NO. 27

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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 34:12: "Who is the man who desires life and loves length of days that he may see good?"
Let us pray: O Lord, our God and Eternal Father, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. You have ordained each breath and heartbeat of our being. At the appointed time you give life and when our time expires it is in accord with your sovereign design. So, teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom. Today, we lift up your appointed leaders in this House Assembly. These are your servants called to administer our proceedings today. These are frail instruments whom you have ordained. They are to lead, guide, and direct all that comes to fruition this day. Please grant wisdom and knowledge to these your appointed ministers of the South Carolina House of Representatives. O Lord you are faithful, just and kind in all your ways. We stand in need of your amazing grace to fulfill our calling today. Grant each of us the knowledge of who you are, so that we may lead this state and be a beacon of hope and security to those entrusted to our care. You, our Father are kind to all who seek you. Please give each of us greater faith to serve you to the fullness of our capacity, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone." 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. CROMER moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Henry Stanley Jr., which was agreed to.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that when we adjourn today, we adjourn in memory of Henry M. Stanley Jr.

Henry M. Stanley Jr., 89, of Piedmont, SC, passed away peacefully at his home on February 3, 2026. Born August 25, 1936, in Sinking Springs, Ohio, Henry lived a life defined by hard work, integrity, leadership, and generosity.
Henry began his career in the auto auction industry in 1960 as a ringman at Capital Auto Auction in Columbus, Ohio while working alongside his father at Stanley & Son Auction Services. In 1969 he left Stanley & Son in the hands of his father and son to purchase Capital Auto Auction, renaming it Ohio Auto Auction. After selling the auction in 1987, Henry retired briefly before returning to the industry he loved. In 1989, he and his wife Patty purchased Fort Knox Auto Auction, renaming it Carolina Auto Auction, which grew under his leadership into one of the largest independently owned auto auctions in the Southeast.
A respected industry trailblazer, Henry served as President of the National Auto Auction Association, received the Pioneer Award, and was inducted into the NAAA Hall of Fame. Known for his fierce competitive spirit, Henry always pushed himself and those around him to be better, famously saying, "Coming in second is like kissing your sister." He firmly believed that "your word is your bond" and lived by that principle throughout his life.
Henry loved spending time with his family, especially boating with his grandchildren, traveling with Patty, watching wildlife at their Colorado home, golfing, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and unmistakable presence.
Rep. April Cromer

Rep. RIVERS made a statement relative to the life and legacy of the Honorable Robert Smalls.

A Beaufort County native, Robert Smalls. His accomplishments are celebrated by many. By some, because connection to his past allows African-Americans the opportunity to celebrate the determination of those who came before us and whose backs we are standing on allowing us to have an opportunity to do the same for the next generation. Likewise, because the Honorable Mr. Robert Smalls who was a prominent Republican, when most African-Americans were Republicans. He was the key founder of the Republican Party in our State. Many current day Republicans, not all; celebrate Brother Robert Smalls as an opportunity to pretend to be appreciative of his accomplishments, intelligence, courage, and contributions. At the same time, some current day Republicans fervently attack diversity, equity and inclusion.
Yes, he served as South Carolina state legislator and a U.S. congressman during reconstruction.
He was formerly an enslaved man who became a Civil War hero, advocating for civil rights and public education. Again, he was a key founder of the Republican Party in South Carolina. Wow, how times have changed.
He represented South Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives for five non-consecutive terms between 1875 and 1887. Before congress, he served here in the South Carolina House (1868-1870) and the Senate (1870-1874).
He fought against black disenfranchisement and helped establish our state's first free, compulsory public school system. During a period when former enslaved people and poor white folks did not have equal access to education, his advocacy for public education awakened and stimulated opportunities for many.
Ironically, in this season, there is a climate that promotes selective delivery of education where access to books, and access to information depends on the permission of majority regardless of the consequences to young people who must compete globally. Robert Smalls was for learning more, not less. Knowledge leaves one in a better position to compete.
Yes, as a former slave, without access to education, he outsmarted those who were supposedly better educated and then became an advocate who was committed to ensuring that public education was available to everyone in South Carolina.
As we reminisce, celebrate, and assimilate the legacy of the Honorable Robert Smalls, let us remember his commitment to liberty and justice for all.
Since Reconstruction there have only been three African-Americans from Beaufort County that have had the honor and privilege of serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives. My friend, the former S.C. Senator and S.C. House of Representatives Member, Clementa Carlos Pinckney, Representative W.P. Lloyd, my friend and a mentor was from Colleton County, as well as, my friend and mentor Representative Reverend Kenneth Hodges. The two African-Americans who had the opportunity to represent all the citizens of Beaufort County since Reconstruction are the Honorable Robert Smalls and yours truly, your friend, and fighter for freedom and justice for all, Representative Michael Rivers.
To God be the glory for all that he has done, is doing, and will do. Let us always remember, and never forget or we risk repeating the past. Thank you, Brother Smalls, for your life and for inspiring us all to be better and triumph in life, regardless of the perceived obstacles.
Rep. Michael Rivers

