NO. 22
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 Psalm 34:4-5: I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed.
Let us pray: O Lord our God you have granted your servants the ability to seek you in all our affairs, so we come asking how we might please you in all we do. You are our Father who is not "far off". You are near and dear to your servants when we ask. There are times and circumstances we may fear, but you hear our prayers lifted up to you for help. LORD comfort and encourage us as we look to You in all our deliberations. We need your understanding. Please grant humility and patience as we move forward in advancing your will in all the affairs of this state. Thank you that when we look, seeking you in all our affairs, You hear with delight, answering us according to your will. We ask all these in the Eternal name of your Son. 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. MONTGOMERY moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Nancy Cobb Lilly, which was agreed to.
Mr. Speaker- I respectfully request that when we adjourn today, that we do so in memory of Nancy Cobb Lilly.
Nancy was 96 years old and living at Bishops Gadsden on James Island outside of Charleston. Nancy passed away on January 18, 2026. For those who remember House Member Ben Hagood who served in the State House between 2003 - 2007, Nancy Lilly was his mother-in-law. She grew up in Chapel Hill and worked in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was very involved in her community through the American Red Cross, Colonial Dames of America, Peace College, & very involved in her church White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.
Ms. Nancy Cobb Lilly was laid to rest at First (Scots) Presbyterian Church at 53 Meeting Street. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and her community.
Rep. Montgomery
Rep. J. MOORE made a statement relative to the life and legacy of the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
My friends,
I want to take just a moment to talk about a son of South Carolina - born in Greenville - Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson.
Last month, the day after New Year's Eve, I had the honor of visiting him. I spent time with him and his family- sitting, talking, reflecting. And let me tell you, it was special. To sit with a man who helped shape the moral direction of this Country, to look into the eyes of someone who dared America to be better. That is not something you take lightly.
Rev. Jackson is not just a national figure. He is ours. He is South Carolina's.
In 1984, when he ran for President of the United States, many said it was impossible. In 1988, he ran again, stronger, building what he called the Rainbow Coalition. He brought together Black and white, rural and urban, working class and poor, across lines people said could never be crossed.
And he dared us to Keep Hope Alive.
That wasn't a catchy phrase. It was a challenge.
He challenged us to live out Dr. King's dream- not just talk about it once a year, but to institutionalize it. To legislate it. To defend it.
He reminded a generation to stand tall and declare, "I am somebody." Not as arrogance -but as affirmation. As dignity. As human worth.
Rev. Jackson represents one of the last giants of the Civil Rights generation- men and women who fought not for symbolic victories, not for slogans, but for human rights. They marched for voting rights. They marched for equal protection. They marched so the Constitution would apply to everybody.
And that's why his legacy matters right now - here in South Carolina.
Because over the past several years, we have seen attacks on civil liberties that should concern us all. We've seen legislation that organizations like the South Carolina ACLU have identified as discriminatory or constitutionally troubling. We've seen proposals expanding ICE enforcement in ways that risk racial profiling, fear in immigrant communities, and erosion of due process.
That's not what the civil rights generation fought for. They didn't fight so rights could be selective.
They didn't fight so dignity could be conditional.
They fought so freedom would be universal.
When I sat with Rev. Jackson last month, what struck me most wasn't just history- it was resolve. Even now, he embodies that same insistence: don't give up on the country. Don't surrender the Constitution.
Don't abandon hope.
But hope, as he taught us, is not passive.
Hope votes.
Hope organizes.
Hope challenges unjust laws.
Hope stands up when civil liberties are threatened.
From Greenville, South Carolina, he stepped onto the national stage and expanded America's moral imagination. He made it possible for so many others to dream bigger, to run for office, to lead.
And now the question is on us.
Will we defend voting rights with courage?
Will we oppose discriminatory legislation with clarity?
Will we ensure that enforcement policies respect human dignity and constitutional protections?
If we are going to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson- we don't do it with nostalgia. We do it with action.
We keep hope alive.
We live King's dream.
And we continue to declare for every child in every community -I am somebody. You are somebody. We are somebody.
That is the Greenville legacy.
That is the South Carolina responsibility.
And that is the unfinished work before us.
Keep hope alive.
Rep. JA Moore
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 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. 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 Sanders Schuessler Scott G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore 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. SESSIONS a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. BREWER a temporary leave of absence.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. J.E. JOHNSON a leave of absence for the day.
Rep. G. M. SMITH presented to the House Wilson Hall "Lady Barons' 4-A SCISA Girls Track Championship Team.
Rep. G. M. SMITH presented to the House the Wilson Hall 4-A SCISA Boys Cross Country Championship Team.
Rep. G. M. SMITH presented to the House the Wilson Hall "Barons 4-A SCISA Boys Bowling Team.
Rep. G. M. SMITH presented to the House the Wilson Hall 4-A SCISA Girls Bowling Team "Lady Barons".
Rep. PEDALINO presented to the House the East Clarendon "Lady Wolverines" AA Girls Softball State Champions.
Rep. ATKINSON presented to the House the Green Sea Floyds Class A Boys Cross Country Championship Team.
