NO. 44
REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
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The House assembled at 12:00 noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Jeff Lingerfelt as follows:
Our thought for today is from Psalm 33:4-5: "The word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."
Let us pray. Our God and ever blessed Father, may we say with the Psalmist that Your works, Your ways and Your Words are right and without error and infallible. Your words O Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold. Your precepts brings joy to the heart and gives light to the eyes. We, as your elected officials, are your servants, administrators of Yours given to punish evil and to give praise for the good of society. However, we are fallible, mankind of clay feet, we err and often follow the intentions of our heart. And that ought not be so. We need the wisdom that is provided from above, this is why we must seek You in all we do. O Lord help, provide wisdom and discernment in our deliberations, so that we may be pleasing to You this day. So, help us remember that every word of God is pure; You are a shield to those who take refuge in You--so that we may experience the goodness of the Lord. Amen.
Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.
After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of Friday, April 3, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.
Rep. CLYBURN moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Dale Moore, which was agreed to.
The following was received:
April 7, 2026
The Honorable Charles F. Reid, Clerk
House of Representatives
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, South Carolina 29211
Dear Mr. Reid:
Enclosed, please find S.C. Department of Public Health's (Department) designation of Bromazolam, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, in schedule I of the South Carolina Controlled Substance Act. Pursuant to S.C. Code Section 44-53-160(C), the Department shall designate a substance as a controlled substance by scheduling it in accordance with an order effecting federal scheduling as a controlled substance.
The U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a temporary order placing 4 Bromazolam, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, in schedule I of the federal Controlled Substance Act, effective March 16, 2026. F.R. Volume 91, Number 50, pp 12504-12509.
The Department makes this notification in accordance with S.C. Code Section 44-53-160(C), which requires the Department to notify the General Assembly of an addition of a controlled substance in conformity with federal law. Schedule I controlled substances are found in S.C. Code Section 44-53-190.
As required by law, the enclosed Department Order has been posted on the agency website. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Ashley C. Biggers
Chief Counsel for Healthcare Quality
Placement of Bromazolam in Schedule I for Controlled Substances
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA"), issued a temporary order placing bromazolam (8-bromo-l-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-benzo[f][l,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][l, 4]diazepine), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers are possible, in schedule I of the federal Controlled Substance Act ("CSA"), effective March 16, 2026. F.R. Volume 91, Number 50, pp 12504-12509;
WHEREAS, the DEA has concluded that bromazolam has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and lacks accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and therefore placed bromazolam in Schedule I of the CSA; and
THEREFORE, The Department of Public Health adopts the federal scheduling ofbromazolam (8-bromo-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-benzo[t][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1, 4Jdiazepine), including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers are possible, into Schedule I of the South Carolina Controlled Substances Act.
Edward D. Simmer. MD, MPH, DLFAPA
Interim Director, S.C. Department of Public Health
April 6, 2026
Columbia, South Carolina
Received as information.
Document No. 5408
Agency: Department of Public Health
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 44-7-110 through 44-7-394, 44-37-40, 44-37-50, 44-41-70(a), and 63-7-40
Minimum Standards for Licensing Hospitals and Institutional General Infirmaries
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 13, 2026
Referred to Reg., Admin. Procedures, AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 3, 2026
Document No. 5416
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - Building Codes Council
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 6-9--40, 6-9-50, and 6-9-55
International Plumbing Code
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 13, 2026
Referred to Regulations, Administrative Procedures, AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 3, 2026
Document No. 5419
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - South Carolina Board of Long Term Health Care Administrators
Statutory Authority: 1976 Codes Sections 40-1-70 and 40-35-60
South Carolina Board of Long Term Health Care Administrators
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 13, 2026
Referred to Regulations, Administrative Procedures, AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 3, 2026
Document No. 5420
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - Board of Accountancy
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 40-1-70, 40-2-30, 40-2-35, 40-2-40, 40-2-70, 40-2-80, 40-2-90, 40-2-100, 40-2-245, 40-2-250, 40-2-255, and 40-2-275
Board of Accountancy
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 13, 2026
Referred to Regulations, Administrative Procedures, AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 3, 2026
Document No. 5422
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - State Board of Pharmacy
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 40-1-70, 40-1-77(I), 40-43-30(8), 40-43-60(D)(5) and (8), 40-43-83(C), 40-43-86(CC)(2)(a), and 40-43-150
State Board of Pharmacy
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 13, 2026
Referred to Reg., Admin. Procedures, AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 3, 2026
Document No. 5441
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 50-1-60, 50-1-200, 50-1-220, 50-9-650, 50-11-10, 50-11-105, 50-11-300, 50-11-310, 50-11-315, 50-11-320, 50-11-365, 50-11-390, 50-11-410, 50-11-430, 50-11-500, 50-11-525, 50-11-530, 50-11-540, 50-11-544, 50-11-546, 50-11-580, 50-11-2200, and 50-11-2210
Wildlife Management Area Regulations; Turkey Hunting Rules and Seasons
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 13, 2026
Referred to Regulations, Administrative Procedures, AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 3, 2026
Document No. 5371
Agency: State Board of Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-26-10, 59-26-30, and 59-26-40
Defined Program, Grades 9-12 and Graduation Requirements
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives May 8, 2025
Referred to Reg., Admin. Procedures, AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration: Permanently Withdrawn
Document No. 5406
Agency: South Carolina Aeronautics Commission
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 55-1-1 et seq., 55-5-80(A), 55-5-80(N), and 55-5-280(D)
Use of the State Aviation Fund; Procedure for Protection of Public Investment in Airports
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives January 13, 2026
Referred to Regulations, Administrative Procedures, AI and Cybersecurity Committee