Rep. MCDANIEL made a statement relative to Black History Month in South Carolina.

Black History Month is something we all can recognize. On this last day that the House will meet in Black History Month, we thought it would be good to invite anyone that feels comfortable to join us at the front. We all appreciate the many men and women from the Black Community that have meant so much and contributed a great deal to our State and Nation. Let us stand in unity and love as we all celebrate Black History Month.  
Rep. Annie McDaniel

The House stood in silent prayer for Representative Spann-Wilder.

Rep. ERICKSON, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 5073 (Word version) -- Reps. Pedalino, Erickson, Montgomery, McCravy, Pace, Bradley, D. Mitchell, Terribile, Robbins, T. Moore, Sessions, Neese, Brittain, Crawford, Lawson, Edgerton, Chumley, Brewer, Chapman, Vaughan, Guest, Guffey, Cox, W. Newton, McGinnis, B. Newton, McCabe, Rankin, Gagnon, Gibson, J. E. Johnson, Long, Moss, Schuessler, G. M. Smith, White, Oremus, Teeple, Lastinger and Burns: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-250 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADING PRACTICES, TO CONDITION ELIGIBILITY FOR CREDIT RECOVERY AND CONTENT RECOVERY ON COMPLETION OF REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS, TO LIMIT THE USE OF CERTAIN ASSESSMENTS IN CALCULATING FINAL COURSE GRADES, TO PROVIDE ENFORCEMENT THROUGH WITHHOLDING OF STATE AID TO CLASSROOM FUNDS, TO DIRECT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO EVALUATE AND RECOMMEND REVISIONS TO THE UNIFORM GRADING POLICY, AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT THE RECOMMENDED REVISIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Rep. ERICKSON, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:

H. 4468 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Pedalino and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-33-55 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCILS FOR EDUCATING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES FOR EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZER BY ITS RESPECTIVE GOVERNING BODY; TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP, COMPOSITION, DUTIES, AND PURPOSES OF LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCILS; TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCILS; AND TO PROVIDE DEADLINES FOR THE CREATION OF RELATED MODEL BYLAWS, THE SUBMISSION OF LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL BYLAWS FOR APPROVAL, AND THE FIRST MEETINGS OF EACH LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

The following was introduced:

H. 5262 (Word version) -- Rep. Burns: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO URGE CONGRESS TO ISSUE AN ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL, OR SIMILAR RECOGNITION, TO ALL UNITED STATES TROOPS WHO SERVED IN HONDURAS FROM 1981 TO 1992.
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

The following was introduced:

H. 5263 (Word version) -- Reps. Gagnon, 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, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF DR. WILLIAM "BILL" MANNING OF ABBEVILLE AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5264 (Word version) -- Reps. Ligon, 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, 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 DECLARE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026, AS "STO PROGRAMS DAY" IN THE PALMETTO STATE AND TO ENCOURAGE INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND BUSINESSES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONSUMER-FACING PROGRAMS OFFERED AT THE STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5265 (Word version) -- Reps. Lastinger, 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, 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 CHAPLAIN, COLONEL BRIAN L. BOHLMAN, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER MANY YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5266 (Word version) -- Rep. King: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR REVEREND WALTER BANKS WHITE, A FAITHFUL TEACHER AND PASTOR, FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE TO HIS ROCK HILL COMMUNITY, HIS FAMILY, AND HIS LORD.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5267 (Word version) -- Rep. Bowers: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO DECLARE TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, AS "CLEMSON DAY" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Resolution was adopted.

