NO. 19
REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
________
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 Isaiah 33:2: "O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for you. Be our strength every morning, Our salvation also in the time of distress."
Let us pray: O Lord Most High, we are needy servants in need of Your guidance. Grant exceeding grace and enduring patience as we wait. With each new morning comes renewed strength for the task bestowed on us, Your elected and appointed servants. Oftentimes we proceed as if You do not exist, but that is the furthest from the truth. You are perfect and eternal in all Your attributes. We ask because we do not know how to ask at times. So, we beseech the God of Heaven and Earth who alone possesses immortality that You would rule through us in a manner that would bring praise to the truthfulness of who You are. The wisdom of God is a perfection of his which He knows all things, arranges all things, provides for all things, so that none of his purposes can be frustrated, or any of his plans be defeated. His every purpose, every plan, is infinitely wise. Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible; the only wise God be glory, honor, and praise forever and ever! 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. WATERS moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Tammy J. McCottry, which was agreed to.
The House stood in silent prayer for the family and friends of Tammy J. McCottry.
Rep. J. L. JOHNSON made a statement relative to the life and legacy of Alonzo Jacob Ransier, the first Black Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina.
The following was received:
Sen. Thomas C. Alexander, Chairman Breeden John
Rep. William G. Herbkersman, Vice Chairman Committee Counsel
Rep. Gil Gatch
Sen. C. Bradley Hutto Bryan Triplett
Regina Lewis Committee Counsel
Floyd Nicholson
Sen. Luke A. Rankin, Sr.
Rep. J. Todd Rutherford
Regina Lewis
Members of the South Carolina General Assembly
Columbia, South Carolina
Dear Fellow Members:
Enclosed is the State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee's Report as to Qualifications of Candidates for Seats 1, 3, 5 and 7 of the Public Service Commission (Commission). The report is designed to provide you with information on the candidates found qualified and nominated by the Review Committee. The Review Committee is charged with nominating up to three candidates for each seat on the Commission. In accordance with this mandate, the Review Committee thoroughly investigated each candidate with respect to his or her suitability for service on the Commission.
The Review Committee held public hearings on December 9, 2025, to question the candidates and consider the qualifications of each candidate. The Review Committee held an additional public hearing on February 3, 2026, to further question a candidate. A transcript of the oral examination of the candidates, as well as each candidate's edited Personal Data Questionnaire, is available for review on the Review Committee's website at:
https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/PublicUtilitiesReviewComm/2025PublicServiceCommissionScreeningInfo.php
The Review Committee found a total of ten candidates qualified and nominated for consideration by the General Assembly. The Review Committee's finding that a candidate is qualified and nominated means that the candidate satisfies the constitutional and statutory criteria for service on the Commission and the Review Committee's evaluative criteria.
Candidates are prohibited from asking for your commitment until Friday, February 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Members of the General Assembly are not permitted to issue letters of introduction, announcements of candidacy, or statements detailing a candidate's qualifications on behalf of a candidate, and are not permitted to offer a pledge to vote for a candidate until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.
If you find a candidate violating the pledging prohibitions or if you have questions about this report, please contact Breeden John at (803) 212-6216 or Bryan Triplett at (803) 734-3015.
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Alexander
INTRODUCTION
Section 58-3-530(1)(a) of the South Carolina Code of Laws charges the State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee ("Review Committee") with the duty to nominate candidates for membership on the South Carolina Public Service Commission ("Commission"). The terms for Commission Seats 1, 3, 5, and 7 expired on June 30, 2024.
The Review Committee began the screening process on October 1, 2025, with press releases regarding the positions. A total of eleven candidates submitted applications by the application deadline of October 24, 2025. One of these candidates withdrew from consideration following the Review Committee's public hearings on December 9, 2025. After the public hearings concluded, the Review Committee found a total of ten candidates qualified and nominated for consideration by the General Assembly.
The Review Committee conducted background investigations of each candidate, including credit, driver's license, and law enforcement checks. It gave a written examination to determine the level of knowledge that each candidate has with respect to substantive public utility issues, ethical constraints applicable to the Commission, and the operations of the Commission. During the public hearings, each candidate was questioned and given an opportunity to make statements as to his or her qualifications and desire to serve as a Commissioner. Each candidate was also questioned and given an opportunity to discuss matters from his or her background check; matters of a private or confidential nature were discussed in executive session.
