NO. 2
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 1:00 P.M., 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 4:10
We read in Exodus that: "Moses said to the Lord, 'O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.' "
Friends, let us pray: Holy God, we come today to this Senate Chamber finding ourselves filled with questions about whether we, like Moses, can possibly speak meaningfully, much less eloquently. How might we as members of this Senate ever convince colleagues of the virtues of our viewpoint, of the worth of our ideas? But of course, the simple reality is that merely "saying" words can never be a true measure of our caring, of our sincerity, of that which really matters. After all, what always matters most, gracious Lord, is that we Senators and aides ultimately follow Your way, and that we hold fast to Your truth. For only by doing so might we as leaders ever truly bring about the very best for the people of this State we love. Grant us all the gift to be able to do just that, O Lord. We so pray in Your loving name. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
Senator MARTIN moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Johnson Kennedy Leber Martin Massey Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Reappointment, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, with the term to commence January 1, 2026, and to expire January 1, 2030
At-Large, Chair:
Peter M. McCoy, Jr., 451 Wampler Dr., Charleston, SC 29412-9152
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Reappointment, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, with the term to commence January 1, 2027, and to expire January 1, 2031
7th Congressional District:
Hugh L. Wilcox, Jr., Esquire, P. O. Box 1909, Florence, SC 29503
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Initial Appointment, Department of Children's Advocacy, with the term to commence July 1, 2025, and to expire July 1, 2031
State Child Advocate:
Margaret Fent Bodman, Esquire, 603 Allens Way, Columbia, SC 29205 VICE Ms. Amanda F. Whittle
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Reappointment, Department of Transportation Commission, with the term to commence February 15, 2026, and to expire February 15, 2030
At-Large:
James Britt Blackwell, 2020 Cavendale Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29732-2341
Referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Reappointment, Department of Transportation Commission, with the term to commence February 15, 2026, and to expire February 15, 2030
2nd Congressional District:
William B. Dukes, 523 Carol Lane, Chapin, SC 29036
Referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Reappointment, Department of Transportation Commission, with the term to commence February 15, 2026, and to expire February 15, 2030
4th Congressional District:
Maxson K. Metcalf, 1128 Edwards Road, Greenville, SC 29615-1638
Referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Initial Appointment, Department of Transportation Commission, with the term to commence February 15, 2022, and to expire February 15, 2026
6th Congressional District:
L. Martin Sauls IV, 878 Broadview Dr., Ridgeland, SC 29936 VICE John Barnwell Fishbourne (resigned)
Referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Reappointment, Department of Transportation Commission, with the term to commence February 15, 2026, and to expire February 15, 2030
6th Congressional District:
L. Martin Sauls IV, 878 Broadview Dr., Ridgeland, SC 29936
Referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Initial Appointment, Director of Department of Corrections, with term coterminous with Governor
Joel E. Anderson, 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 VICE Mr. Bryan P. Stirling
Referred to the Committee on Corrections and Penology.
Initial Appointment, Jobs Economic Development Authority, with the term to commence July 27, 2024, and to expire July 27, 2027
1st Congressional District:
Mark Stacy, 2788 Gaston Gate, Mount Pleasant , SC 29466 VICE Mr. Henry B. Fishburne (resigned)
Referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Initial Appointment, Juvenile Parole Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2023, and to expire June 30, 2027
At-Large:
Marc P. Embler, Ed.D, 13 Eliza Court, Charleston, SC 29407 VICE Kenneth D. McKellar (deceased)
Referred to the Committee on Corrections and Penology.
Initial Appointment, Solicitor, with term to expire upon a General Election
13th Judicial Circuit:
Cynthia S. Crick, Esquire, 416 E. North Street, Second Floor, Greenville, SC 29601 VICE W. Walter Wilkins III, Esquire (resigned)
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Commission on Archives and History, with term coterminous with Governor
At-Large:
Elisabeth K. McNiel, 937 East Main Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 VICE Mr. William L. Kinney, Jr. (deceased)
Referred to the Committee on Education.