The following was introduced:

H. 5268 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE APRIL 28, 2026, AS "WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN TRIBUTE TO THE WORKING MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES BECAUSE OF WORKPLACE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

The following Bills and Joint Resolution were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 5269 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-112-20, RELATING TO DOMICILE FOR TUITION RATES AND FEES FOR CERTAIN STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT IN-STATE RATES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE NOT CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES, ESTABLISH FINES FOR VIOLATIONS, AND PERMIT CERTAIN TAXPAYERS TO FILE LAWSUITS FOR ENFORCEMENT.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 5270 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 8-29-10, RELATING TO APPLICANTS FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS AND VERIFICATION OF LAWFUL PRESENCE, SO AS TO REQUIRE VERIFICATION OF LAWFUL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES FOR ALIENS AGED EIGHTEEN YEARS OR OLDER WHO APPLY FOR GOVERNMENTAL BENEFITS ADMINISTERED BY THIS STATE UNLESS OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY FEDERAL LAWS, RULES OR REGULATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 5271 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 43-5-15, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC AID AND ASSISTANCE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO VERIFY APPLICANTS' CITIZENSHIP STATUS AND ELIGIBILITY TO RECEIVE THE REQUESTED BENEFITS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 5272 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 34-3-120 SO AS TO REQUIRE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO VERIFY THAT INDIVIDUALS ARE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES BEFORE WIRING OR REMITTING FUNDS TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND TO EITHER REQUIRE A FEE OR PROHIBIT THE TRANSFER IF THE INDIVIDUAL IS NOT A UNITED STATES CITIZEN.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 5273 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-2-150 SO AS TO PROHIBIT STATE INCENTIVES FOR COMPANIES IF MORE THAN TWO PERCENT OF THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE H1B VISA HOLDERS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 5274 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-1-697, RELATING TO THE USE OF LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH FOR THIS STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT FORMS OR SERVICES IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH, EXCEPT IN CASES OF EMERGENCY OR OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 5275 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-9-460, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES AND FURTHERING ILLEGAL ENTRY BY OR AVOIDANCE OF DETECTION OF UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS, SO AS TO ELIMINATE CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, AND TO ESTABLISH THAT PERSONS SHALL NOT BE IN VIOLATION IF THEY PROVIDE ASSISTANCE OR SERVICES WITHOUT THE INTENT TO FURTHER UNLAWFUL ENTRY OR AVOID DETECTION BY AUTHORITIES, OR AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 5276 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-240, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR VEHICLE LICENSING AND REGISTRATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT VEHICLE OWNERS' SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER'S LICENSE INFORMATION BE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-350, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO REFUSE TO REGISTER AND LICENSE A VEHICLE, SO AS TO ADD TO THE GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL APPLICANTS' LACK OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP OR CURRENT AUTHORIZATION TO LIVE, WORK, OR STUDY IN THE UNITED STATES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 5277 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 11-1-130 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS FOR THE LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF INDIVIDUALS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 5278 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-120, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY CITIZENS OF THIS STATE AND OF THE UNITED STATES MAY REGISTER TO VOTE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-675, RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION CARDS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT ISSUING VOTER REGISTRATION CARDS TO PERSONS WHO ARE NOT UNITED STATES CITIZENS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 5279 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 41-8-50, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR PRIVATE EMPLOYERS THAT VIOLATE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ALIEN WORK AUTHORIZATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO INCREASE CERTAIN PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 5280 (Word version) -- Rep. Long: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 5-7-320 SO AS TO PROHIBIT MUNICIPALITIES FROM RESTRICTING ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAWS OR LIMITING INFORMATION REGARDING CITIZENSHIP OR IMMIGRATION STATUS, AND PERMIT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO BRING A CIVIL ACTION AND ESTABLISH A RIGHT OF ACTION FOR CERTAIN CITIZENS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 6-1-170, RELATING TO PREEMPTION OF LOCAL ORDINANCE RELATING TO IMMIGRATION, SO AS TO PROHIBIT POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS FROM RESTRICTING ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAWS OR LIMITING INFORMATION REGARDING CITIZENSHIP OR IMMIGRATION STATUS, AND PERMIT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO BRING A CIVIL ACTION AND ESTABLISH A RIGHT OF ACTION FOR CERTAIN CITIZENS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 5281 (Word version) -- Reps. Brittain, Wetmore, Oremus, Brewer, Robbins, Stavrinakis, Hardee, Herbkersman and McGinnis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 15 TO CHAPTER 6, TITLE 61 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO ISSUE RETAIL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CATERER LICENSES, TO PROVIDE REGULATIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE CERTAIN ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR TEMPORARY PERMITS, AND TO ALLOW FOR CERTAIN CONTRACTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-4-160, RELATING TO DISCOUNT PRICING FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UP TO TWELVE FUNCTIONS MAY BE SPONSORED EACH YEAR; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 61-6-2000 RELATING TO TEMPORARY PERMITS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 5282 (Word version) -- Rep. Reese: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "UTILITY BILLING ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 2026" BY ADDING CHAPTER 44 TO TITLE 58 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A UTILITY FROM CHANGING BILLING OR PAYMENT PRACTICES WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO PERMIT TEMPORARY APPROVAL PROCESSES IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY; TO REQUIRE UTILITIES TO SUBMIT QUARTERLY REPORTS TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF; TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF, TO ENGAGE AN AUDITOR TO EXAMINE PRESCRIBED BILLING ISSUES; TO REQUIRE A UTILITY TO PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS FOR BILLING OR PAYMENT CHANGES; TO ESTABLISH CONDITIONS AND PROHIBITIONS IN CERTAIN RENTAL CIRCUMSTANCES; TO REQUIRE ELECTRIC, GAS, AND WATER UTILITIES TO IMPLEMENT CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR RURAL ENERGY-BURDENED HOUSEHOLDS, REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO PUBLISH A RURAL ENERGY BURDEN REPORT, AND TO CONSIDER METRICS IN ALL RATE PROCEEDINGS; TO PERMIT THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO IMPOSE ADMINISTRATIVE FINES FOR VIOLATIONS, FOR A CUSTOMER TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE COMMISSION, AND TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO PROMULGATE RELATED REGULATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 5283 (Word version) -- Rep. Reese: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 45 TO TITLE 58 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA UTILITY CITIZENS COUNCIL TO SERVE AS AN INDEPENDENT ADVISORY BODY TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FOR THE UTILITY CITIZENS COUNCIL'S MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES; TO PERMIT THE UTILITY CITIZENS COUNCIL TO HAVE ACCESS TO CERTAIN INFORMATION SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE UTILITY CITIZENS COUNCIL FROM REGULATED UTILITIES, ESTABLISH COST RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS, AND PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE FUNDING AND PROVIDE FOR ITS ADMINISTRATION; TO REQUIRE THE SOUTH CAROLINA ENERGY JUSTICE COALITION TO PROVIDE STAFFING AND OTHER DUTIES; TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO PROVIDE THE COUNCIL WITH RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION UPON NOTICE OF A UTILITY RATE CASE OR MAJOR FILING, TO PERMIT THE COUNCIL TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS, AND TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO INCLUDE A SUMMARY OF THE COUNCIL'S RECOMMENDATIONS AND COMMISSION'S RESPONSES IN COMMISSION ORDERS; AND TO REQUIRE THE COUNCIL, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF, TO DEVELOP ENERGY AFFORDABILITY METRICS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

