-LARKIN AREA RECREATION COMMISSION TO SPARTANBURG COUNTY; TO DISSOLVE THE FAIRMONT-LARKIN AREA RECREATION COMMISSION; AND TO REPEAL ACT 819 OF 1978, RELATING TO THE CREATION AND DUTIES OF THE FAIRMONT-LARKIN AREA RECREATION COMMISSION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. ERICKSON, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4674 (Word version) -- Rep. Erickson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-1240, RELATING TO THE DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION APPLY, TO PROVIDE HOW LICENSE PLATES MUST BE FASTENED TO VEHICLES, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISPLAY OF TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES ON LARGE COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. ERICKSON, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 3309 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, Pope, Erickson, Bradley and Davis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SEIZURE SAFE SCHOOLS ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-97 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SEIZURE ACTION PLANS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH PLANS AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. ERICKSON, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 245 (Word version) -- Senators Kimbrell and Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-17-170 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WITH CERTAIN CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS IS PROHIBITED FROM SERVING AS THE TREASURER OF A BOOSTER CLUB, TO PROVIDE THAT EACH BOOSTER CLUB WITHIN A SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL ANNUALLY REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL BOARD MUST RUN A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK TO DETERMINE IF THE TREASURER OF A BOOSTER CLUB IS PROHIBITED FROM SERVING IN THAT ROLE DUE TO A CRIMINAL CONVICTION, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced: H. 4914 (Word version) -- Reps. Bannister, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE DAWN LYNN HENDRICK OF MAULDIN ON BEING SELECTED TO COMPETE AT THE INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC MODELERS' SOCIETY NATIONAL CONVENTION AND ON PLACING IN THE JUNIOR DIVISION'S MILITARY VEHICLES COMPETITION.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4915 (Word version) -- Reps. Bannister, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE KAYLA BRIANA HENDRICK OF MAULDIN ON BEING SELECTED TO COMPETE AT THE INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC MODELERS' SOCIETY NATIONAL CONVENTION AND ON PLACING IN THE JUNIOR DIVISION'S MISCELLANEOUS ENTRY COMPETITION.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 4916 (Word version) -- Reps. Bannister, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR KATE HOPKINS, A GOOD SAMARITAN IN ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, WHOSE IMPACT WAS FELT BY HER "NEIGHBOR" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4917 (Word version) -- Rep. Bannister: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE STAFF SERVING THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IS NOT REQUIRED TO WORK ON GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024, AND EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4918 (Word version) -- Reps. Ott, McDaniel, J. Moore, Wetmore, King, Pendarvis, Cobb-Hunter, Rivers, Gilliard, Garvin, Kirby, W. Jones, Atkinson, Williams, Henegan, Rutherford, Jefferson, Anderson, Hosey, Hayes, Bauer, J. L. Johnson, Stavrinakis and Weeks: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO URGE CONGRESS TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR THE NOTICE OF INTENT FOR THE 2024 SUMMER EBT PROGRAM.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The following was introduced:
H. 4919 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND FRANK'S JEWELERS, ONE OF CLOVER'S MOST RESPECTED SMALL BUSINESSES, FOR NEARLY SEVENTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF ITS COMMUNITY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 4920 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Hartnett, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE THE JOYOUS OCCASION OF THE TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KAHAL KADOSH BETH ELOHIM AND TO CONGRATULATE THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THEIR YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CHARLESTON COMMUNITY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 4921 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE HAMMOND SCHOOL CHEER SQUAD, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4922 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS, AND THEIR FAMILIES, REMEMBERING THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN LOST TO CANCER, AND TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024, AS "SUITS AND SNEAKERS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 4923 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, McCravy, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO SHOW ITS UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL'S DEFENSE OF ITS TERRITORY AND CITIZENS AND TO CONDEMN THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY HAMAS AGAINST ISRAEL.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 4924 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Bauer, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Beach, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE HAMMOND SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 4925 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE THE CROSS SCHOOLS COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING TEAM FOR CAPTURING THE 2023 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 1A JV STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO CONGRATULATE THE TEAM AND ITS COACHES ON THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WIN.
The following was introduced:
H. 4926 (Word version) -- Rep. J. Moore: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO FAMED STAND-UP COMEDIAN AND ACTOR KATT WILLIAMS AS HE VISITS THE PALMETTO STATE AND PERFORMS ON MARCH 29, 2024, AT THE NORTH CHARLESTON COLISEUM.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 4927 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, W. Newton and G. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 12 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO CREATE THE "EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND POLICY", TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY OF THE OFFICE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESTRUCTURING OF CERTAIN DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO BECOME COMPONENT DEPARTMENTS OF THE OFFICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-10, RELATING TO DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 8-17-370, RELATING TO THE MEDIATION OF GRIEVANCES BY THE STATE HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, SO AS TO ADD THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND POLICY, THE OFFICE'S COMPONENT DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS, AND OTHERS TO THE LIST OF EXEMPTED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 43-21-70, RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT ON AGING, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND BY REPEALING CHAPTER 9 OF TITLE 44 RELATING TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4928 (Word version) -- Rep. Davis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 25-21-10, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF VETERANS' TRUST FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR FUNDRAISING; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 25-21-30, RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ABILITY TO FUNDRAISE.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
H. 4929 (Word version) -- Reps. Bustos, Ballentine, Brewer, Gatch, Hartnett, Hewitt, Landing, Leber, McCabe, Pedalino and Wetmore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 48-1-92 SO AS TO REQUIRE PERSONS WHO DISCHARGE CERTAIN POLLUTANTS INTO THE WATERS OF THE STATE TO BE LIABLE FOR ALL RESPONSE, CONTAINMENT, AND CLEANUP COSTS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4930 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Jones, Pendarvis, Dillard, J. L. Johnson, Henegan, Anderson, Ott, Kirby, Gilliard, Howard, Weeks and Wheeler: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE SUMMER ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITHIN FIVE DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS JOINT RESOLUTION.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4931 (Word version) -- Reps. Felder, Bernstein, Calhoon and Dillard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-23-540 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT STORAGE OF A FIREARM, DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4932 (Word version) -- Rep. Bauer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-17-722, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF FILING FALSE POLICE REPORTS AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE OFFENDERS MUST PAY RESTITUTION FOR VIOLATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-47-80, RELATING TO MAKING UNLAWFUL 911 EMERGENCY CALLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE OFFENDERS MUST PAY RESTITUTION FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4933 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten and G. M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-5015, RELATING TO SUNSCREEN DEVICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION DO NOT APPLY TO LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 4934 (Word version) -- Reps. Mitchell, Gilliam, Pace, Yow, Murphy, Guffey, Pope and Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 8-7-90, RELATING TO LEAVES OF ABSENCE FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN NATIONAL GUARD OR RESERVE MILITARY FORCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN STATE EMPLOYEES RECEIVE FORTY-FIVE DAYS OF PAID MILITARY LEAVE EACH YEAR.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
