NO. 15
REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
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The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Jeff Lingerfelt as follows:
Our thought for today is from : Psalm 144:1-2: "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle; my loving kindness and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me."
Let us pray: o Lord our Father You are our firm foundation. You equip us for the work You have called each of us to perform. Our God is a personal God who aides His servants to fulfill the mission He has called us to. May we acknowledge and say like David: O LORD You are my GOD, my Lovingkindness, my Fortress, my Stronghold, my Deliverer, my Shield and my Refuge. Who is like our God? You are near, willing and able to help those who call upon You. You stand ready to do exceedingly above all we ask or think. So, we come before You, the One and only True God, asking that You would provide your Spirit to guide in the administration of the tasks before us as we serve the people of this state. Thank you for Your unending mercies and unmerited grace, O LORD Most HIGH! The KING of kings who rules Heaven and Earth.. 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. CALHOON moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Ebony Flemming Bowers, which was agreed to.
Rep. SCOTT made a statement relative to the contributions and legacy of the Honorable Ernest A. Finney Jr.
Ernest Adolphus Finney Jr., was born in Smithfield, Virginia, on March 23, 1931. He died in Columbia, South Carolina, December 3, 2017.
Finney received a BA from Claflin College and a JD from South Carolina State University School of Law in 1954. Finney became a schoolteacher and waiter, with no options for practicing law due to Jim Crow laws. After marrying Frances Davenport in 1955, the Finney family moved to Sumter, South Carolina, and opened a private law practice. Among his many accomplishments were defending more than 6,000 Freedom Riders and other civil rights demonstrators. In 1961, he defended Friendship Nine students who staged one of the first sit-ins in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
His appointment as Chairman of the South Carolina Advisory Commission on Civil Rights in 1963 raised his profile in the state. In 1972, he was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served for three years. After his time in the General Assembly, Finney became the first African American to serve as a Circuit Court judge in the state. He was elected as an associate justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court and would become the chief justice in 1994. Other accomplishments include National College of State Trial Judges, 1977; Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, The Citadel and Johnson C. Smith University, 1995; Doctor of Humane Letters, S.C. State University, 1996; Doctor of Laws, Morris College, 1996; Doctorate, Claflin University; Honoree, S. C. Trial Lawyers Association, 1993; elected and qualified judge of the Third Judicial Circuit, 1976; elected and qualified associate justice, 1985. Finney retired from the state Supreme Court in 2000 and was named interim president of S. C. State University in 2002.
Rep. Scott
The following was received:
Columbia, S.C., Wednesday, February 4
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has overridden the Veto by the Governor on S. 623 (Word version) by a vote of 45 to 0
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(R91) S. 623 (Word version) -- Senator Goldfinch: AN ACT TO EXEMPT GEORGETOWN COUNTY FROM CERTAIN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS AND TO ALLOW THE COUNTY TO INSTEAD ENFORCE AE STANDARDS IN GEORGETOWN COUNTY'S FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE. - RATIFIED TITLE
Very respectfully,
President
Rep. DAVIS, from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4767 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, Chumley, Sessions, Oremus, Bustos, Landing and White: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 9 TO TITLE 41 SO AS TO PROHIBIT NONCOMPETE CLAUSES IN PHYSICIAN CONTRACTS, TO PROTECT PATIENT FREEDOM OF CHOICE, TO DEFINE IMPERMISSIBLE RESTRICTIONS ON PHYSICIAN PRACTICE, TO ALLOW CERTAIN RECOUPMENT OF EXPENSES AND PROTECTION OF LEGITIMATE BUSINESS INTERESTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR APPLICABILITY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. DAVIS, from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4586 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, McCravy, C. Mitchell, B. Newton, Pope, Edgerton, Taylor, Schuessler, Teeple, Erickson and Bradley: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 7-15-310, 7-15-610, 8-7-10, AND 63-5-910, ALL RELATING TO ARMED FORCES DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE AS MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. DAVIS, from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4188 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, B. Newton, M. M. Smith, Cox, Brewer, Ford, Davis and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-5-590, RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF REMAINS OF UNIDENTIFIED DEAD BODIES BY CORONERS, SO AS TO INCLUDE UNCLAIMED REMAINS IN THE PURVIEW OF THE STATUTE, AND TO AUTHORIZE CORONERS TO RELEASE REMAINS TO FAMILY MEMBERS, RATHER THAN THE NEXT OF KIN, WHEN THE NEXT OF KIN IS CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATH OR OTHERWISE UNCOOPERATIVE IN CLAIMING REMAINS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. DAVIS, from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4635 (Word version) -- Rep. B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-79-60, RELATING TO PHYSICAL FITNESS SERVICE CONTRACTS, SO AS TO ALLOW THE USE OF ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION FOR AUTOMATIC RENEWAL OF CONTRACTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4755 (Word version) -- Reps. Gatch, G. M. Smith, W. Newton, Caskey, Jordan, Bailey, Ballentine, Brewer, Brittain, Chapman, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Duncan, Edgerton, Forrest, Gagnon, Gilliam, Guest, Guffey, Hager, Hardee, Hartz, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Huff, Kilmartin, Lawson, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, Martin, McCravy, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, B. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, M. M. Smith, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, White, Whitmire, Willis, Yow, Erickson, Chumley, Ford, Lastinger and Wickensimer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 2-19-5, 2-19-20, 2-19-30, 2-19-35, 2-19-50, 2-19-60 AND 2-19-70, ALL RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION SCREENING AND ELECTION OF JUSTICES AND JUDGES, SO AS TO REVISE THE STAFFING AND APPOINTMENT PROCESS OF THE COMMISSION AND TRANSFER THAT AUTHORITY TO THE GOVERNOR, TO PROHIBIT SITTING MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CERTAIN FAMILY MEMBERS FROM SERVING ON THE COMMISSION, TO PROHIBIT THE COMMISSION FROM CONSIDERING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION CRITERIA ALONG WITH OTHER SIMILAR CRITERIA, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 3530 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Pope, Spann-Wilder, Bernstein, Cobb-Hunter, Vaughan, C. Mitchell, Robbins and T. Moore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 2-19-115 SO AS TO REQUIRE CANDIDATES FOR MAGISTRATE POSITIONS TO BE REVIEWED BY THE JUDICIAL MERIT SELECTION COMMISSION IN THE SAME MANNER AS OTHER JUDICIAL CANDIDATES UPON VACANCIES, AND TO DEFINE WHEN VACANCIES OCCUR; BY AMENDING SECTION 22-1-10, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT, TERM AND TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION, TRAINING, CERTIFICATION, OR RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF MAGISTRATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND LIMITATIONS ON MAGISTRATES' HOLDOVER STATUS AND TO REQUIRE MAGISTRATES GOING FORWARD TO HOLD A JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE AND BE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BAR; BY AMENDING SECTION 22-1-15, RELATING TO MAGISTRATES PRESENTLY SERVING, SO AS TO GRANDFATHER MAGISTRATES SERVING IN OFFICE ON JUNE 30, 2025; BY AMENDING SECTION 22-3-10, RELATING TO CIVIL JURISDICTION IN MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE CIVIL JURISDICTION OF MAGISTRATES COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 22-3-550, RELATING TO CRIMINAL JURISDICTION IN MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION OF MAGISTRATES COURT; AND BY REPEALING SECTIONS 22-2-10 AND 22-2-15 RELATING TO A SCREENING COMMITTEE TO ASSIST IN THE SELECTION OF MAGISTRATES AND THE SPECIAL ELECTION FOR NONPARTISAN SELECTION OF MAGISTRATES, RESPECTIVELY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4813 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, C. Mitchell and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 8-21-1010 AND 8-21-1060, BOTH RELATING TO FEES AND COSTS TO BE COLLECTED BY MAGISTRATES, BOTH SO AS TO INCREASE VARIOUS FEES AND COSTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 22-3-340, RELATING TO ASSESSMENTS ON FILINGS IN MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE ASSESSMENT ON SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT FILINGS AND ALL OTHER CIVIL FILINGS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4511 (Word version) -- Rep. Wetmore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-9-720, RELATING TO SERVICE ON UNKNOWN PARTIES BY PUBLICATION FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY ACTIONS, SO AS TO ALLOW SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO BE PUBLISHED IN EITHER THE PRINT OR ONLINE VERSION OF A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE APPROPRIATE COUNTY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 62-3-801, RELATING TO NOTICE TO CREDITORS, SO AS TO ALLOW PUBLICATION ONLINE ON A CENTRALIZED WEBSITE FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA PROBATE COURT OR IN A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE APPROPRIATE COUNTY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 5098 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Weeks, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE AND CONGRATULATE KAREN WATSON, FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SUMTER COUNTY GALLERY OF ART; TO EXPRESS DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HER TWENTY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE; AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