Pursuant to Section 58-3-20(A), members of the Commission must have the following qualifications:
(1) a baccalaureate or more advanced degree; and
(2) a background of substantial duration and an expertise in at least one of the following areas:
(a) energy;
(b) telecommunications;
(c) consumer protection and advocacy;
(d) water and wastewater;
(e) finance, economics, and statistics;
(f) accounting;
(g) engineering; or
(h) law.
The Review Committee is also required to consider: "(1) the ability, dedication, compassion, common sense, and integrity of the candidates; and (2) the race and gender of the candidates and other demographic factors to assure nondiscrimination to the greatest extent possible of all segments of the population of the State." S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-3-560. The determination of legal qualifications includes a determination of the candidate's residence in the appropriate Public Service Commission district as established by Section 58-3-20, the candidate's eligibility for election as determined by Section 58-3-24, and the candidate's compliance with constitutional provisions limiting election to those persons eligible to be electors of this State.
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-3-530, the annual performance review of Commissioners seeking reelection must be made a part of the Commissioner's record for consideration if the Commissioner seeks reelection. These performance evaluations are attached to this report as exhibits.
To determine fitness beyond mere legal qualifications, the Review Committee considered each candidate's experience, temperament, compliance with and knowledge of legal and ethical constraints on public service, knowledge of Commission operations, demonstrated or potential aptitude for meaningful leadership and/or service at the Commission, and demonstrated integrity, including the handling of personal financial affairs. The Review Committee considered each candidate as a whole in making a determination of qualified and nominated.
Section 58-3-20 requires that Commissioners have a background of substantial duration and an expertise in energy; telecommunications; consumer protection and advocacy; water and wastewater; finance, economics, and statistics; accounting; engineering; or law. The Review Committee considered not only whether a candidate has succeeded in one of these fields but also whether the candidate has the capability of transferring this success and knowledge to the operations of the Commission. The Review Committee's transcript contains each applicant's background and employment history.
The Review Committee sought to determine whether a candidate's sense of the role he or she is to fill on the Commission is such that his or her work will be productive, proactive, and protective of the interests of all South Carolinians.
Section 58-3-30 requires that Commissioners adhere to the State Ethics Act and the Judicial Code of Conduct. The Review Committee believes that not only must the candidates be aware of the legal and ethical constraints, they must have conducted and comported themselves with the highest regard for ethics in their actions.
The Review Committee believes that the Commission should have strong leadership, work toward common goals, have a positive influence on employees, and ensure that parties and persons appearing before the Commission are treated fairly and impartially. The Review Committee therefore sought to gauge each candidate's potential aptitude to serve as a leader and/or as a Commissioner supporting the goals and mission of the agency.
Candidates must assure the Review Committee that their word is their bond. The Code of Judicial Conduct requires, among other factors, that Commissioners and candidates handle their finances in a responsible manner. The Review Committee therefore considered the way each candidate has managed his or her financial affairs.
The Review Committee believes that every candidate, whether incumbent or non-incumbent, must demonstrate some basic understanding of the role of the Commission and its operations. It would be unfair, however, to require non-incumbents to have accumulated a wealth of knowledge about Commission operations specifically, or regulated utilities generally. Unlike incumbent Commissioners, challengers have not had the benefit of a compensated opportunity to educate themselves in hearings or through conversations with Commission staff. The Review Committee expects incumbents and others who have substantial experience appearing before the Commission to be able to discuss these matters with a greater fluency than those persons who have, to date, committed themselves to other employment. The Review Committee emphasizes that the substantive knowledge findings contained in this report are a measure of a candidate's knowledge at the time of his or her candidacy. The findings are not necessarily indicative of a candidate's ability to subsequently master Commission operations and the multitude of issues relating thereto.
The Review Committee screened a total of eleven candidates for Seats 1, 3, 5, and 7 on December 9, 2025. In accordance with Section 58-3-530(1)(a), the Review Committee may nominate up to three candidates per seat to be elected by the General Assembly. The Review Committee found the following ten candidates qualified and nominated them for election to the South Carolina Public Service Commission:
SEAT 1 Eugene Hennelly
Carolyn L. "Carolee" Williams SEAT 3 Bjorn J. Brooks
Stephen "Mike" Caston
SEAT 5 James C. "Jim" Reno
Headen B. Thomas
Swain E. Whitfield
SEAT 7 Clint A. Elliott
Kenneth R. Moss
Delton W. Powers, Jr.