H. 4935 (Word version) -- Reps. Bustos, Leber, Hartnett and Landing: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SECURE, ACCURATE, AND VERIFIABLE ELECTIONS ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-200 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE USE OF PAPER POLL BOOKS ONLY AT VOTING LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE; BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-870 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL VOTES CAST IN A STATEWIDE PRIMARY, GENERAL, OR SPECIAL ELECTION BE ON HAND-MARKED, PAPER BALLOTS AND PRINTED ON SECURE PAPER, AND TO REQUIRE THAT ALL BALLOTS BE COUNTED IN VIEW OF THE PUBLIC; BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-880 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE USE OF CHAIN OF CUSTODY DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL ELECTION-RELATED MATERIALS AND THE MAINTENANCE OF CHAIN OF CUSTODY RECORDS FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME AFTER AN ELECTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-15-320, RELATING TO PERSONS QUALIFIED TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT, SO AS TO DELETE REFERENCES TO EARLY VOTING, AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION ALLOWING PERSONS SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 53-5-10, RELATING TO THE ENUMERATION OF LEGAL HOLIDAYS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH GENERAL ELECTION DAY AS A STATE HOLIDAY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
S. 882 (Word version) -- Senators M. Johnson, Kimbrell, Gustafson, Climer, Garrett, Loftis, Adams and Cash: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 63-5-380 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PARENT OR THE LEGAL GUARDIAN OF A MINOR MUST BE NOTIFIED WHEN A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL PRESCRIBES MEDICATION TO THE MINOR, TO PROVIDE THAT A PHARMACIST CANNOT FILL A PRESCRIPTION FOR A MINOR WITHOUT THE MINOR'S PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN CONSENTING, TO PROVIDE THAT A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN CANNOT BE PROHIBITED FROM VIEWING HIS MINOR'S PRESCRIPTION HISTORY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THESE PROVISIONS DO NOT APPLY TO AN EMANCIPATED MINOR OR A MARRIED MINOR.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Blackwell Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Carter Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Connell B. J. Cox B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Elliott Erickson Felder Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henegan Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Howard Hyde Jefferson J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson S. Jones W. Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Leber Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell J. Moore T. Moore A. M. Morgan T. A. Morgan Moss Murphy Neese B. Newton W. Newton Nutt O'Neal Oremus Ott Pace Pedalino Pendarvis Pope Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sandifer Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Thayer Thigpen Trantham Vaughan Weeks West Wetmore Wheeler White Whitmire Williams Willis Wooten Yow
The SPEAKER granted Rep. HENDERSON-MYERS a leave of absence for the day due to a speaking engagement out of the country.
Announcement was made that Dr. Gerald Harmon of Georgetown County was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
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."
Bill Number: H. 3115 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 HOWARD, PACE, DAVIS, SCHUESSLER, M. M. SMITH, BRITTAIN, GUEST, T. MOORE, B. NEWTON, WILLIAMS, ATKINSON, HARDEE, SESSIONS, HIOTT, CASKEY, MCDANIEL, J. L. JOHNSON, MURPHY, W. JONES and BREWER
Bill Number: H. 3424 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 BRITTAIN, BAILEY, ROBBINS, SESSIONS, LIGON, FELDER, B. L. COX and GUFFEY
Bill Number: H. 3430 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 BREWER and MURPHY
Bill Number: H. 3523 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 BAILEY, BRITTAIN, ROBBINS and SESSIONS
Bill Number: H. 3608 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 BAILEY and BRITTAIN
Bill Number: H. 4029 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 BAILEY and BRITTAIN
Bill Number: H. 4231 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 ROBBINS
Bill Number: H. 4364 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 BAILEY
Bill Number: H. 4568 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 THAYER
Bill Number: H. 4623 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 LIGON and O'NEAL
Bill Number: H. 4625 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 HEWITT
Bill Number: H. 4659 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 BAILEY, SCHUESSLER, HARDEE and BRITTAIN
Bill Number: H. 4689 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 LIGON
Bill Number: H. 4700 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 ROBBINS, SESSIONS, BAILEY and BRITTAIN
Bill Number: H. 4709 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 PEDALINO
Bill Number: H. 4710 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 CASKEY
Bill Number: H. 4866 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 B. L. COX and SESSIONS
Bill Number: H. 4867 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 B. L. COX
Bill Number: H. 4891 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 THAYER and CONNELL
Bill Number: H. 4689 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
01/24/24 LAWSON, MOSS and B. L. COX
Bill Number: H. 3236 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
01/24/24 LANDING
The following Bill was taken up:
S. 738 (Word version) -- Senator K. Johnson: A BILL TO DELINEATE THE NINE SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS FROM WHICH MEMBERS OF THE CLARENDON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MUST BE ELECTED BEGINNING WITH THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION, AND TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION REGARDING THESE DISTRICTS.
Rep. Pedalino proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to S. 738 (Word version) (LC-738.HDB0003H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding another provision of law:
(A) The nine single-member districts from which each of the members of the Clarendon County School District Board of Trustees must be elected beginning with the 2024 General Election are as shown on the Clarendon County School District map designated as S-27-00-23A and maintained by the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.
(B) The demographic information for each of the nine single-member districts shown on the Clarendon County School District map is as follows:
District Pop. Dev. %Dev. Hisp. %Hisp.
1 3,430 -30 -0.87% 44 1.28%
2 3,486 26 0.75% 80 2.29%
3 3,441 -19 -0.55% 74 2.15%
4 3,391 -69 -1.99% 166 4.90% 5 3,452 -8 -0.23% 76 2.20%
6 3,443 -17 -0.49% 92 2.67%
7 3,472 12 0.35% 168 4.84%
8 3,519 59 1.71% 117 3.32%
9 3,510 50 1.45% 90 2.56%
Total 31,144 907 2.91%
District NH White %NH White NH Blk. %NH Blk. VAP %VAP
1 2,669 77.81% 595 17.35% 2,943 85.80%
2 982 28.17% 2,344 67.24% 2,868 82.27%
3 2,310 67.13% 925 26.88% 3,048 88.58%
4 1,387 40.90% 1,756 51.78% 2,658 78.38%
5 1,433 41.51% 1,780 51.56% 2,674 77.46%
6 1,019 29.60% 2,233 64.86% 2,581 74.96%
7 1,724 49.65% 1,522 43.84% 2,878 82.89%
8 2,348 66.72% 992 28.19% 2,642 75.08%
9 1,437 40.94% 1,908 54.36% 2,757 78.55%
Total 15,309 49.16% 14,055 45.13% 25,049 80.43%
District HVAP %HVAP WVAP %WVAP BVAP %BVAP
1 34 1.16% 2,339 79.48% 468 15.90%
2 53 1.85% 817 28.49% 1,926 67.15%
3 70 2.30% 2,108 69.16% 761 24.97%
4 99 3.72% 1,129 42.48% 1,373 51.66%
5 53 1.98% 1,165 43.57% 1,331 49.78%
6 51 1.98% 820 31.77% 1,641 63.58%
7 104 3.61% 1,380 47.95% 1,348 46.84%
8 68 2.57% 1,797 68.02% 735 27.82%
9 62 2.25% 1,177 42.69% 1,462 53.03%
Total 594 2.37% 12,732 50.83% 11,045 44.09%
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. PEDALINO explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
The question recurred to the passage of the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bauer Beach Bernstein Blackwell Bradley Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Carter Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Connell B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Elliott Erickson Felder Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hartnett Henegan Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Howard Hyde Jefferson J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson S. Jones W. Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Leber Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell J. Moore T. Moore A. M. Morgan T. A. Morgan Moss Murphy Neese B. Newton W. Newton Nutt O'Neal Oremus Ott Pace Pedalino Pope Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sandifer Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Thayer Thigpen Trantham Vaughan West Wetmore Whitmire Williams Willis Wooten Yow
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4909 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Neese, Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-350, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN LANCASTER COUNTY, SO AS TO REMOVE ONE PRECINCT AND REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED.