The following was introduced:
H. 5099 (Word version) -- Reps. Caskey, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT PHILLIP BRUCE COOK FOR HIS BRAVERY AND SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS SELECTION BY FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON AS A CHEVALIER IN THE ORDRE NATIONAL DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR, THE HIGHEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL HONOR OF MERIT TO REWARD THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GREAT DEEDS FOR FRANCE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5100 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, Lawson, Edgerton, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO APPLAUD THE DORMAN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM ON NETTING THE 2025 CLASS AAAAA DIVISION I STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO SALUTE THESE ATHLETES AND THEIR COACHES ON A FABULOUS UNDEFEATED SEASON.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5101 (Word version) -- Reps. Pedalino, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE EAST CLARENDON HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5102 (Word version) -- Reps. M. M. Smith, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LIFE, SERVICE, AND LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS OF KENNETH "KC" CHAPMAN, A PIONEER IN DIGITAL ASSETS, A COMMUNITY BUILDER, AND A CHAMPION OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S EMERGING TECHNOLOGY ECOSYSTEM.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5103 (Word version) -- Reps. Bannister, Lowe, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND HONOR THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF SPORTSMEN'S CAUCUSES FOR PROTECTING WILDLIFE HABITATS AND PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5104 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, W. Newton, Herbkersman, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR REBECCA AND RON TUCKER, FOUNDERS OF THE BEAUFORT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM UPON THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FESTIVAL.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5105 (Word version) -- Rep. King: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. PAMELA RICHARDSON WILKS UPON HER INAUGURATION AS THE FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT OF CLINTON COLLEGE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5106 (Word version) -- Reps. McDaniel, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MATILDA A. EVANS, A PIONEERING PHYSICIAN, HUMANITARIAN, AND ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, AND TO DECLARE MAY 18, 2026, AS "DR. MATILDA A. EVANS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5107 (Word version) -- Reps. Schuessler, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DEDICATE THE CITY OF CONWAY IN HORRY COUNTY AS THE HOLIDAY CAPITAL OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following was introduced: H. 5108 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE FORTY-SEVEN TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS NAMED TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2026 ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM BY THE PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SCHOLARLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 5109 (Word version) -- Reps. Rankin, Gilliam, Haddon, Hardee, Teeple, Bowers, B. Newton, Wickensimer, Robbins, Pedalino, Gatch, Gagnon, Herbkersman, Hiott and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 32 TO TITLE 40 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE CERTIFICATION OF MOLD ASSESSMENT PROVIDERS AND MOLD REMEDIATION PROVIDERS, TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA MOLD ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION, OVERSIGHT, INVESTIGATION, DISCIPLINE, PENALTIES, EXEMPTIONS, AND TRANSITION PROVISIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 5110 (Word version) -- Rep. Teeple: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 10-1-220 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ANY GREENBELT PROJECT THAT RECEIVES PUBLIC INCENTIVES TO ACQUIRE LAND MUST MAKE THE ACQUIRED LAND ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC WITHIN THREE YEARS OF ACQUISITION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5111 (Word version) -- Rep. Forrest: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 5-31-60 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PROPERTY OWNERS TO DRILL, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN PRIVATE WATER WELLS ON AGRICULTURAL OR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY; TO PROHIBIT COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES FROM MANDATING CONNECTION TO MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEMS ABSENT A DOCUMENTED PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT; TO ESTABLISH PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE; TO PREEMPT CONFLICTING LOCAL ORDINANCES; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
