NO. 17
REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
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The House assembled at 12:00 noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Jeff Lingerfelt as follows:
Our thought for today is from Isaiah 30:18: "The LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore, He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who wait for Him."
Let us pray: O Lord, our God, thank You that You abound in infinite grace. For who is like our God who stands ready to help in the time of need. Your insatiable longings for your children to call upon You, shows us Your heart and love for us your needed creatures. We stand before You, needing grace that we do not deserve. But You are infinitely gracious and compassionate! These attributes flow from the deep well of Your storehouse to lavish them upon us this day. Lord God, guide our deliberations and may we seek You in all our affairs before us, as we begin this week of service. May You knowledge and understanding direct us in all our ways. May unity be the hallmark of this Assembly that others may see the love of God emanating from this Chamber. May we taste and see that the LORD-YAHWEH is good; O how blessed is everyone who takes refuge in Him! 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 Friday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.
Rep. HENDERSON-MYERS moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Jane Blakely Spann, which was agreed to.
Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers
Rep. RIVERS made a statement relative to the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Elijah Washington.
The following was received and referred to the appropriate committee for consideration:
Document No. 5443
Agency: State Commission on Higher Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 59-112-100
Determination of Rates of Tuition and Fees
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
February 9, 2026
Referred to Regulations, Admin. Proc., AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration January 27, 2027
Document No. 5366
Agency: State Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-40-40, 59-40-115, and 59-40-180
Procedures and Standards for Review of Charter School Applications
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives April 10, 2025
Referred to Reg., Admin. Procedures, AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration: Permanently Withdrawn
Rep. DAVIS, from the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4757 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Erickson, Davis, M. M. Smith, Bailey, Bradley, Brewer, Caskey, Crawford, Duncan, Forrest, Gagnon, Gatch, Gilliam, Guest, Haddon, Hardee, Hartnett, Hartz, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Martin, McCravy, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, T. Moore, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pedalino, Robbins, Schuessler, G. M. Smith, Taylor, Teeple, Vaughan, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis, Wooten, Yow, Chumley, Edgerton, Magnuson, Terribile, Kilmartin, White, Sanders, D. Mitchell, Cromer, Gilreath, Guffey and Lastinger: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "PARENTAL RIGHTS ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 28, TITLE 59, TO AFFIRM AND ENUMERATE THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF PARENTS TO DIRECT THE UPBRINGING, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, AND GENERAL WELFARE OF THEIR CHILDREN, TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT MINIMUM STANDARDS TO IMPLEMENT PARENTAL RIGHTS AND A RELATED MODEL PARENTAL RIGHTS POLICY, TO PROVIDE LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCIES SHALL ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT RELATED POLICIES, TO ESTABLISH ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR A LIMITED PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION UPON EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-5-340, RELATING TO MINOR CONSENT FOR HEALTH SERVICES, SO AS TO CLARIFY, STRENGTHEN, AND EXPAND REQUIREMENTS FOR PARENTAL CONSENT FOR NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT OF MINORS, TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS ALLEGED BY PARENTS, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY REPEALING SECTION 63-5-350 RELATING TO FURNISHING HEALTH SERVICES TO MINORS WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT; BY DESIGNATING THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 28, TITLE 59 AS "GENERAL PROVISIONS"; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 63-5-370 RELATING TO CERTAIN CONSENT NOT BEING SUBJECT TO DISAFFIRMANCE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced: H. 5123 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, 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, 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 COMMEND TAIWAN FOR ITS RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES AND WITH THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5124 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, Yow, B. Newton, 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, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, 