Legislative Review Expiration: Permanently Withdrawn
Rep. MOSS, from the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, submitted a favorable report on:
H. 5155 (Word version) -- Reps. J. Moore, McDaniel, King, Rose, Scott, Dillard, Jones, Wetmore, Garvin, Reese, Anderson, Kirby, Rivers, Gilliard, J. L. Johnson, Grant, Waters, Hosey, Williams, Luck, Bauer, Alexander, Bannister, Henderson-Myers, Weeks, Stavrinakis and Rutherford: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR FORMER VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS AS SHE CONTINUES ON HER NOTEWORTHY BOOK TOUR AND TO WELCOME HER ARRIVAL TO THE PALMETTO STATE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Rep. ERICKSON, from the Committee on Education and Public Works, submitted a favorable report with amendments on:
S. 585 (Word version) -- Senators Tedder, Adams, Devine, Zell and Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN FAMILIES EVERYWHERE (SAFE) ACT" AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPLICATIONS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS MUST INCLUDE LANGUAGE ALLOWING APPLICANTS TO VOLUNTARILY INDICATE THEY OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CERTAIN DISABILITIES OR DISORDERS, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO INCLUDE THE DESIGNATION "SAFE" IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE'S RECORDS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
The following was introduced:
H. 5508 (Word version) -- Reps. G. M. Smith, Weeks, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND ALAYSHA MAPLE FOR BEING NAMED THE 2025 DAILY JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRESS ASSOCIATION.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5509 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, 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 SAM STOCKTON IN HIS BATTLE WITH BATTEN DISEASE AND TO DECLARE JUNE 9, 2026, AS "BATTEN DISEASE AWARENESS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN ORDER TO BRING STATEWIDE ATTENTION TO THIS RARE AND DEVASTATING CONDITION.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5510 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, 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 THE NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL STRENGTH AND WEIGHTLIFTING TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A STELLAR SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE. The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5511 (Word version) -- Rep. King: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. JOHN T. MCCOY, PASTOR OF NAZARETH BAPTIST CHURCH IN ROCK HILL, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS OF MEANINGFUL MINISTRY AND SERVICE TO THE CONGREGATION AND THE COMMUNITY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5512 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Guffey, King, Ligon, Martin, Moss, Sessions and Terribile: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MJ COLLINS JR., A NATIVE OF CLOVER, FOR HIS OUTSTANDING COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL ACHIEVEMENTS, HIS REPRESENTATION OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA ON A NATIONAL STAGE, AND HIS ROLE AS A POSITIVE AMBASSADOR FOR HIS HOMETOWN, COMMUNITY, AND FAMILY.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5513 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JONATHAN C. CHILDERS, A FOURTH-YEAR ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE WITH THE CHARLESTON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS' ASSOCIATION AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON RECEIVING FIRST PLACE IN THE 2026 ABC NATIONAL CRAFT CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5514 (Word version) -- Reps. Scott, 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, 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 PROFOUND THE SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF PEARL FRYAR OF LEE COUNTY, TO HONOR HIS REMARKABLE TALENT, AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5515 (Word version) -- Reps. Terribile, Martin, 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, 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, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND APPLAUD THE FORT MILL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM ON CAPTURING THE 2025 CLASS AAAAA, DIVISION 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO CONGRATULATE THESE ATHLETES AND THEIR COACHES ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5516 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE HAMMOND SCHOOL VARSITY COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5521 (Word version) -- Reps. Grant, 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, 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 STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE BIG HOMIE LIL HOMIE MENTORING PROGRAM AND ITS MISSION TO UPLIFT AND EMPOWER YOUTH THROUGH MEANINGFUL MENTORSHIP; TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY MEMBERS, LOCAL LEADERS, BUSINESSES, AND ORGANIZATIONS TO PARTNER WITH, VOLUNTEER FOR, AND INVEST IN THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM; AND TO ENCOURAGE THE EXPLORATION OF OPPORTUNITIES TO PROVIDE RESOURCES, VISIBILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT TO EXPAND THE OUTREACH AND IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced:
H. 5527 (Word version) -- Reps. Taylor, Oremus, Clyburn and Hartz: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR BARBARA LEE ROLLINS UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR MORE THAN FIVE DECADES OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO MUSIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY LIFE, AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
The Resolution was adopted.
The following was introduced: H. 5517 (Word version) -- Reps. McDaniel, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR STELLA GRACE BURROUGHS, A STUDENT AT THE FAIRFIELD MAGNET SCHOOL FOR MATH AND SCIENCE, AND TO CONGRATULATE HER FOR BEING THE STATE WINNER OF THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S BOOK CHALLENGE.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following was introduced: H. 5518 (Word version) -- Reps. Pedalino, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE LAWSON CANNON, KNOWLTON CARTER, WAYDE INGRAM, AND RAYVON KERSEY, STUDENTS AT WALKER GAMBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ON WINNING THE 2026 CHILDREN'S BOOK CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY SANTEE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AND THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
The following was introduced:
H. 5519 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, G. M. Smith and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF HIGHWAY CHURCH ROAD BETWEEN STEPHEN CAMPBELL ROAD AND LARRY JEFFERS ROAD IN THE TOWN OF ELGIN IN KERSHAW COUNTY "JEANNIE ROSE POTTER ROAD" 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 was introduced: H. 5520 (Word version) -- Reps. Sanders, Huff, 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, 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, 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 COMMEND PALMETTO MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR ITS INSTITUTION OF "YOU MATTER DAY" IN MEMORY OF AUSTIN SMITH, A FORMER SEVENTH GRADE STUDENT AT PALMETTO MIDDLE, IN ORDER TO RAISE SUICIDE AWARENESS AMONG STUDENTS AND ASSURE THEM THAT THEIR LIVES MATTER IN THIS WORLD.