H. 5112 (Word version) -- Rep. Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-3150, RELATING TO DETERMINING WHEN AN ASSESSABLE TRANSFER OF INTEREST OCCURS, SO AS TO EXCLUDE TRANSFERS MADE AMONGST RELATED DESCENDANTS OF THE HEIRS' PROPERTY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5113 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, M. M. Smith, Guffey, B. Newton, Lawson, Sessions, Robbins, Gatch, Neese, Kirby, Waters, C. Mitchell, Yow, Atkinson, Forrest, Gagnon, Guest, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hiott, J. L. Johnson and Wooten: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-29-735 SO AS TO PROHIBIT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM PREVENTING THE CONTINUANCE OF LAWFUL NONCONFORMING USE OF PROPERTY WHEN A PREEXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME OR MOBILE HOME IS REPLACED WITH A NEW MANUFACTURED HOME OR MOBILE HOME, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-43-85, RELATING TO STANDARDS FOR PLACEMENT OF MODULAR HOMES; DISPLAY MODELS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECTION APPLIES TO ON-FRAME MODULAR HOMES AND TO REMOVE A FIVE-YEAR RESTRICTION ON DISPLAY MODELS BEING USED FOR RESIDENTIAL USE.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 5114 (Word version) -- Reps. Rankin and Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "HUMAN PERSONHOOD AT CONCEPTION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-8 SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "PERSON" FOR PURPOSES OF HOMICIDE OFFENSES TO INCLUDE EVERY HUMAN BEING BEGINNING AT CONCEPTION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND BY REPEALING CHAPTER 41, TITLE 44 RELATING TO ABORTION.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5115 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilreath, Cromer, Frank, Magnuson, Edgerton, Harris, Pace, Kilmartin and White: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 17 TO CHAPTER 1 OF TITLE 1 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN GOLD AND SILVER SPECIE ARE LEGAL TENDER IN THIS STATE, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE COMPTROLLER GENERAL TO ESTABLISH ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS, CONTRACT WITH VENDORS, AND ADOPT RULES TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5116 (Word version) -- Rep. Willis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 47-1-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISCHARGE FIREWORKS NEAR FACILITIES HOUSING EQUINE.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
H. 5117 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Garvin, Holman, T. Moore, Sessions and Wetmore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-1210, RELATING TO TRANSFER OF JURISDICTION IN JUVENILE JUSTICE CASES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN PREREQUISITES BEFORE TRANSFERRING JUVENILE CASES FROM FAMILY COURT TO GENERAL SESSIONS COURT, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT FOR A FULL INVESTIGATION AND HEARING AS WELL AS THE COURT'S CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN FACTORS BEFORE ISSUING AN ORDER TO TRANSFER; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5118 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Garvin, Holman, T. Moore, Sessions and Wetmore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 63-19-360, 63-19-810, 63-19-1440, AND 63-19-1810, ALL RELATING TO JUVENILE JUSTICE PROCEEDINGS, SO AS TO REQUIRE COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENTS AS PART OF JUVENILE EVALUATIONS, TO MAKE CERTAIN CHANGES PERTAINING TO THE DETENTION OF JUVENILES IN JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITIES AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5119 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Garvin, Holman, T. Moore, Sessions and Wetmore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-1820, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF JUVENILE PAROLE, SO AS TO APPLY TO JUVENILES COMMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AS THE RESULT OF ADJUDICATION FOR A VIOLENT FELONY.