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 and Wooten: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR EDUCATOR KELLI OVERCASH OF KERSHAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN LANCASTER COUNTY, TO CONGRATULATE HER UPON BEING NAMED THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR, AND TO COMMEND HER FOR HER DEDICATED SERVICE TO EDUCATION IN THIS GREAT STATE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5125 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliard, 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, 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 EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF TAMMY J. MCCOTTRY, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE AND HER REMARKABLE COMMITMENT TO HER COMMUNITY, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
The following was introduced:
H. 5125 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliard, 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, 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 EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF TAMMY J. MCCOTTRY, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE AND HER REMARKABLE COMMITMENT TO HER COMMUNITY, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5128 (Word version) -- Reps. Howard, Bernstein, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, 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, 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 CELEBRATE THE MEMBERS OF THE CARDINAL NEWMAN SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM FOR CAPTURING THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND TO APPLAUD THEM FOR ANOTHER FABULOUS SEASON.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5129 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson, Crawford, Guest, Brittain, Atkinson, Hardee, Hayes, McGinnis and Schuessler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 501 FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH MEDLEN PARKWAY TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH MILL POND ROAD IN THE CITY OF CONWAY IN HORRY COUNTY "CHUCK JORDAN HIGHWAY" AND PLACE APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The following was introduced:
H. 5134 (Word version) -- Rep. Martin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM THE UNEQUIVOCAL OPPOSITION TO RACISM, HATRED, AND DEHUMANIZING RHETORIC IN ANY FORM, FROM ANY SOURCE, AT ANY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT OR PUBLIC LIFE AND FURTHER AFFIRM THAT LEADERSHIP CARRIES RESPONSIBILITY, AND THAT THOSE ENTRUSTED WITH PUBLIC INFLUENCE MUST STRIVE TO ELEVATE OUR DISCOURSE RATHER THAN DEGRADE IT, RECOGNIZING THAT WORDS CAN EITHER HEAL OR HARM.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The Senate sent to the House the following:
S. 881 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO WELCOME THE NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, THE HONORABLE DAN K. WILEY, AND TO INVITE HIM TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION IN THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 12:30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 5130 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, Yow, Brewer and Moss: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-550 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES FROM DISCLOSING CERTAIN PERSONAL INFORMATION WITHOUT AN INDIVIDUAL'S EXPRESS CONSENT, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH AND CARRY OUT WAIVER PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTS FOR SUCH PERSONAL INFORMATION.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 5131 (Word version) -- Rep. Hartnett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-780, RELATING TO PERMANENT LICENSE PLATES AND FEES FOR VEHICLES OF STATE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, SO AS TO CREATE A PERMANENT LICENSE PLATE FOR TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS LOCATED IN THE STATE.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 5132 (Word version) -- Reps. McDaniel and King: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-340 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EIGHTEENTH DAY OF MAY OF EACH YEAR IS DESIGNATED AS "DR. MATILDA A. EVANS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
H. 5133 (Word version) -- Reps. Robbins and Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 10 TO CHAPTER 7, TITLE 1 SO AS TO CREATE THE CIRCUIT SOLICITORS' QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION, PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR FOR DISCIPLINE, REMOVAL, OR FORCED INVOLUNTARY RETIREMENT OF CIRCUIT SOLICITORS FOR CERTAIN CONDUCT WARRANTING SUCH ACTION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR CONFIDENTIALITY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND OPEN MEETINGS IN CERTAIN OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5135 (Word version) -- Rep. Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-1538, RELATING TO EMERGENCY SCENE MANAGEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE PERSONS CHARGED WITH VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION ARE ELIGIBLE TO ENROLL IN A TRAFFIC EDUCATION PROGRAM (TEP).