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. 5522 (Word version) -- Rep. Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "HOMEOWNER CONTRACT TRANSPARENCY AND FAIR DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 50, TITLE 27 SO AS TO REQUIRE SELLERS IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN ADVANCE DISCLOSURE OF HOME PURCHASE DOCUMENTS TO BUYERS BEFORE CLOSING, INCLUDING DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROVISIONS AND LEGAL WAIVERS, TO PROVIDE REMEDIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, AND TO IMPOSE AN AFFIRMATIVE DUTY ON ATTORNEYS WHO CONDUCT CLOSINGS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 5523 (Word version) -- Rep. Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-9-130 SO AS TO DEFINE "MOBILE FOOD UNIT," TO ALLOW ANY ORGANIZED FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THIS STATE TO CONDUCT INSPECTIONS OF MOBILE FOOD UNITS, AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL TO PRODUCE A CERTIFICATE TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE WITH THIS SECTION.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 5524 (Word version) -- Reps. Sanders, Huff, Chapman, Beach, Gilreath, Duncan, Cromer and Gagnon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-537 SO AS TO PROHIBIT REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS FROM ENTERING UPON, REMAINING IN, OR LOITERING UPON THE GROUNDS OF MUNICIPAL, COUNTY, OR SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT PARKS WITHOUT BEING GIVEN EXPRESSED PERMISSION BY THE PARKS' GOVERNING AUTHORITIES, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 5525 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, Williams, Brewer, Atkinson, Luck and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONSUMER PROTECTION AND WHOLESALE MARKET ACCESS ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 29 TO CHAPTER 27, TITLE 58 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVES FOR MAJOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE CONTRACTS OR AGREEMENTS, AND ESTABLISH AN OVERSIGHT AND APPROVAL PROCESS BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO REQUIRE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVES TO FILE PROPOSED RATES AND TERMS OF SERVICE TO DISTRIBUTION COOPERATIVES FOR APPROVAL BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND TO REQUIRE TRIENNIAL WHOLESALE RATE REVIEWS BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO ESTABLISH THAT DISTRIBUTION COOPERATIVES HAVE A RIGHT TO PETITION THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION FOR EXIT SETTLEMENTS FROM WHOLESALE POWER CONTRACTS WITH A GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVE AND TO PROVIDE PROCESSES AND STANDARDS FOR EXIT SETTLEMENTS; TO PROHIBIT GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVES FROM TAKING CERTAIN UNILATERAL ACTIONS WITHOUT THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION'S APPROVAL; TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO REPRESENT DISTRIBUTION COOPERATIVES' INTERESTS BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION IN PROCEEDINGS DESCRIBED IN THIS ARTICLE; TO REQUIRE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVES TO FILE AN ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO PROMULGATE RELATED RULES AND REGULATIONS; TO ADDRESS HOW THE ARTICLE MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED; AND TO REQUIRE SANTEE COOPER'S COOPERATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
H. 5526 (Word version) -- Rep. J. L. Johnson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROHIBIT GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES OF THIS STATE, COUNTIES, MUNICIPALITIES, OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS FROM ACCEPTING OR TAKING ANY ACTION ON PERMITS OR APPLICATIONS FOR DATA CENTERS UNTIL THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ESTABLISHES A COMPREHENSIVE OVERSIGHT AND APPROVAL PROCESS FOR NEW DATA CENTERS IN THIS STATE, AND TO DEFINE "DATA CENTER."
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
S. 688 (Word version) -- Senators Massey and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-5, RELATING TO CONTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENTS TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE LOOKBACK PERIOD FOR THE BENEFIT RATIO; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-45, RELATING TO DEBT STATUS ESTIMATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A SOLVENCY TARGET FOR THE FUND; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-60, RELATING TO THE TAX RATE WHEN A DELINQUENT REPORT IS RECEIVED, SO AS TO CHANGE THE PENALTY FOR AN OUTSTANDING LIEN; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-350, RELATING TO THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FILE A REPORT, SO AS TO REMOVE THE CAP ON THE PENALTY FOR FAILING TO FILE A REPORT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-370, RELATING TO INTEREST ON UNPAID CONTRIBUTIONS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE CAP ON THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PAY CONTRIBUTIONS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey 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 Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Sanders Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile 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. BRADLEY a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. VAUGHAN a leave of absence for the day due to a family commitment.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. FORD a leave of absence for the day.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. HADDON a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
The SPEAKER granted Rep. MORGAN a leave of absence for the day due to medical reasons.