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5120 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Garvin, Holman, T. Moore, Sessions and Wetmore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-2020, RELATING TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF JUVENILE RECORDS, SO AS TO CLARIFY WHEN NOTICE ABOUT THE DISPOSITION OF A CASE AGAINST A CHILD CHARGED WITH CERTAIN OFFENSES MUST BE PROVIDED TO A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, AND TO CLARIFY WHEN JUVENILE FINGERPRINT RECORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TAKEN, HOW THESE RECORDS ARE MAINTAINED, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THESE RECORDS MAY BE TRANSMITTED TO ANOTHER AGENCY OR PERSON; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-2030, RELATING TO JUVENILE LAW ENFORCEMENT RECORDS, SO AS TO CLARIFY WHEN INCIDENT REPORTS ABOUT A CHILD CHARGED WITH CERTAIN OFFENSES MUST BE PROVIDED TO A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5121 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Garvin, Holman, T. Moore, Sessions and Wetmore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 25 TO CHAPTER 19, TITLE 63 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM BY WHICH PUBLIC OR PRIVATE NONPROFIT ENTITIES MAY BE CERTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE TO PROVIDE CERTAIN SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES INTENDED TO PREVENT JUVENILE CRIME AND DELINQUENCY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COMMUNITY JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS BY THE DEPARTMENT, TO ESTABLISH A CIVIL PENALTY FOR THE UNLAWFUL REPRESENTATION OF AN UNCERTIFIED PROGRAM AS CERTIFIED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROMULGATE NECESSARY REGULATIONS TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5122 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Bannister and Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 31 TO CHAPTER 9, TITLE 58 SO AS TO PERMIT CERTAIN ITEMS SOLD TO OR USED BY INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE PROVIDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS TO BE EXEMPT FROM SALES TAX.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Forrest Frank Gagnon Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey Haddon Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Wooten Yow
The SPEAKER granted Rep. HAGER a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. CLYBURN a leave of absence for the day due to a death in the family.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. SPANN-WILDER a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. WILLIS a leave of absence for the day due to attending a meeting in his district.
Rep. SCOTT presented to the House the Thomas Sumter Academy "Generals" 3-A SCISA Boys Cross Country Championship Team.
Rep. BERNSTEIN presented to the House the Cardinal Newman "Lady Cardinals" SCISA 4-A Volleyball State Champions.
Announcement was made that Dr. March Seabrook of Columbia was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. YOW a leave of absence for the remainder of the day to attend a funeral.
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. 3197 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/05/26 ALEXANDER
Bill Number: H. 3511 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/05/26 BOWERS and M. M. SMITH
Bill Number: H. 3551 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/05/26 HIXON and CALHOON
Bill Number: H. 4145 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/05/26 WILLIAMS, RIVERS, WATERS and GRANT
Bill Number: H. 4468 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/05/26 ALEXANDER
Bill Number: H. 4591 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/05/26 GOVAN and WICKENSIMER
Bill Number: H. 4622 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/05/26 J. L. JOHNSON
Bill Number: H. 4804 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/05/26 GOVAN
Bill Number: H. 5058 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/05/26 ROBBINS
Bill Number: H. 4758 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
02/05/26 GUEST
Bill Number: H. 4759 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
02/05/26 GUEST
The SPEAKER granted Rep. GILREATH a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. CROMER a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. BRITTAIN a leave of absence for the remainder of the day.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3774 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson, Stavrinakis, Jordan, McCravy, C. Mitchell and Hart: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 42-1-560, RELATING TO THE NOTICE REQUIREMENT FOR FILING A THIRD-PARTY ACTION IN A WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIM, SO AS TO MAKE THE FILING OF A NOTICE FORM PERMISSIVE.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3551 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Gilliam, Pope, Taylor, Weeks, Bowers, Yow, M. M. Smith, Caskey, Kilmartin, Oremus, Ballentine, C. Mitchell, Hewitt, Hixon and Calhoon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-1-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE EARNABLE COMPENSATION DOES NOT INCLUDE CERTAIN AMOUNTS PAID TO MANAGERS AND CLERKS OF ELECTIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1120, RELATING TO THE COMPUTATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA GROSS INCOME, SO AS TO EXCLUDE CERTAIN AMOUNTS PAID TO MANAGERS AND CLERKS OF ELECTIONS.
Rep. B. NEWTON explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Govan Grant Guest Guffey Haddon Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Wooten
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
On motion of Rep. B. NEWTON, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 3551 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.