Announcement was made that Dr. Steven Vranian of Charleston 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. 3085 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 WILLIS
Bill Number: H. 3257 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 LIGON
Bill Number: H. 3367 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 CHAPMAN
Bill Number: H. 3477 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 CHAPMAN
Bill Number: H. 3655 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 WETMORE, COX and HOLMAN
Bill Number: H. 3793 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 KILMARTIN
Bill Number: H. 4583 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 ATKINSON
Bill Number: H. 4639 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 CROMER, GATCH, G. M. SMITH, HARTZ and CRAWFORD
Bill Number: H. 4767 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 BURNS, RANKIN, ROSE and VAUGHAN
Bill Number: H. 4791 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 ROBBINS
Bill Number: H. 5064 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 WILLIAMS
Bill Number: H. 5114 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 EDGERTON and MCCABE
Bill Number: H. 5122 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 YOW, C. MITCHELL, ROSE and COBB-HUNTER
Bill Number: H. 5162 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
02/18/26 WILLIAMS and LIGON
Bill Number: H. 4145 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
02/18/26 LANDING, TEEPLE and BUSTOS
ACTING SPEAKER HIOTT granted Rep. Bowers a leave of absence for the remainder of the day.
The following Bill was taken up:
S. 586 (Word version) -- Senator Graham: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 172 OF 1995, RELATING TO THE KERSHAW COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE KERSHAW COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE SHALL RECEIVE NINETY DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH HE IS IN ATTENDANCE AND THAT THE CHAIRMAN SHALL RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PAYMENTS SHALL NOT OCCUR MORE THAN EIGHTEEN TIMES EACH FISCAL YEAR.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bradley Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Forrest Frank Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Huff Jones Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Robbins Sanders Schuessler Scott G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 3530 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Pope, Spann-Wilder, Cobb-Hunter, Bernstein, Vaughan, C. Mitchell, Robbins, T. Moore and Henderson-Myers: 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, 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. POPE proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to (LC-4813.HDB0003H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1.A., Section 8-21-1010, by adding a subsection to read:
(C) Any increase in fees and costs under subsection (A) which take effect January 1, 2027, must be used to supplement, and not supplant, existing funds utilized to provide sufficient facilities and personnel for the necessary and proper operation of the magistrates' courts in each county.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1.B., Section 8-21-1060, by striking the <<placeholder>> undesignated paragraph and inserting:
(A) Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following fees and costs must be collected by the magistrate or his officers and deposited in the general fund of the county:
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1.B., Section 8-21-1060(8), by adding an item to read:
(B) Any increase in fees and costs under subsection (A) which take effect January 1, 2027, must be used to supplement, and not supplant, existing funds utilized to provide sufficient facilities and personnel for the necessary and proper operation of the magistrates' courts in each county.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. POPE explained the amendment.
Rep. ROBBINS spoke in favor of 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 Bannister Bauer Bernstein Bradley Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Davis Dillard Duncan Erickson Ford Forrest Frank Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Grant Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff Jones Jordan King Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Lowe Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Neese B. Newton Oremus Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
Beach Cromer Edgerton Gilreath Harris Kilmartin Long Morgan Moss Pace
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
February 19, 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. 4813 (Word version) amending the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 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, out of an abundance of caution.
I will abstain from this vote because of a potential conflict of interest as an economic interest of myself and/or a family member may be affected. Please note this in the House Journal.
Sincerely,
Representative Jerry Govan
House District Number 93
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 4813 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Bill Chumley
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 4813 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Craig Gagnon
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 5064 (Word version) -- Reps. Yow, Hayes, C. Mitchell, Luck and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-53-510, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE NORTHEASTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE AREA COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REPRESENTATION FROM LOCAL INDUSTRY MAY INCLUDE CERTAIN EX OFFICIO MEMBERS.
Rep. YOW explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bradley Brittain Calhoon Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Frank Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Grant Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff Jones Jordan Kilmartin Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson Long Lowe Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Williams Willis 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, read the third time, and ordered returned to the Senate with amendments:
S. 477 (Word version) -- Senators Davis and Ott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-210, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF A "SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE" IN THE PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-230, RELATING TO PHARMACISTS PERMITTED TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE SUCH DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-240, RELATING TO WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS BY THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND THE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO AUTHORIZE PHARMACISTS TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES WITHOUT PATIENT-SPECIFIC WRITTEN ORDERS, SO AS TO INSTEAD PROVIDE THE DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE UNDER STANDING ORDERS OR WITHOUT STANDING ORDERS WHEN DISPENSED OR ADMINISTERED PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4758 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Bradley, Brewer, Chapman, Crawford, Davis, Duncan, Erickson, Forrest, Gilliam, Guest, Hartz, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Lawson, Ligon, Lowe, Martin, McGinnis, T. Moore, B. Newton, Oremus, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Robbins, Schuessler, G. M. Smith, Taylor, Teeple, Vaughan, Whitmire, Willis, Wooten and McCravy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 46-55-5 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSE OF THIS CHAPTER IS TO ENCOURAGE THE LAWFUL CULTIVATION, HARVESTING, AND MANUFACTURING OF HEMP; BY AMENDING SECTION 46-55-10, RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL HEMP CULTIVATION TERMS AND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS, AND TO REVISE THE DEFINITIONS OF EXISTING TERMS; AND BY ADDING SECTIONS 46-55-70, 46-55-80, AND 46-55-90 SO AS TO REGULATE THE DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF CONSUMABLE HEMP, TO PROVIDE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED TO LIMIT INTERSTATE COMMERCE, OR TO PROHIBIT THE LAWFUL POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, SALE, OR DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN CBD PRODUCTS, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Rep. B. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4145 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Bannister, Stavrinakis, W. Newton, Kirby, Gilliam, Bauer, Wetmore, Gilliard, J. Moore, C. Mitchell, Williams, Rivers, Waters and Grant: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PRAY SAFE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-90 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRAY SAFE GRANT PROGRAM WITHIN THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO PROVIDE GRANTS FOR SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS TO CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE AT RISK OF BEING VICTIMS OF A RELIGIOUSLY MOTIVATED CRIME.
