NO. 62
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Exodus 18:19
Jethro said to Moses, his son-in-law: " 'Listen to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God . . .' "
Join me, please, as we bow in prayer: Most holy and glorious God, even though the days left in this Session are fast slipping away, still the Gressette meetings, the hallway (and under the Dome) conversations, the phone calls, the debates here in this Chamber all continue. And as the need to accomplish key matters inevitably heightens, each of these Senators likely feels that pressure keenly. Indeed, even across our State the expectations of so many of our citizens are also sky high. Therefore, we fervently pray today that these leaders hold fast to Jethro's admonition to Moses: that as "the people's representative before God" these women and men serving here likewise keep uppermost in their minds the needs and desires of the people they have been called to serve. So we pray in Your loving name, O Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
At 12:06 P.M., on motion of Senator MARTIN, the Senate receded from business until 2:30 P.M.
At 2:50 P.M., the Senate resumed.
Senator VERDIN moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Massey Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, with term coterminous with Governor
At-Large/Chairman:
Danielle Ervin, Jr., 617 Rosewood Dr., Florence, SC 29501 VICE Delphin A. Gantt, Jr.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Reappointment, South Carolina Arts Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2027
At-Large:
Flavia B. Harton, 321 Belmont Ave., Greenville, SC 29601
Referred to the Committee on Education.
Reappointment, South Carolina Arts Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2028
At-Large:
Bhavna Vasudeva, 4 Enclave Ct., Columbia, SC 29223
Referred to the Committee on Education.
Reappointment, Darlington County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Craig L. LaCross, 115 Camp Road, Darlington, SC 29532-6220
Initial Appointment, Spartanburg County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Kevin G. Bobo, 613 Pleasant Point, Spartanburg, SC 29301 VICE James E. Crook (resigned).
The following was received:
Document No. 5364
Agency: Attorney General
Chapter: 13
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 35-1-101 et seq.
SUBJECT: Securities
Received by President of the Senate January 14, 2025
Referred to Banking and Insurance Committee
Legislative Review Expiration: Permanently Withdrawn
Permanently Withdrawn April 24, 2025
Senator OTT introduced Dr. Mark Humphrey of Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
On motion of Senator CHAPLIN, at 2:53 P.M., Senator BLACKMON was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator CORBIN, at 3:32 P.M., Senator MARTIN was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
On motion of Senator DEVINE, at 3:32 P.M., Senator TEDDER was granted a leave of absence until 4:32 P.M.
On motion of Senator CHAPLIN, at 5:20 P.M., Senator ZELL was granted a leave of absence until 6:15 P.M.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, at 6:20 P.M., Senator KIMBRELL was granted a leave of absence until 7:00 P.M.
Senator STUBBS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 114 (Word version) Sen. Walker
S. 146 (Word version) Sens. Alexander, Walker and Kimbrell
S. 156 (Word version) Sen. Walker
S. 199 (Word version) Sen. Kennedy
S. 318 (Word version) Sen. Kennedy
S. 383 (Word version) Sen. Rankin
S. 542 (Word version) Sens. Young and Adams
S. 542 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Young and Adams: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MAY 11 - MAY 17, 2025, AS "POLICE WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA" AND TO HONOR THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY WHILE PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES AND SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY.
Senator DAVIS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Judiciary.
The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator DAVIS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Resolution.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Resolution was adopted.
S. 616 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SC 46 FROM S-97 (EPPS AVENUE) TO I-95 IN JASPER COUNTY "MAYOR BRONCO BOSTICK HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
S. 617 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE SHAWS CREEK BRIDGE ON US 1 IN AIKEN COUNTY AS THE "VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 3004 (Word version) -- Rep. Pope: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES TAYLOR CREEK ALONG SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 901 IN YORK COUNTY "JACK ARMOUR MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 3972 (Word version) -- Reps. Hosey, Govan and Clyburn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 389 IN ORANGEBURG COUNTY FROM THE TOWN OF NEESES TO THE ORANGEBURG/AIKEN COUNTY LINE "BENJAMIN F. CORBETT MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
The following were introduced:
S. 608 (Word version) -- Senator Kennedy: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE L.A. BARRIER & SON, INC. UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE COMPANY FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 609 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JIM ROBERTS FOR HIS EFFORTS IN FOUNDING THE GOOD SHEPHERD MEDICAL CLINIC AND TO HONOR THE CLINIC ON THE THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 610 (Word version) -- Senator Kennedy: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE DR. GERRITA POSTLEWAIT UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR HER MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 611 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Adams, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Blackmon, Campsen, Cash, Chaplin, Climer, Corbin, Cromer, Davis, Devine, Elliott, Fernandez, Gambrell, Garrett, Goldfinch, Graham, Grooms, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kennedy, Kimbrell, Leber, Martin, Massey, Matthews, Nutt, Ott, Peeler, Rankin, Reichenbach, Rice, Sabb, Stubbs, Sutton, Tedder, Turner, Verdin, Walker, Williams and Zell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF DIANA MATTHEWS FLOYD, TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS, AND TO COMMEND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DIANA M. FLOYD SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
S. 612 (Word version) -- Senator Graham: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAMDEN POLO CLUB, TO HONOR THE HISTORIC KIRKWOOD POLO FIELD, AND TO COMMEND THE COMMUNITY'S CONTINUING DEDICATION TO THE PRESERVATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 613 (Word version) -- Senator Garrett: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JACEY COATES, STAR ATTACKER FOR THE EMERALD HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER TEAM, AND TO CONGRATULATE HER FOR SETTING AN IMPRESSIVE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE RECORD.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 614 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME HOLLY HALL ROAD IN BEAUFORT COUNTY "REVEREND JEANNINE R. SMALLS ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 615 (Word version) -- Senator Ott: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AUGUST 25-29, 2025, AS SOUTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER AWARENESS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE VITAL CONTRIBUTIONS COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS MAKE TO PUBLIC HEALTH.
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The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
S. 616 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SC 46 FROM S-97 (EPPS AVENUE) TO I-95 IN JASPER COUNTY "MAYOR BRONCO BOSTICK HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
sr-0331km-vc25.docx
The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 617 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE SHAWS CREEK BRIDGE ON US 1 IN AIKEN COUNTY AS THE "VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 618 (Word version) -- Senator Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 389 OF 1907, AS AMENDED, SO AS TO RESTATE THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR THE CITY OF GAFFNEY, TO ADD TWO ADDITIONAL MEMBERS, AND TO SPECIFY THE MANNER OF ELECTION AND OF ELECTIONS; AND TO REPEAL ACT 205 OF 1953 AND ACT 128 OF 1967 RELATED TO THE BOARD.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
S. 619 (Word version) -- Senators Gambrell and Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-27-610, RELATING TO PRIORITY OF DISTRIBUTION FOR CLAIMS, SO AS TO ADD FUNDING AGREEMENTS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
S. 620 (Word version) -- Senator Corbin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE STRETCH OF HIGHWAY 276 AT 35º5'30" N BY 82º36' 53" W IN GREENVILLE COUNTY "ALAMO COVE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 621 (Word version) -- Senator Walker: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MANASSES J. CAMPBELL UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE AS A TEACHER AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
S. 622 (Word version) -- Senator Climer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 2-19-100, RELATING TO THE ELIGIBILITY OF RETIRED JUDGES FOR APPOINTMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A MORE FREQUENT REVIEW OF RETIRED JUDGE OR JUSTICE QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND TO PROVIDE FOR A RETENTION ELECTION.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 623 (Word version) -- Senator Goldfinch: A BILL TO EXEMPT GEORGETOWN COUNTY FROM CERTAIN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS AND TO ALLOW THE COUNTY TO INSTEAD ENFORCE AE STANDARDS IN GEORGETOWN COUNTY'S FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
H. 3877 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, Rankin and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 779 OF 1988, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 56, SO AS TO REAPPORTION THE SEVEN SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS FROM WHICH MEMBERS OF THE LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 56 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MUST BE ELECTED, TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS ARE DELINEATED, AND TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE REAPPORTIONED ELECTION DISTRICTS.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
H. 3878 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, Rankin and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 779 OF 1988, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 55, SO AS TO REAPPORTION THE SEVEN SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS FROM WHICH MEMBERS OF THE LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 55 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MUST BE ELECTED, TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS ARE DELINEATED, AND TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE REAPPORTIONED ELECTION DISTRICTS.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
The PRESIDENT ordered the following invitations placed on the Calendar:
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Members and Staff, Breakfast, 112 Blatt Building, hosted by the SOUTH CAROLINA ACADEMY OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Members only, Reception, The Bean Market, 111 Henry Street, Lake City, hosted by the DARLA MOORE FOUNDATION AND ARTFIELDS
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Members only, Reception, Savage Craft, 430 Center Street, West Columbia, hosted by the SC BOATING AND FISHING ALLIANCE