Rep. B. NEWTON explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bauer Beach Bernstein Blackwell Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Carter Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Elliott Felder Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hartnett Henegan Hewitt Hiott Hixon Howard Hyde Jefferson J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson S. Jones W. Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Leber Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell J. Moore T. Moore A. M. Morgan T. A. Morgan Moss Murphy Neese B. Newton W. Newton Nutt O'Neal Oremus Ott Pace Pedalino Pope Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sandifer Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Thayer Thigpen Trantham Vaughan West Wetmore Wheeler White Whitmire Williams Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The Senate Amendments to the following Bill were taken up for consideration:
H. 3782 (Word version) -- Reps. West, Yow, Jefferson, Ligon, Nutt, Anderson, Hardee, Bannister, Thayer, Blackwell and Oremus: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-12-300, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "VIDEO SERVICE".
Rep. WEST explained the Senate Amendments. The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bauer Beach Bernstein Blackwell Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Carter Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Connell B. L. Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Elliott Erickson Felder Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hartnett Henegan Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Howard Hyde J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson S. Jones W. Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lawson Leber Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson May McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis Mitchell J. Moore T. Moore A. M. Morgan T. A. Morgan Moss Murphy Neese B. Newton W. Newton Nutt O'Neal Oremus Ott Pace Pedalino Pope Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sandifer Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Thayer Thigpen Trantham Vaughan Weeks West Wetmore Wheeler White Whitmire Williams Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
The Senate Amendments were agreed to, and the Bill having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.
The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. FORREST.
Rep. HIOTT moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.
The following was introduced: H. 4939 (Word version) -- Reps. Williams, Henegan, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pedalino, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MATTIE KNIGHT OF HARTSVILLE ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDRED FIFTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 4936 (Word version) -- Reps. Sessions, Pope, Guffey and Ligon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY OF A NONPROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION ONLY APPLIES TO THE PERCENTAGE OF PROPERTY THAT EQUALS THE CORPORATION'S OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY, TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN CERTIFICATION AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4937 (Word version) -- Reps. Collins, Hiott and Carter: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-450, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN PICKENS COUNTY, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE PICKENS COUNTY BOARD OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS, WITH APPROVAL FROM A MAJORITY OF THE PICKENS COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, TO LOCATE A POLLING PLACE WITHIN FIVE MILES OF A PRECINCT'S BOUNDARIES IF NO SUITABLE LOCATION EXISTS WITHIN THE PRECINCT.
Referred to Pickens Delegation
H. 4938 (Word version) -- Rep. Crawford: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 56-3-253, 56-3-376, 56-3-377, AND 56-3-385, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BIENNIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION PERIODS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH ANNUAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION PERIODS; BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-600 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ANNUAL PAYMENT OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSE FEES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 56-3-610, 56-3-620, 56-3-640, 56-3-645, 56-3-660, 56-3-700, 56-3-710, 56-3-720, 56-3-740, 56-3-750, 56-3-760, 56-3-770, 56-3-840, 56-3-900, 56-3-1230, 56-3-1450, 56-3-1510, 56-3-1530, 56-3-1610, 56-3-1630, 56-3-2010, 56-3-2020, 56-3-2150, 56-3-2160, 56-3-2540, 56-3-2810, 56-3-2820, 56-3-3410, 56-3-3420, 56-3-3500, 56-3-3600, 56-3-3910, 56-3-3950, 56-3-4100, 56-3-4200, 56-3-4410, 56-3-4510, 56-3-4600, 56-3-4800, 56-3-5010, 56-3-5200, 56-3-5300, 56-3-5400, 56-3-6500, 56-3-7000, 56-3-7010, 56-3-7050, 56-3-7200, 56-3-7300, 56-3-7310, 56-3-7320, 56-3-7330, 56-3-7340, 56-3-7350, 56-3-7370, 56-3-7610, 56-3-7700, 56-3-7750, 56-3-7800, 56-3-7890, 56-3-7910, 56-3-7940, 56-3-7950, 56-3-8000, 56-3-8100, 56-3-8200, 56-3-8300, 56-3-8400, 56-3-8600, 56-3-8710, 56-3-8910, 56-3-9000, 56-3-9100, 56-3-9200, 56-3-9300, 56-3-9400, 56-3-9500, 56-3-9600, 56-3-9710, 56-3-9800, 56-3-10010, 56-3-10510, 56-3-10810, 56-3-10910, 56-3-11310, 56-3-11420, 56-3-11810, 56-3-12010, 56-3-12110, 56-3-12210, 56-3-12310, 56-3-12410, 56-3-12510, 56-3-12610, 56-3-12710, 56-3-12810, 56-3-13010, 56-3-13310, 56-3-13410, 56-3-13520, 56-3-13610, 56-3-13710, 56-3-13810, 56-3-13910, 56-3-14010, 56-3-14110, 56-3-14210, 56-3-14510, 56-3-14610, 56-3-14710, 56-3-14810, 56-3-14910, 56-3-14920, 56-3-14930, 56-3-14940, 56-3-14950, 56-3-14960, 56-3-14970, 56-3-14980, AND 11-43-167, RELATING TO THE BIENNIAL PAYMENT OF REGISTRATION, LICENSE AND ROAD USE FEES FOR VARIOUS VEHICLES AND VARIOUS LICENSE PLATES, DELINQUENT REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PENALTIES, THE ISSUANCE OF REFUNDS OF REGISTRATION AND LICENSE FEES, LICENSE PLATE SPECIFICATIONS AND THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION STICKERS, THE ISSUANCE OF "YEAR OF MANUFACTURE" LICENSE PLATES, "AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS" LICENSE PLATES, "EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS" LICENSE PLATES, "SPECIAL PERSONALIZED" LICENSE PLATES, LICENSE PLATES FOR VARIOUS ACTIVE AND RETIRED ELECTED OFFICIALS AND RETIRED JUDICIAL OFFICERS, "CONSERVE SOUTH CAROLINA" LICENSE PLATES, "VOLUNTEER FIREMEN" LICENSE PLATES, "NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION" LICENSE PLATES, "PENN CENTER" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA NURSES" LICENSE PLATES, "SHAG COMMEMORATIVE" LICENSE PLATES, "KEEP SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUTIFUL" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA ELKS ASSOCIATION" LICENSE PLATES, "CAROLINA PANTHERS" LICENSE PLATES, "SHARE THE ROAD" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE" LICENSE PLATES, "HOMEOWNERSHIP: THE AMERICAN DREAM" LICENSE PLATES, "SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS" LICENSE PLATES, "PUBLIC EDUCATION: A GREAT INVESTMENT" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA: FIRST IN GOLF" LICENSE PLATES, "CHARTER LIMOUSINE" LICENSE PLATES, "FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE" LICENSE PLATES, "UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY" LICENSE