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. 3012 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 LASTINGER
Bill Number: H. 3508 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 M. M. SMITH
Bill Number: H. 3580 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 WHITE and KILMARTIN
Bill Number: H. 3771 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 GILLIARD and RIVERS
Bill Number: H. 4103 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 GILLIARD
Bill Number: H. 4248 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 HARTNETT, LUCK, GILLIARD, RIVERS, W. NEWTON, GUEST, J. MOORE and WILLIAMS
Bill Number: H. 4461 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 YOW
Bill Number: H. 4611 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 HARTNETT, BOWERS, REESE and LASTINGER
Bill Number: H. 4679 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 HARTNETT, GILLIARD, RIVERS and WILLIAMS
Bill Number: H. 4706 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 GILLIARD, RIVERS and WILLIAMS
Bill Number: H. 5011 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 M. M. SMITH
Bill Number: H. 5059 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 WETMORE
Bill Number: H. 5069 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 GILLIARD, DAVIS, GIBSON, MCCRAVY and C. MITCHELL
Bill Number: H. 5111 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 GIBSON, MCCRAVY, REESE and DUNCAN
Bill Number: H. 5173 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 M. M. SMITH
Bill Number: H. 5216 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 LIGON
Bill Number: H. 5217 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 LUCK
Bill Number: H. 5309 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 HARTNETT
Bill Number: H. 5473 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 WILLIAMS
Bill Number: H. 5482 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 DUNCAN
Bill Number: H. 5488 (Word version)
Date: ADD:
04/14/26 M. M. SMITH
Bill Number: H. 5071 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
04/14/26 MOSS
Bill Number: H. 5501 (Word version)
Date: REMOVE:
04/14/26 OREMUS
The following Bill was taken up: H. 4679 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, Cox, M. M. Smith, Wooten, Chapman, W. Newton, Herbkersman, Wickensimer, Guest, McCravy, Hartnett, Gilliard, Rivers and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA DRONE REGULATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 55-1-110 SO AS TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES FOR DRONE OPERATIONS AND PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL DRONE USE.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment
No. 1 to H. 4679 (Word version) (LC-4679.CM0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(A)(1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) and inserting:
(1) "unmanned aircraft system (UAS)" or "drone" refers to any aircraft, as defined by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, or any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), operated remotely without a pilot onboard;
(2) "commercial operator" means any person using a drone for business purposes in compliance with FAA regulationsthe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 14 CFR Part 107;
(3) "recreational operator" means any individual flying a drone for personal use in accordance with FAA regulations and recreational guidelines;
(4) "critical infrastructure" includes, but is not limited to, airports, power plants, water treatment facilities, correctional institutions, military bases, and emergency response sites means one of the following, if completely enclosed by a fence or other physical barrier that is designed to exclude intruders, or if clearly marked with a sign or signs that are posted on the property, are reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders, and indicate that entry is forbidden:
(a) a petroleum or alumina refinery, terminal, or storage facility;
(b) an electrical power generating facility, substation, switching station, or electrical control center;
(c) an above-ground oil, gas, or chemical pipeline;
(d) a chemical, polymer, or rubber manufacturing facility;
(e) a water intake structure, water treatment facility, wastewater treatment plant, or pump station;
(f) a natural gas compressor station;
(g) a liquid natural gas terminal or storage facility;
(h) a wireless or wired communications facility, including the tower, antennas, support structures, and all associated ground-based equipment; (i) a seaport, inland port, railroad switching yard, trucking terminal, or other freight transportation facility, including such a facility not enclosed by a fence or other physical barrier, or not posted with a sign or signs stating that unauthorized entry into the facility's boundary is prohibited;
(j) a gas processing plant, including a plant used in the processing, treatment, or fractionation of natural gas;
(k) a transmission facility used by a federally licensed radio or television station;
(l) a steelmaking facility that uses an electric arc furnace to make steel or other steel manufacturing facility;
(m) a dam or other structures, including but not limited to locks, floodgates, or dikes, that are designed to maintain or control the level of navigable waterways and are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services; or
(n) a data center certified by the Department of Commerce or any other state agency; and
(5) "restricted controlled airspace" refers to areas where drone operations are prohibited or require prior authorization, including FAA-designated no-fly zones USA flight restricted areas and certain state-designated locations.;
(6) "large live event" means an organized, in-person event held at a venue or event site and attended by members of the public, whether ticketed or otherwise, including, but not limited to, a sporting event, concert, automobile race, festival, fair, performance, show, exhibition, tournament, rodeo, parade, or other organized public entertainment or cultural event, at which more than 15,000 people are in attendance;
(7) "military installation" means:
(a) any state or federal military base, fort, camp, post, station, home port, depot, arsenal, training range, testing range, airfield, air station, shipyard, port facility, or other military facility of similar character, that:
(i) is owned, operated, or otherwise controlled by the United States or this State;
(ii) is used primarily for official military operations, training, testing, support, maintenance, or housing; and
(iii) is subject to controlled access or security measures. (b) the term includes any facility described in subsection (A)(7)(a) which is under the jurisdiction or control of the United States Department of Defense or a Secretary of a military department, and facilities under the control of the South Carolina National Guard, the Adjutant General, the South Carolina State Guard, or any other component of the State militia;
(c) the term also includes any United States military vessel or ship, including United States Navy vessels and United States Coast Guard cutters, while operating, transiting, or in port within United States territorial waters;
(d) the term does not include a state or federally owned, operated, or otherwise controlled publicly accessible facility that is primarily used for military recruitment, outreach, administrative services, or other activities conducted in a commercial storefront, kiosk, leased office space, or other similar location or facility, that is not restricted for military operations or training;
(8) "operate" or "operating a drone" means to manipulate or control a drone in flight, including managing its flight path, altitude, or automated flight functions, whether directly or through an automated or pre programmed system.