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Members and Staff, Breakfast, 112 Blatt Building, hosted by the TOWING AND RECOVERING ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Members, Staff, and Families, Reception, Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, hosted by RIVERBANKS ZOO AND GARDENS "FAMILY NIGHT"
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Members only, Breakfast, 112 Blatt Building, hosted by the SC APCO / SC NENA
Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:
S. 59 (Word version) -- Senators Bennett and Rice: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-440, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WITHOUT LICENSE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE AND MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 102 (Word version) -- Senators Gambrell and Massey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 6-1-320, RELATING TO MILLAGE RATE INCREASE LIMITATIONS, SO AS TO ALLOW A MUNICIPALITY WITHOUT AN OPERATING MILLAGE ON JANUARY 1, 2025, OR A MUNICIPALITY THAT INCORPORATES AFTER JANUARY 1, 2025, TO IMPOSE AN OPERATING MILLAGE AND TO IMPOSE LIMITATIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator DAVIS from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry polled out S. 369 favorable:
S. 369 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-10, RELATING TO STATE COMMODITY CODE DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE STATE COMMODITY CODE BE THE SOUTH CAROLINA ATTORNEY GENERAL; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-40, RELATING TO TRANSACTIONS WHERE PROHIBITION IS NOT APPLICABLE, SO AS TO ADD AN AGENT OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE AS INDIVIDUALS SUBJECT TO AN ORDER TO DENY, SUSPEND, OR REVOKE A PERSON'S LICENSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-60, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS, SO AS TO REPLACE SECTION 39-73-310 WITH SECTION 39-73-30; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-80, RELATING TO STATE SECURITIES LAWS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-315, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATOR ACTIONS TO PREVENT VIOLATIONS OR IMMINENT VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR CAN ISSUE AN ORDER RELATED TO ANY ACTION THAT MAY VIOLATE THIS CHAPTER; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-320, RELATING TO LEGAL, EQUITABLE, AND SPECIAL REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO A COURT FOR ENFORCEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR MAY MAINTAIN AN ACTION IN THE RICHLAND COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-325, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR MAY REFER VIOLATIONS TO THE APPROPRIATE DIVISION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE OR OTHER AUTHORITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-330, RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS CHAPTER, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-340, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS, FORMS, AND ORDERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-350, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF SECTIONS 39-73-20, 39-73-50, AND 39-73-60 TO PERSONS WHO SELL, BUY, OR OFFER TO SELL OR BUY COMMODITIES IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR APPLICABLE RADIO AND TELEVISION COMMUNICATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-360, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES; BY AMENDING SECTION 39-73-370, RELATING TO DEFENSE IN A CASE BASED ON FAILURE TO MAKE PHYSICAL DELIVERY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 39-73-375 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY RETAIN FUNDS FROM FINES AND PENALTIES TO OFFSET RELEVANT EXPENSES; BY ADDING SECTION 39-73-400 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SEVERABILITY OF THIS CHAPTER; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 39-73-355 RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS.
Davis Alexander Williams Massey Corbin Allen Rice Garrett Johnson Kimbrell Reichenbach Tedder Kennedy Leber
Matthews
Bennett Climer
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:
S. 439 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Turner, Davis, Bennett, Verdin, Alexander, Grooms, Kimbrell, Johnson, Jackson, Corbin and Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT FOR THE EXEMPTION ON CERTAIN MANUFACTURING PROPERTY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
S. 455 (Word version) -- Senator Adams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-605 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "STRANGULATION," CREATE THE OFFENSES OF STRANGULATION AND AGGRAVATED STRANGULATION, PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR THE OFFENSES, AND PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3058 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, Pope, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, Taylor, Cobb-Hunter, Govan, Erickson, Bradley, Guffey, W. Newton, B. Newton and Willis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-330 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS FOR THE OFFENSE OF INTENTIONALLY DISSEMINATING INTIMATE IMAGES OR DIGITALLY FORGED INTIMATE IMAGES WITHOUT EFFECTIVE CONSENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-332 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF INTENTIONALLY DISSEMINATING INTIMATE IMAGES OR DIGITALLY FORGED INTIMATE IMAGES WITHOUT EFFECTIVE CONSENT, TO PROVIDE GRADUATED PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3222 (Word version) -- Reps. Bailey and Chapman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 4-9-145, RELATING TO LITTER CONTROL OFFICERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE MEANS FOR DETERMINING THE LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF LITTER CONTROL OFFICERS THAT A COUNTY MAY APPOINT AND COMMISSION, AND TO CORRECT AN INCORRECT REFERENCE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3305 (Word version) -- Rep. W. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 15 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC EXPRESSION PROTECTION ACT," REGARDING A CAUSE OF ACTION ASSERTED IN A CIVIL ACTION BASED UPON A PERSON'S COMMUNICATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE PROCEEDINGS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3569 (Word version) -- Reps. M.M. Smith, Pope, Davis, Cobb-Hunter, Wetmore, Henderson-Myers, Erickson, Rivers and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 27-40-350 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RESIDENTIAL TENANTS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF CERTAIN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES MAY TERMINATE A RENTAL AGREEMENT AND TO PROVIDE FOR NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 27-40-210, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3571 (Word version) -- Reps. Hiott, Guffey, J.L. Johnson, Pedalino, Neese and B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR "LARGE PROJECT," "NOTICE," "PRE-MARKING," "PRIVATE FACILITY," "PROJECT INITIATOR," AND "SOFT DIGGING" AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS OF "EXCAVATE," "EXCAVATOR," AND "OPERATOR"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-50, RELATING TO THE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION NOTIFICATION CENTER, SO AS TO CLARIFY OPERATOR PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION, THE NOTIFICATION CENTER'S DUTIES, AND OTHER CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-60, RELATING TO THE NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE OR DEMOLISH, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TIME FOR NOTICE FOR CERTAIN EXCAVATIONS OR DEMOLITIONS AND OTHER CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-70, RELATING TO INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY OPERATORS, SO AS TO REQUIRE QUARTERLY REPORTS OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY AN EXCAVATION OR DEMOLITION AND TO CLARIFY PAYMENT OF A CIVIL PENALTY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-80, RELATING TO EMERGENCY EXCAVATIONS OR DEMOLITIONS EXEMPT FROM NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES, SO AS ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL NOTIFICATION AND RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AND TO MAKE A FALSE CLAIM OF AN EMERGENCY A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-90, RELATING TO NOTICE OF DAMAGES, SO AS TO REQUIRE AN EXCAVATOR TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT ANY KNOWN DAMAGE TO THE NOTIFICATION CENTER AND FACILITY OPERATOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-100, RELATING TO DESIGN REQUESTS AND OPERATOR RESPONSE, SO AS TO ADD A REFERENCE TO LARGE PROJECTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-110, RELATING TO EXEMPTION FROM NOTICE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO STRIKE CURRENT PROVISIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-36-120, RELATING TO PENALTIES AND CIVIL REMEDIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A COMPLAINT PROCESS THROUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 58-36-75, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCESS FOR LARGE PROJECTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3800 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Bannister, Herbkersman, White, Kilmartin and Frank: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION ON DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO DELETE AN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT THAT THE SELLER HAVE A PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IN THIS STATE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3910 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, G.M. Smith and B.J. Cox: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 3-1-150 AND 63-3-510, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OVER CERTAIN LANDS RELINQUISHED BY THE UNITED STATES AND THE EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF THE FAMILY COURT, RESPECTIVELY, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CONCURRENT JURISDICTION WITH THE UNITED STATES IN CERTAIN MATTERS INVOLVING JUVENILES WITHIN A MILITARY INSTALLATION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs polled out H. 3996 favorable:
H. 3996 (Word version) -- Reps. Sessions and Chapman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-1250, RELATING TO SUPERVISION OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANTS THAT AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST MAY SUPERVISE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-1240, RELATING TO LICENSURE OF ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT LICENSURE APPLICANTS MUST APPEAR BEFORE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND PRESENT EVIDENCE OF CERTAIN RELEVANT ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS AND KNOWLEDGE.
Verdin Peeler Martin Alexander Corbin Gambrell Cash Garrett Sabb Tedder Kimbrell Fernandez Leber Zell
Hutto
Davis
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4160 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, G.M. Smith, Jordan, Caskey, Bannister, Pope, Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-5-610, RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF THE STATE INTO SIXTEEN JUDICIAL CIRCUITS, THE NUMBER OF JUDGES TO BE ELECTED FROM EACH CIRCUIT, AND THE ELECTION OF AT-LARGE JUDGES WITHOUT REGARD TO COUNTY OR CIRCUIT OF RESIDENCE, SO AS TO CONVERT FIVE AT-LARGE CIRCUIT COURT SEATS TO RESIDENT SEATS IN THE THIRD, SEVENTH, NINTH, ELEVENTH, AND TWELFTH CIRCUITS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire April 1, 2030
Senate - Majority:
Ms. Sara Parrish, 165 Etiwan Pointe Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29492 VICE Mr. Scott E. Frick
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2027
4th Congressional District:
James A. Wilson, 208 Wakelon Drive, Greer, SC 29651-1985 VICE Mr. Stephen E. Hall
Received as information.