PLATES, "COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICERS" LICENSE PLATES, "UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY" LICENSE PLATES, "ARTS AWARENESS" LICENSE PLATES, "SALTWATER FISHING" LICENSE PLATES, "EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE" LICENSE PLATES, "BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA" AND "EAGLE SCOUT" LICENSE PLATES, "NATIVE AMERICAN" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA PEACH COUNCIL" LICENSE PLATES, "CANCER RESEARCH CENTERS OF THE CAROLINAS" LICENSE PLATES, "SQUARE DANCE" LICENSE PLATES, "SPECIAL OLYMPICS" LICENSE PLATES, "FRATERNITY AND SORORITY" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM" LICENSE PLATES, "OUR FARMS - OUR FUTURE" LICENSE PLATES, "H.L. HUNLEY SUBMARINE" LICENSE PLATES, "REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE" LICENSE PLATES, "HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK" LICENSE PLATES, "NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION" LICENSE PLATES, SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION GUIDELINES, "ROTARY INTERNATIONAL" LICENSE PLATES, "LIONS CLUB" LICENSE PLATES, "DUCKS UNLIMITED" LICENSE PLATES, "NASCAR" LICENSE PLATES, "CHOOSE LIFE" LICENSE PLATES, "SERTOMA INTERNATIONAL" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE" LICENSE PLATES, "IN GOD WE TRUST" LICENSE PLATES, "UNITED WE STAND" LICENSE PLATES, "MORRIS ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE" LICENSE PLATES, "GOD BLESS AMERICA" LICENSE PLATES, "NO MORE HOMELESS PETS" LICENSE PLATES, "HERITAGE CLASSIC FOUNDATION" LICENSE PLATES, "BREAST CANCER AWARENESS" LICENSE PLATES, "PARROT HEAD" LICENSE PLATES, "I BELIEVE" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA TENNIS PATRONS FOUNDATION" LICENSE PLATES, "TREE MY DOG" LICENSE PLATES, "SECOND AMENDMENT" LICENSE PLATES, "STATE FLAG" LICENSE PLATES, "I SUPPORT LIBRARIES" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATOR" LICENSE PLATES, "BEACH MUSIC" LICENSE PLATES, CITADEL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION "BIG RED" LICENSE PLATES, "LARGEMOUTH BASS" LICENSE PLATES, "HIGH SCHOOL" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE FEDERATION" LICENSE PLATES, "DR. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE" LICENSE PLATES, "GADSDEN FLAG" LICENSE PLATES, "2010-11 BASEBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" LICENSE PLATES, "MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA RIVERKEEPERS" LICENSE PLATES, "AUTISM AWARENESS" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA STANDS WITH ISRAEL" LICENSE PLATES, "AMERICAN RED CROSS" LICENSE PLATES, "CHASE AWAY CHILDHOOD CANCER" LICENSE PLATES, "SPECIAL PERSONALIZED MOTOR VEHICLE" LICENSE PLATES, "CLEMSON UNIVERSITY 2016 AND 2018 FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" LICENSE PLATES, "2016 BASEBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" LICENSE PLATES, "UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA 2017 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" LICENSE PLATES, "VIRGINIA TECH" LICENSE PLATES, "POWERING THE PALMETTO STATE" LICENSE PLATES, "DRIVERS FOR A CURE" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, AND "TWO HUNDRED FIFTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY REVOLUTIONARY WAR COMMEMORATIVE" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF CERTAIN SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES REFLECTIVE OF VARIOUS AWARDS, SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES REFLECTIVE OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS, SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES REFLECTIVE OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARDS, SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES REFLECTIVE OF A SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY, SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES REFLECTIVE OF CAMPAIGN MEDALS, SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES REFLECTIVE OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE, SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES REFLECTIVE OF MILITARY SERVICE, AND SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES SHOWING SUPPORT FOR MILITARY-RELATED PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES, TO PROVIDE COUNTIES SHALL COLLECT CERTAIN FEES ASSESSED AGAINST VEHICLES POWERED BY ANY FUEL OTHER THAN MOTOR FUEL, AND TO PROVIDE A COUNTY MAY COLLECT CERTAIN DELINQUENCY FEES ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 11-43-167, RELATING TO FEES AND FINES CREDITED TO THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL REDUCE THE ALLOCATION TO THE STATE-FUNDED RESURFACING PROGRAM BY A CERTAIN PROPORTION, SHALL TRANSFER NONTAX REVENUE TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK IN AN AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT, AND THE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK SHALL TRANSFER CERTAIN AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO THE DEPARTMENT; BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-117 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT MUST REFUSE TO RENEW THE MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION OF A PERSON WHO HAS NOT PAID THE VEHICLE'S PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES, AND PROVIDE A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY MUST NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONS VIOLATING THIS CHAPTER; BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-205 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE REVALIDATION DECALS AND ENTER INTO AND SUPERVISE CONTRACTS WITH CERTAIN ENTITIES TO ISSUE LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION DECALS, TO PROVIDE GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES THAT ISSUE REVALIDATION DECALS MAY CHARGE A FEE TO DEFRAY THE COST OF ISSUING PLATES AND DECALS, AND PROVIDE A PLAN MUST BE DEVELOPED TO ALLOW EACH COUNTY TO ISSUE LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION DECALS; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 56-3-378, 56-3-905, AND 56-2-2740 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM OF REGISTERING MOTOR VEHICLES, REFUNDING A PORTION OF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE WHEN A LICENSE PLATE AND REGISTRATION IS SURRENDERED TO THE DEPARTMENT, AND THE ISSUANCE OF BIENNIAL LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION DECALS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
Rep. FORREST moved that the House recede until 6:45 p.m., which was agreed to.
At 7:00 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. 4751 (Word version) -- Rep. G.M. Smith: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION INVITING HIS EXCELLENCY, HENRY DARGAN MCMASTER, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION AT 7:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024, IN THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Governor Henry McMaster and distinguished party were escorted to the rostrum by Senators Setzler, Peeler, Davis, Allen, Shealy and Reichenbach and REPRESENTATIVES CONNELL, B.L. COX, HIXON, MCDANIEL, THAYER and WEST. The President of the Senate introduced Governor McMaster, who then addressed the Joint Assembly as follows:
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, my fellow South Carolinians:
We are here tonight to address successes, challenges, and opportunities. But first, as in prior years, I'd like to recognize those in uniform whom we lost in the line of duty in 2023.