H. 5284 (Word version) -- Rep. Gagnon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 30-5-10, RELATING TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DUTIES OF A REGISTER OF DEEDS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ABBEVILLE COUNTY AMONG THE COUNTIES EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT THESE DUTIES BE PERFORMED BY THE CLERK OF COURT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 30-5-12, RELATING TO COUNTIES WHERE THE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY APPOINTS THE REGISTER OF DEEDS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ABBEVILLE COUNTY.
Referred to Abbeville Delegation

H. 5285 (Word version) -- Reps. Sessions, Cox, Bradley, Erickson, M. M. Smith, Martin, Brittain, Wooten, Neese, W. Newton, Chapman, Long, C. Mitchell, Gatch, Ford, Brewer, Davis, Landing, B. Newton and Teeple: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 43-7-60 AND 43-7-70, RELATING TO PROVIDER AND RECIPIENT MEDICAID FRAUD, SO AS TO CREATE TIERED CRIMINAL PENALTIES CORRELATING TO THE AMOUNT OF FRAUD, TO REQUIRE RESTITUTION, TO AUTHORIZE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S USE OF CONSENT AGREEMENTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 43-7-90, RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF SECTIONS 43-7-60 TO 43-7-80, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ISSUE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS AND INSTITUTE PROCEEDINGS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

H. 5286 (Word version) -- Reps. Long, T. Moore, Yow, C. Mitchell, Martin, Edgerton, Chumley, Magnuson, Lawson, Frank, Huff, Crawford, Chapman, Gilliam, Atkinson, Sanders, Burns, Bailey, Guest, Hardee and Hager: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROHIBIT GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES OF THIS STATE, COUNTIES, MUNICIPALITIES, OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS FROM GRANTING FINAL APPROVAL FOR APPLICATIONS OR PERMITS FOR, OR INCENTIVES OR OTHER REQUESTS RELATED TO, NEW DATA CENTERS UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2028, AND TO DEFINE "DATA CENTER."
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

H. 5287 (Word version) -- Rep. Bernstein: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 44 OF CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES ISSUANCE OF "SHARE THE ROAD" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO DISCONTINUE THE ISSUANCE OF THESE LICENSE PLATES AND PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF "I BIKE" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

H. 5288 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson, Brittain, Yow, Guest, Haddon and Jordan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-13-136 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, CREATE CARGO THEFT OFFENSES, AND PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR THE OFFENSES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 70 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-710 SO AS TO ENHANCE LOCAL SCHOOL GOVERNANCE; BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-720 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-19-730 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT AND REVISE AS NECESSARY A MODEL CODE OF ETHICS FOR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS, AND REQUIRE THAT A LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD SHALL ADOPT A LOCAL CODE OF ETHICS AT A REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AND SUBMIT A COPY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF ADOPTION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-19-45, RELATING TO MANDATORY ORIENTATION FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARDS OF TRUSTEES AND COUNTY BOARDS OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT A MODEL TRAINING PROGRAM, WHICH MUST INCLUDE A LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAM.
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 420 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 6-5-10, RELATING TO AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS SO AS TO ALLOW A QUALIFIED RETIREE POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT TRUST MAINTAINED FOR THE BENEFIT OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION RETIREES TO INVEST IN CERTAIN CORPORATE DEBT ISSUED BY UNITED STATES CORPORATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 723 (Word version) -- Senators Blackmon, Climer, Kennedy, Reichenbach, Rice, Zell, Garrett and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR DEFINED; PRESUMPTIONS; DEFENSES; PENALTIES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO FIVE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR DEFINED; PRESUMPTIONS; DEFENSES; PENALTIES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO THREE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR DEFINED; PENALTIES; EXCEPTION, SO AS TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES BASED ON THE NUMBER OF IMAGES POSSESSED, INCLUDING A PENALTY OF UP TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE ONE TO TWENTY-FIVE IMAGES, ONE TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE TWENTY-SIX TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES, AND A PENALTY OF TWO TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES; AND TO ESTABLISH THAT A PERSON WHO IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER AND VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECTION, UPON CONVICTION, MUST SERVE A MINIMUM OF FIVE YEARS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 853 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Hutto, Sutton, Graham, Turner, Stubbs, Matthews, Zell, Campsen, Kimbrell and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-120, RELATING TO THE ABANDONED BUILDINGS REVITALIZATION ACT DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE EXISTENCE OF AN INCOME-PRODUCING USE PRIOR TO THE PERIOD OF ABANDONMENT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR ELIGIBILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-130, RELATING TO APPLICABILITY, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-140, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR THE CREDIT, SO AS TO CLARIFY CERTAIN TIMING CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO THE FILING OF A NOTICE OF INTENT TO REHABILITATE AN ABANDONED BUILDING AND TO CLARIFY THAT ABANDONED BUILDING TAX CREDITS MAY NOT SERVE AS COLLATERAL FOR ANY DEBT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-160, RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF ABANDONED BUILDING SITES, SO AS TO REMOVE A REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN CERTIFICATIONS OF STATE-OWNED ABANDONED BUILDING SITES.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:

Anderson                 Atkinson                 Bailey
Ballentine               Bauer                    Beach
Bernstein                Bowers                   Bradley
Brewer                   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                   Hart                     Hartnett
Hartz                    Hayes                    Henderson-Myers
Herbkersman              Hiott                    Hixon
Holman                   Hosey                    Howard
Huff                     J. E. Johnson            Jones
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
W. Newton                Oremus                   Pace
Pedalino                 Rankin                   Reese
Rivers                   Robbins                  Rose
Sanders                  Schuessler               Scott
Sessions                 G. M. Smith              M. M. Smith
Stavrinakis              Teeple                   Terribile
Vaughan                  Weeks                    White
Whitmire                 Wickensimer              Williams
Willis                   Yow                      

The SPEAKER granted Rep. SPANN-WILDER a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. POPE a leave of absence for the day.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. WATERS a leave of absence for the day due to business reasons.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. HEWITT a leave of absence for the day.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. B. NEWTON a leave of absence for the day.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. WOOTEN a leave of absence for the day.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. JORDAN a leave of absence for the day.

The SPEAKER granted Rep. TAYLOR a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.

Rep. C. MITCHELL presented to the House the McBee High School "Panthers" 1-A Baseball State Champions.

Rep. C. MITCHELL presented to the House the McBee High School "Lady Panthers" 1-A Girls Power Lifting State Champions.

Rep. C. MITCHELL presented to the House the Chesterfield Dixie Youth 8 U Softball Championship Team.

Announcement was made that Dr. Jennifer Hanke of Oconee 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. 3227 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   GILLIARD

Bill Number:   H. 3580 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   ATKINSON, GRANT, GAGNON and SCOTT

Bill Number:   H. 4164 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   KING

Bill Number:   H. 4295 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   MAGNUSON, EDGERTON, FRANK, PACE, GILREATH, CROMER and LONG

Bill Number:   H. 4683 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   TEEPLE and HARTNETT

Bill Number:   H. 4764 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   CROMER

Bill Number:   H. 4791 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   HARTNETT

Bill Number:   H. 5112 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   RIVERS, MCDANIEL, WILLIAMS, JONES and DILLARD

Bill Number:   H. 5247 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   EDGERTON

Bill Number:   H. 5249 (Word version)
Date:   ADD:
02/26/26   KIRBY, HARTNETT, RIVERS, MCDANIEL, WILLIAMS, JONES and DILLARD

ACTING SPEAKER HIOTT granted Rep. G. M. SMITH a leave of absence for the remainder of the day.

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, Henderson-Myers, Gilliard and Williams: 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. W. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 3227 (Word version) -- Reps. Gatch and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-75-70 SO AS TO REQUIRE INSURERS TO OFFER INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM AN EARTHQUAKE TO ALL POLICIES ISSUED IN THIS STATE.

Rep. W. NEWTON moved to adjourn debate on the Bill, which was agreed to.

The following Bill was taken up:

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.

Rep. W. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4151 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, G. M. Smith, Hiott, Hixon, Caskey, Robbins, C. Mitchell, Pope, Gagnon, Taylor, Whitmire, B. Newton, Vaughan, Chapman, M. M. Smith, J. E. Johnson, Yow, Bustos, Landing, Gibson, McCravy, Gilliam, Hager, Rankin, Schuessler, Teeple, Erickson, Herbkersman, Hartnett, Wooten, Lawson, Long and Lowe: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-20, RELATING TO TERMS DEFINED IN THE "JUVENILE JUSTICE CODE," SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "CHILD" OR "JUVENILE," TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS FOR MINORS WHO COMMIT CERTAIN VIOLENT CRIMES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Rep. W. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4763 (Word version) -- Reps. Oremus, Brittain, W. Newton, Bailey, Bradley, Brewer, Caskey, Crawford, Duncan, Erickson, Forrest, Gagnon, Gatch, Gilliam, Guest, Haddon, Hardee, Hartnett, Hartz, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, J. E. Johnson, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Martin, McCravy, C. Mitchell, B. Newton, Pedalino, Pope, Robbins, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Taylor, Teeple, Vaughan, Whitmire, Willis, Wooten, Yow, Terribile, White, Lastinger, Wickensimer, Atkinson and Chapman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "HELPING ALLEVIATE LAWFUL OBSTRUCTION (HALO) ACT"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-1092 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERMS "EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER", "FIRST RESPONDER", AND "HARASS", TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO APPROACH, IMPEDE, CAUSE HARM TO, OR HARASS A FIRST RESPONDER OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER AFTER RECEIVING A VERBAL WARNING, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY.