Reappointment, State Inspector General, with the term to commence May 10, 2025, and to expire May 10, 2029
Brian D. Lamkin, Office of the Inspector General, 111 Executive Center Drive, Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29210
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2020, and to expire June 30, 2026
At-Large:
John Coggiola, Esquire, 3314 Heyward Street, Columbia, SC 29205 VICE Avery B. Wilkerson, Jr. (resigned)
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2023, and to expire June 30, 2026
2nd Congressional District:
Patrick Palmer, 220 Windsor Point Road, Columbia, SC 29223 VICE Kimberly Snipes
Received as information.
Reappointment, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire April 1, 2030
Governor Appointed:
F. Xavier Starkes, Esquire, PO Box 1497, Columbia, SC 29202-1497
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire January 1, 2030
Governor Appointed:
Helen Munnerlyn, P.O. Box 23205, Columbia, SC 29224 VICE Ms. Brandolyn T. Pinkston
Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments.
H. 3947 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Pedalino, McCabe, Vaughan and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-57-340, RELATING TO BIENNIAL CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE RENEWAL BY THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE NONRESIDENT BROKERS AND NONRESIDENT ASSOCIATES WHO SUCCESSFULLY SATISFY CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR JURISDICTION OF RESIDENCE MAY BE EXEMPT FROM THE CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS OF THIS STATE WITH APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSION.
The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 416 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-210, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR WHICH TRUSTEES MAY EXPEL, SUSPEND, OR TRANSFER PUPILS; PETITIONS FOR READMISSION; AND EXPULSION, SUSPENSION, OR TRANSFER, SO AS TO PROHIBIT EXPELLED STUDENTS FROM ENTERING SCHOOL OR SCHOOL GROUNDS INCLUDING ATTENDING DAY OR NIGHT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS OR RIDING A SCHOOL BUS, TO FURTHER PROHIBIT SUSPENDED STUDENTS FROM ENTERING THE SCHOOL OR SCHOOL GROUNDS EXCEPT FOR ATTENDING DAY OR NIGHT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS OR RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-235, RELATING TO THE EXPULSION OF A STUDENT DETERMINED TO HAVE BROUGHT A FIREARM TO SCHOOL, SO AS TO REQURE A STUDENT TO BE EXPELLED FOR NO LESS THAN ONE ACADEMIC YEAR FOR KNOWINGLY BRINGING A FIREARM TO A SCHOOL, TO ESTABLISH THE EXPULSION HEARING BE CONDUCTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND TO ALLOW AN EXPELLED STUDENT TO RECIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN ALTERNATIVE SETTINGS TO INCLUDE VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-250, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF PUPILS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT A BOARD MAY TRANSFER A PUPIL WITHIN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND REQUIRE NOTIFICATION AND INPUT FROM THE PRINCIPAL AT THE RECEIVING SCHOOL.
S. 146 (Word version) -- Senators Nutt, Corbin, Cromer, Matthews, Martin, Zell, Alexander, Walker and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-81-40, RELATING TO RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RESIDENTS MAY DESIGNATE ONE PERSON WHO IS PERMITTED TO VISIT THE RESIDENT IN THE EVENT THAT ACCESS TO THE FACILITY IS LIMITED OR PROHIBITED DUE TO A DECLARED STATE OF EMERGENCY ARISING FROM A DISASTER OR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-146.CEM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-81-40(Q) and inserting:
(Q) Each resident or personal representative of a resident may designate one person up to three people who are is permitted to visit the resident in the event that access to the facility is limited or prohibited due to a declared state of emergency arising from a disaster or public health emergency. Only one visitor per resident shall be allowed at any time during regular visiting hours. The resident or personal representative of a resident shall provide the facility each person's name, relationship to the resident, and contact information. The designated person must be allowed to regularly visit the resident during the time that access to the facility is limited or prohibited. A resident or personal representative of a resident may change the designated person one time list of designated visitors twice during any calendar year or at such time as a designated visitor is permanently unable to continue to visit.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator VERDIN proposed the following amendment (LC-146.WAB0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking section 44-81-40(Q) and inserting:
(Q) Each resident or representative of a resident may designate one person up to three people who are is permitted to visit the resident in the event that access to the facility is limited or prohibited due to a declared state of emergency arising from a disaster or public health emergency. Only one visitor per resident shall be allowed at any time during regular visiting hours. The resident or representative of a resident shall provide the facility each person's name, relationship to the resident, and contact information. The designated person must be allowed to regularly visit the resident during the time that access to the facility is limited or prohibited. A resident or representative of a resident may change the designated person one time list of designated visitors twice during any calendar year or at such time as a designated visitor is permanently unable to continue to visit.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being third reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Matthews Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House with amendments.
The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 357 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin, Alexander, Young, Hembree, Reichenbach, Climer and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-13-190, SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF MAIL THEFT AND PRESCRIBE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.
S. 582 (Word version) -- Senators Massey, Alexander, Rice and Garrett: A BILL TO RATIFY AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4, ARTICLE II, RELATING TO VOTER QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES AND OF THIS STATE OF THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN AND UPWARDS WHO IS PROPERLY REGISTERED IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
The following Bill was read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:
H. 3472 (Word version) -- Reps. McCabe, W. Newton, Pedalino, Hixon, Gibson, Gagnon, Calhoon, Mitchell, Yow and Ligon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 62-3-1201, RELATING TO COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY BY AFFIDAVIT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE LIMIT OF AN ESTATE TO FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS; BY AMENDING SECTION 62-3-1203, RELATING TO SMALL ESTATES AND SUMMARY ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE LIMIT OF AN ESTATE TO FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 62-3-1204, RELATING TO SMALL ESTATES AND CLOSING BY SWORN STATEMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE LIMIT OF AN ESTATE TO FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 507 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander and Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-40, RELATING TO APPLICATION OF FEDERAL INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO STATE TAX LAWS, SO AS TO UPDATE THE REFERENCE TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO THE YEAR 2024 AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTIONS ADOPTED BY THIS STATE ARE EXTENDED, THEN THESE SECTIONS ALSO ARE EXTENDED FOR SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
S. 163 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin and Leber: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 47 TO TITLE 34 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A GOVERNING AUTHORITY FROM ACCEPTING OR REQUIRING PAYMENT USING CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY OR PARTICIPATING IN A TEST OF CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY; TO PERMIT INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES USING DIGITAL CURRENCY FOR TRANSACTIONS; TO PROVIDE THAT DIGITAL ASSETS MAY NOT BE SINGLED OUT FOR DISPARATE TAX TREATMENT; TO PROVIDE THAT DIGITAL CURRENCY TRANSACTION MAY BE TAXED IF THE TAXATION IS THE SAME AS IF THE TRANSACTION USED UNITED STATES LEGAL TENDER; TO PROVIDE THAT DIGITAL CURRENCY OPERATIONS MAY BE NOT BE SUBJECTED TO DISPARATE ZONING TREATMENT; TO PROVIDE THAT DIGITAL ASSET MINING BUSINESS OPERATIONS SHALL NOT PLACE ANY ADDITIONAL STRESS ON THE ELECTRICAL GRID FOR WHICH THEY ARE CONNECTED AND TO PROVIDE THAT DIGITAL MINING BUSINESSES MUST PROVIDE CERTAIN INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION UPON REQUEST; TO PROVIDE THAT THOSE ENGAGED IN DIGITAL MINING OPERATIONS DO NOT HAVE TO OBTAIN CERTAIN LICENSES AND THAT THOSE WHO PROVIDE CERTAIN SERVICES RELATED TO DIGITAL MINING OR STAKING ARE NOT OFFERING A SECURITY; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CAN PROSECUTE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO OR BUSINESS THAT FRAUDULENTLY CLAIM TO BE OFFERING DIGITAL ASSET MINING AS SERVICE OR STAKING AS A SERVICE; AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Banking and Insurance proposed the following amendment (LC-163.PH0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 34-47-10(5) and inserting:
(5) "Digital asset mining" means virtual currency, cryptocurrencies, natively electronic assets, including stablecoins, fungible tokens, and non-fungible tokens, and other digital-only assets that confer economic, proprietary, or access rights or powersusing computer hardware and software specifically designed or utilized for the purpose of validating data and securing a blockchain network.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 34-47-40 and inserting:
Section 34-47-40. (A) An individual shall not be prohibited, restricted, or otherwise prevented from participating in digital asset mining in an area zoned for residential use as long as the person engaging in digital asset mining complies with all local ordinances.