Sergeant Ricky Lydell Green, Jr., of the South Carolina Department of Corrections
Deputy Jacob Eric Salrin of the Richland County Sheriff's Department
Officer Matthew Logan Hare of the Easley Police Department
Lieutenant Michael Charles Wood, Jr., of the Newberry Police Department
Specialist Jayson Reed Haven, South Carolina National Guard
Firefighter James Michael Muller of the Irmo Fire District, and
K-9 Agent Rico with the State Law Enforcement Division
To the families and loved ones of these brave South Carolinians, we offer our condolences. We are eternally grateful for their service.
I am delighted to have with us once again tonight our First Lady, my bride Peggy, our son Henry, Jr., and his wife Virginia. Their sixteen-month-old daughter, Margot Gray, is at home. And our daughter Mary Rogers, her husband Sam. Their nineteen-month-old son, James Dargan, is at home. Please stand and be recognized.
Also, our Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, and her husband David are here tonight and our state constitutional officeholders. Please stand and be recognized.
Finally, will the members of the best cabinet in the nation please stand and be recognized. Thank you all.
I would also like to acknowledge the members of the Supreme Court in attendance tonight, including Chief Justice Beatty, who will retire this summer after more than seven years as Chief Justice of our Supreme Court and more than thirty years of service to our State. I look forward to working with our next Chief Justice, John Kittredge.
I believe there is no higher honor on earth than being selected by the people who know you best to serve in a position like this. I thank you and I will not let you down.
We will continue to act boldly, think big and continue building on our successes. My question: What are our priorities now, and what will our magnificent state look like in 100 years?
The world knows that South Carolina has great people. Our quality of life and cultural heritage, abundant natural resources and prosperous economy make us unique and offer enormous opportunity.
Our booming economy in 2023 once again created a record budget surplus, over $1.64 billion, with over $9.21 billion in capital investment and 14,120 jobs. 2022 was equally grand with over $10 billion in capital investment.
Just since 2017, we have announced over $36.4 billion in new investments and 86,378 new jobs.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina led the nation in population growth last year.
Also, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, our personal income growth rate ranked 2nd in the country at 4.9% through the third quarter of 2023.
We are firing on all cylinders.
South Carolina's tourism industry continued to thrive in 2023, meeting or exceeding the record-breaking tourism growth of earlier years.
South Carolina was named as one of the top five golf destinations in the world and best in the country for 2023, according to the International Association of Golf Travel Operators. Ours is the only state in the United States to make this list, sharing recognition with Cyprus, Dubai, Los Cabos and Thailand. This reputation was evidenced in 2023 by the announcement of a new PGA TOUR tournament, the Myrtle Beach Classic, which will debut in May, joining the prestigious RBC Heritage tournament held the month before on Hilton Head Island.
Since 1950, Darlington Raceway, the track "Too Tough to Tame" has provided generations of NASCAR fans with spectacular memories, breathtaking finishes and a lifetime of stories to be told and retold. The Mother's Day and Labor Day NASCAR CUP races are South Carolina's largest professional sporting events, generating over $118 million in economic impact to the state. You have to see it to believe it.
Once again, Charleston was named the #1 City in the South by readers of Southern Living in 2023, and the #1 City in the United States by Travel + Leisure Readers for the 11th year in a row.
Hilton Head Island was again named the #1 Island in this year's Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice rankings of the best islands in America.
And, Greenville's Unity Park was recognized by Reader's Digest Magazine as one of the "Nicest Places in America."
I would like to recognize several of the businesses which announced their confidence in our people by their substantial capital investment in 2023. If the leaders will stand as I name your company, we will respond when all are standing.
In Richland County, Scout Motors will revitalize an iconic American brand as an all-electric, next-generation truck and rugged SUV with a $2 billion investment and 4,000 jobs. President and CEO Mr. Scott Keogh.
In Chester County, Albemarle Corporation will invest $1.3 billion, with more than 300 jobs, for a lithium hydroxide processing facility. CEO Mr. Kent Masters.
In Sumter County, e-VAC Magnetics' investment of more than a half a billion-dollars and creation of 300 jobs will produce rare earth permanent magnets and will help secure the United States' domestic pipeline for these rare earth magnets, the only such facility in the Western Hemisphere. CEO Mr. Erik Eschen.
In Laurens County, ZF Transmissions Grey Court is expanding its operation for the growing and evolving mobility industry with a $500 million investment and 400 jobs. Vice President and Plant Manager Mr. Tobias Brugger.
In York County, Pallidus is relocating its corporate headquarters and semiconductor manufacturing operations to South Carolina with a $443 million investment and 405 new jobs. Vice President of Global Facilities Mr. Gerald Knowles.
In Richland County, Cirba Solutions will build a state-of-the-art flagship operation to produce lithium-ion battery materials with more than 300 new jobs and over $300 million investment. CEO Mr. David Klanecky.
In Spartanburg County, Milo's Tea Company, a family-owned beverage company, will establish operations with a $130 million investment and 103 new jobs. CEO Mrs. Tricia Wallwork.
And also, our Secretary of Commerce, Harry Lightsey, and his remarkable team which worked around the clock to produce these successes. Please stand. We thank all of you. You all made the right decisions. We boomed in 2023 and will boom again in 2024.
South Carolina is a national leader in advanced manufacturing. And now we are leading the way in the new and innovative electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industry.
We are home to four major electric vehicle manufacturers, major international EV battery manufacturers, the nation's largest EV battery recycling facility, and many other industries in the electric vehicle manufacturing supply chain.
Our leadership is displayed in the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy consortium developed by our Department of Commerce.
This consortium was developed in collaboration with our research universities, technical colleges, state agencies, the Savannah River National Laboratory, economic development non-profits, and private businesses.
It is the culmination of groundwork laid in prior years through collaborative public-private initiatives.
This cooperative spirit produced our EV Working Group, a "one-stop shop" to recruit and assist with electric vehicle investment and manufacturing in the state.
It also produced the PowerSC Energy Resources and Economic Development Interagency Working Group. This group leads the effort to coordinate the state's energy stakeholders to ensure that we have the energy necessary to meet the needs of our future.
We know that we will need more. The questions are: how much power will South Carolina need? And how will it be produced and transmitted?
Recently SC Nexus won the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration's designation as one of the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs, which allows SC Nexus to apply for federal funding. Out of over 400 applications, South Carolina was one of 31 finalists selected.
As a federal Tech Hub, SC Nexus will compete for federal grant funding valued between $40-$70 million annually. My Executive Budget includes $15 million to support SC Nexus and serve as the state "match" required for this competition. We are going to win.
Also, the demand for a trained EV workforce is outpacing the number of qualified applicants.
Manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volvo Cars, and Scout Motors will need a highly specialized and trained workforce of almost twenty thousand South Carolinians, and they will need them soon.
To meet this demand, my Executive Budget recommends $50 million to create specialized "EV training institutes" at our technical college campuses.