(9) "takeoff and landing site" means the location from which a drone is launched into flight or to which it is intentionally returned and recovered, including any temporary or mobile launch point used during an operation;
(10) "take off" means to initiate or cause the ascent of an unmanned aircraft or drone from ground or surface contact into flight, whether directly or through an automated or pre-programmed system;
(11) "land" means to intentionally cause or direct an unmanned aircraft or drone to descend from flight to ground or surface contact, whether directly or through an automated or pre-programmed system; and
(12) "weaponize" means to equip, modify, or configure an unmanned aircraft system with any explosive, destructive device, firearm, hazardous substance, or any other item designed to cause and capable of causing death, bodily injury, or property damage.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(B)(1) and (2) and inserting:
(1) registering drones weighing over 0.55 pounds (two hundred fifty grams) with the FAA;
(2) operating under proper FAA UAS regulationsPart 107 regulations for commercial use;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(C)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) and inserting:
(C)(1) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally or knowingly operate, takeoff, or land a drone:
(a) above or within five miles of an airport without prior any controlled airspace designated by the FAA unless the operation is conducted in compliance with all applicable FAA authorization requirements;
(b) directly above over or within one thousand five hundred feet of horizontally from the outermost boundary of property the person knows to be critical infrastructure without prior express written consent of the owner of the critical infrastructure, or the person or entity lawfully in control of the critical infrastructure;
(c) directly above over or within fifteen one thousand five hundred feet horizontally from the outermost boundary of any property the person knows to be a federal, State or county correctional facility, unless expressly authorized or consented to in writing by the South Carolina Department of Corrections or a governing authority of the federal or county facility;
(d) directly above over or within fifteen one thousand five hundred feet of any horizontally from the outermost boundary of property the person knows to be a military installation without the prior express written consent from of the Department of Defense or the commanding authority of the military installation; or
(e) over above, or in close proximity to the horizontal boundary of private property in a manner that invades privacy, harasses occupants, creates a nuisance, or presents an obvious safety hazard.;
(i) intentionally intrudes upon the reasonable expectation of privacy of the owner or lawful occupant of the property;
(ii) substantially and unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of the property; or
(iii) creates a substantial risk of bodily injury or property damage; or
(f) directly above any event the person knows to be a large live event without the prior express written consent of the event organizer.
(2) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally or knowingly operate, takeoff, or land a drone in this State that is required to be registered with the FAA but has not been properly registered. This includes operating a drone that is not incompliance with the requirements of subsection (B), and:
(a) operating a drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (two hundred fifty grams) without FAA registration;
(b) (a) failing to display the required FAA registration number on the drone, if required;
(c) (b) knowingly providing false or misleading registration information to the FAA; and
(d) (c) knowingly operating an unregistered drone for commercial purposes or in controlled airspace without proper authorization.
(3) It is unlawful for a person to use a drone to intentionally or knowingly operate, takeoff, or land a drone with the intent to:
(a) conduct surveillance, record, or photograph an individual another person in a location where he has a reasonable expectation of privacy without consent; or
(b) stalk, harass, or intimidate an individual another person.
(4) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally or knowingly use a drone to operate, takeoff, land, or possess a drone with the intent to:
(a) transport or attempt to deliver contraband, including but not limited to drugs, weapons, or other prohibited materials into any federal, state, county or municipal correctional or detention facility, or restricted area, or other area under the facilities authority; and
(b) surveil, photograph, or map critical infrastructure for unlawful purposes, including terrorism or sabotage; or
(c) weaponize a the drone or use it to threaten, harm, or attempt to harm another person or property.
(5) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally or knowingly:
(a) obstruct, disable, or attempt to take control of a drone that a person knows to be operated by law enforcement, emergency responders, or another public safety official in the course of their duties;
(b) use electronic jamming, hacking, or other means to disrupt the operation of a drone the person knows to be operating as a public safety drone; or
(c) physically damage or destroy a public safety drone the person knows to be engaged in lawful public safety operations.
(6) A person who violates subitems (1), (2), or (3) subsection (C)(1), (C)(2), or (C)(3) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction:
(a) for a first offense, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned not more than thirty days;
(b) for a second offense, must be fined not more than two thousand five hundred dollars, or imprisoned not more than six months, or both; or
(c) for a third or subsequent offense, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(7) A person who violates subitems (4) or (5)subsection (C)(4) or (C)(5) is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction:
(a) for using operating a drone to deliver contraband into a correctional facilityin violation of subsection (C)(4)(a), or (C)(4)(b), must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than five years, or both;
(b) for weaponizing a drone or using it to threaten harm upon another person, for a violation of subsection (C)(4)(c), must be fined not more than twenty-five thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than ten years, or both;
(c) for interference with public safety drones violations of subsection (C)(5):
(i) for a first offense, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than five years, or both;
(ii) for a second or subsequent offense, must be fined not more than twenty-five thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; or
(iii) if the interference violations results result in injury, loss of life, or significant disruption to emergency operations, must be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than fifteen years, or both.