(B) In areas that are zoned for industrial use, a political subdivision shall not:
(1) place restrictions on a digital asset mining business that do not generally apply to businesses in that area;
(2) place a specific limit on sound decibels generated from a digital asset mining business other than limits generally imposed for sound pollution in that area; or
(3) change the zoning of a digital asset mining business without going through the proper notice and comment.
(C) A digital asset mining business may appeal a change in zoning to the proper court of jurisdiction.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 34-47-60(A) and inserting:
(A) A money transmitter license pursuant to Article 2, Chapter 11, Title 35 shall not be required byof an individual or business due to their participation in the following activities:
(1) engaged in digital asset mining;
(2) operating a node or a series of nodes on a blockchain protocol;
(3) developing software on a blockchain protocol, even if the software effectuates the exchange of one digital asset for another digital asset; or
(4) that exchangesexchanging a digital asset for another digital asset and does not exchangewithout exchanging digital assets for legal tender or bank deposits.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GAMBRELL explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question then being second reading of the Bill.
Senator SABB objected to further consideration of the Bill.
S. 76 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Grooms, Young and Goldfinch: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-230, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-240, RELATING TO USE OF OR THREAT OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE BY CRIMINAL GANG MEMBERS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH UNLAWFUL CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-245 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY OF CRIMINAL GANG AND CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY EVIDENCE DURING A TRIAL OR PROCEEDING; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-250, RELATING TO PREVENTING WITNESSES OR VICTIMS FROM TESTIFYING AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM TO ABATE A PUBLIC NUISANCE OF REAL PROPERTY USED BY A CRIMINAL GANG; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-275 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY IN A CRIMINAL PROCEEDING OF THE ACCUSED'S COMMISSION OF CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-520 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS FOR THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-530 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO ENGAGE IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-540 SO AS TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ENGAGING IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-550 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CIRCUIT COURT MAY ENJOIN VIOLATIONS OF THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT BY ISSUING APPROPRIATE ORDERS; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-560 SO AS TO ESTABLISH JURISDICTION FOR RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-570 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM DISCLOSURE OF INFORMANTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 14-7-1630, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF JURIES, NOTIFICATION TO IMPANEL JURIES, POWERS AND DUTIES OF IMPANELING AND PRESIDING JUDGES, THE TRANSFER OF INCOMPLETE INVESTIGATIONS, EFFECTIVE DATES AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO ORDERS OF JUDGE, AND APPEALS, SO AS TO ADD THE CRIME OF RACKETEERING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE GRAND JURY.
Senator HEMBREE objected to consideration of the Bill.
S. 454 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-40, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO CHANGE REFERENCES FROM "SPONSOR" TO "AUTHORIZER" AND TO PROVIDE OTHER DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-50, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A CHARTER SCHOOL TO POST THEIR ANNUAL AUDIT ON THEIR WEBSITE AND TO NOTIFY AND PROVIDE A COPY OF ANY EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS TO THE AUTHORIZER; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-55, RELATING TO AUTHORIZER POWERS AND DUTIES AND THE RETENTION OF FUNDS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE AUTHORIZER TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICES THAT ENSURE GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-60, RELATING TO CHARTER APPLICATIONS AND COMMITTEES, SO AS TO EXPAND THE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION TO INCLUDE ANY PROPOSED CHARTER OR EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS CONTEMPLATED BY THE CHARTER SCHOOL; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-70, RELATING TO APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES, SO AS TO SET A TIME FRAME TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE APPLICATION FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-75, RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF AN AUTHORIZER OR MEMBER OF A DISTRICT OR GOVERNING BOARD, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO VACATE THE SEAT OF A MEMBER OF AN AUTHORIZER OR CHARTER SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARD WHO IS INDICTED FOR A CRIME; AND TO ALLOW THE GOVERNOR TO REMOVE A MEMBER FOR CHRONIC UNEXCUSED ABSENTEEISM, MEDICAL INCOMPETENCY, OR MEDICAL INCAPACITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-90, RELATING TO APPEALS TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SO AS TO ALLOW AN APPEAL FOR ANY FINAL DECISION MADE PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-115, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF A CONTRACT WITH AN AUTHORIZER, SO AS TO ALLOW A CHARTER SCHOOL TO TERMINATE ITS CHARTER AND CONTRACT WITH AN AUTHORIZER UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-150, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SERVE AS THE STATE EDUCATION AGENCY FOR EACH AUTHORIZER AND ANNUALLY REVIEW THE POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PERFORMANCE OF EACH AUTHORIZER FOR COMPLIANCE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-180, RELATING TO REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT GUIDELINES WILL BE APPLICABLE TO NEW AUTHORIZERS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3333 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, B.J. Cox and Caskey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 31-12-30, RELATING TO REDEVELOPMENT OF FEDERAL MILITARY INSTALLATIONS DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT INCLUDES CERTAIN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 31-12-210, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF OBLIGATIONS FOR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT BY MUNICIPALITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE WHEN CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS MUST BE ISSUED.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
Senator BENNETT explained the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 114 (Word version) -- Senators Adams, Grooms, Rice and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-340 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UPON REQUEST OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER SHALL PROVIDE CALL LOCATION INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE OF THE USER TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IN ORDER TO RESPOND TO A CALL FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES OR IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION THAT INVOLVES THE RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL HARM, TO PROVIDE A CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ACTION MAY NOT BE BROUGHT AGAINST A WIRELESS SERVICE PROVIDER UNDER THIS SECTION UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE SLED SHALL OBTAIN CONTACT INFORMATION FROM WIRELESS SERVICE PROVIDERS TO FACILITATE A REQUEST FROM A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (SJ-114.MB0004S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 23-3-340(A) and inserting:
(A) Upon request of a law enforcement agency, acting in the course of its official duties at the time of the request, a wireless service provider shall provide location information concerning the telecommunications device of a user to the requesting law enforcement agency within a reasonable period of time after receipt of the request. A law enforcement agency may not request information under this section unless for the purposes of responding to a call for emergency services that involves the risk ofimmediate death or serious physical harmbodily injury to any person at the time of the request or in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator ADAMS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 121 (Word version) -- Senators Garrett and Cash: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-40(B), RELATING TO SAFE HAVEN FOR ABANDONED BABIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SAFE HAVEN MUST OFFER THE PERSON LEAVING THE INFANT INFORMATION PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNING THE LEGAL EFFECT OF LEAVING THE INFANT WITH THE SAFE HAVEN; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(A), RELATING TO PERMANENCY PLANNING, SO AS TO DECREASE THE TIME IN WHICH A PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING MUST BE HELD FROM NO LATER THAN ONE YEAR TO NO LATER THAN NINE MONTHS AFTER THE CHILD IS FIRST PLACED IN FOSTER CARE; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(E), RELATING TO THE FILING OF A PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE COURT A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND REPORT REGARDING THE CHILD WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF THE FILING OF A PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(F) AND SECTION 63-7-1700(H), RELATING TO AN EXTENSION FOR REUNIFICATION, SO AS TO DECREASE THE TIME IN WHICH AN EXTENSION MAY BE GRANTED FOR REUNIFICATION EFFORTS FROM EIGHTEEN MONTHS TO FIFTEEN MONTHS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(I), RELATING TO PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARINGS, BY PROVIDING THAT A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING MAY SERVE AS THE NEXT PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING ONLY IF IT IS HELD NO LATER THAN NINE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE PREVIOUS PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING, AND SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING MUST BE HELD QUARTERLY INSTEAD OF ANNUALLY AFTER THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1710, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE COURT A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND REPORT REGARDING THE CHILD WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF THE FILING OF A PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2550, RELATING TO SERVICE OF PETITION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER MUST RECEIVE SERVICE OF A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2570, RELATING TO GROUNDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN FINDING THAT TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF A CHILD, THE COURT MUST FIND THAT THE HOME OF THE CHILD'S PARENTS IS NOT SAFE FOR THE RETURN OF THE CHILD AT THE TIME OF THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-730, RELATING TO NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF NOTICE OF AN ADOPTION PROCEEDING CANNOT BE EFFECTED BY PERSONAL SERVICE, THEN NOTICE MAY BE GIVEN BY PUBLICATION OF THE SUMMONS IN WHICH THE REQUESTED RELIEF OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, OR ADOPTION, OR BOTH, IS SET FORTH; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-760, RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF A FINAL ADOPTION DECREE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE FINAL DECREE IS NOT AFFECTED BY A POSTADOPTION AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BEFORE OR AFTER THE ADOPTION; BY ADDING SECTION 63-9-765, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR POSTADOPTION CONTACT AGREEMENTS TO BE ENFORCEABLE IF AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-820, RELATING TO THE PUTATIVE FATHER REGISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REGISTRANT MUST INCLUDE ANY ALIASES WHEN HE REGISTERS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3595, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A TAX CREDIT FOR ANY RESIDENT TAXPAYER THAT CLAIMS THE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED ADOPTION EXPENSES RELATED TO A DOMESTIC ADOPTION.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Family and Veterans' Services proposed the following amendment (SR-121.QG0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 63-7-40(B)(2) and inserting:
(2) The safe haven must offer the department must publish information on the agency's website, including a pamphlet explaining the process, accessible to any person leaving the infant information provided by the department concerning the legal effect of leaving the infant with the safe haven.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 63-7-1700(A) and inserting:
(A) The family court shall review the status of a child placed in foster care upon motion filed by the department to determine a permanent plan for the child. The permanency planning hearing must be held no later than one year nine months after the date the child was first placed in foster care. At the initial permanency planning hearing, the court shall review the status of the child and the progress being made toward the child's return home or toward any other permanent plan approved at the removal hearing. The court's order shall make specific findings in accordance with this section. An action for permanency planning must be brought for a child who enters the custody of the department by any mechanism, including subarticle 3 or Section 63-7-1660 or 63-9-330. If the child enters the custody of the department pursuant to Section 63-9-330 and no action is pending in the family court concerning the child, the department may initiate the permanency planning hearing with a summons and petition for review. All parties must be served with the motion or the summons and petition at least ten days before the hearing, and no responsive pleading is required.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 63-7-1700(E) and inserting:
(E) Unless subsection (C), (F), or (G) applies, if the court determines at the permanency planning hearing that the child should not be returned to the child's parent at that time, the court's order shall require the department to file a petition to terminate parental rights to the child not later than sixty days after receipt of the order. If a petition to terminate parental rights is to be filed, the department shall exercise and document every reasonable effort to promote and expedite the adoptive placement and adoption of the child, including a thorough adoption assessment and child-specific recruitment. Adoptive placements must be diligently sought for the child and failure to do so solely because a child is classified as "special needs" is expressly prohibited. An adoption may not be delayed or denied solely because a child is classified as "special needs". Within sixty days one hundred and twenty days of the filing of the petition to terminate parental rights, the department shall complete and file with the court a background investigation and report, as provided for in Section 63-9-520(A)(1)(c). For purposes of this subsection:
(1) "thorough adoption assessment" means conducting and documenting face-to-face interviews with the child, foster care providers, and other significant parties; and
(2) "child specific recruitment" means recruiting an adoptive placement targeted to meet the individual needs of the specific child including, but not be limited to, use of the media, use of photo listings, and any other in-state or out-of-state resources which may be utilized to meet the specific needs of the child, unless there are extenuating circumstances that indicate that these efforts are not in the best interest of the child.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 6, by striking Section 63-7-1700(I)(3) and inserting:
(3) After the termination of parental rights hearing, the requirements of Section 63-7-2580 must be met. Permanency planning hearings must be held annually quarterly, starting with the date of the termination of parental rights hearing. No further permanency planning hearings may be required after filing a decree of adoption of the child or an order establishing legal guardianship.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 6, by striking Section 63-7-1700(I)(5) and inserting:
(5) If the child is retained in foster care pursuant to a plan other than one described in items (1) through (4), future permanency planning hearings must be held at least annually every nine months.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 7, by striking Section 63-7-1710(B) and inserting:
(B) Concurrently with filing of the petition, the department shall seek to identify, recruit, process, and approve a qualified family for adoption of the child if an adoptive family has not yet been selected and approved. Within sixty days of the filing of the petition to terminate parental rights, the department shall complete and file with the court a background investigation and report, as provided for in Section 63-9-520(A)(1)(c).
Amend the bill further, SECTION 8, by striking Section 63-7-2550 and inserting:
Section 63-7-2550. (A)A summons and petition for termination of parental rights must be filed with the court and served on:
(1) the child, if the child is fourteen years of age or older;
(2) the child's guardian ad litem, appointed pursuant to Section 63-7-2560(B), if the child is under fourteen years of age;
(3) the parents of the child; and
(4) an agency with placement or custody of the child.
(B) The right of an unmarried biological father, as defined in Section 63-9-820, to receive notice of a termination of parental rights action must be governed by the notice provisions of Section 63-9-730(B)(1), (3), (4), (5), and (6), and Subarticle 8, Chapter 9.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 9, by striking Section 63-7-2570(1) and inserting:
(1) The child or another child while residing in the parent's domicile has been harmed as defined in Section 63-7-20, and because of the severity or repetition of the abuse or neglect, it is not reasonably likely that the home can be made safe within twelve months the home, at the time of the termination of parental rights' trial the termination of parental rights case is initiated, is not safe for the return of the child. In determining the likelihood that the home can be made whether the home is safe, the parent's previous abuse or neglect of the child or another child may be considered.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 10, by striking Section 63-9-730(B)(4) and inserting:
(4) a person who is recorded on the child's birth certificate as the child's father. The Department of Health and Environmental Control Department of Public Health shall release this information to any attorney representing a party in an adoption or termination of parental rights action pursuant to a subpoena;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 11, by striking Section 63-9-760(D) and inserting:
(D) The validity of the final decree of adoption is not affected by an a postadoption agreement entered into before or after the adoption. between adoptive parents and biological parents concerning visitation, exchange of information, or other interaction between the child and any other person as provided for in Section 63-9-765. Such an agreement does not preserve any parental rights with the biological parents and does not give to them any rights enforceable in the courts of this State.
Amend the bill further, by deleting SECTION 12.
Amend the bill further, SECTION X, by striking Section 63-7-2580(A) and inserting:
(A) If the court finds that a ground for termination, as provided for in Section 63-7-2570, exists, the court may issue an order forever terminating parental rights to the child. Where the petitioner is an authorized agency, the court shall place the child in the custody of the petitioner or other child-placing agency for adoption and shall require the submission of a plan for permanent placement of the child within thirty days after the close of the proceedings to the court and to the child's guardian ad litem. Within an additional sixty days the agency shall submit a report to the court and to the guardian ad litem on the implementation of the plan. The court, on its own motion, may Following the submission of these reports, the court shall schedule a hearing on a quarterly basis to review the progress of on the implementation of the plan.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator REICHENBACH explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator GARRETT proposed the following amendment (SJ-121.SW0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 63-7-1700(A) and inserting:
(A) The family court shall review the status of a child placed in foster care upon motion filed by the department to determine a permanent plan for the child. The permanency planning hearing must be held no later than one year nine months nine months after the date the child was first placed in foster care. At the initial permanency planning hearing, the court shall review the status of the child and the progress being made toward the child's return home or toward any other permanent plan approved at the removal hearing. The court's order shall make specific findings in accordance with this section. An action for permanency planning must be brought for a child who enters the custody of the department by any mechanism, including subarticle 3 or Section 63-7-1660 or 63-9-330. If the child enters the custody of the department pursuant to Section 63-9-330 and no action is pending in the family court concerning the child, the department may initiate the permanency planning hearing with a summons and petition for review. All parties must be served with the motion or the summons and petition at least ten days before the hearing, and no responsive pleading is required.
B. This SECTION takes effect two years after the effective date of this Act.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GARRETT explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 196 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 91 TO TITLE 38 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS, ESTABLISH LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, EXEMPTIONS, AND TYPES OF LICENSES, REQUIRE AN EXAMINATION FOR LICENSURE, PROVIDE EXEMPTIONS FOR EXAMINATION, REQUIRE CONTINUING EDUCATION, ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR RENEWAL, SET STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR ADJUSTERS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DENIAL, NONRENEWAL, OR REVOCATION OF A LICENSE AND PENALTIES, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY ADDING CHAPTER 92 TO TITLE 38 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS, ESTABLISH LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS AND TYPES OF LICENSES, REQUIRE AN EXAMINATION FOR LICENSURE AND PROVIDE EXEMPTIONS TO EXAMINATION, PROVIDE FOR THE DENIAL, NONRENEWAL, OR REVOCATION OF A LICENSE, REQUIRE A BOND OR LETTER OF CREDIT, REQUIRE CONTINUING EDUCATION, ALLOW FOR FEES, AND SET STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC ADJUSTERS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-1-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION; AND BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 47 AND 48 OF TITLE 38.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 214 (Word version) -- Senators Massey and Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-31-10, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE COMMISSION FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS, ITS COMPOSITION, AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT A MAJORITY OF THE COMMISSION BE AFRICAN AMERICAN, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A MAJORITY OF THE COMMISSION MUST BE AFRICAN AMERICAN.