One thing we do not need is more labor unions. We have gotten where we are without them, and we do not need them now. We are a right to work state. We have the lowest union membership in the country.
We have worked hard and carefully - through education, training and business recruitment - to earn our record prosperity, and we will continue to preserve and enhance it.
However, our prosperity - and that of generations of South Carolinians to come - face a clear and present danger from the big labor unions. They have crippled and distorted the progress and prosperity of industries and cities in other states. It has taken years, but they have done it. And now, their membership is at an all-time low and falling. So now they are looking at us - and other booming southeastern states - none of which want or need labor unions.
In 2021, the International Longshoremen's Association sued maritime shipping carriers for calling on the Port of Charleston's state-of-the-art Leatherman Terminal. Over the past two-and-a-half years, what started as a "secondary boycott" to force the state Ports Authority to cede long-held state jobs to union labor has devolved into a broader threat to our current and future prosperity. Secondary boycotts are illegal.
The ILA's secondary boycott was initially rejected but later resurrected by President Biden's appointees on the National Labor Relations Board. We have taken the fight all the way to the United States Supreme Court, which I believe will understand the dire implications of this conduct, uphold the law and rule in our favor.
Our aerospace, vehicle and tire manufacturers are no longer the sole targets for labor organizers. Our thriving hospitality and tourism industry along our coast now finds itself a target. It seems that no business or employee in South Carolina is safe from the disingenuous campaigns and destructive impacts of union infiltration.
No one should bargain their prosperity under threats of union boycotts or coercive pressure campaigns. We will not let our state's economy suffer or become collateral damage as labor unions seek to consume new jobs and conscript new dues-paying members. And we will not allow the Biden administration's pro-union policies to chip away at South Carolina's sovereign interests.
We will fight. All the way to the gates of hell. And we will win.
State government is in superior fiscal shape. We have the largest rainy day reserve fund balance and the lowest amount of general obligation debt - than at any other time in recent memory.
Once again, I am recommending the General Assembly put additional funds into the state's rainy day fund - $54.3 million - so that the fund maintains a balance of $1.16 billion which is equal to 10% of this year's General Appropriations Act.
Until a few years ago, South Carolina had the highest personal income tax rate in the southeast and the 12th highest in the nation - at 7%. No more. Two years ago, I signed into law the largest income tax cut in state history, which will cut the rate to 6% in the next few years. Accordingly, my Executive Budget recognizes this year's $99 million scheduled cut to the income tax rate, dropping it from 6.4% to 6.3%.
The state Board of Economic Advisors will soon issue an updated revenue forecast. If future revenues allow, I ask the General Assembly to speed up the income tax cut schedule, and let taxpayers keep even more of their own money.
As we seek prosperity through our expanding economy, we must constantly be alert to detect, avoid and remove obstacles to its health and vitality.
Our laws and regulations provide guidelines to that prosperity, and our civil justice system provides enforcement of these guidelines and redress for injury. Yet, our rules on joint and several liability have introduced an element of uncertainty into our business arena and uncertainty is the enemy of sound business.
We must find a common-sense formula which will provide accountability and just compensation without damaging our economy.
We must also ensure that the public has confidence in our state's judges. Circumstances and events continue to raise questions.
It is past time to provide full transparency and accountability to the magisterial selection process, which provides the bulk of our judges, over 300 in number.
Our constitution provides that the governor appoints magistrates, subject to the Senate's advice and consent. I have instituted a new procedure requiring magisterial candidates to complete more detailed applications and to waive confidentiality protections for - and to authorize the release of records related to - any attorney or judicial disciplinary proceedings.
This application and screening process closely aligns with the processes used by Senate committees when scrutinizing statewide appointments submitted by the governor, and also by those of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission when evaluating judicial candidates for election by the General Assembly.
As for our circuit and appellate courts, South Carolina is one of two states where the legislature chooses the judges by election. Being unique in itself signifies neither good nor bad: it is the confidence in the process that counts.
The People are watching not only how the General Assembly screens and selects judges but also whom the General Assembly elects to these critical positions. The Rule of Law is a cornerstone of our society and our constitutional republic. We need judges who understand the proper judicial role, who appreciate our constitutional structure, and who interpret the law as it is written, rather than as they wish it were written. As the U.S. Supreme Court rightly begins to return issues and authority to the States that were never granted to the federal government to begin with, it is essential that the General Assembly elect qualified, intelligent jurists who can carefully analyze the important and challenging questions that will be raised with increasing frequency in our state courts.
To properly provide for a separate and independent Judiciary, the currently unrepresented Executive Branch should play a role in selecting judicial candidates before the General Assembly exercises its constitutional authority to elect judges.
I suggest that our Founding Fathers prescribed a method for judicial selection that has served our nation well and with which our people are quite familiar. Gubernatorial appointment of all judges, with the advice and consent of the state Senate, requires no "re-invention of the wheel," will inspire the confidence of our people, and will encourage more excellent attorneys to seek public service.
Our state's roads, bridges, highways, and interstates are the arteries of our prosperity. Our rapid growth is outpacing their capacities.
Continued big, bold, and transformative investments are imperative.
The 2023 SCDOT Annual Accountability Report highlights the need to repair, rehabilitate, and rebuild many of the nearly 9,000 bridges on our primary and secondary roads. Some are over eighty years old and showing it. Some are in such a state of disrepair that the required restrictions render them useless for commercial trucking, school buses, or fire trucks.
Accordingly, I recommend $500 million in surplus funds from the Homestead Exemption Fund be appropriated to the South Carolina Department of Transportation for emergency bridge replacement and repairs. That will keep us moving.
As you know, after nearly 30 years of service to the State of South Carolina, Christy A. Hall, the Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Transportation, has announced her retirement.
Secretary Hall will be remembered as one of the greatest transportation secretaries in state history. Her unparalleled expertise and relentless work ethic has allowed the department to flourish under her leadership. Whether responding to natural disasters or spearheading transformative infrastructure projects, she has consistently delivered for the people of South Carolina. She thinks ahead and leaves a legacy of excellence. She has placed the agency in a position to continue driving our state forward for years to come.
Highlights of her career with SCDOT include restoring the agency's finances and financial reputation, developing and leading our strategic 10-year plan, and accelerating critical interstate widening projects. Secretary Hall has been recognized for her ability to work with industry partners to deliver results on major infrastructure projects. In addition, she has helped lead our state through a number of disasters including the floods of 2015, Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence. Under her leadership and in partnership with law enforcement, South Carolina executed its first fully successful interstate lane reversal during a coastal evacuation.
Madam Secretary, will you please stand and be recognized.
I ask again the question: What will South Carolina look like in 100 years?
South Carolina's mountains, beaches, sea islands, lakes, and marshes are among the most beautiful in the nation. This land, as noted by the explorers for kings and queens, is lush, fertile, and brimming with abundance, flora and fauna. Our incomparable cultural and environmental heritage distinguishes our state and people from others. And all possess a strength and beauty we must never lose.