This report provides a summary of qualifications for the candidates found qualified and nominated. More detailed information about each candidate can be found in the screening transcripts at: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/PublicUtilitiesReviewComm/2025PublicServiceCommissionScreeningInfo.php
CANDIDATES FOUND
QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
EUGENE HENNELLY
SEAT 1
Review Committee Finding: QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mr. Hennelly earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Finance, Economics) from the University of South Carolina in 2008.
Mr. Hennelly co-founded Nebula Energy / Orion Digital Infrastructure in January 2023, where he currently works as Vice President of Investments. He previously worked for Schonfield Strategic Advisors as an Investment Analyst (2020-2022); Millenium Management / Fifth Set Capital as an Investment Analyst (2019-2020); Balyasny Asset Management as an Investment Analyst (2018-2019); Guggenheim Partners as Vice President of Power and Utilities Equity Research (2015-2018); and Consolidated Edison, Inc., as a Management Associate before being promoted to Senior Analyst of Strategic Planning (2008-2015).
Test Score: 72
Review Committee Finding: QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mrs. Williams earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Wake Forest University in 1979 and a Master's degree in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia in 1982.
Mrs. Williams is the current Commissioner for District 1 on the South Carolina Public Service Commission. She was first elected in 2020 and her current term expired June 30, 2024. She was an unsuccessful candidate for District 1 on the Public Service Commission in 2013 and 2016. The Public Utilities Review Committee found Mrs. Williams qualified and nominated for consideration by the General Assembly in both 2013 and 2016.
Mrs. Williams's career began in 1982 working as a Planner for the Department of Planning and Urban Development for the City of Charleston, SC until 1985. She then worked as a Planner for the City Planning Department for the City of Cincinnati, OH (1985-1986); Planning Administrator for the Department of Planning and Urban Development for the City of Charleston, SC (1986-1992); Project Manager for the Department of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability for the City of Charleston, SC (1992-2017); and Lowcountry Field Director and Land and Water Program Director for the Conservation Voters of South Carolina (2017-2019).
Mrs. Williams is a member of the American Planning Association, South Carolina Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, and the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. Mrs. Williams also has recently been a member of the Metanoia Circle, Providence Baptist Church, Leadership South Carolina, the Riley Institute as a Diversity Leadership Fellow, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Charleston Waterkeeper, and the Old Windermere Neighborhood Association Council. She also works part-time as House Manager for Spoleto Festival USA (2015-present).
Test Score: 82
Review Committee Findings: QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mr. Brooks earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Iowa State University in 2000. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Paleobiology from the University of Bristol in 2002 and earned a PhD in Geology from Iowa State University in 2009.
Mr. Brooks works for Carbon Solutions, LLC as a Research Scientist, where since 2023 he has led data/software analyses for decarbonization, supporting utilities and regulators on reliability, affordability, and emissions by translating technical results into actionable energy planning. He previously worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2009-2011); Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Illinois (2011-2013); Research Fellow for the USDA Forest Service (2014-2020); Research Associate at NC State University/North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies; and as a Data Scientist for Living Carbon (2021-2023).
Mr. Brooks volunteers with BabyRead, an infant education and reading program in Oconee County, SC, and as a volunteer scientist at the Clemson University Science Outreach Center.
Test Score: 57
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mr. Caston earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Clemson University in 1978. Mr. Caston also completed 6 hours of graduate courses in Reinforced Concrete Design and Prestressed Concrete Design at Clemson University in 1979. Mr. Caston later earned a Master of Public Administration in 2004 from the Clemson University/University of South Carolina Joint Master Program.
Mr. Caston is the current Commissioner for District 3 on the South Carolina Public Service Commission. He was first elected in 2020 and his current term expired June 30, 2024. Mr. Caston also currently operates Mike Caston Consulting, LLC (2019-present) on a part-time basis.
Mr. Caston's career began in 1978 as an Engineer for James T. Triplet and L.R, Ryan Bridge Contractors. He then worked as a Design Engineer and Contract Construction Manager for Enwright Associates (1978-1988); Project Engineer for Black & Veatch (1988-1991); District Engineer for SJWD Water District (1991-1997) before becoming SJWD Water District's General Manager and CEO (1997-2019).
Mr. Caston is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, and is a Life Member of the Water Environment Association of South Carolina. He is also a member of NewSpring Church (Clemson Campus), the Clemson Fellowship Club, and Tiger Lettermen.
Test Score: 77
Review Committee Findings: QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mr. Reno earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management (Finance) from the University of Tennessee in 1985. He earned a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1988.