Rep. W. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 5120 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Garvin, Holman, T. Moore, Sessions, Wetmore, C. Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-2020, RELATING TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF JUVENILE RECORDS, SO AS TO CLARIFY WHEN NOTICE ABOUT THE DISPOSITION OF A CASE AGAINST A CHILD CHARGED WITH CERTAIN OFFENSES MUST BE PROVIDED TO A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, AND TO CLARIFY WHEN JUVENILE FINGERPRINT RECORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TAKEN, HOW THESE RECORDS ARE MAINTAINED, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THESE RECORDS MAY BE TRANSMITTED TO ANOTHER AGENCY OR PERSON; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-2030, RELATING TO JUVENILE LAW ENFORCEMENT RECORDS, SO AS TO CLARIFY WHEN INCIDENT REPORTS ABOUT A CHILD CHARGED WITH CERTAIN OFFENSES MUST BE PROVIDED TO A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.

Rep. W. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 5121 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Garvin, Holman, T. Moore, Sessions, Wetmore, C. Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 25 TO CHAPTER 19, TITLE 63 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM BY WHICH PUBLIC OR PRIVATE NONPROFIT ENTITIES MAY BE CERTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE TO PROVIDE CERTAIN SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES INTENDED TO PREVENT JUVENILE CRIME AND DELINQUENCY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COMMUNITY JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS BY THE DEPARTMENT, TO ESTABLISH A CIVIL PENALTY FOR THE UNLAWFUL REPRESENTATION OF AN UNCERTIFIED PROGRAM AS CERTIFIED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROMULGATE NECESSARY REGULATIONS TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.

Rep. W. NEWTON made the Point of Order that the Bill was improperly before the House for consideration since its number and title have not been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to second reading.
The SPEAKER sustained the Point of Order.

The following Joint Resolution was taken up:

H. 5261 (Word version) -- Rep. W. Newton: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING AS PROVIDED FOR IN CHAPTER 3, TITLE 61 TO MAY 1, 2026.

Rep. W. NEWTON explained the Joint Resolution.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Anderson                 Bailey                   Bauer
Beach                    Bernstein                Bowers
Bradley                  Brewer                   Bustos
Calhoon                  Caskey                   Chapman
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                    Henderson-Myers          Herbkersman
Hiott                    Hixon                    Holman
Hosey                    Howard                   Huff
J. E. Johnson            Jones                    Kilmartin
King                     Kirby                    Landing
Lastinger                Lawson                   Ligon
Long                     Lowe                     Magnuson
Martin                   McCabe                   McCravy
McDaniel                 McGinnis                 D. Mitchell
Montgomery               J. Moore                 T. Moore
Morgan                   Moss                     Neese
W. Newton                Oremus                   Pace
Pedalino                 Rankin                   Rivers
Robbins                  Rose                     Sanders
Schuessler               Scott                    Sessions
M. M. Smith              Stavrinakis              Teeple
Terribile                Vaughan                  Weeks
White                    Whitmire                 Wickensimer
Williams                 Willis                   

Those who voted in the negative are:

So, the Joint Resolution was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

On motion of Rep. W. NEWTON, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that H. 5261 (Word version) be read the third time tomorrow.

Rep. FORREST moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.

At 11:29 a.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. CROMER, adjourned in memory of Henry Stanley Jr., to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

This web page was last updated on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 3:28 P.M.