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, Hardee and Chapman: 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.
The Committee on Ways and Means proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3477 (Word version) (LC-3477.DG0003H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking the last sentence in Section 41-35-50(A) before the table and inserting:
The Department of Employment and Workforce must use the most recent seasonally adjusted unemployment rates determined by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and not the rate as revised in the annual benchmark.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:
SECTION X. Section 41-35-120 (2), (3), and (4) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(2)(a) Discharge for misconduct connected with the employment. If the department finds that he has been discharged for misconduct connected with his most recent work prior to filing a request for determination of insured status or a request for initiation of a claim series within an established benefit year, with ineligibility beginning with the effective date of the request, and continuing for the next twenty weeks maximum duration of benefits applicable to the claim, in addition to the waiting period, with a corresponding and mandatory reduction of the insured worker's benefits to be calculated by multiplying his weekly benefit amount by twenty the maximum duration of benefits applicable to the claim. For the purposes of this item, "misconduct" is limited to conduct evincing such wilful and wanton disregard of an employer's interests as is found in deliberate violations or disregard of standards of behavior which the employer has the right to expect of his employee, or in the carelessness or negligence of such degree or recurrence as to manifest equal culpability, wrongful intent, or evil design, or to show an intentional and substantial disregard of the employer's interest or of the employee's duties and obligations to his employer. No finding of misconduct may be made for discharge resulting from an extreme hardship, emergency, sickness, or other extraordinary circumstance.
(b) If the department finds that he has been discharged for cause, other than misconduct as defined in item (2)(a), connected with his most recent work prior to filing a request for determination of insured status or a request for initiation of a claim series within an established benefit year, then the department must find him partially ineligible. The ineligibility must begin with the effective date of the request, and continuing not less than five nor more than the next nineteen weeks one week less than the maximum duration of benefits applicable to the claim, in addition to the waiting period. A corresponding and mandatory reduction of the insured worker's benefits, to be calculated by multiplying his weekly benefit amount by the number of weeks of his disqualification, must be made. The ineligibility period must be determined by the department in each case according to the seriousness of the cause for discharge. Discharge resulting from substandard performance due to inefficiency, inability, or incapacity shall not serve as a basis for disqualification under either subitem (a) or (b) of this item.
(3)(a) Discharge for illegal drug use, and is ineligible for benefits beginning with the effective date of the request and continuing until he has secured employment and shows to the satisfaction of the department that he has performed services in employment as defined by Chapters 27 through 41 of this title and earned wages for those services equal to at least eight times the weekly benefit amount of his claim for the maximum duration of benefits applicable to the claim, in addition to the waiting period, with a corresponding and mandatory reduction of the insured worker's benefits to be calculated by multiplying his weekly benefit amount by the maximum duration of benefits applicable to the claim if the:
(i) company has communicated a policy prohibiting the illegal use of drugs, the violation of which may result in termination; and
(ii) insured worker fails or refuses to provide a specimen pursuant to a request from the employer, or otherwise fails or refuses to cooperate by providing an adulterated specimen; or
(iii) insured worker provides a blood, hair, oral fluid, or urine specimen during a drug test administered on behalf of the employer, which tests positive for illegal drugs or legal drugs used unlawfully, provided:
(A) the sample was collected and labeled by a licensed health care professional or another individual authorized to collect and label test samples by federal or state law, including law enforcement personnel; and
(B) the test was performed by a laboratory certified to perform such tests by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS)/Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the College of American Pathologists or the State Law Enforcement Division; and
(C) an initial positive test was confirmed on the specimen using the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method, or an equivalent or a more accurate scientifically accepted method approved by USDHHS/SAMHSA;
(iv) for purposes of this item, "unlawfully" means without a prescription.
(b) If an insured worker makes an admission pursuant to the employer's policy, which provides that voluntary admissions made before the employer's request to the employee to submit to testing may protect an employee from immediate termination, then the admission is inadmissible for purposes of this section as long as the:
(i) employer has communicated a written policy, which provides protection from immediate termination for employees who voluntarily admit prohibited drug use before the employer's request to submit to a test; and
(ii) employee makes the admission specifically pursuant to the employer's policy.
(c) Information, interviews, reports, and drug-test results, written or otherwise, received by an employer through a drug-testing program may be used or received in evidence in proceedings conducted pursuant to the provisions of this title for the purposes of determining eligibility for unemployment compensation, including administrative or judicial appeal.