Mr. Reno has been employed by First Citizens Bank and Trust Company in Rock Hill, SC as Vice President and Business Banker since 2021. In his banking career, Mr. Reno previously worked for PNC Bank as Vice-President and SBA Business Development Officer (2018-2021); Park Sterling Bank/Provident Community Bank as Vice-President/Senior Vice-President and Business Banker (2007-2017); Clover Community Bank as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer (2006-2007); and First Citizens Bank and Trust Company of S.C. as Assistant Vice-President and Commercial Loan Officer (2003-2006).
Mr. Reno's legal career included employment with Harper Peterson Rogers & Reno. P.A. as Partner (1996-2003); Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson P.A. as an Associate Attorney (1991-1996); and Roddey, Carpenter & White P.A. as an Associate Attorney (1988-1991).
Mr. Reno is a member of Rock Hill City Council where he has served since 1997. His current term ends January 2026.
Mr. Reno is a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he serves as an Elder and on the Session Leadership Team. He currently serves on the Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation as a Board Member and is a member of the Executive Council. Mr. Reno also is a Voting Member on the Rock Hill Fort Mill Area Transportation Committee and the Winthrop University Small Business Development Council Advisory Board. He also served on the Early Learning Partnership of York County Advisory Board (2022-2024).
Test Score: 70
Review Committee Findings: QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wofford College in 1973 and an Master of Business Administration from Winthrop College in 1979.
Mr. Thomas is the current Commissioner for District 5 on the South Carolina Public Service Commission. He was first elected in 2020 and his current term expired June 30, 2024.
Mr. Thomas was a candidate for the Public Service Commission, District 5 in 2012 and 2013 and was found qualified but withdrew from consideration prior to the election by the General Assembly.
Prior to serving on the Commission, Mr. Thomas worked for Manufacturer's Supply Company (1973-1977); Moore, Glover, Pierce and Harrell, CPA's (1978-1979); Deloitte Haskins & Sells (1979-1982); Piedmont Natural Gas Company (1983-2006); Heritage Bluff Preserve, LLC (2007-2021 (part-time)); Moore & Moore CPA's, P.A (2009-2022 (part-time)); and Edisto Heritage Development, Inc. (2010-2021 (part time)). .
Mr. Thomas is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. He is also a member of Saint Johns United Methodist Church (Rock Hill, SC) and Cotillion Club (Rock Hill, SC).
Test Score: 80
Review Committee Findings: QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mr. Whitfield attended Erskine College for one year before transferring to Kennesaw College in 1982. He remained there for one year before transferring to the University of Georgia in 1983, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography in 1986.
Mr. Whitfield was elected to the Public Service Commission in 2008 and was reelected in 2013 and 2016, serving as Chairman from 2016 to 2018. Mr. Whitfield was found unqualified by the Public Utilities Review Committee in 2020 and he was not nominated for consideration by the General Assembly.
Mr. Whitfield is currently employed as an independent utility regulatory consultant with Swain Whitfield Consulting, which he founded in November 2021. Mr. Whitfield's career began in 1986 with Laidlaw Carriers, Inc. Mr. Whitfield then worked as Operations Manager for Youmans Transportation, Inc. (1987-1990); Senn Trucking Company (1990-1991); and founded Whitfield Transportation, Inc., which he operated from 1991-2008. Following his service on the Public Service Commission, Mr. Whitfield worked as Director of Business Development for Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. (November 2020-November 2021) before starting his consulting business. He also is the owner of Heritage Wateree, LLC.
Mr. Whitfield has served on Winnsboro City Council (1995-1999); Fairfield County Substance Abuse Commission (1994-1996); and John De La Howe School Board of Trustees (2006-2008). He was an unsuccessful candidate for SC House of Representatives Seat 41 (1992) and SC House of Representatives Seat 77 (2004).
Mr. Whitfield is a member of Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, Association of American Geographers (former member), Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, Gas Technology Institute, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Mr. Whitfield also has recently been a member of Centennial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church as an elder, Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, Blackstock Young Farmers, and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.
Test Score: 90
Review Committee Findings: QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mr. Elliott earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Clemson University in 1993.
Mr. Elliott currently works as a Lab Superintendent at Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority where he has been employed since 2006. Mr. Elliott previously worked as a Chemist and Lab Supervisor for the City of Myrtle Beach Surface Water Treatment Facility (1998-2006). He has also worked at DHEC as a Microbiologist in the Analytical Services Division of Environmental Microbiology (1995-1998), and as a Microbiologist in the Newborn Screening Section Division of Analytical Chemistry (1994-1995). While attending college, Mr. Elliott worked as a Computer Technical Services Student Supervisor in the Consulting and Technical Services Department at Clemson University.