Fortunately, economic growth and the preservation of our shared heritage are not opposing objectives which must be balanced as in a competition, one against the other. Instead, they are complementary, intertwined, and inseparable, each dependent on the other. To strengthen one is to strengthen the other.
We cannot allow our state's culturally and environmentally significant structures, monuments, lands, islands, and waters to be overcome by development, mismanagement, flooding, erosion, or storm damage.
It is our duty to preserve and protect our history, our culture and our environment, and the public's access to them, before they are lost forever. We have a veritable army of people, and public and private organizations dedicated to these goals.
You may well remember the cautionary lyrics of singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell. "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."
Accordingly, I am recommending that $33 million be appropriated to identify and preserve culturally or environmentally significant properties, disaster recovery and flooding mitigation efforts as well as beach renourishment projects along our coast.
Education is the universal key to a prosperous, happy future. Thus, working together, we must continue to invest in public education; the positive impact of these investments is growing.
Enrollment in our full-day, four-year-old kindergarten program for children in poverty continues to grow with 17,437 children now enrolled in a public school, private school, or childcare center. For the next school year, an additional 2,500 children are expected to enroll in the program. My Executive Budget includes $21.1 million to meet this increase in enrollment.
This program is increasing the number of children who enter kindergarten ready to learn. Approximately 41% of children who participate in a full-day, four-year-old kindergarten program are ready for kindergarten as compared to 27% of children in poverty who do not participate in the program.
In September of 2023 the South Carolina Department of Education released the results of the South Carolina College-and Career-Ready Assessments in reading and mathematics for school year 2022-23. For the first time in recent history, at least half of students in grades 3 through 8 met or exceeded grade level standards in reading. This is good news, but it's not nearly enough.
We must continue to invest in early literacy and professional development in the science of reading. This will ensure that all children can be reading on grade level by the end of third grade. We know that students who cannot read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.
Unfortunately, the assessment results revealed that only 41% of students in grades 3 through 8 in school year 2022-23 met or exceeded grade level standards in mathematics. Therefore, my Executive Budget recommends an additional $10 million to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics.
In addition, this Executive Budget provides $30 million for the Education Scholarship Trust Fund. Starting this year, these funds will allow low-income parents to choose the type of education environment and instruction that best suits their child's unique needs.
Regarding teachers, we must continue our remarkable progress to raise teacher pay.
In school year 2017-18, the minimum starting salary of a teacher in South Carolina was $30,113. Today, it is $42,500.
My Executive Budget increases the starting pay for teachers to $45,000 for the next school year.
My goal is that by 2026 the minimum starting salary of a teacher will be at least - at least - $50,000.
In school year 2017-18, the average teacher salary was $50,182, well below the southeastern average.
In school year 2022-23, the average teacher salary was $57,737, exceeding the southeastern average and a fifteen percent increase over five years. That is good news.
South Carolina is also making significant progress in providing school-based mental health services to school-aged children.
In January of 2022, I directed the Department of Health and Human Services to perform a comprehensive review and analysis of the school mental health services program at the Department of Mental Health. Within four months, HHS produced a review of the program and seven recommendations for removing barriers that existed to accessing quality mental health services in our schools. These recommendations were enacted on July 1, 2022, and produced a public-private partnership that offered schools more choice and control in accessing school-based mental health services for their students.
Health and Human Services also conducted a survey at the start of the current school year to determine the availability of school-based mental health services in South Carolina.
The survey showed that the number of school-based mental health counselors available for public schools has doubled from 600 in January of 2022 to 1,209 in September 2023. The ratio was one counselor for 1,300 students then, to one for 653 now.
The survey also showed that students at more than 200 additional schools now have access to mental health counseling and that all 73 of our traditional school districts now have access to mental health counseling.
We also know that access and affordability to higher education for every South Carolinian is essential to ensuring that we have the trained and skilled workforce to successfully compete for jobs and investment in the future and meet all economic challenges.
Therefore, this marks the fifth year in a row that I have asked the General Assembly to freeze college tuition for in-state students, with an appropriation to our institutions of higher education of $49.8 million. This represents a 4.5 percent increase as defined by the Higher Education Price Index.
I am also requesting $95 million in lottery funds to South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarships through the South Carolina Technical College System.
Despite the high demand for skills, training, and knowledge, many institutions across the nation are seeing declining enrollments. To address these challenges, I have proposed funding for the Education Oversight Committee - a nonpartisan committee composed of legislators, educators, and business representatives - to oversee a systemic review of our state's 33 public institutions of higher education.
This study will provide a systemic review, including an assessment of any advantages that are offered in consolidating schools or programs, or re-evaluate the courses, degrees and certificates that are offered at our public colleges and universities. The goal is to make sure we are meeting our state's future workforce needs.
Also, I propose providing $80 million so that every South Carolinian who qualifies for federal need-based financial aid as measured by federal Pell Grants - has sufficient state financial assistance to attend any in-state public college, university, or technical college.
Students at private, independent, and historically black colleges and universities will receive an additional $20 million for tuition grants and assistance.
Recently we learned that the Commission on Higher Education had approximately $151.7 million in surplus lottery funds that had not been used for college scholarships.
My Executive Budget recommends allocating those excess funds for additional need-based grants or to pay for an extra semester of LIFE, HOPE or Palmetto Fellow scholarships. These one-time funds should incentivize students to complete their undergraduate degree and enter the workforce sooner.
My Executive Budget also provides $44 million for deferred maintenance and health and safety upgrades at our four-year comprehensive institutions, two-year branch campuses of the University of South Carolina, and our technical colleges.
In addition, I am proposing a $34 million appropriation for campus infrastructure resiliency at the Medical University of South Carolina, a second $70 million installment for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University, and a $35 million investment for the Health Sciences Campus at the University of South Carolina.
My Executive Budget also proposes $1 million for operations and security for the Anne Frank Center and $1 million for the Center for Civil Rights History and Research, both at USC.
And finally for education, I propose continued funding of $20 million for the Battelle Alliance, a collaborative nuclear sciences research partnership between the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, South Carolina State University, and the Savannah River National Laboratory.
Truly, we must have the strongest focus on education we can muster if we are going to succeed.
Our COVID-19 experience revealed that a mental health crisis existed in South Carolina. What wasn't clear was just how bad it was.
That's why two years ago, I directed Health and Human Services Director Robby Kerr to initiate an immediate review of our State's behavioral health funding and delivery system.
It became clear from Director Kerr's efforts that the time had come to modernize and restructure South Carolina's siloed healthcare delivery agencies: the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, among others.
The restructuring of these agencies is and will continue to be a complicated legal and financial endeavor, involving billions of dollars in federal funding that flow through these agencies for a myriad of services and programs such as Medicaid.
Last year, my Executive Budget and the General Appropriations Act directed the Department of Administration to procure the professional expertise necessary to analyze and provide the General Assembly with a comprehensive plan to restructure these agencies, consolidating and privatizing services where possible.
The prestigious Boston Consulting Group was hired and has provided their initial report. Unfortunately, their analysis confirmed what many of us had feared - and much worse.