Reappointment, South Carolina Commission on Consumer Affairs, with the term to commence August 30, 2025, and to expire August 30, 2029
At-Large:
David R. Campbell, 1425 Medway Road, Columbia, SC 29205
Referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
Reappointment, South Carolina Forestry Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2030
At-Large:
Amy L. McFadden, 1181 Interstate Hwy Graham Road, Kingstree, SC 29556
Referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2030
4th Congressional District:
Jane W. Daniel, 107 East Shallowstone Road, Greer, SC 29650
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2028
3rd Congressional District:
George E. Jones, Jr., 107 Walnut Street, Greenwood, SC 29646-0205
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2028
5th Congressional District:
Mary D. Long, 508 Indigo Court, Camden, SC 29020
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2029
2nd Congressional District:
Cheryl Azouri Long, 219 Healing Springs Road, Blackville, SC 29817 VICE Mrs. Margaret Jo B. Hecker
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2029
6th Congressional District:
Andrea B. McCoy, 334 Teague Park Court, Columbia, SC 29209
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2022, and to expire June 30, 2026
7th Congressional District:
Felicia B. Miles, Ph.D., 628 Oxbow Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 VICE Mr. Vernon Lee McCurry
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2030
7th Congressional District:
Felicia B. Miles, Ph.D., 628 Oxbow Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Reappointment, South Carolina State Housing Finance, and Development Authority, with the term to commence August 15, 2026, and to expire August 15, 2030
At-Large:
Matthew R. Zackon, 4897 Datura Rd., Columbia, SC 29205
Referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2027
3rd Congressional District:
Martha H. Murtiashaw, Ph.D., 101 West Wesley Street, Walhalla, SC 29691 VICE Mrs. Ashley P. Case
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2027
7th Congressional District:
Christine A. Ruth, 754 Bucklin Loop, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 VICE Ms. Harold Jean Brown
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Reappointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2032
At-Large:
Thomas Scott Beck, 1252 Gold Nugget Point, Prosperity, SC 29127
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Reappointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2028
Chairman:
Thomas Scott Beck, 1252 Gold Nugget Point, Prosperity, SC 29127
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Reappointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2032
At-Large:
John Gabriel Coggiola, Esquire, 3314 Heyward Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Reappointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2032
At-Large:
Aisha K. Taylor, 156 Seaton Ridge Drive, Blythewood, SC 29016
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Initial Appointment, Kershaw County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Kershaw County:
Steven John Knafelc, 3 Glen Drive, Lugoff, SC 29078 VICE Mr. Roderick Todd (resigned)
Reappointment, Lee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2022, and to expire April 30, 2026
Lee County:
Windi King, 414 Marsh Street, Bishopville, SC 29010-1924
Reappointment, Lee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 12, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Lee County:
Windi King, 414 Marsh Street, Bishopville, SC 29010-1924
January 14, 2026
Mr. President and Members of the Senate:
I am transmitting herewith notice of my intent to withdraw my nomination of Mr. Willie L. Todd for appointment to the State Commission for Minority Affairs.
Respectfully,
Henry Dargan McMaster
On motion of Senator Rankin, the Senate acceded to the Governor's request and the Clerk was directed to return the appointment to the Governor.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Commission for Minority Affairs, with the term to commence June 30, 2023, and to expire June 30, 2027
6th Congressional District:
Willie Todd, Jr., Denmark Technical College Office of the President, P.O. Box 327, Denmark, SC 29042-0327 VICE Juwan Ayers
January 14, 2026
Mr. President and Members of the Senate:
I am transmitting herewith notice of my intent to withdraw my nomination of Mr. Daniel M. Ervin for appointment as Chairman of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.
Respectfully,
Henry Dargan McMaster
On motion of Senator Grooms, the Senate acceded to the Governor's request and the Clerk was directed to return the appointment to the Governor.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, with term coterminous with Governor
At-Large/Chairman:
Daniel Ervin, Jr., 617 Rosewood Dr., Florence, SC 29501 VICE Delphin A. Gantt, Jr.
Senator MARTIN introduced Dr. Jeff Cashman of Spartanburg, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
On motion of Senator STUBBS, at 1:05 P.M., Senator PEELER was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator CORBIN, at 1:05 P.M., Senator KIMBRELL was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator DEVINE, at 1:05 P.M., Senator WALKER was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator TEDDER, at 1:08 P.M., Senator MATTHEWS was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator SABB, at 2:41 P.M., Senator ALLEN was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator DEVINE, at 2:41 P.M., Senator JACKSON was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator GAMBRELL, at 2:41 P.M., Senator GOLDFINCH was granted a leave of absence for today.