Mr. Elliott was an unsuccessful candidate for Seat 7 on the South Carolina Public Service Commission in 2020. The Public Utilities Review Committee found Mr. Elliott Qualified and Nominated for consideration by the General Assembly.
Mr. Elliott was elected to Georgetown County Council in January 2023 where he has served as Chair since January 2025. He was also appointed to the State Drought Response Committee representing the Northeast Drought Management Area for the Municipalities in 2020.
Mr. Elliott is a Board Member of the Waccamaw Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association. As an employee of Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority, Mr. Elliott is considered a member of the following organizations (individual membership not obtained): American Water Works Association; Water Environment Association of South Carolina; Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies; American Water Works Association of South Carolina; South Carolina Association of Special Purpose Districts; and the South Carolina Water Quality Association.
Test Score: 71
Review Committee Findings: QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mr. Moss earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from N.C. State University in 1989. He earned a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Carolina in 1997 and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1997.
Mr. Moss is the Managing Partner for Wright, Worley, Pope, Ekster & Moss, PLLC f/k/a The McGougan Law Firm, LLC where he has been employed since 2001. He is also General Counsel to Horry Electric Cooperative, Inc. (2019-present) where he is a registered lobbyist.
Mr. Moss's career began as an Associate Engineer in Power Supply Planning for Santee Cooper (1991-1997). He has also worked as Deputy County Attorney for Horry County (1997-1999); Associate Attorney for Jeffcoat, Pike, and Napier, LLC (1999-2001); Town Attorney for the Town of Surfside Beach (2010-2019); City Attorney for the City of Loris (2019-2024).
Mr. Moss is the owner and President of Kenneth R. Moss, PC and is the sole member of North-South Title Agency, LLC, both of which are affiliated with Wright, Worley, Pope, Ekster & Moss, PLLC. He is also the sole member of Gurganus Feed & Grain, LLC and the sole member of Antioch Farms, LLC and its related limited liability companies McNabb Shortcutt, LLC, Edgefield, LLC, and Magnolia Ridge, LLC. He is also a Manager Member of B&M Properties of the Carolinas, LLC.
Mr. Moss currently serves as a Trustee on the Southeastern Community College Foundation Board of Trustees.
Test Score: 74
Review Committee Findings: QUALIFIED AND NOMINATED
Personal Information, Educational Background, and Work Experience:
Mr. Powers earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking from the University of South Carolina in 1974. He earned a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1977.
Mr. Powers is the current Commissioner for District 7 on the South Carolina Public Service Commission. He was first elected in 2020 and his current term expired June 30, 2024. He has served as Chairman of the Commission since 2024.
Prior to serving on the Commission, Mr. Powers was the owner of Powers Law Firm, PC (1994-2020). From 2002 through 2008, he combined his firm with another to create Joye, Locklair, and Powers, and he handled civil, criminal, and Family Court matters. He was a mediator and handled mediations in Horry and Florence Counties. From 1992 through 1998, he was a Special Prosecutor for the Fourth Circuit and was responsible for Marlboro County criminal cases. He also served as a DSS contract attorney.
From 1984 to 1992 he was a partner in Rogers and Powers, PA, and practiced criminal, civil, and family law. From 1982 to 1984, Mr. Powers was the Executive Director of Legal Services of the Fourth Circuit. From 1980 to 1982, he was an associate attorney with John I. Rogers, III, in Bennettsville, SC, and from 1978 to 1980, Mr. Powers was an Assistant Solicitor in the Fourth Circuit.
Mr. Powers currently serves on the Supreme Court Commission on Lawyer Conduct as appointed by the SC Supreme Court in 2007. He has previously served on the SC Bar Lawyer Fee Dispute Committee, as a Hearing Officer for the Department of Revenue on Alcoholic Beverage applications, and was appointed to serve as Magistrate in Marlboro County (2018-2019). Mr. Powers was elected by the General Assembly to serve on the South Carolina Coastal Council (1985-1993) and its successor agency, the Office of Coastal Resource Management (1997-2005).
Mr. Powers is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, the Pee Dee Inn of Court, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Board of Directors, the Southeastern Board of Utility Regulatory Commissioners, and the New Mexico State University School of Utility Finance. Mr. Powers was an unsuccessful candidate for Family Court Judgeship in 2017. He was found qualified and nominated by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission for consideration by the General Assembly.
Test Score: 82
Received as information.