(8) A violation of each subsection or provision of subsection (C) constitutes a separate offense. A violation of one subsection or provision of subsection (C) does not preclude prosecution or punishment for a violation of another subsection or provision of subsection (C), including violations arising from the same takeoff, landing, or operation.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(D), (E), and (F) and inserting:
(D) Law enforcement agencies are authorized to investigate, detain individuals, and confiscate drones used in violation of this section. (1) In addition to the penalties provided in this section, a UAS involved in a violation of this section may be seized and confiscated by the arresting law enforcement agency or officer. The UAS must not be disposed of until the results of any legal proceeding in which it may be involved are finally determined, or as otherwise required by Section 17-28-300, et seq. Records must be maintained of all UASs seized pursuant to this section. Upon conviction for a violation of this section, the UAS may be retained by the arresting agency for official use, transferred to another public safety agency for official use, or destroyed, unless otherwise provided by law.
(2)(a) Any UAS seized pursuant to this section must be administratively released to an innocent owner. The UAS must not be released until the results of any legal proceeding in which it may be involved are finally determined, or as otherwise required by Section 17-28-300, et seq.
(b) Before release, the innocent owner shall provide proof of ownership to the arresting agency; certify that the owner neither consented to nor had knowledge of the unlawful use of the UAS; and certify that the UAS will not be returned to the person charged with the violation that resulted in the seizure.
(c) The arresting agency shall notify the innocent owner when the UAS is available for release. If the innocent owner fails to recover the UAS within thirty days after notification, the arresting agency may retain the UAS for official use, transfer it to another public safety agency for official use, or destroy it.
(E) No municipality, county, or local government may enact ordinances that conflict with this section or FAA regulations. However, local governments may impose reasonable restrictions on the takeoff and landing sites and the operation of drones on or above public property within their jurisdictions that are not otherwise covered by this section.
(F) This The provisions of this section does do not apply to:
(1) law enforcement, emergency responders, or military personnel, or employees of any state, county, municipal, or local agency or department acting within the scope of their employment or official duties;
(2) any utility provider, or their authorized agents engaged in activities related to operations, inspection, maintenance, construction, vegetation management, damage assessment, emergency storm response, or restoration of services, or monitoring, maintaining, repairing, or enhancing electric, communications, water conveyance, or transportation infrastructure, provided those operations comply with applicable FAA regulations; provided that the utility provider or their authorized agent notifies the authorizing authority identified in subsection (C)(1), or the authority's designee, no more than five days and no less than two hours prior to each operation, and must include the registration number the FAA issued for the UAS;
(2) (3) FAA-authorized commercial drone operations conducted in compliance with federal law; or
(3) (4) State-approved research and agricultural drone operations with appropriate permits.
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 24-1-300 of the S.C. Code is repealed. (Reserved.)
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 24-5-175 of the S.C. Code is repealed. (Reserved.)
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.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 4, by striking Section and inserting:
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor on January 1, 2027.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. T. MOORE explained the amendment.
Rep. T. MOORE spoke in favor of the amendment.
The amendment was then adopted.
Reps. T. MOORE and WOOTEN proposed the following Amendment No. 2 to H. 4679 (Word version) (LC-4679.DG0002H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(A)(2) and (3) and inserting:
(2) "commercial drone operator" means any person using operating, landing, or taking off a drone for business purposes in compliance with FAA regulations including, but not limited to 14 CFR Part 107, or any successor statute or regulation;
(3) "recreational drone operator" means any individual flying person operating, landing, or taking off a drone for personal use in accordance with FAA regulations and recreational guidelines including, but not limited to, 49 USC Section 44809 or any successor statute or regulation;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(A)(5) and inserting:
(5) "controlled airspace" refers to areas where drone operations are prohibited or require prior authorization, including FAA-designated USA UAS flight restricted areas and certain state-designated locations;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(A)(11) and (12) and inserting:
(11) "land" means to intentionally cause or direct an unmanned aircraft or drone to descend from flight to ground or surface contact, whether directly or through an automated or pre-programmed system; and
(12) "weaponize" means to equip, modify, or configure an unmanned aircraft system with any explosive, destructive device, firearm, hazardous substance, or any other item designed to cause and capable of causing death, bodily injury, or property damage.; and
(13) "emergency response site" means a location at which law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, emergency management, or other authorized governmental personnel are actively responding to an emergency, disaster, or public safety incident, including a fire, traffic accident, crime scene, hazardous-materials incident, flood, tornado, hurricane, ice storm, or other declared or actual weather-related emergency. The term also includes a location at which such personnel are conducting an authorized training exercise simulating such an event; and
(14) "correctional facility" or "detention facility" means any federal, state, county, municipal, or multijurisdictional jail, prison, prison camp, overnight lockup, local detention facility, or state correctional facility in this State that is used to confine or detain persons charged with or convicted of any criminal offense or violation of a court order.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(B) and inserting:
(B) All drone operators in the State must comply with applicable FAA regulations and other applicable federal aviation requirements including, but not limited to:
(1) registering drones when required;
(2) operating under proper FAA UAS regulations;
(3) passing the FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) for hobbyist operations when required; and
(4) adhering to airspace restrictions including temporary flight restrictions and other flight restrictions issued by FAA action and obtaining necessary FAA authorizations for or other approvals before operations in controlled airspace, prohibited or restricted areas, or areas subject to temporary flight restrictions, and complying with the terms and limitations of any applicable Certificate of Waiver or Authorization, certificate of waiver, exemption, or other FAA authorization.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(C)(1)(c) and inserting:
(c) directly above or within one thousand five hundred feet horizontally from the outermost boundary of property the person knows to be a federal, State, or county, or municipal correctional facility, unless expressly authorized or consented to in writing by the South Carolina Department of Corrections or governing authority of the federal, or county, or municipal facility;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(C)(1)(iii) and inserting:
(iii) creates a substantial risk of bodily injury or property damage; or
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(C)(1)(f) and inserting:
(f) directly above any event the person knows to be a large live event without the prior express written consent of the event organizer.;
(g) directly above or within one thousand feet horizontally from the outermost boundary of an area the person knows to be an emergency response site without prior express written consent of the controlling agency for the emergency response site, if the emergency response site is clearly marked or otherwise has an identifiable boundary of operations.