(4) Discharge for gross misconduct, and is ineligible for benefits beginning with the effective date of the request and continuing until he has secured employment and shows to the satisfaction of the department that he has performed services in employment as defined by Chapters 27 through 41 of this title and earned wages for those services equal to at least eight times the weekly benefit amount of his claim if he is discharged due to:
(i) wilful or reckless employee damage to employer property that results in damage of more than fifty dollars;
(ii) employee consumption of alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol on employer property in violation of a written company policy restricting or prohibiting consumption of alcohol;
(iii) employee theft of items valued at more than fifty dollars;
(iv) failure to comply with applicable state or federal drug and alcohol testing and use regulations including, but not limited to, 49 C.F.R. part 40 and part 382 of the federal motor carrier safety regulations, while on the job or on duty, and regulations applicable for employees performing transportation and other safety sensitive job functions as defined by the federal government;
(v) employee committing criminal assault or battery of another employee or a customer;
(vi) employee committing criminal abuse of patient or child in his professional care;
(vii) employee insubordination, which is defined as wilful failure to comply with a lawful, reasonable order of a supervisor directly related to the employee's employment as described in an applicable written job description; or
(viii) employee wilful neglect of duty directly related to the employee's employment as described in an applicable written job descriptionReserved.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 3 and inserting:
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and is applicable to unemployment insurance claims with an effective date on or after October 1, 2025January 1, 2027.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. B. NEWTON explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. B. NEWTON proposed the following Amendment No. 3 to 3477 (LC-3477.DG0005H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 41-35-50(A), before the table, and inserting:
If the resulting amount is not a multiple of one dollar, the amount must be reduced to the next lower multiple of one dollar, except that no insured worker may receive benefits in a benefit year unless, subsequent to the beginning of the next preceding benefit year during which he received benefits, he performed "insured work" as defined in Section 41-27-300 and earned wages in the employ of a single employer in an amount equal to not less than eight times the weekly benefit amount established for the individual in the preceding benefit year(A) The maximum number of weeks an individual is allowed to receive unemployment benefitsone hundred percent of his or her weekly benefit amount depends on the date of April first, the average of the seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for the State for the preceding months of November, December, and January apply. For the reference period that begins July first, the average of the seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for the State for the preceding months of February, March, and April apply. For the reference period that begins October first, the average of the seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for the State for the preceding months of May, June, and July apply. The Department of Employment and Workforce must use the most recent seasonally adjusted unemployment rates determined by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 41-35-50(B) and inserting:
(B) The maximum total benefits paid to an individual in a benefit year equals the individual's weekly benefit amount allowed under Section 41-35-40 multiplied by the number of weeks allowed under subsection (A).
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. B. NEWTON explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. T.A. MOORE proposedd the following Amendment No. 4 to
H. 3477 (Word version) (LC-3477.WAB0002H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:
SECTION X. Article 5, Chapter 27, Title 41 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 41-27-660. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the Department of Employment and Workforce is authorized to send by electronic means any report, notice, demand, bill, or other communication or item that must be construed to mean it may be sent physically by the United States Postal Service or a commercial or courier or electronically or digitally by electronic transmission, including email or other digital messaging systems.
SECTION X. Article 5, Chapter 27, Title 41 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 41-27-315. "Mailed" means sent to a recipient:
(1) physically by the United States Postal Service or a private or commercial courier; or
(2) electronically or digitally by electronic transmission, including email or other digital messaging systems. Any reference to a requirement in this chapter that a report, notice, demand, bill, or other item be mailed must be construed to mean it may be transmitted physically as provided in item (1) or electronically as provided in this item.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. T. MOORE 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 Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bradley 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. L. Johnson Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson 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 G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters 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.
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 3477 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Phillip Bowers
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4767 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, Chumley, Sessions, Oremus, Bustos, Landing, White, Wooten, Gagnon, Lawson, Guffey, Beach, Long, Cox, Rutherford, McCravy, Bowers, Wickensimer, Willis, Haddon, Bauer, Rankin, Burns, Rose and Vaughan: 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 moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
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, Sessions, G. M. Smith, Taylor, Teeple, Vaughan, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis, Wooten, Yow, Chumley, Edgerton, Magnuson, Terribile, Kilmartin, White, Sanders, D. Mitchell, Cromer, Gilreath, Guffey, Lastinger, Chapman and Bowers: 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.
The Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.WAB0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-310(4) and inserting:
(4) "Educational records" means all data and information about a child in the possession or control of an LEA or any employee or agent of an LEA including, but not limited to, attendance records, test scores of assessments, screeners, and any other test administered by the school and statewide assessments, grades, extracurricular activity or club participation, email accounts, online or virtual accounts or data, disciplinary records, counseling records, psychological records, applications for admission, medical records, immunization information, teacher and counselor evaluations of a child, and reports of behavioral patterns.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-310(6) and inserting:
(6) "Parent" means:
(a) a biological parent, adoptive parent, or person with legal custody, excluding an individual whose parental relationship to the child has been legally terminated; or
(b) an individual who has been granted decision-making authority over the child by court order or under state law.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-320(C)(10)(a) and (b) and inserting:
(a) a physical or digital photograph, a video or audio recording, or data generated from the recording, or information collected, used, or stored for healthcare treatment, payment, or operations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), 42 U.S.C. Section 1320d, et seq.; and
(b) data or information collected, used, or stored for law enforcement purposes; and
(c) data, information, or diagnostic results collected in the course of a non-invasive and non-chemically assisted vision or hearing screening;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-320(C)(12)(e) and (f) and inserting:
(e) a photo identification card; or
(f) classroom instruction or assessment activities that are accessible exclusively by the teacher, student, and parents of students in the class; or
(f)(g) a public event where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-320(D)(4) and (5) and inserting:
(4) prohibit a court from issuing an order that is otherwise permitted by law; and
(5) prevent the Department of Social Services or other law enforcement entity from conducting an investigation or otherwise carrying out its responsibilities under state law and consistent with this section.; and
(6) apply to a non-invasive and non-chemically assisted vision or hearing screening or vision exam offered on the site of a Title 1 public school to the students attending the school, provided the services are rendered as part of a not-for-profit program, as defined in Section 40-37-320, and provided the LEA provides the parent of the minor appropriate notice and provides the parent with an opportunity to withhold consent to these services.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-320(G)(1) and (2) and inserting:
(1) encourage or coerce a child to withhold information from the child's parent; or
(2) knowingly withhold from a child's parent information that relates to the child's education or is relevant to the physical, emotional, or mental health of the child, including any request by a child to be treated in a manner that is inconsistent with his or her sex.; or
(3) if the employee is an official or staff at a public school, engage in conduct in violation of Section 59-32-36(A).