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley 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 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 Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Rivers Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
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. CLYBURN a leave of absence for the day due to a death in the family.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. W. NEWTON a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. REESE a leave of absence for the day to attend a funeral.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. KILMARTIN a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
Rep. CALHOON presented to the House the Lexington High School "Lady Wildcats" 5-A Girls Lacrosse State Champions.
Rep. CALHOON presented to the House the Lexington High School "Lady Wildcats" 5-A Girls Golf State Champions.
Rep. BEACH presented to the House the Powdersville High School "Lady Patriots" AAA SCHSL Volleyball State Champions.
Rep. BEACH presented to the House Powdersville High School "Patriots" AAA SCHSL Boys Soccer State Championship Team.
Announcement was made that Dr. Laurie Theriot of Greenville County was the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.
In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2 Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."
Bill Number: H. 3183 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 LASTINGER
Bill Number: H. 3511 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 LASTINGER
Bill Number: H. 4050 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 M. M. SMITH
Bill Number: H. 4270 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 HERBKERSMAN, BRADLEY, BRITTAIN, BURNS, MARTIN, CALHOON, LOWE, C. MITCHELL, OREMUS, ATKINSON and SESSIONS
Bill Number: H. 4559 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 CHUMLEY and LONG
Bill Number: H. 4564 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 CROMER
Bill Number: H. 4757 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 BOWERS
Bill Number: H. 4767 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 BAUER
Bill Number: H. 5096 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 ATKINSON
Bill Number: H. 5158 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 SESSIONS, DAVIS and GUFFEY
Bill Number: H. 5162 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 M. M. SMITH
Bill Number: H. 5169 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/12/26 M. M. SMITH
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 moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Tuesday, February 17, which was agreed to.
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 moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Tuesday, February 17, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 5006 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Long, Hewitt, M. M. Smith, Gatch, Schuessler, Stavrinakis, Hiott, Pope, Erickson, Hixon, Neese, Wooten, Ligon, Chapman, Forrest, Hartz, Guffey, Ford, Willis, Cox, Sanders, Vaughan, Oremus, Duncan, G. M. Smith, Bowers, Sessions, Bannister, Bailey, Brewer, Weeks, Landing, Moss, Bradley, Lawson, Rankin, Guest, Brittain, Lowe, T. Moore, Ballentine, Robbins, Martin, Caskey, Pedalino, Calhoon, Davis, W. Newton, C. Mitchell, Holman, Hardee, Taylor, Yow, Jordan, Haddon, Wickensimer, Bamberg, King, McDaniel, J. L. Johnson, Cromer, Gilreath and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA SMALL BUSINESS TAX CUT OF 2026"; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE FIRST TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS OF NET DEPRECIATED VALUE OF BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY A SMALL BUSINESS; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-900, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX RETURNS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A TAXPAYER IS NOT REQUIRED TO RETURN BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR TAXATION IF THE TAXPAYER HAS LESS THAN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS OF NET DEPRECIATED VALUE OF BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY; BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-980 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY REQUIRED TO BE RETURNED FOR TAXATION TO BE RETURNED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-20-50, RELATING TO THE LICENSE TAX ON CORPORATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE FEE DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY PORTION OF THE FIRST FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS OF CERTAIN CAPITAL STOCK AND PAID-IN OR CAPITAL SURPLUS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 33-44-409, RELATING TO STANDARDS OF CONDUCT OF A CORPORATE OFFICER, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION TO REFRAINING FROM COMPETING.
The Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the Senate.
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, Bowers, D. Mitchell and Gilreath: 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.