On motion of Senator ELLIOTT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 316 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-7-95 SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES AND PROTECTIONS FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WHEN BRINGING AN ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN THE NAME OF THE STATE; BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-55 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WITH THE REMEDY OF DISGORGEMENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 39-5-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE PRIVILEGE TO MATERIALS PREPARED OR DRAFTED WHILE INVESTIGATING POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
Senator Adams explained the Bill.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Bill was carried over.
S. 346 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Graham and Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-600, RELATING TO ASSAULT AND BATTERY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO UNLAWFULLY INJURES A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL DURING THE COURSE OF HIS DUTIES OR INJURES A PERSON IN A HEALTHCARE FACILITY COMMITS THE OFFENSE OF ASSAULT AND BATTERY OF A HIGH AND AGGRAVATED NATURE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Senator TEDDER objected to consideration of the Bill.
S. 399 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott, Hembree and Reichenbach: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-635 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO, WITHOUT LEGAL CAUSE OR GOOD EXCUSE, ENTERS A TRANSPORTATION FACILITY, INCLUDING ANY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND ANY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM, AFTER HAVING BEEN WARNED NOT TO DO SO BY THE TRANSIT DIRECTOR OR HIS DESIGNEE, IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR TRIABLE IN A MUNICIPAL OR MAGISTRATES COURT, TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR A WRITTEN WARNING AND FOR APPEALING THE WARNING, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION MUST BE CONSTRUED AS IN ADDITION TO, AND NOT AS SUPERSEDING, ANOTHER STATUTE RELATING TO TRESPASS OR UNLAWFUL ENTRY ON LANDS OF ANOTHER.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, the Bill was carried over.
S. 427 (Word version) -- Senator Adams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 11 OF CHAPTER 3, TITLE 47, RELATING TO TAUNTING, TORMENTING, INJURING, OR KILLING POLICE DOGS OR HORSES, SO AS TO EXPAND THE CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN A VIOLATION, INCREASE THE PENALTIES, REQUIRE RESTITUTION TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY, AND MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES.
Senator TEDDER objected to consideration of the Bill.
H. 3127 (Word version) -- Reps. Robbins, Wooten, Lawson, Pope, Chapman, Pedalino, W. Newton, Sanders, Duncan, Hixon, Taylor, Gagnon, Oremus, Hartz, Davis, M.M. Smith, Vaughan, Williams, Erickson, Bradley, Cromer and Gilreath: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-750, RELATING TO FAILURE TO STOP MOTOR VEHICLES WHEN SIGNALED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHERE CERTAIN AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR THE OFFENDER IS GUILTY OF A FELONY, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Senator MARTIN objected to consideration of the Bill.
H. 3259 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Gilliam, Lawson, Chapman, Pedalino, McCravy, M.M. Smith, Davis, Holman, B.L. Cox, Ligon and Gibson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-128 SO AS TO PROHIBIT INSURERS OR AGENTS FROM CONSIDERING THE WORK-RELATED DRIVING RECORD OF A FIRST RESPONDER IN DETERMINING THE PREMIUM RATE FOR THE FIRST RESPONDER'S PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICY.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
Senator BENNETT explained the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
Senator MATTHEWS objected to further consideration of the Bill.
H. 3276 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Robbins, Chapman, W. Newton, Taylor, Forrest, McGinnis, Calhoon, Bernstein, Wooten, Hart, Erickson, Bradley, Ligon, Anderson, Schuessler, Hixon, M.M. Smith and Hartnett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HANDS-FREE AND DISTRACTED DRIVING ACT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-3890, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL USE OF A WIRELESS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE A WIRELESS MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE, TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING AND PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL REVISIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-720, RELATING TO POINTS THAT MAY BE ASSESSED AGAINST A PERSON'S DRIVING RECORD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A TWO-POINT VIOLATION.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3432 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Mitchell, Yow and T. Moore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 27-6-20, RELATING TO NONVESTED PROPERTY INTEREST OR POWER OF APPOINTMENT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE TIME AN INTEREST CAN VEST FROM NINETY YEARS TO THREE HUNDRED SIXTY YEARS; BY AMENDING SECTION 27-6-40, RELATING TO REFORMATION OF PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE TIME LIMIT FROM NINETY YEARS TO THREE HUNDRED SIXTY YEARS; BY AMENDING SECTION 27-6-60, RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF TIMING OF CREATION OF PROPERTY INTEREST, SO AS TO UPDATE CERTAIN DATES; BY AMENDING SECTION 62-7-504, RELATING TO DISCRETIONARY TRUSTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN SITUATIONS IN WHICH A BENEFICIARY OF A TRUST MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED A SETTLOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 62-7-505, RELATING TO CREDITORS' CLAIMS AGAINST A SETTLOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN AMOUNTS PAID TO TAXING AUTHORITIES MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED AN AMOUNT THAT MAY BE DISTRIBUTED FOR THE SETTLOR'S BENEFIT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 62-7-508 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN GRANTOR TRUST REIMBURSEMENTS.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
H. 3650 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, Wooten, Pope, Chapman, W. Newton, Bailey, Robbins, Crawford, Guest, Caskey, Forrest, B. Newton, Hixon and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-60, RELATING TO OFFENSES DEFINED AS VIOLENT CRIMES, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OFFENSE OF DISCHARGING FIREARMS AT OR INTO A DWELLING HOUSE, OTHER BUILDING, STRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT, WATERCRAFT, OR OTHER CONVEYANCE, DEVICE, OR EQUIPMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-23-440, RELATING TO DISCHARGING FIREARMS INTO A DWELLING HOUSE, OTHER BUILDING, STRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT, WATERCRAFT, OR OTHER CONVEYANCE, DEVICE, OR EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO CREATE A TIERED PENALTY STRUCTURE.
Senator CORBIN objected to consideration of the Bill.
H. 3175 (Word version) -- Reps. Collins, Mitchell, Forrest and Calhoon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-1230, RELATING TO SPECIFICATIONS OF LICENSE PLATES, THE PERIODIC ISSUANCE OF NEW PLATES, AND THE ISSUANCE OF REVALIDATION STICKERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL ISSUE LICENSE PLATES COMMEMORATING THE TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
Senator CAMPSEN proposed the following amendment (SR-3175.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, before the enacting words, by adding:
Whereas, on June 28, 1776, days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, South Carolinians valiantly defended Charleston from imminent capture by the British, thereby slowing the British advance through the South; and
Whereas, Colonel William Moultrie commanded men such as William Jasper, a volunteer who hoisted the South Carolina flag, an indigo blue with a silver crescent in the upper-left hand corner, in the heat of battle at Sullivan's Island; and
Whereas, the triumph of the patriots at Sullivan's Island, due in part to the fort's spongy palmetto logs that repelled the cannonballs of the enemy, delayed the fall of Charleston into British captivity until 1780, four years later; and
Whereas, the South Carolina backcountry witnessed many skirmishes and battles involving South Carolina militia and heroes such as Thomas Sumter, Andrew Pickens, and Francis Marion, including patriot victories at Williamson's Plantation, Cedar Springs, King's Mountain, Earle's Ford, Flat Rock, Thicketty Fort, Hanging Rock, and more; and
Whereas, renowned historian Walter Edgar stated that "the American Revolution was won in the backcountry of South Carolina". Now, therefore,
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 56-3-1230(C) and inserting:
(C) Notwithstanding another provision of law to the contrary, the regular license plate for private passenger vehicles and motorcycles issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2032, shall commemorate the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the American Revolution. The South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission shall submit to the department for approval the design, emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol it desires to be used on this license plate. The design, emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol submitted by the South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission to the department must be imprinted with the words "Where The Revolutionary War Was Won" and shall include, at a minimum, a flag featuring the word LIBERTY in white against an indigo background together with a gorget in an upper corner of the flag, also known as the Moultrie Flag.
(D) Fees for regular license plates shall not exceed the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 268 (Word version) -- Senator Bennett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 80 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COVERED ONLINE SERVICE SHALL TAKE CARE IN THE USE OF A MINOR'S PERSONAL DATA AND IN THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICE TO PREVENT HARM TO MINORS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ONLINE SERVICE MUST PROVIDE MINORS WITH EASILY ACCESSIBLE TOOLS TO LIMIT TIME SPENT ON THE SERVICE AND PROTECT PERSONAL DATA, TO PROVIDE LIMITS ON HOW MUCH OF A MINOR'S DATA THE SERVICE MAY COLLECT AND RESTRICT THE USE OF SUCH DATA, TO PROVIDE THAT ONLINE SERVICES MUST OFFER PARENTS TOOLS TO HELP THEM PROTECT MINORS USING THE SERVICE AND TO ENABLE THEM TO REPORT HARMS TO MINORS ON ONLINE SERVICES, TO PROVIDE THAT ONLINE SERVICES MUST ISSUE A PUBLIC REPORT ON THE SERVICE'S PRACTICES PERTAINING TO MINORS, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.