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 5136 (Word version) -- Rep. Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-63-74, RELATING TO MEDICAL CERTIFICATIONS ON DEATH CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO LIST FENTANYL POISONING AS THE CAUSE OF DEATH IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
H. 5137 (Word version) -- Rep. Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-97 SO AS TO ESTABLISH UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES; TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS; TO LIMIT THE EXCUSAL OF STUDENTS FROM CORE ACADEMIC CLASSES; TO RESTRICT THE USE OF INSTRUCTIONAL FUNDS FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES; TO ESTABLISH ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY AND INDEPENDENT ACADEMIC REVIEW REQUIREMENTS; AND TO PROVIDE RELATED SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICIES, OVERSIGHT, AND ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 5138 (Word version) -- Reps. Guffey, Sessions, Martin and Brewer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "CHATBOT PROTECTION ACT"; AND BY ADDING CHAPTER 80 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN CHATBOT ACTIVITIES AND TO PROVIDE FOR CIVIL ACTIONS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 5139 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, Caskey, T. Moore, Pope and Bannister: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "HONOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 1-11-735 SO AS TO PROVIDE STATE-FUNDED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE SURVIVING SPOUSES AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF FIRST RESPONDERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY; TO DEFINE ELIGIBLE FIRST RESPONDERS; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ADMINISTRATION, FUNDING, AND OPTIMAL CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5140 (Word version) -- Reps. Ligon and Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 26-1-100, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF NOTARIAL FEES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FEES TO TEN DOLLARS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
S. 52 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Cash, Gambrell, Grooms, Jackson, Devine, Climer, Johnson, Adams, Turner, Kimbrell, Sutton, Blackmon, Williams, Alexander, Verdin, Garrett, Zell and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2930, RELATING TO OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, SO AS TO AMEND THE PENALTY PROVISIONS TO PERMIT SENTENCES OF BOTH FINES AND INCARCERATION AND TO REQUIRE CONVICTED PERSONS TO ATTEND DUI VICTIM IMPACT PANELS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2933, RELATING TO DRIVING WITH UNLAWFUL ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS, SO AS TO PERMIT SENTENCES OF BOTH FINES AND INCARCERATION AND TO REQUIRE CONVICTED PERSONS TO ATTEND DUI VICTIM IMPACT PANELS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2941, RELATING TO IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROVIDES NOTHING IN THE SECTION REQUIRES INSTALLATION OF IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES PRIOR TO CONTESTED CASE HEARINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2945, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF FELONY DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF FELONY DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE SECOND DEGREE, ESTABLISH PENALTIES, AND DEFINE THE TERM "MODERATE BODILY INJURY"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2947, RELATING TO CHILD ENDANGERMENT, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OFFENSES OF RECKLESS VEHICULAR HOMICIDE AND RECKLESS DRIVING AS VIOLATIONS SUBJECT TO A CHARGE OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2950, RELATING TO IMPLIED CONSENT TO TESTING FOR ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, SO AS TO REVISE THE CIRCUMSTANCES, PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED, AND TEST SITES THAT CAN BE USED WHEN PERSONS ARE SUBJECTED TO TESTS FOR ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, TO PROVIDE THAT LABORATORY TECHNICIANS, PHLEBOTOMISTS, AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS MAY OBTAIN BLOOD OR URINE SAMPLES, TO REVISE THE PERIOD OF SUSPENSIONS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES THAT MUST BE IMPOSED FOR FAILURE IF PERSONS REFUSE TO BE TESTED AND IF PERSONS HAVE CERTAIN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS, TO REVISE THE PROVISION THAT ESTABLISHES ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS, AND TO DELETE THE PROVISION RELATING TO PERSONS INCAPABLE OF REFUSING TO CONSENT TO TESTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2951, RELATING TO SUSPENSION OF LICENSES FOR REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO TESTING OR FOR CERTAIN LEVELS OF ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PERSONS ISSUED LICENSE SUSPENSIONS MAY INSTALL IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AND OBTAIN TEMPORARY DRIVERS' LICENSES WITH IGNITION INTERLOCK RESTRICTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT PERSONS WHO REFUSE TO SUBMIT TO CHEMICAL TESTS MUST HAVE THEIR DRIVERS' LICENSES SUSPENDED FOR ONE YEAR FOR A FIRST OFFENSE, AND TO PROVIDE INCREASED SUSPENSIONS FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES, OR IF PERSONS TAKE THE TESTS AND REGISTER ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS OF OVER FIFTEEN ONE-HUNDREDTH OF ONE PERCENT OR MORE, THAT THEIR LICENSES ARE SUSPENDED FOR TWO MONTHS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2953, RELATING TO INCIDENT SITES AND BREATH TEST SITES FOR VIDEO RECORDING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NOTHING IN THIS SECTION MAY BE CONSTRUED TO COMPEL OR AUTHORIZE A DISMISSAL OF A DUI OFFENSE IF THE OFFICERS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLY WITH THE STATUTE AND THAT MOTIONS FOR SUPPRESSION OF EVIDENCE UNDER THE STATUTE MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO JEOPARDY ATTACHING; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2920, RELATING TO RECKLESS DRIVING, SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSES OF FELONY RECKLESS DRIVING WITH GREAT BODILY INJURY AND RECKLESS DRIVING RESULTING IN MODERATE BODILY INJURY AND TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES; BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-2960 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PERSONS CONVICTED OF FELONY DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE CAUSING THE DEATH OR DISABILITY OF PARENTS OR GUARDIANS MAY BE ORDERED TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT AS RESTITUTION FOR THE DURATION OF ANY PROBATION ORDERED, PERFORM COMMUNITY SERVICE, OR BOTH; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-286, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF LICENSES OR PERMITS OR THE DENIAL OF ISSUANCE OF LICENSES OR PERMITS TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE WHO DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PERSONS ISSUED NOTICES OF SUSPENSIONS MAY OBTAIN TEMPORARY LICENSES WITH IGNITION INTERLOCK RESTRICTIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-400, RELATING TO THE SURRENDER OF LICENSES, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT NOTHING IN THIS SECTION REQUIRES PERSONS OBTAIN IGNITION INTERLOCKS UNLESS THE OFFENSES ARE ALCOHOL RELATED.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis 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 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 Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
The SPEAKER granted Rep. WATERS a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. SPANN-WILDER a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. T. MOORE a leave of absence for the day due to military service.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. BALLENTINE a leave of absence for the day due to business reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. CLYBURN a leave of absence for the day due to a death in the family.