Rep. WOOTEN demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bauer Beach Bowers Bradley Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Frank Gagnon Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guffey Haddon Hager Harris Hartnett Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Huff Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Robbins Sanders Schuessler G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Taylor Terribile White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
Alexander Bamberg Bernstein Howard King Kirby Luck McDaniel J. Moore Rose
So, the Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 5045 (Word version) -- Rep. King: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SQUIRE ROAD IN THE CITY OF ROCK HILL IN YORK COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH OGDEN ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH FALLS ROAD "ARCHBISHOP B.R. WILSON MEMORIAL ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up: H. 5046 (Word version) -- Rep. Pedalino: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 521 IN CLARENDON COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH HILL STREET TRAVELING NORTH TO THE MANNING CITY LIMIT "DAVID ARNOLD MCCABE SR. MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 5055 (Word version) -- Reps. Kirby, Cox, Holman, Davis, M. M. Smith, J. Moore, Anderson and Pace: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF HARRISTOWN ROAD FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH MENDELL RIVERS ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH HARRIS LANE IN THE TOWN OF ST. STEPHEN IN BERKELEY COUNTY "J.B. HARRIS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 5086 (Word version) -- Reps. Robbins, Gatch, Holman, Brewer and Ford: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 78 AND MALLARD ROAD IN THE TOWN OF JEDBURG IN DORCHESTER COUNTY "HERMAN ELROY MUCKENFUSS MEMORIAL INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
S. 691 (Word version) -- Senator Martin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF WHITESTONE GLENDALE ROAD AND BETHESDA ROAD IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY "CHIEF ROBERT E. BROWN SR. MEMORIAL INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and returned to the Senate with concurrence.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
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 adopted and returned to the Senate with concurrence.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 5043 (Word version) -- Reps. Wetmore and Stavrinakis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THE TRAFFIC CIRCLE LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF CAMP ROAD AND FORT JOHNSON ROAD ON JAMES ISLAND IN CHARLESTON COUNTY THAT
CONTAIN THE WORDS "IN MEMORY OF SGT. FIRST CLASS ISAAC GETHERS JR."
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
The following Concurrent Resolution was taken up:
H. 5044 (Word version) -- Reps. Wetmore, Stavrinakis and Teeple: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF RIVER ROAD AND MAYBANK HIGHWAY ON JOHNS ISLAND IN CHARLESTON COUNTY "JANIE BLIGEN HUNTER '1984 NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOW' INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and sent to the Senate.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.
Rep. W. NEWTON, from the Committee on Judiciary, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4762 (Word version) -- Reps. Long, Bailey, Brewer, Caskey, Chapman, Crawford, Davis, Forrest, Gatch, Gilliam, Guest, Haddon, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Lawson, Ligon, Lowe, McCravy, C. Mitchell, T. Moore, W. Newton, Oremus, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Robbins, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Taylor, Vaughan, Whitmire, Willis, Wooten, Yow, B. Newton, Chumley, Edgerton, Magnuson and White: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-335 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT CERTAIN VOLUNTEER SCHOOL CHAPLAIN POLICIES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-485 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISPLAY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AND OTHER HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOL AND POSTSECONDARY CLASSROOMS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 5174 (Word version) -- Reps. Garvin, 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, 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 AND HONOR KINDRED HEARTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOR THEIR WORK SUPPORTING KINSHIP CAREGIVERS IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER AND HELPING KINSHIP CAREGIVERS IDENTIFY AND NAVIGATE NEEDED RESOURCES TO ENSURE SAFE AND HEALTHY LIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR FELLOW SOUTH CAROLINIANS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5175 (Word version) -- Reps. Williams, 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, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE LUCILLE DUKES VIRGIL OF DARLINGTON COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MANY YEARS OF CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5176 (Word version) -- Rep. Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 76 (HILLCREST DRIVE) IN THE CITY OF LAURENS IN LAURENS COUNTY FROM THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH HARPER STREET TO HILLCREST SQUARE "JUDGE JOSEPH WILSON MCGOWAN III MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
On motion of Rep. HERBKERSMAN, with unanimous consent, the following Concurrent Resolution was taken up for immediate consideration: S. 921 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin and Hutto: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX ONE O'CLOCK P.M. ON MARCH 4, 2026, AS THE TIME TO ELECT A MEMBER TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FOR A TERM EXPIRING ON JUNE 30, 2028; TO ELECT A MEMBER TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR THE THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FOR A TERM EXPIRING ON JUNE 30, 2028; TO ELECT A MEMBER TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR THE FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FOR A TERM EXPIRING ON JUNE 30, 2028; AND TO ELECT A MEMBER TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR THE SEVENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FOR A TERM EXPIRING ON JUNE 30, 2028.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted and returned to the Senate with concurrence.