The following Bill was taken up:
S. 405 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander and Martin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-85, RELATING TO HOMICIDE BY CHILD ABUSE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AGE OF A CHILD UNDER THIS SECTION FROM UNDER THE AGE OF ELEVEN TO UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to S. 405 (Word version) (LC-405.AHB0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 16-3-85(A)(1) and (2) and inserting:
(1) causes the death of a child under the age of eleven eighteensixteen while committing child abuse or neglect, and the death occurs under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to human life; or
(2) knowingly aids and abets another person to commit child abuse or neglect, and the child abuse or neglect results in the death of a child under the age of eleven eighteensixteen.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, Section 16-3-85, by adding a subsection to read:
(E) A person who violates the provisions of this section and the child is under the age of eighteen and suffers from an intellectual or related disability pursuant to Chapter 20, Title 44, must be punished in accordance with the provisions of this section.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. J. E. JOHNSON 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:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Govan Grant Guest Guffey Haddon Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hartz Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell T. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Wooten
Those who voted in the negative are:
On motion of Rep. J. E. JOHNSON, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that S. 405 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.
The following Bill was taken up:
S. 415 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Elliott, Sutton, Ott, Devine, Reichenbach and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-20, RELATING TO CHILDREN'S CODE DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE TERM "LICENSED"; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-1110, RELATING TO ADOPTION BY A STEPPARENT OR RELATIVE, SO AS TO APPLY TO CHILDREN PLACED WITH RELATIVES OR FICTIVE KIN FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2320, RELATING TO THE KINSHIP FOSTER CARE PROGRAM, SO AS TO LOWER THE MINIMUM AGE OF A KINSHIP FOSTER PARENT FROM TWENTY-ONE TO EIGHTEEN AND TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT TO USE DIFFERENT STANDARDS WHEN LICENSING RELATIVES AND FICTIVE KIN; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2350, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON FOSTER CARE, ADOPTION, OR LEGAL GUARDIAN PLACEMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2400, RELATING TO THE NUMBER OF FOSTER CHILDREN WHO MAY BE PLACED IN A FOSTER HOME, SO AS TO REMOVE THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT LIMITATIONS FROM KINSHIP FOSTER CARE PLACEMENTS.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to S. 415 (Word version) (LC-415.VR0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3, Section 63-7-2320(D)(3), by adding a subitem to read:
(c) In accordance with the federal Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA), the Department of Social Services must not deny to any individual the opportunity to become a foster or adoptive parent based on the race, color, or national origin of the individual, or of the child. MEPA also provides that this law shall not be construed to adversely affect the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act, which contains preferences for the placement of eligible American Indian and Alaska Native Children in foster care, guardianship, or adoptive homes. Also, the department must not discriminate regarding the application or licensure of a kinship foster family or kinship adoptive family on the basis of age, disability, religion, or marital status.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. BERNSTEIN 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:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Govan Grant Guest Guffey Haddon Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hartz Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Huff J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Wooten
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
On motion of Rep. BERNSTEIN, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that S. 415 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 4145 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Bannister, Stavrinakis, W. Newton, Kirby, Teeple, Gilliam, Bauer, Wetmore, Gilliard, J. Moore, Bustos, Landing, C. Mitchell, Williams, Rivers, Waters and Grant: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PRAY SAFE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-90 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRAY SAFE GRANT PROGRAM WITHIN THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO PROVIDE GRANTS FOR SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS TO CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE AT RISK OF BEING VICTIMS OF A RELIGIOUSLY MOTIVATED CRIME.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 4145 (Word version) (LC-4145.DG0001H)
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "South Carolina Pray Safe Act."
SECTION 2. Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 23 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 23-3-90. (A) As used in this section:
(1) "Eligible applicant" means a private religious organization that is:
(a) qualified for federal tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
(b) at risk of being subject to a religiously motivated crime; and
(c) is a religious organization as defined in Section 1-33-10.
(2) "Eligible facility" means real property owned, rented, or operated by an eligible applicant.
(3) "Offense against a religious organization" includes an offense against:
(a) an employee or agent of the organization;
(b) the eligible facility itself; or
(c) individuals frequenting the eligible facility as part of the population served by the organization.