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. 4188 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 YOW and C. MITCHELL
Bill Number: H. 4264 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 KILMARTIN and WHITE
Bill Number: H. 4270 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 KING
Bill Number: H. 4583 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 LAWSON
Bill Number: H. 4586 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 CASKEY
Bill Number: H. 4755 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 BOWERS
Bill Number: H. 4791 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 PEDALINO and MCCABE
Bill Number: H. 4794 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 PEDALINO and MCCABE
Bill Number: H. 4813 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 OREMUS
Bill Number: H. 4816 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 WILLIS
Bill Number: H. 5006 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 BAMBERG
Bill Number: H. 5071 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 CHAPMAN
Bill Number: H. 5073 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 OREMUS and TEEPLE
Bill Number: H. 5090 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 LAWSON
Bill Number: H. 5114 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/10/26 BURNS and MAGNUSON
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. 3477 (Word version) -- Reps. Caskey, Bannister, G. M. Smith, B. Newton, Hewitt, Long, Wooten, C. Mitchell, Pope, W. Newton, Sessions, Neese, Weeks, Bowers, Moss, Hartz, Lawson, Rankin, Guest, Brittain, Lowe, Sanders, M. M. Smith, T. Moore, Ballentine, Martin, Ligon, Oremus, Pedalino, Calhoon, Davis, Taylor, Holman, Erickson, Brewer, Gatch, Yow, Haddon, Hixon, Hiott, Wickensimer, Jordan and Hardee: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 41-35-50, RELATING TO THE MAXIMUM UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS ALLOWED IN A BENEFIT YEAR, SO AS TO BASE THE DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ALLOWED ON SEASONALLY ADJUSTED STATEWIDE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR CALCULATING THE RATES, AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE SHALL PROMULGATE CERTAIN RELATED REGULATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 41-35-120, RELATING TO DISQUALIFICATION FOR BENEFITS. Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
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.
Rep. B. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4586 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, McCravy, C. Mitchell, B. Newton, Pope, Edgerton, Taylor, Schuessler, Teeple, Erickson, Bradley and Caskey: 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.
Rep. GILLIAM explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis 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 Kilmartin King Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery 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 Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4188 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, B. Newton, M. M. Smith, Cox, Brewer, Ford, Davis, Robbins, Yow and C. Mitchell: 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.
Rep. M. M. SMITH explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Bamberg Bannister Bauer Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Gagnon Garvin 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 King Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery 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 Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
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. Rep. BUSTOS explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Bamberg Bannister Beach Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis 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 Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. L. Johnson Jones Kilmartin King Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery 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 Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
February 10, 2026
The Honorable G. Murrell Smith Jr.
506 Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29201
Dear Speaker Smith,
I am notifying you in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. Section 8-13-700 that I will not participate in the vote on H. 4635 (Word version) by amending 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.
I will abstain from this vote because of a potential conflict of interest as an economic interest of myself and/or the business with which I am associated may be affected. Please note this in the House Journal.
Sincerely,
Representative Heather Bauer
House District Number 75
The following Bill was taken up: 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, Wickensimer and Bowers: 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.