On motion of Senator BENNETT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 583 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Massey and Johnson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-19-250, RELATING TO CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS REQUIRED FOR LICENSEES OF THE BOARD OF FUNERAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REVISE PHYSICAL ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINIUNG EDUCATION INSTRUCTION, AND TO DEFINE "PHYSICAL ATTENDANCE."
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 602 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION, RELATING TO FEE SCHEDULES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5348, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Resolution was carried over.
S. 603 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY, RELATING TO STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5309, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Resolution was carried over.
S. 604 (Word version) -- Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION - SOUTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE, RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5335, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Resolution was carried over.
H. 3431 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Wooten, Pope, Martin, Pedalino, McCravy, Bernstein, Guffey, Govan, T. Moore, Erickson, Bradley, Robbins, Calhoon, M.M. Smith and Crawford: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 5, TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO PROVIDE THAT A SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANY MAY NOT PERMIT CERTAIN MINORS TO BE ACCOUNT HOLDERS; TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES; TO PROVIDE THAT A SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANY SHALL PROVIDE CERTAIN PARENTS OR GUARDIANS WITH CERTAIN INFORMATION; TO PROVIDE THAT A SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANY SHALL RESTRICT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS TO MINORS DURING CERTAIN HOURS; TO PROVIDE FOR CONSUMER COMPLAINTS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION HAS AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS; TO PROVIDE FOR AN ANNUAL REPORT; TO PROVIDE FOR A CAUSE OF ACTION; AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN WAIVERS AND LIMITATIONS ARE VOID.
On motion of Senator BENNETT, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3007 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, W. Newton, Taylor, B. Newton, Pope, Pedalino, Hixon, Robbins, Mitchell, Yow, Ligon and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MAKE APPLICATION BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION FOR A CONVENTION OF THE STATES TO BE CALLED, RESTRICTED TO PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO IMPOSE FISCAL RESTRAINTS ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH A BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT.
Senator TEDDER objected to consideration of the Resolution.
H. 3008 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrest, G.M. Smith, W. Newton, Wooten, Pope, Pedalino, Taylor, Hixon, Davis, M.M. Smith, Teeple, Robbins, Mitchell, Yow, Ligon, J.L. Johnson and Willis: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR A CONVENTION UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION IN ORDER TO PROPOSE A CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS AMENDMENT.
Senator TEDDER objected to consideration of the Resolution.
THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.
H. 3276 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Robbins, Chapman, W. Newton, Taylor, Forrest, McGinnis, Calhoon, Bernstein, Wooten, Hart, Erickson, Bradley, Ligon, Anderson, Schuessler, Hixon, M.M. Smith and Hartnett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HANDS-FREE AND DISTRACTED DRIVING ACT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-3890, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL USE OF A WIRELESS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE A WIRELESS MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE, TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING AND PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL REVISIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-720, RELATING TO POINTS THAT MAY BE ASSESSED AGAINST A PERSON'S DRIVING RECORD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A TWO-POINT VIOLATION.
Senator MASSEY moved that the Bill be made a Special Order.
The Bill was made a Special Order.
H. 3127 (Word version) -- Reps. Robbins, Wooten, Lawson, Pope, Chapman, Pedalino, W. Newton, Sanders, Duncan, Hixon, Taylor, Gagnon, Oremus, Hartz, Davis, M.M. Smith, Vaughan, Williams, Erickson, Bradley, Cromer and Gilreath: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-750, RELATING TO FAILURE TO STOP MOTOR VEHICLES WHEN SIGNALED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHERE CERTAIN AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR THE OFFENDER IS GUILTY OF A FELONY, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Senator MASSEY moved that the Bill be made a Special Order.
The Bill was made a Special Order.
Senator MASSEY, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, moved under the provisions of Rule 32B to call H. 3862 from the Contested Calendar.
The motion under Rule 32B was adopted.
At 4:11 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.
HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM THE HOUSE.
S. 62 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Rice and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-110, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-115, RELATING TO THE STANDARD APPLICATION PROCESS, SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS SEEKING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-120, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE K-12 EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-125, RELATING TO FUNDS TO CREATE, OVERSEE, AND ADMINISTER PROGRAM, SUSPENSION OF ACCOUNTS, UNUSED FUNDS, AND TERMINATION OF SCHOLARSHIPS, SO AS TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-130, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS' PROGRAMS; AND NOTIFICATION, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-135, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON SCHOLARSHIPS, SO AS TO PROVIDE LIMITATIONS ON THE NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS THAT MAY BE AWARDED; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-140, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION APPROVAL PROCESS FOR EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDER MUST CERTIFY ANNUALLY TO THE DEPARTMENT THAT IT MEETS ALL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-145, RELATING TO PROCEDURES TO INFORM STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS OF ELIGIBILITY AND APPROVED EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-150, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, DEPARTMENT, AND EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SURETY BOND IS REQUIRED OF EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS WHO EXCEED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN QUALIFYING EXPENSES AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-160, RELATING TO THE K-12 EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP REVIEW PANEL, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ITS COMPOSITION AND PURPOSES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-165, RELATING TO STUDENT TRANSFER POLICY, SO AS TO CLARIFY STUDENT TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-170, RELATING TO IMMEDIATE PARTICIPATION IN A SPORT BY A TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-150-350, RELATING TO EDUCATION LOTTERY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
The House returned the Bill with amendments.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (LC-62.WAB0040S), which was carried over and subsequently withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-8-110(3)(l) and (m) and inserting:
(l) cost of school uniforms which are required for attendance; or
(m) any consumables and items necessary to complete a curriculum or that are otherwise applicable to a course of study that has been approved by the department; or
(n) any other educational expense approved by the department to enable personalized learning consistent with the intent of this act.
A qualifying expense does not mean a duplicate service already offered as part of a student's enrollment in school.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
The amendment was carried over.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (SMIN-62.MW0035S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-8-110(7) and inserting:
(7) "Education service provider" means a person or organization approved by the department that receives payments from ESTF to provide educational goods and services to scholarship students. An individual is ineligible to be approved as an education service provider if they are a parent of the scholarship student as defined in Section 58-8-110(11).
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator OTT explained the amendment.
The question being the adoption of the amendment.
Senator GROOMS moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (LC-62.WAB0043S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 6, by striking Section 59-8-135(2) and inserting:
(3)(2) in School Year 2026-2027, and for all subsequent school years, the program is limited to shall be made available to at least fifteen thousand scholarship students but may be increased through an allocation in the general appropriations act at the direction of the General Assembly, based upon previously unmet demand for scholarships as evidenced by the prior year's applications.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator OTT explained the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE spoke on the amendment.
The question being the adoption of the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Bennett Campsen Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Nutt Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Young Zell
Allen Devine Graham Hutto Jackson Matthews Ott Sabb Sutton Tedder Walker Williams
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (LC-62.WAB0044S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 3, by striking Section 59-8-120(C) and inserting:
(C) Upon request of the parent and approval of an eligible student's application by the department, the State Treasurer shall transfer six seven thousand five hundred dollars per scholarship student for the 2025-2026 school year to the Education Scholarship Trust Fund.to the Education Scholarship Trust Fund as directed by the General Assembly,For all subsequent school years, the allocation must be equivalent to the allocation used in the previous year, increased by the percentage increase in the average per pupil funding from state sources as provided by the Office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs for the prior fiscal year, unless an increased or decreased limit is authorized in the annual general appropriations act.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator OTT explained the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE spoke on the amendment.
The question being the adoption of the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Bennett Campsen Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Nutt Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Young
Allen Devine Graham Hutto Jackson Massey Matthews Ott Sabb Sutton Tedder Walker Williams
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (LC-62.WAB0045S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 4, by striking Section 59-8-125(B) and inserting:
(B) The General Assembly shall appropriate funds to the department for initial costs to create the program. Thereafter, theThe departmenttrustee shall transfer to the departmentdeduct an amount from the ESTF to cover the costs of overseeing the accounts, and administering the program and the payment of the trustee's fee as provided in this section, up to a limit of two five percent. Annually, on or before December thirty-first, the department shall notify the respective Chairmen of the Senate Finance Committee and House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee regarding the amount deducted for administrative costs and an itemization of the costs incurred to administer the program for the previous school fiscal year.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator OTT explained the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE spoke on the amendment.