(h) over or within one hundred feet of the Capitol Grounds as defined in Section 10-11-310 unless expressly authorized by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety; or
(i) over the Governor's Mansion Complex unless expressly authorized by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety or the Governor. As used in this subsection, "Governor's Mansion Complex" means the area inward from the vehicular traveled surfaces of Calhoun, Lincoln, Laurel, and Gadsden streets in the City of Columbia.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(C)(3)(a) and inserting:
(a) conduct surveillance, record, or photograph another person in a location where he has a reasonable expectation of privacy without consent and without any lawful authority, warrant, court order, or other authorization provided by law; or
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(C)(4)(b) and inserting:
(b) surveil, photograph, or map, monitor, or otherwise collect visual, photographic, video, geospatial, thermal, or other sensory information regarding critical infrastructure, a military installation, a correctional or detention facility, an emergency response site, or any large event for the purposes of identifying vulnerabilities, security measures, ingress or egress routes, response patterns, or other operational features or for any other unlawful purposes, including facilitating, planning, committing or attempting espionage, terrorism, or sabotage, unlawful interference with operations, or any other criminal act; or
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 55-1-110(F) and inserting:
(F)(1) The provisions of this section do not apply to:
(1)(a) law enforcement, emergency responders, military personnel, or employees of any state, county, municipal, or local agency or department acting within the scope of their employment or official duties;
(2)(b) any utility provider, or their authorized agents engaged in activities related to operations, inspection, maintenance, construction, vegetation management, damage assessment, emergency storm response, or restoration of services, or monitoring, maintaining, repairing, or enhancing electric, communications, water conveyance, or transportation infrastructure, provided those operations comply with applicable FAA regulations; provided that the utility provider or their authorized agent notifies the authorizing authority identified in subsection (C)(1), or the authority's designee, no more than five days and no less than two hours prior to each operation, and must include the registration number the FAA issued for the UAS; or
(3) FAA-authorized commercial drone operations conducted in compliance with federal law; or
(4)(c) State-approved research and agricultural drone operations with appropriate permits.
(2) Subsection (C)(1)(b) does not apply to a commercial or recreational drone operator operating, landing, or taking off in compliance with applicable federal law. This exemption does not authorize such persons to operate, land, or take off a drone directly above critical infrastructure unless the operation is conducted with the prior express written consent of the owner of the critical infrastructure, or the person or entity lawfully in control of the critical infrastructure, and does not apply if the operation is undertaken with the intent described in subsection (C)(4)(b).
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:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Hager Hardee Harris Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. 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 Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile 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.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4706 (Word version) -- Reps. Rutherford, Neese, Chumley, Hartnett, Gilliard, Rivers and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 15-1-350 SO AS TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN RACING FACILITIES, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, FROM BEING SUBJECT TO NUISANCE AND TAKING CAUSES OF ACTION FROM A SURROUNDING LANDOWNER.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following Amendment
No. 1 to H. 4706 (Word version) (LC-4706.DG0001H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, Section 15-1-350, by adding subsections to read:
(C) A racing facility must have made reasonable progress in the construction of the racing facility within two years of obtaining all required permits in order to avail themselves of the protections contained in subsection (B).
(D) Nothing in this section can be read to limit nuisance actions of a law enforcement agency or government entity that are initiated to prohibit activity that is not related to the lawful construction and operation of a racing facility.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. RUTHERFORD 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:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Harris Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Howard Huff J. E. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson Long Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile 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.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 4248 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Bradley, Erickson, Hixon, Pope, Hewitt, Cobb-Hunter, Forrest, M. M. Smith, Hartnett, Luck, Gilliard, Rivers, W. Newton, Guest, J. Moore and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 39-25-220 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL SHRIMP AND SHRIMP PRODUCTS SOLD IN THIS STATE HAVE A LABEL NOTING THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF THE SHRIMP.
Rep. CHUMLEY explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliard Gilreath Govan Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Harris Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Huff J. E. 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 Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile 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.
I was temporarily out of the Chamber on constituent business during the vote on H. 4248 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Adam Duncan
Further proceedings were interrupted by expiration of time on the uncontested Calendar.