(4) "Religiously motivated crime" means the commission, attempted commission, or alleged commission of an offense against a religious organization based on the religious ideology or mission of the organization or the population served by the organization.
(5) "Security enhancements" includes, without limitation:
(a) security assessments and training;
(b) security personnel;
(c) upgrades or improvements including, but not limited to, windows, doors, gates, or security-related landscaping;
(d) high-intensity lighting, camera systems, alarms, or other security systems; and
(e) any other security enhancement consistent with the purpose of the South Carolina Pray Safe Grant Program. (B)(1) There is established the South Carolina Pray Safe Grant Program within the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) to provide grants to eligible applicants for security enhancements to eligible facilities. Grants may be awarded to eligible applicants in amounts not to exceed five thousand dollars.
(2) SCDPS may develop the form and manner in which eligible applicants may apply for grants. SCDPS shall rank applications based on the criteria set forth in subsection (C) and award grants based on rankings and available monies.
(C) SCDPS shall, by rule, establish criteria for ranking grant applications under the grant program. Criteria must include, but need not be limited to:
(1) an eligible applicant's and eligible facility's level of risk of being subject to a religiously motivated crime;
(2) whether an eligible applicant or eligible facility has previously been subject to a religiously motivated crime; and
(3) the level of security measures already in place at eligible facilities.
(D) SCDPS shall adopt rules to implement the grant program. Rules must include, but need not be limited to:
(1) policies and procedures for the grant application process;
(2) terms and conditions of grant agreements entered into by the department and grant recipients; and
(3) procedures for verifying that grant monies have been used for the purposes for which they were awarded.
(E) There is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the general fund, the South Carolina Pray Safe Grant Program Fund. The monies in the fund only may be used to fund grants authorized by this section. SCDPS may not award grants that exceed the balance in the Fund. The total balance in the Fund may not exceed seven hundred fifty thousand dollars for any fiscal year.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. BERNSTEIN explained the amendment.
Reps. FRANK, PACE, EDGERTON, MAGNUSON, BEACH, HARRIS, WHITE, KILMARTIN, TERRIBILE, MORGAN, DUNCAN, GIBSON, FORD, ROBBINS and RANKIN requested debate on the Bill. Further proceedings were interrupted by expiration of time on the uncontested Calendar.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4760 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Oremus, G. M. Smith, Jordan, Crawford, Duncan, Erickson, Forrest, Gatch, Gilliam, Guest, Haddon, Hiott, Hixon, J. E. Johnson, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, McCravy, Martin, C. Mitchell, T. Moore, B. Newton, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Robbins, Sessions, Vaughan, Whitmire, Willis, Yow, Chumley, Edgerton, Taylor, Bowers, White and Burns: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 41, TITLE 44 SO AS TO CREATE CRIMES AND ASSOCIATED PENALTIES REGARDING THE USE OF ABORTION-INDUCING DRUGS, WITH EXCEPTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-250, RELATING TO SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, SO AS TO ADD MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-370, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSES AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO CREATE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OF MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL, WITH EXCEPTIONS.
Rep. GUFFEY demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Bailey Ballentine Bannister Beach Bowers Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chumley Collins Cox Crawford Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Forrest Gagnon Gatch Gibson Gilliam Guest Guffey Haddon Hardee Hartnett Hartz Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Huff J. E. Johnson Jordan Kilmartin Landing Lastinger Lawson Long Lowe Martin McCabe McCravy McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pedalino Pope Rankin Robbins Sanders Schuessler Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan White Whitmire Wickensimer Wooten
Those who voted in the negative are:
Anderson Bauer Bernstein Cobb-Hunter Dillard Garvin Gilliard Govan Grant Harris Henderson-Myers Hosey J. L. Johnson Jones King Luck McDaniel J. Moore Reese Rivers Rose Rutherford Scott Stavrinakis Waters Weeks Wetmore Williams
So, the Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the Senate.
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 4760 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the bill.
Rep. Randy Ligon
Rep. SCOTT moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
At 11:39 a.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. CALHOON, adjourned in memory of Ebony Flemming Bowers, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
This web page was last updated on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:20 P.M.