The question being the adoption of the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Bennett Campsen Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Young
Allen Devine Graham Hutto Jackson Matthews Ott Sabb Sutton Tedder Walker Williams
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator DEVINE proposed the following amendment (SMIN-62.MW0034S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 10, by striking Section 59-8-150(A)(3) and (4) and inserting:
(3) not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin. This item shall not be interpreted to preclude any independent or religious educational provider from exercising an exemption allowed under federal law; and
(4) operate a functional, easily accessible website that provides up-to-date information about all scholarship educational services available to families; and
(5) conduct and maintain records of completed criminal background checks on employees. An education service provider that is not an accredited or licensed school must submit documentation of completed background checks to the department as part of their initial application. All education service providers must and exclude from employment anyone who:
(a) is not permitted by state law to work in a school;
(b) reasonably might pose a threat to the safety of students; or
(c) is listed on federal, state, or other central child abuse registries.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator DEVINE explained the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE spoke on the amendment.
The question being the adoption of the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator GRAHAM proposed the following amendment (SMIN-62.MW0032S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 8, by striking Section 59-8-145(G) and inserting:
(H)(G) The department shall maintain a record of the number of applications received annually for the program, the number of students accepted into the program each fiscal year, and the number of students not accepted or was denied into the program each fiscal year with a corresponding explanation as to why the student was not accepted or was denied into the program. The department shall compile this information and provide a report on the previous fiscal year to the General Assembly by December thirty-first of each year. The report must include the demographic and socio-economic data and the geographical distribution of the applicants. In reporting the information required by this subitem, the department shall protect and may not display any personally identifiable information of applicants, their families, or legal guardians.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GRAHAM explained the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE spoke on the amendment.
The question being the adoption of the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Verdin Young
Allen Devine Graham Hutto Jackson Matthews Ott Sabb Sutton Tedder Walker Williams
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (SMIN-62.MW0036S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-8-110(13) and inserting:
(13) "Trustee" means the individual or entity appointed by the State Superintendent of Education pursuant to Section 59-8-120(A)(2). This individual may not have a direct financial interest in the business of any entity receiving funds disbursed from the Education Scholarship Trust Fund.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator OTT explained the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE spoke on the amendment.
The question being the adoption of the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Bennett Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Nutt Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Verdin Young
Allen Campsen Devine Graham Jackson Massey Matthews Sabb Sutton Tedder Walker Williams
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (SMIN-62.MW0037S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 12, by striking Section 59-8-165 and inserting:
Section 59-8-165. The provisions of the chapter do not restrict a school district's ability to enact or enforce a district's student transfer policy. The department shall develop model guidelines for interdistrict transfers to assist local boards of trustees in establishing an interdistrict enrollment policy. The model guidelines shall serve as the minimum standard, ensuring a baseline of expectations for all districts. Each local policy shall be based on an evaluation of available data reflecting student, school, district, and community needs to ensure access and efficient resource allocation. The policy must include and describe the application requirements, timelines, communication plans, capacity standards, approval and denial criteria, priorities of acceptance, and transportation. Capacity standards are required to be based on objective measures such as facility constraints, staffing levels, and class size limits. A school district may, but is not required to, expand capacity at a school or in a program to accommodate increased demand for interdistrict transfers. Each district shall review and publicly post available capacity for interdistrict student transfers on its website and update this information at least annually. School districts are not required to provide transportation but must disclose their transportation policy. Districts may establish cost-sharing agreements for interdistrict students who require transportation. All school districts must have an interdistrict policy in place within one hundred twenty days of the publication of the model guidelines by the department. Any school district with an existing interdistrict policy must review and ensure compliance with this section within sixty days of its enactment. The department shall review all local interdistrict transfer policies to ensure alignment with the model guidelines. If a district fails to meet minimum standards, the department may withhold administrative funding until the district demonstrates full compliance. The provisions of this chapter do not restrict a school district's ability to enact or enforce an intradistrict student transfer policy. Districts shall approve interdistrict transfers for scholarship students.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator OTT explained the amendment.
Senator HEMBREE spoke on the amendment.
The question being the adoption of the amendment
Senator HEMBREE moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Verdin Young
Allen Devine Graham Jackson Matthews Ott Sabb Sutton Tedder Walker Williams
The amendment was laid on the table.
On motion of Senator OTT, with unanimous consent, all remaining amendments were withdrawn.
The Bill was ordered returned to the House of Representatives with amendments.
S. 156 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin, Garrett, Stubbs, Adams, Bennett, Kimbrell, Young, Turner, Peeler and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION, AND TO PROHIBIT AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO A LIST OF EXCEPTIONS FOR FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO ADD FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE.
The House returned the Bill with amendments, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.
Senator HEMBREE explained the amendments.
The question then was concurrence in the House amendments.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Tedder
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.
S. 164 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-120, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR REGULATIONS, SO AS TO TOLL THE PERIOD OF LEGISLATIVE REVIEW FROM THE SECOND FRIDAY IN MAY THROUGH THE SECOND MONDAY IN JANUARY; AND TO ADD A PROVISION REVISING THE PERIOD OF LEGISLATIVE REVIEW FOR REGULATIONS FILED ON JANUARY 14, 2025, TO ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN DAYS.
The House returned the Bill with amendments, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.
Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendments.
The question then was concurrence in the House amendments.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Massey Matthews Nutt Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE CONTESTED STATEWIDE AND LOCAL CALENDAR.
H. 3862 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, G.M. Smith, Gilliam, Mitchell and M.M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-50, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PREFERENCES, SO AS TO REVISE CRITERIA FOR ADMISSIONS PREFERENCES, AND TO ADD PROVISIONS CONCERNING STUDENTS WITH MULTIPLE ENROLLMENT PREFERENCES.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the Bill.
Senators MATTHEWS and CORBIN proposed the following amendment (SMIN-3862.MW0001S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-40-50(8)(c)(iii) and inserting:
(iii) dependents of active-duty members of the military residing or stationed in this State, limited to not more than twenty five percent of the school's total enrollment except for schools meeting the provisions of subitem(f). Dependents of active-duty military members are subject to the enrollment provisions of Section 59-63-33.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MATTHEWS explained the amendment.
Senator YOUNG spoke on the amendment.
The question being the adoption of the amendment.
Senator YOUNG moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Climer Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Garrett Goldfinch Hembree Jackson Johnson Leber Nutt Peeler Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Corbin Devine Matthews Ott Tedder Walker
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator MATTHEWS spoke on the Bill.
Senator MASSEY proposed the following amendment (SR-3862.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-40-50(8)(c)(iii) and inserting:
(iii) dependents of active-duty members of the military residing or stationed in this State, limited to not more than twenty ten percent of the school's total enrollment except for schools meeting the provisions of subitem(f). Dependents of active-duty military members are subject to the enrollment provisions of Section 59-63-33.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MASSEY explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Garrett Goldfinch Hembree Jackson Johnson Kennedy Leber Massey Matthews Nutt Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
Reappointment, Darlington County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Craig L. LaCross, 115 Camp Road, Darlington, SC 29532-6220
Initial Appointment, Spartanburg County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Kevin G. Bobo, 613 Pleasant Point, Spartanburg, SC 29301 VICE James E. Crook (resigned).
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
On motion of Senator RANKIN, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. William Timmons "Tim" Johnson, Jr. of Conway, S.C. Tim was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Conway and the Angler Sunday School class. He was a member of the Conway 65 Masonic Lodge. Tim joined the United States Navy in 1947 and served on the USS Stockham and the USS March destroyers during the Korean War. He received the Quilt of Valor in 2018. Tim received his undergraduate degree in business from the University of South Carolina and his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Tim practiced law in Conway from 1962 until retirement in 2021. He served on the Board of Trustees of Conway Hospital, the Board of Anchor Bank, was legal counsel for Horry Electric Cooperative from 1996 - 2018 and served as legal counsel for Bucksport Water System from 1968 - 2021. Tim was inducted into the Conway High School Educational Foundation Hall of Fame as an outstanding alumni. Tim was a loving father and devoted grandfather who will be dearly missed.
On motion of Senator STUBBS, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Harold Ronald "Ron" Wyatt of Chester, S.C. Ron was a graduate of Chester High School, attended Free Will Baptist Bible College and served in the United States Army from 1965-1972. At the age of 73, Ron went back to college and earned a bachelor's and master's degree and completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary. Ron is a member of First Baptist Church in Chester where he enjoyed singing in the choir, working in the kitchen, teaching Sunday School and serving as a deacon. Ron enjoyed traveling with his family and meeting friends for coffee. He served as a Mason, Knight Templar and a Shriner. Ron founded the Apostles Quartet and enjoyed sharing the Gospel as he traveled. Ron began selling insurance in 1966 and began his career with Nationwide Insurance in 1974 where he worked until the age of 82 years old. Ron was a loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather who will be dearly missed.
At 6:40 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 1:00 P.M.
This web page was last updated on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 9:02 A.M.