Rep. FORREST moved that the House recur to the morning hour, which was agreed to.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 5069 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, Bradley, Wooten, Brittain, Bernstein, Holman, Ford, Wetmore, Stavrinakis, B. Newton, Rivers, Anderson, Kirby, McDaniel, Caskey, Erickson, Reese, Chapman, Govan, Yow, Bustos, Martin, Sessions, Gatch, M. M. Smith, D. Mitchell, Guest, Neese, Pedalino, Bauer, W. Newton, Gilreath, Gilliam, Luck, Pope, Ligon, Cox, J. L. Johnson, Guffey, Bowers, Jordan, Collins, Duncan, Teeple, Lawson, Sanders, Montgomery, Ballentine, Brewer, Gagnon, Haddon, Hartnett, Hartz, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Jones, Lowe, Robbins, Cromer, Oremus, Davis, Gilliard, Gibson, McCravy and C. Mitchell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 61 TO TITLE 48 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PROTECTED LANDS AND CONSERVATION COORDINATION ACT"; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO RECOGNIZE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AS AN IMPORTANT STATE INTEREST; TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE PROTECTED LAND BENCHMARK; AND TO PROVIDE FOR COORDINATION OF LAND PROTECTION PROJECTS AND ANNUAL REPORTING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Rep. T. MOORE explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Anderson Atkinson Ballentine Bannister Bauer Bernstein Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey 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 McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Schuessler Scott G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
Beach Frank
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 5111 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrest, Lastinger, Hartz, Gibson, McCravy, Reese and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 5-31-60 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PROPERTY OWNERS TO DRILL, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN PRIVATE WATER WELLS ON AGRICULTURAL OR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY; TO PROHIBIT COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES FROM MANDATING CONNECTION TO MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEMS ABSENT A DOCUMENTED PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT; TO ESTABLISH PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE; TO PREEMPT CONFLICTING LOCAL ORDINANCES; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.
The Committee on Agriculture, Natural Res. and Environmental Affairs proposed the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 5111 (Word version) (LC-5111.PH0002H), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 6 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 6-1-200. (A) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Political subdivision" includes, but is not limited to, a municipality, county, special purpose district, or public service district.
(2) "Impaired water quality" means a written determination by the Department of Environmental Services or the Department of Public Health that a public water system serving the jurisdiction is not in compliance with applicable state or federal drinking water standards. (B) Notwithstanding another provision of law, a political subdivision may not adopt, enforce, or maintain an ordinance, resolution, regulation, or rule that prohibits or unreasonably restricts the drilling, servicing, repair, installation, operation, or maintenance of a private water well located on and serving either agricultural or single-family residential property consisting of one-half acre or more.
(1) Any property owner utilizing a well while connected to a water system must install necessary backflow prevention devices inspected and approved by the water provider or their third-party designee and the inspection costs must be paid by the property owner.
(2) Political subdivisions operating a water system must create a registry for all property owners utilizing a well where water service is available. Property owners must register the well with the political subdivision.
(3) Where water service is available from a political subdivision at the time of well installation, a property owner is subject to any base charges, fees, or assessments imposed by the political subdivision, notwithstanding the installation or use of a private well, and regardless of the amount of water consumed from the water system.
(C) Upon a determination of impaired water quality pursuant to item (A)(2), and notwithstanding another provision of law, a political subdivision may not adopt, enforce, or maintain an ordinance, resolution, regulation, or rule that prohibits or unreasonably restricts the drilling, servicing, repair, installation, operation, or maintenance of a private water well on agricultural or residential property consisting of one-half acre or more otherwise authorized under state law.
(D) Notwithstanding another provision of law, a political subdivision cannot require connection to a water system if the system is unable to provide service to that property. If the political subdivision is unable to provide services, the providing entity must notify the property owner in writing within thirty days of the request for service.
(E) Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize a property owner to disconnect from a water system provided by a political subdivision and property connected to such a water system must remain connected to the system.
(F) Nothing in this section alters the regulation, operation, or permitting of public or community wells regulated under state or federal law.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Rep. BURNS 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:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Hart Hartnett Hartz Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey Huff J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson Jones Jordan Kilmartin King Kirby Landing Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Willis Wooten Yow
Those who voted in the negative are:
So, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up:
H. 5217 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Haddon, Forrest and Luck: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-9-650, RELATING TO DEER HUNTING, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ANTERLESS DEER TAGS AND DECREASE THE NUMBER OF ANTLERED DEER TAGS.
Rep. FORREST explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Brewer Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey 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 Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Teeple Terribile Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten
Those who voted in the negative are:
Yow
So, the Bill was read the second time and ordered to third reading.
The following Bill was taken up: H. 5473 (Word version) -- Reps. Lowe and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 15 TO CHAPTER 19, TITLE 50 SO AS TO PROHIBIT FISHING ON THE J. FOSTER JEFFORDS CAUSEWAY IN FLORENCE COUNTY.
Rep. FORREST explained the Bill.
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Bernstein Bowers Brewer Bustos Calhoon Chapman Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Crawford Davis Dillard Erickson Forrest Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Grant Guest Hager Hardee Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson Jones Jordan King Kirby Lastinger Lawson Ligon Long Lowe Luck McCravy McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell D. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss Neese B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Schuessler Scott M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Waters Weeks Wetmore Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten
Beach Burns Chumley Cromer Duncan Edgerton Frank Gilreath Guffey Harris Huff Kilmartin Landing Magnuson Martin McCabe Pace Terribile White Whitmire
So, the Bill 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. 5473 (Word version). If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of the Bill.
Rep. Heath Sessions
Rep. FORREST moved that the House do now adjourn, which was agreed to.
The Senate returned to the House with concurrence the following:
H. 5499 (Word version) -- Rep. Hart: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE PASTORS AND CONGREGATION OF RIGHT DIRECTION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL OF COLUMBIA FOR THREE DECADES OF MINISTRY AND SERVICE AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON THE OCCASION OF THE CHURCH'S THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY.
At 1:40 p.m. the House, in accordance with the motion of Rep. CLYBURN, adjourned in memory of Dale Moore, to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
This web page was last updated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 4:14 P.M.