The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 5177 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Stavrinakis, Brewer, Cox, Hartnett, M. M. Smith, Cobb-Hunter, Wetmore, Anderson and Bannister: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-103-15, RELATING TO THE MISSIONS AND FOCUSES OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE AN APPLIED BACCALAUREATE IN CULINARY ARTS MANAGEMENT DEGREE AT TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE APPROVED FIRST BY THE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION AND THEN THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, AND TO PROVIDE THE DEGREE PROGRAM IS ALLOWED SO LONG AS NEW STATE GENERAL FUNDS ARE NOT APPROPRIATED FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE DEGREE PROGRAM.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5178 (Word version) -- Rep. Bauer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-40, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF FEDERAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO STATE TAX LAWS, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO THE YEAR 2025 AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTIONS ADOPTED BY THIS STATE ARE EXTENDED, THEN THESE SECTIONS ALSO ARE EXTENDED FOR SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5179 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, McGinnis, Garvin, Grant, Yow, C. Mitchell and Wooten: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-440 SO AS TO CREATE THE SCHOOL MAPPING DATA PROGRAM WITHIN THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FACILITATING EFFICIENT EMERGENCY RESPONSES IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING BY PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCIES, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION BY THE DIVISION, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 5180 (Word version) -- Reps. Haddon, Oremus, Duncan, Whitmire, D. Mitchell, Reese, McDaniel, Gilliam, Forrest, Pedalino, Cobb-Hunter, M. M. Smith, Davis, Hartnett, Terribile, Teeple, Chapman, Herbkersman, Bustos, Grant, Ligon, Brewer, Ford, Clyburn, Rankin, Burns, J. E. Johnson, Guffey, J. L. Johnson, Chumley, Lastinger, Calhoon, Wickensimer, Guest, Williams, Vaughan, Waters, Luck, Caskey, T. Moore, Montgomery, Lawson, Bowers, Sanders, Robbins, Garvin, Gatch, Hartz, Hager, Ballentine, Gagnon, Hart, Hixon, Long, Moss, Scott, Taylor, Weeks, White and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-1155 SO AS TO ALLOW A DEDUCTION FOR A FARMER WHO SELLS OR LEASES FARMLAND TO A BEGINNING FARMER OR ENTERS INTO A CROP-SHARE AGREEMENT WITH AN EXISTING FARMER, AND TO SET FORTH THE LIMITATIONS ON THE DEDUCTION.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5181 (Word version) -- Rep. Jones: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-5, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST PROSECUTING PERSONS FOR HOMICIDE WHO CAUSE INJURIES WHICH RESULT IN DEATH THREE OR MORE YEARS LATER, SO AS TO EXTEND THE INTERVENING TIME PERIOD BETWEEN INJURY AND DEATH TO TEN OR MORE YEARS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5182 (Word version) -- Reps. Hager and Erickson: A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE JASPER COUNTY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE LOCAL FUNDS ON A PER-PUPIL BASIS TO CHARTER SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTY THAT SATISFY CERTAIN CRITERIA, AND TO PROVIDE THE COUNCIL MAY DESIGNATE AND ALLOCATE ANY COUNTY REVENUE SOURCE FOR ALLOCATION TO ELIGIBLE CHARTER SCHOOLS PURSUANT TO THE SUBSECTION.
Referred to Jasper Delegation
H. 5183 (Word version) -- Reps. Burns, Chumley, Pace, Gatch, Duncan, Terribile, McCravy, Teeple, Sanders, Whitmire, D. Mitchell, Cromer, Gilreath, Magnuson, Kilmartin, Beach, Edgerton, White, Harris, Huff, Frank, Bowers, Wickensimer, M. M. Smith, Ford, Rankin, Landing, Long, McCabe and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM UNLESS THE PERSON HAS REGISTERED AS BEING A MEMBER OF THAT PARTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-110, RELATING TO REGISTRATION IN ORDER TO VOTE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM UNLESS THE PERSON HAS REGISTERED AS BEING A MEMBER OF THAT POLITICAL PARTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-170, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENT OF STATING POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION, IF ANY, ON THE FORM AND INCLUDING IT IN THE OATH, AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO ASSIST IN CAPTURING THIS DATA; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-9-20, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE, AS A REQUIREMENT, REGISTERING AS A MEMBER OF THE PARTY AND TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION OR NONAFFILIATION AFTER A SELECTION HAS BEEN MADE.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
S. 880 (Word version) -- Senators Massey and Rankin: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT IF A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUBMITS AN IRREVOCABLE RESIGNATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 8-1-145 ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 2026, THEN THE ELECTION TO FILL THE VACANCY SHALL BE CONDUCTED CONCURRENTLY WITH THE CANDIDACY FILING AND ELECTION SCHEDULE APPLICABLE TO THE 2026 ELECTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
Rep. MOSS moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:
H. 5078 (Word version) -- Reps. Collins, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, 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 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY ERA OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND SOUTH CAROLINA'S HISTORIC RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM.
At 11:13 a.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. WATERS, adjourned in memory of Tammy J. McCottry, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
This web page was last updated on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 1:26 P.M.