(H) An individual may exercise decision-making authority over a child if granted such authority by the child's parent, or by a court of order or state law, provided that such court order or state law does not obstruct or interfere with the parents' rights under this article.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-340(A)(3)(a) and inserting:
(a) review all curriculum and teacher-training materials for any class in which parent's child is enrolled or is considering enrolling, either through online posting or in-person inspection during regular hours or by appointment, and without cost;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-350(B)(2)(c) and (d) and inserting:
(c) the facts supporting the claim; and
(d) a statement by the complainant verifying that he has made a good faith effort to communicate with the principal or individual alleged to have violated this article and resolve the matter; and
(d)(e) any documentation the parent wishes the LEA to consider.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-350(B)(4) and inserting:
(4) Within tenthirty calendar days after receiving the complaint, the designee shall submit its finding, a recommended response, and any proposed remedial steps to the LEA governing board for action at the board's next regularly scheduled meeting. These remedial steps may include:
(a) compliance with the requirements of this article;
(b) revision of policies or procedures;
(c) staff training; or
(d) other lawful action the committee deems necessary to remedy the violation.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-350(H)(5)(a) and inserting:
(5)(a) If the Attorney General declines or is deemed to have declined to commence an enforcement action or does not take action within thirty days of receipt of a complaint as provided under item (3), a parent may bring a civil action in his or her own name against the State for declaratory relief or injunctive relief, including reasonable attorney's fees and costs. A parent may not seek noneconomic damages unless the court or jury finds the defendant acted intentionally or with wilfulness, wantonness, and recklessness and such conduct proximately caused the noneconomic damages. Compensatory damages may not exceed one hundred thousand dollars.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-350(H)(6)(b) and inserting:
(b) acts in substantial compliance with this article or written guidance or regulations issued by the Department of Public Health or the Department of Mental Healtha state agency implementing this section, provided that nothing herein shall be construed to limit civil liability of the state agency for any guidance, regulations, or actions that violate this article.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 63-5-340(A)(6) and inserting:
(6) "Parent" means:
(a) a biological parent, entity, adoptive parent, or person with legal custody, excluding an individual whose parental relationship to the child has been legally terminated; or
(b) an individual who has been granted medical decision-making authority over the child under state law or by court order.
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this act is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such holding shall not affect the constitutionality or validity of the remaining portions of this act, the General Assembly hereby declaring that it would have passed this act, and each and every section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase, and word thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words hereof may be declared to be unconstitutional, invalid, or otherwise ineffective.
Renumber sections to conform. Amend title to conform.
Rep. DAVIS explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Reps. ERICKSON, DAVIS and POPE proposed the following Amendment No. 2 to H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.AHB0004H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-350(E)(5) and (6) and inserting:
(5) An LEA employee is not liable under this section if he demonstrates substantial good-faith compliance with all applicable procedures, guidance, or directives related to the subject matter of the claim, unless the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the LEA employee knowingly violated this section. An employee of a local education agency including a teacher, administrator, or other school staff member, acting within the scope of his official duties, shall not be personally liable in a civil action for conduct undertaken in good faith compliance with this article. Any claim arising out of an employee described in item (5) when acting within the scope of official duties, shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of the South Carolina Tort Claims Act pursuant to Chapter 78, Title 15, and the State or political subdivision shall be substituted as the proper party defendant as provided by law.
(6) An LEA is not liable for the actions of a staff member who violates this article if the staff member acted:
(a) outside the scope of employment;
(b) in contravention of written district policy; or
(c) without the knowledge of the staff member's supervisors. Any claim arising from an act or omission of an employee described in item (5) when acting within the scope of official duties, shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of the South Carolina Tort Claims Act pursuant to Chapter 78, Title 15, and the State or political subdivision shall be substituted as the proper party defendant as provided by law.
(7) If an employee is found by either the local board or State Board, by clear and convincing evidence, to have violated the rights of a parent as provided for in Section 59-28-320, the LEA shall initiate dismissal of the employee consistent with the procedures in Section 59-25-460 and, for certified employees, take the steps necessary for suspension or revocation of a certificate under Section 59-25-160.
(8) Nothing in this section shall be construed to provide immunity for conduct that constitutes actual malice, intent to harm, fraud, or a crime involving moral turpitude.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. ERICKSON explained the amendment.
Rep. ERICKSON continued speaking.
Rep. HENDERSON-MYERS moved to adjourn debate on the Bill until Wednesday, February 25.
Rep. DAVIS moved to table the motion.
Rep. GRANT demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Bailey Bannister Beach Bradley Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Ford Forrest Frank Gagnon Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guest Guffey Haddon Hager Hardee Harris Hartnett Hartz Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Huff Jordan Kilmartin Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Morgan Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Robbins Sanders Schuessler G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bauer Bernstein Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Dillard Govan Grant Hart Hayes Henderson-Myers Hosey Howard J. L. Johnson Jones King Kirby Luck McDaniel J. Moore Reese Rivers Rose Scott Stavrinakis Waters Weeks Wetmore Williams
So, the motion to adjourn debate was tabled.
The question then recurred to the adoption of the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. MARTIN proposed the following Amendment No. 4 to H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.DG0005H), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 59-28-350, by adding a subsection to read:
(D) A parent may appeal the final decision of the State Board to the Administrative Law Court and pursue all judicial reviews and appellate remedies of the court's decision as provided for in the Administrative Procedures Act.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-350(E)(1) and inserting:
(E)(1) After all available administrative remedies described in subsections (B), and (C), and (D) have been fully exhausted, a parent may bring a private cause of action in circuit court against the LEA and may recover declaratory relief, injunctive relief, liquidated damages of five thousand dollars per violation, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. MARTIN explained the amendment.