Reps. B. NEWTON, HEWITT, COX, LAWSON, MCCRAVY, LONG, WHITE, EDGERTON, MAGNUSON, HIXON, TAYLOR, HARTZ and CROMER requested debate on the Bill.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 3530 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Pope, Spann-Wilder, Cobb-Hunter, Bernstein, 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.
Rep. B. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4813 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, C. Mitchell, Robbins and Oremus: 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.
Rep. B. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.
The following Bill was taken up:
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.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment
No. 1 to H. 4511 (Word version) (LC-4511.HDB0005H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 15-9-720(B)(1) and (2) and inserting:
(B)(1) A court shall grant an order allowing a party with an interest in or lien on a parcel of real property subject to a partition action, mortgage foreclosure action, or other action affecting the property's title to serve by publication any unknown party or known party, whose address cannot be ascertained, to the action and who has an interest in or lien on the real property, any such legal notice as will accomplish the underlying purposes set forth in this section, if the:
(a) identity or residence of the unknown party cannot, with a reasonably diligent effort, be ascertained by the plaintiff; and
(b) plaintiff presents an affidavit to the court stating he or she has been unable to ascertain the identity or residence of the unknown party after making a reasonably diligent effort.
(2) A court order allowing a party to serve an unknownthe party by publication must require the party serving by publication to publish the service once a week for three successive weeks in a either the print or online version of a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the property is situated. Service by publication under this section is equal to personal service on the unknown party.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 62-3-801(A), (B), (C), and (D) and inserting:
(A) Unless notice has already been given under this section, a personal representative upon his or her appointment must publish a notice to creditors once a week for three successive weeks in the print version of a newspaper and online version, if available, at no additional charge to the personal representative, of a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the estate is being probated, online at the official centralized website for the South Carolina Probate Court announcing his or her appointment and address and notifying creditors of the estate to present their claims within the earlier of eight months after the date of the first publication of the notice or one year of date of death or be forever barred. Online notices shall also be placed on a statewide website, at no additional charge to the personal representative, that is established and maintained as a joint venture of the majority of South Carolina newspapers as a repository for such notices and the notice will remain on the repository web site for at least as long as it appears in the newspaper. A personal representative may supplement this notice requirement in the counties in which the county probate court provides online notice by maintaining on its county website a publicly accessible and searchable list of decedents' estates and names of personal representatives whereby creditors may find an estate in which to file a claim. Alternatively, a personal representative may publish a notice to creditors once a week for three successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the estate is filed. Publication to creditors is required in only one of the methods provided in this subsection, and this subsection may not be construed so as to require both methods of publication.
(b)(B) If the probate court in the county where the estate is filed facilitates the publication of notice to creditors in an online or print format, the probate court may charge the cost of the publication, which may be paid from the decedent's estate. No fee may otherwise be assessed by the probate court for online or print publication.
(C) County probate courts providing such online notice may allow creditors to file claims online and assess a reasonable fee approved by its county government for such filings.
(D) A personal representative may give written notice by mail or other delivery to any creditor, notifying the creditor to present his claim within one year of the decedent's death, or within sixty days from the mailing or other delivery of such notice, whichever is earlier, or be forever barred. Written notice is the notice described in (a)(A) above or a similar notice.
(c)(C)(E) The personal representative is not liable to any creditor or to any successor of the decedent for giving or failing to give notice under this section.
(d)(D)(F) Notwithstanding subsections (a)(A) and (b)(B), notice to creditors under this section is not required if a personal representative is not appointed to administer the decedent's estate during the one year period following the death of the decedent.
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 Atkinson Bailey Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Forrest Frank Gagnon 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 Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery 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 Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The Veto on the following Act was taken up:
(R. 91, 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
Rep. HEWITT explained the Veto.
The question was put, shall the Act become a part of the law, the Veto of his Excellency, the Governor to the contrary notwithstanding, the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Caskey Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Erickson Ford Forrest Gagnon Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee 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 Long Lowe Luck Martin McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Weeks White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
So, the Veto of the Governor was overridden and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.
Rep. WICKENSIMER moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:
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.
At 1:30 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. HENDERSON-MYERS, adjourned in memory of Jane Blakely Spann, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
This web page was last updated on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 3:31 P.M.