According to their report, South Carolina has the most fragmented health and human service delivery system in the nation. As a result, 77% of our state's young people with major depressive episodes do not receive mental health treatment, according to Mental Health America. This ranks lowest in the country. Our citizens and families are suffering as a result of this dysfunction.
With little to no coordination between the relevant agencies, South Carolinians seeking assistance are forced to navigate through a confusing landscape of offices, agencies, and officials as they seek help for a loved one or dependent. Too often they fall through the cracks of a system that does not coordinate, communicate, or collaborate.
The time has come for dramatic restructuring: for the consolidation and streamlining of these agencies into one single cabinet agency. One that will develop a strategic plan and operational approach to improve the quality, accountability and delivery of health and human services to the citizens of our state - as the Boston Consulting Group has recommended.
This will require us to reimagine how the state provides access to crisis mental health care, physical health care, substance abuse services, disability and special needs services and assistance to the elderly and at-risk.
I implore you: Let this legislative session be remembered for the creation of the most effective, efficient and professional health and human service delivery system in our history.
Our state law enforcement and criminal justice agencies have begun to stem the tide of personnel loss with recruitment and retention pay raises provided in the previous two General Appropriations Acts.
I propose that we build on this success, by providing an additional $17.8 million for recruitment and retention pay raises in FY 2024-2025. Invaluable experience should not be allowed to walk out the door.
I am also once again proposing a $2,000 state income tax credit for every active-duty law enforcement officer, firefighter, first responder, and emergency medical technician employed by a public entity.
Additionally, this budget maintains a proviso suspending the $10,000 retirement cap for anyone enrolled in the Police Officer Retirement System. This will allow retired officers to return to work and fill existing vacancies.
Placing an armed, certified school resource officer in every school, in every county, all day, every day, has been one of my top priorities.
At my request, the General Assembly began providing funds to hire more resource officers for our state's 1,284 public schools. The grant program has been very successful and has more than doubled the number of officers assigned to a school, going from 406 in 2018 to 1,109 in 2023.
I am recommending an additional $13.4 million to add officers in each of the remaining 175 schools currently without an assigned SRO.
Animal fighting, especially dog fighting, is one of the cruelest criminal activities in our society. Law officers estimate that most of the people participating in this barbaric activity have long criminal records.
In September 2022, a SLED agent was dedicated to combating animal fighting and working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. Shortly thereafter, the agent helped execute one of the "biggest takedowns of a dogfighting operation in South Carolina history," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
This Executive Budget expands upon this success by recommending $566,000 to hire three additional SLED agents dedicated to animal fighting.
In July 2023, the South Carolina Department of Corrections began utilizing a process that allows mobile phone providers to permanently disable contraband phones and devices. They are detected by a certified contraband interdiction system approved by the Federal Communications Commission. To date, over 875 phones and devices have been disabled at Lee Correctional Institution. My Executive Budget recommends $23 million to expand this valuable program to each prison in our state.
Our law enforcement officers know who the repeat criminals are. They commit over 80 percent of the crimes.
Unfortunately, this is happening every day. How long are we going to let this happen?
Law enforcement needs our help. They need stronger laws to keep illegal guns out of the hands of criminals and juveniles, and they need new laws to "close the revolving door" and keep career criminals behind bars and not out on bond.
Currently, there are no graduated criminal penalties for illegal gun possession in state law. That means the penalty is the same - small - no matter how many times the criminal gets caught. This provides no deterrent. Graduated felony penalties, with no bond, will help keep repeat criminals behind bars and not out on bail where they can - and will - commit more crimes.
During the last year, I have continually called on this General Assembly to act, to simply take a vote, and pass graduated criminal penalties for illegal gun possession so that I can sign it into law.
And during this last year, it has become an almost daily occurrence for an innocent South Carolinians to be shot or shot at by a career criminal who should be behind bars instead of roaming our streets with virtual impunity.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this new law will require no appropriation - no money - except whatever it costs to feed these killers while they rest peacefully behind bars.
Joining us today is South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Corporal B.A. Frazier.
Around 3:30 a.m. on April 16, 2023, Trooper Frazier was on duty and initiated a traffic stop after witnessing a vehicle traveling at high speed on U.S. Highway 78 in Bamberg County. As a Bamberg County Sheriff's Deputy arrived to assist, Trooper Frazier was shot by the suspect. Both officers returned fire as the suspect sped away. Following a long chase, the suspect crashed into a home in Branchville.
Video from the body and dash cameras of the incident is hard to watch. Trooper Frazier's professionalism and composure while under fire and getting shot in the face - was remarkable. He embodies the best of the Highway Patrol, and South Carolina law enforcement.
The gun that was used to shoot Trooper Frazier? According to the State Law Enforcement Division, it was a stolen gun.
The assailant? Derrick Edwards Gathers, according to SLED, was a 22 year repeat offender who was out on bond on charges in the state of Georgia. Gathers long rap sheet includes numerous charges and convictions for trespass, robbery, assault and battery, dealing drugs, rape, criminal sexual conduct, and 7 charges for criminal possession of a firearm.
This career criminal should have been behind bars and not behind the wheel of a car in South Carolina.
Trooper Frazier is here with us this evening. Trooper Frazier please stand so that we may recognize you.
So, I ask you, again, send me a bill with graduated criminal penalties for illegal gun possession. I will sign it into law. Let's get these career criminals behind bars and save the lives of our people. When our people are safe - they thrive.
In closing, to the members of the General Assembly, I say let us continue our successful partnership, one that has been based on communication, collaboration, and cooperation.
Let us embrace civility and comity through our thoughts, our deeds, and our words - and urge our people, especially the young people, to be proud of their state.
And let us set our State on a course that will provide the opportunity for prosperity, success, and happiness for generations of South Carolinians.
The best is yet to come.
May God continue to bless America, and our Great State of South Carolina.
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.
At 8:05 p.m. the House resumed, the SPEAKER in the Chair.
Rep. J. L. JOHNSON moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following: H. 4849 (Word version) -- Reps. Calhoon, Erickson and Bradley: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE JULY 2024 AS JUVENILE ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH AND URGE CITIZENS TO BE MINDFUL OF THE CONDITION AND ITS EFFECT ON SOUTH CAROLINA'S YOUTH.
H. 4903 (Word version) -- Reps. Pedalino, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Blackwell, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Carter, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Connell, B. J. Cox, B. L. Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Elliott, Erickson, Felder, Forrest, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Hosey, Howard, Hyde, Jefferson, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, S. Jones, W. Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lawson, Leber, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, May, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, Mitchell, J. Moore, T. Moore, A. M. Morgan, T. A. Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Nutt, O'Neal, Oremus, Ott, Pace, Pendarvis, Pope, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sandifer, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Thayer, Thigpen, Trantham, Vaughan, Weeks, West, Wetmore, Wheeler, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE CLARENDON HALL VARSITY SOFTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
At 8:06 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. W. NEWTON, adjourned in memory of Charles Edward Dean, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
This web page was last updated on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 8:10 P.M.