Rep. POPE spoke against the amendment.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. J. L. JOHNSON a leave of absence for the remainder of the day.
Rep. MARTIN spoke in favor of the amendment.
Rep. MAGNUSON moved to table the amendment.
Rep. GRANT demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Bailey Ballentine Bannister Beach Bradley Brittain Burns Bustos Chapman Chumley Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guest Haddon Hardee Harris Hartnett Hartz Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Huff Jordan Kilmartin Landing Lastinger Ligon Long Lowe Magnuson McCabe McCravy McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery T. Moore Morgan Neese B. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Sanders Schuessler G. M. Smith Taylor Terribile White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bauer Bernstein Calhoon Caskey Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Dillard Duncan Garvin Gatch Gilliard Govan Grant Guffey Hager Hart Hayes Henderson-Myers Hosey Howard J. L. Johnson Jones King Kirby Luck Martin McDaniel J. Moore Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Scott M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Teeple Waters Weeks Wetmore Williams Wooten
So, the amendment was tabled.
Reps. WATERS and JONES proposed the following Amendment
No. 6 to H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.WAB0007H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-320(G)(1) and (2) and inserting:
(G) (1) An employee of this State, except for authorized law enforcement officers or agents, in the performance of their duties shall not:
(1)(a) encourage or coerce a child to withhold information from the child's parent; or
(2)(b) withhold from a child's parent information that relates to the child's education or is relevant to the physical, emotional, or mental health of the child, including any request by a child to be treated in a manner that is inconsistent with his or her sex.
(2) The provisions of this subsection nor related provisions require disclosure to a parent when such disclosure would reasonably interfere with an active child abuse or neglect investigation by DSS or law enforcement.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. JONES explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. LONG proposed the following Amendment No. 9 to H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.DG0007H), which was ruled out of order:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X.A. Section 44-41-37 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 44-41-37. A physician or other professional person or agency counseling or discussing with a minor the question of her obtaining an abortion shall fully inform her of the procedures she must follow under law to obtain an abortion without the consent required in Section 44-41-31(1).
The Adoption and Birth Parent Services Division of the Department of Social Services shall develop and distribute brochures to health and education professionals for use in counseling pregnant minors. This brochure shall include the following:
(1) how to access her local health department for prenatal care;
(2) how to access her local Adoption and Birth Parent Services Division of the Department of Social Services or any private not for profit adoption service;
(3) the parental consent requirement as outlined in this bill; and
(4) the judicial by-pass procedure as referred in Sections 44-41-32, 44-41-33, and 44-41-34; and
(5)(4) how to access her local mental health center for counseling services.
B. Sections 44-41-32, 44-41-33, and 44-41-34 of the S.C. Code are repealed.
C. This SECTION takes effect upon approval of the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. LONG explained the amendment.
Rep. HART raised the Rule 9.3 Point of Order that Amendment
No. 9 was not germane to the Bill.
Rep. LONG argued contra.
The SPEAKER stated that the Amendment went beyond the scope of the Bill. He stated that the Bill had nothing to do with informing parents concerning a child's educational activities. He sustained the Point of Order and ruled Amendment No. 9 out of order.
Rep. WETMORE proposed the following Amendment No. 10 to
H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.WAB0004H), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-320(C)(2) and inserting:
(2) directing the moral or religious training of the child, except that no later than January 1, 2027, each school shall post signage directing that students shall worship one God and shall observe the Sabbath. Parents are prohibited from objecting to this religious teaching;
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. WETMORE moved to table the amendment, which was agreed to.
Rep. HARRIS proposed the following Amendment No. 12 to H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.AHB0002H), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by deleting Section 59-28-320(D)(3) from the bill.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 63-5-340(D)(2) and (3) and inserting:
(2) apply to a parental action or decision that would end life; and
(3) apply to Chapter 41, Title 44; and
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. HARRIS explained the amendment.
Rep. WETMORE raised the Rule 9.3 Point of Order that Amendment No. 12 was not germane to the Bill.
The SPEAKER stated Amendment No. 12 simply deleted a subsection in the Bill, and he overruled the Point of Order.
Rep. HARRIS continued speaking.
Rep. POPE moved to table the amendment.
Rep. HARRIS demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Bernstein Bradley Brittain Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Davis Dillard Duncan Erickson Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gilliard Govan Grant Guffey Hardee Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Jones Jordan King Kirby Landing Ligon Luck Martin McDaniel McGinnis Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton Pedalino Pope Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Waters Weeks Wetmore Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Wooten
Those who voted in the negative are:
Beach Burns Chumley Cromer Edgerton Ford Frank Gatch Gibson Gilreath Hager Harris Huff Kilmartin Lastinger Lawson Long Magnuson McCabe McCravy D. Mitchell Morgan Oremus Pace Rankin Terribile Vaughan Willis
So, the amendment was tabled.
Reps. WATERS and WETMORE proposed the following Amendment No. 23 to H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.AHB0008H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by adding:
Section 59-28-360. The child's parent may submit documentation designating the physician should use their evidence-based expertise to provide optimal medical guidance and care. And, the parent's authorization signature will continue until it is revoked by the parent.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. WATERS explained the amendment.
Rep. CROMER demanded the yeas and nays which were taken, resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Bernstein Brittain Caskey Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Davis Dillard Erickson Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gilliam Gilliard Govan Grant Guest Haddon Hardee Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard J. L. Johnson Jones Jordan King Kirby Ligon Lowe Luck Martin McDaniel McGinnis Montgomery J. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton Pedalino Pope Reese Rivers Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten
Those who voted in the negative are:
Bradley Burns Chapman Chumley Cromer Duncan Edgerton Ford Frank Gibson Gilreath Hager Harris Huff Kilmartin Lastinger Long Magnuson McCabe McCravy D. Mitchell Morgan Oremus Pace Rankin Teeple Terribile Whitmire
The amendment was then adopted.
Reps. POPE and HART proposed the following Amendment No. 24 to H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.WAB0011H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 59-28-350(A) and inserting:
(A) As provided in this section, a parent alleging a violation of this article by an LEA may seek relief through administrative channels before the LEA governing body and the State Board of Education as provided in subsections (B) and (C). After exhausting all of these administrative remedies, the parent may bring a private civil cause of action in circuit court. The statute of limitations for a private civil cause of action is tolled until all of these administrative remedies are exhausted.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. POPE explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Reps. WATERS and JONES proposed the following Amendment
No. 5 to H. 4757 (Word version) (LC-4757.WAB0010H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 59-28-320, by adding a subsection to read:
(F) Notwithstanding another provision of this article, if a mandated reporter makes a mandatory report of suspected abuse or neglect and the parent or guardian is the alleged subject of that report, consent for testing directly related to the alleged harm may be obtained through DSS or court authorization without requiring consent from the alleged perpetrator.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. JONES explained the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Rep. MCCRAVY spoke in favor of the Bill.
Rep. WATERS spoke upon the Bill.
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 Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bradley 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 Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff 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 B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Sanders Schuessler Scott G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Vaughan Waters Weeks Wetmore Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
Harris
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 4757 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Phillip Bowers
Rep. GOVAN moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.
Rep. HIXON, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 5096 (Word version) -- Reps. Haddon, Yow, Burns, Brewer, Rankin, Chumley, Morgan, Pedalino, J. E. Johnson, Guffey, Chapman, Lastinger, Robbins, Holman, Calhoon, Davis, Cox, Brittain, Forrest, Gagnon, Hixon, Ligon and Atkinson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 5 OF CHAPTER 17, TITLE 47, RELATING TO MISREPRESENTING PRODUCTS THAT ARE CELL-CULTURED MEAT, SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MANUFACTURE, SELL, OR DISTRIBUTE ARTIFICIAL OR CELL-CULTIVATED FOOD PRODUCTS IN THIS STATE, TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HIXON, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 5097 (Word version) -- Reps. Haddon, Yow, Ligon, Holman, Rankin, Pedalino, Forrest and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-145 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN ROADSIDE MARKETS OPERATED BY FARMERS ARE NOT CONSIDERED COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS FOR LOCAL ZONING PURPOSES AND ARE EXEMPT FROM CERTAIN LOCAL AND STATE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HIXON, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 337 (Word version) -- Senator Reichenbach: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-13-640, RELATING TO THE POSSESSION OF BLUE CATFISH, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A DAILY LIMIT OF SEVENTY-FIVE BLUE CATFISH IN STATE WATERWAYS OTHER THAN IN LAKE MARION, LAKE MOULTRIE, AND THE UPPER REACH OF THE SANTEE RIVER.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. HIXON, from the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, submitted a favorable report on:
S. 383 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Goldfinch, Graham, Zell and Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "PROTHONOTARY WARBLER RECOGNITION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-613 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (PROTONOTARIA CITREA) AS THE OFFICIAL STATE MIGRATORY BIRD OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. ERICKSON, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
H. 4163 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Bowers, Bradley, Crawford, Davis, Pedalino, Hartnett, Neese, M. M. Smith, Oremus, Lawson, Vaughan, Herbkersman, B. J. Cox, Collins, Cox, Forrest, Brewer, Burns, Gatch, Haddon, Hager, Hixon, Murphy, Taylor, Whitmire, Teeple, Guest, Alexander and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 9 TO TITLE 59, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AND TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSE, FUNCTIONS, ORGANIZATION, AND GOVERNANCE OF THE ASSOCIATION; TO PROVIDE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, INCLUDING CHARTER SCHOOLS, MAY NOT JOIN OR AFFILIATE WITH ANY OTHER ENTITY WITHIN THE STATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNING, SANCTIONING, OR OPERATING INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAMS; AND TO PROVIDE PROVISIONS CONCERNING TRANSFER STUDENTS, HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS, PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND APPEALS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 5193 (Word version) -- Rep. Erickson: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE BRIDGES PREPARATORY SCHOOL FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA (FBLA) CHAPTER FOR ITS DEDICATION TO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5194 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, 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, Williams, Willis and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE POLICE OFFICERS OF MIDLANDS LODGE #1 OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM UPON THE CELEBRATION OF THE LODGE'S FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5195 (Word version) -- Rep. Crawford: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY PALMETTO GIRLS STATE TO USE THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026.
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That American Legion Auxiliary Palmetto Girls State is authorized to use the chamber of the House of Representatives on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., for its annual legislative activity unless the House is in statewide session or the chamber is otherwise unavailable.
Be it further resolved that the State House security officers shall provide assistance and access as necessary for this meeting in accordance with previous procedures.
Be it further resolved that no charges may be made for the use of the House of Representatives' chamber by American Legion Auxiliary Palmetto Girls State on this date.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5196 (Word version) -- Reps. M. M. Smith, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE LUMBEE TRIBE OF NORTH CAROLINA ON BEING FORMALLY ADDED TO THE BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS' LIST OF FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES, THUS ENDING A STRUGGLE OF ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN YEARS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5197 (Word version) -- Reps. McDaniel, J. Moore, Alexander, Anderson, Bamberg, Bauer, Clyburn, Dillard, Garvin, Gilliard, Govan, Grant, Hart, Henderson-Myers, Hosey, Howard, J. L. Johnson, Jones, King, Luck, Reese, Rivers, Rutherford, Scott, Spann-Wilder, Waters, Weeks and Williams: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF REVEREND JESSE LOUIS JACKSON, TO HONOR HIS REMARKABLE COMMITMENT AS AN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5198 (Word version) -- Rep. Hart: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF REVEREND DR. MARY LOU MYERS-MONTGOMERY, ESQUIRE, OF RICHLAND COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5199 (Word version) -- Rep. Govan: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 321 FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH IW HUTTO ROAD TO THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 3 IN THE TOWN OF SWANSEA IN LEXINGTON COUNTY "WILBER LEE JEFFCOAT 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.
The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 5200 (Word version) -- Rep. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 63-15-215 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THAT JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY IS PRESUMED TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF A MINOR CHILD, WITH EXCEPTIONS; TO DEFINE "JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY"; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5201 (Word version) -- Rep. Pedalino: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SAFE SCHOOLS ACT OF 2026" BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO CHAPTER 63, TITLE 59, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A MULTIJURISDICTIONAL SCHOOL SAFETY TASK FORCE, TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DEVELOP MULTIHAZARD EMERGENCY OPERATION PLANS, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTIFIED SCHOOL SAFETY ASSESSMENTS AND REQUIRED LIVE DRILLS, AND TO PROVIDE OVERSIGHT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE BY SLED, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 5202 (Word version) -- Rep. Teeple: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 25 TO CHAPTER 53, TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OF NITROUS OXIDE OR NITROUS OXIDE PRODUCTS IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, WITH EXCEPTIONS; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS AND TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THE ARTICLE; TO CREATE CRIMINAL PENALTIES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5203 (Word version) -- Rep. Sanders: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-3-555, RELATING TO THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR ACTIONS BASED ON SEXUAL ABUSE OR INCEST, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, FOR PURPOSES OF CLAIMS AGAINST A BANKRUPTCY ESTATE, AN ACTION BROUGHT BY A VICTIM OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE MAY BE BROUGHT AT ANY TIME AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5204 (Word version) -- Rep. Kilmartin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 27-30-120, RELATING TO HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 27, TITLE 30 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS AND OVERSIGHT OF HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS TO PROTECT AND BENEFIT HOMEOWNERS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 5205 (Word version) -- Reps. McGinnis, Erickson, Grant and Spann-Wilder: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 4 TO CHAPTER 101, TITLE 59 SO AS TO REQUIRE EACH PUBLIC COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN THIS STATE TO IMPLEMENT A SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ALL NEW STUDENTS, TO PROVIDE EXCLUSIONS FROM THE PROGRAMS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAMS, TO REQUIRE EACH INSTITUTION TO COMPILE AND ANNUALLY REPORT CERTAIN CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
H. 5206 (Word version) -- Reps. Guffey, Pedalino, B. Newton, Sessions, Davis, M. M. Smith, Martin, Herbkersman, Guest and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 25 TO CHAPTER 71, TITLE 38 SO AS TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED WHEN A HEALTH INSURER USES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MAKE DETERMINATIONS RELATING TO PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN DISCLOSURES TO ENROLLEES, AND TO PROVIDE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 5207 (Word version) -- Reps. Holman, C. Mitchell, Sessions and Cox: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-63-100, RELATING TO COURT ORDERED CHANGES TO BIRTH CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TERM "GENDER" TO "SEX"; BY ADDING SECTION 44-63-95 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FROM CHANGING AN INDIVIDUAL'S SEX IN THE SEX FIELD OF THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE, WITH EXCEPTIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-1-500, RELATING TO BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF STUDENTS ON SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
H. 5208 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton and Moss: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN UNPREPARED FOODS, THAT MAY BE PURCHASED WITH FOOD COUPONS WHICH ARE EXEMPT FROM TAXES, ARE NOT LIMITED TO CERTAIN FEDERAL REGULATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 5209 (Word version) -- Reps. Bauer, Guffey and T. Moore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES SHALL VERIFY THE AGE OF ACCOUNT HOLDERS, TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR ACCOUNT HOLDERS, TO PROVIDE FOR PARENTAL CONSENT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY RECEIVE COMPLAINTS, TO PROVIDE FOR A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5210 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Erickson, Wooten, Holman, C. Mitchell, Collins, Davis, B. Newton, Lawson, Herbkersman, Bustos, Gilliam, J. Moore, Bradley and White: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "INTERSTATE MASSAGE COMPACT ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 40-30-510 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA ENTERS INTO THE INTERSTATE MASSAGE COMPACT WITH ANY AND ALL STATES LEGALLY JOINING THE COMPACT, AND TO ADOPT THE TERMS OF THE COMPACT IN ITS SUBSTANTIAL FORM; AND TO DESIGNATE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 30, TITLE 40, AS "GENERAL PROVISIONS."
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
S. 453 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO TITLE 40, CHAPTER 15, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE PRACTICE OF TELEDENTISTRY IN THIS STATE, TO OUTLINE UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS RELATED TO TELEDENTISTRY.
Referred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
Rep. TAYLOR moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
At 1:07 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. MONTGOMERY, adjourned in memory of Nancy Cobb Lilly, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
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