Senator ADAMS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Senator HEMBREE rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 256 (Word version) Sen. Devine
S. 288 (Word version) Sens. Davis, Grooms and Young
S. 330 (Word version) Sen. Verdin
S. 650 (Word version) Sen. Bright
S. 733 (Word version) Sens. Leber, Bright, Fernandez, Rice, Cash, Garrett and Blackmon
S. 768 (Word version) Sen. Williams
The following were introduced:
S. 804 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF JUDGE ITTRISS JENKINS AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 805 (Word version) -- Senator Bennett: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE PINEWOOD PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A TRULY REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
S. 806 (Word version) -- Senator Chaplin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-4140, RELATING TO GROSS WEIGHT OF VEHICLES, COMBINATIONS OF VEHICLES, AND LOADS, SO AS TO LIMIT THE GROSS WEIGHT OF FARM TRUCKS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 807 (Word version) -- Senator Chaplin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-317 SO AS TO DEFINE "DOE" OR "DOES", AND TO ESTABLISH A DOE SEASON FROM JANUARY SECOND THROUGH JANUARY THIRTY-FIRST; BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-42 SO AS TO REQUIRE LICENSES FOR HUNTING DOES DURING DOE SEASON; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 50-9-650, RELATING TO DEER HUNTING, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ANTLERLESS DEER TAGS A PERSON MAY PURCHASE, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRODUCE LITERATURE ENCOURAGING HUNTERS TO TAKE ANTLERLESS DEER .
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
S. 808 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-7-10, RELATING TO ILLEGAL ACTS DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THAT HARASSING OR THREATENING A WORKER RESTORING CRITICAL SERVICES IS A MISDEMEANOR, AND THAT ASSAULTING OR ENDANGERING A WORKER RESTORING OR DESTROYING OR TAMPERING WITH AN ELECTRIC UTILITY SYSTEM IS A FELONY, AND TO DEFINE CRITICAL SERVICES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 809 (Word version) -- Senator Corbin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 2 TO TITLE 63, SO AS TO REQUIRE YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS TO REQUIRE ALL COACHES TO UNDERGO A BACKGROUND CHECK.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
S. 810 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-4140, RELATING TO GROSS WEIGHT OF VEHICLES, COMBINATIONS OF VEHICLES, AND LOADS SO AS TO LIMIT THE GROSS WEIGHT OF FARM TRUCKS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 811 (Word version) -- Senators Zell, Stubbs and Davis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-25-425 SO AS TO LIMIT TEACHER DUTIES UNDER SCHOOL DISTRICT SALARY SCHEDULES TO CLASSROOM AND CERTAIN RELATED DUTIES, TO PROHIBIT THE ASSIGNMENT OF EXTRACURRICULAR DUTIES WITHOUT CONSENT AND EXTRA COMPENSATION AS STATED IN THE TEACHING CONTRACT, TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DEVELOP RELATED PLANS FOR IMPLEMENTING THESE PROVISIONS, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND TO MAKE THESE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE BEGINNING WITH TEACHING CONTRACTS ISSUED FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 812 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-970, RELATING TO THE TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNAL LEGEND, SO AS TO REQUIRE A PERSON RIDING A BICYCLE TO STOP FULLY AT A RED LIGHT BUT TO ALLOW THE PERSON TO PROCEED WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO; AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3530 SO AS TO ALLOW A PERSON RIDING A BICYCLE TO YIELD AT STOP SIGNS WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 813 (Word version) -- Senators Bennett, Peeler, Jackson, Rankin, Grooms, Sabb, Williams and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 8-13-1302, RELATING TO RECORDS OF CONTRIBUTIONS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND EXPENDITURES, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE EMPLOYER OF PERSONS MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 8-13-1308, RELATING TO CERTIFIED CAMPAIGN REPORTS BY CANDIDATES AND COMMITTEES, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OCCUPATION AND EMPLOYER OF PERSONS MAKING A CONTRIBUTION OF MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS; BY AMENDING SECTION 8-13-1309, RELATING TO CERTIFIED CAMPAIGN REPORTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OCCUPATION AND EMPLOYER OF PERSONS MAKING A CONTRIBUTION OF MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS; BY AMENDING SECTION 8-13-1314, RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OCCUPATION AND EMPLOYER OF INDIVIDUALS PROVIDING CERTAIN CASH CONTRIBUTIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 8-13-1360, RELATING TO CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE REPORTING FORMS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OCCUPATION AND EMPLOYER OF CONTRIBUTORS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 814 (Word version) -- Senator Bennett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 54-3-10, RELATING TO THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP, SO AS TO ADD THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION AS AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER AND TO PERMIT EX OFFICIO MEMBERS TO ATTEND EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 54-3-20, RELATING TO THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP, SO AS TO EXCLUDE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION FROM APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR; BY AMENDING SECTION 54-3-60, RELATING TO THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO EXCLUDE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-31-20, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SO AS TO ADD THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENT COMMISSION AS AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 815 (Word version) -- Senators Bennett and Verdin: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AMEND SECTIONS 1 AND 2 OF ARTICLE X, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, BOTH RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY DETERMINE BY LAW THE CLASSIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT RATIOS OF SUCH PROPERTY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 816 (Word version) -- Senator Devine: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO IN RECOGNITION OF THE DISTRICT'S CENTURY OF DEDICATION TO EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, AND EXCELLENCE, AND TO PROCLAIM JANUARY 29, 2026, AS "RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 52 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Cash, Gambrell, Grooms, Jackson, Devine, Climer, Johnson, Adams, Turner, Kimbrell, Sutton and Blackmon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-2930, RELATING TO OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLES WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. (Abbreviated title)
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
S. 76 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Grooms, Young, Goldfinch, Sabb and Alexander: 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.
On motion of Senator CORBIN, with unanimous consent, the Bill was carried over.
S. 288 (Word version) -- Senators Johnson, Turner, Graham, Davis, Grooms and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-29-725 SO AS TO ALLOW FOR THE TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS BETWEEN DIFFERENT LANDOWNERS, TO PROVIDE FOR CONTENTS OF THE ORDINANCE NECESSARY TO REGULATE THE TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS, AND TO ALLOW TWO OR MORE LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES TO JOIN ONE ANOTHER IN SETTING UP A TRANSFER OF RIGHTS PROGRAM.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.
Senator JOHNSON explained the Bill.
Senator MARTIN objected to further consideration of the Bill.
S. 572 (Word version) -- Banking and Insurance Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, RELATING TO MONEY SERVICES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5363, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator CROMER, the Resolution was recommitted to Committee on Banking and Insurance.
S. 573 (Word version) -- Banking and Insurance Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, RELATING TO INSURANCE HOLDING COMPANY SYSTEMS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5320, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator CROMER, the Resolution was recommitted to Committee on Banking and Insurance.
S. 576 (Word version) -- Banking and Insurance Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, RELATING TO SECURITIES EXEMPTIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5365, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator CROMER, the Resolution was recommitted to Committee on Banking and Insurance.
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.
On motion of Senator CORBIN, with unanimous consent, the Bill was carried over.
S. 595 (Word version) -- Family and Veterans' Services Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF ADOPTION INVESTIGATORS AND PERSONS OBTAINING CONSENTS OR RELINQUISHMENTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5303, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator YOUNG, the Resolution was recommitted to Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
S. 596 (Word version) -- Family and Veterans' Services Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, RELATING TO SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FOR ADOPTION AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5315, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator YOUNG, the Resolution was recommitted to Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
S. 597 (Word version) -- Family and Veterans' Services Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, RELATING TO CHILD PLACING AGENCIES REGULATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5308, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator YOUNG, the Resolution was recommitted to Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
S. 598 (Word version) -- Family and Veterans' Services Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, RELATING TO APPROVAL OF KINSHIP FAMILY FOSTER HOMES AND KINSHIP ADOPTIVE HOMES FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5296, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator YOUNG, the Resolution was recommitted to Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
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 A LICENSE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE AND MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.
Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Johnson Kennedy Leber Martin Massey Ott Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 256 (Word version) -- Senators Davis and Devine: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY AND RESILIENCE ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 39 TO TITLE 6 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, CREATE AND ESTABLISH THE PROGRAM, PROVIDE FOR APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION, ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR ASSESSING AND COLLECTING LIENS, PROVIDE FINANCING, AND TO DEVELOP STANDARDS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.
Senator DAVIS explained the Bill.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, with unanimous consent, 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.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution.
Senator SUTTON spoke on the Resolution.
Senator BRIGHT spoke on the Resolution.
Senators BRIGHT, CORBIN and FERNANDEZ desired to be recorded as voting against the adoption of the Resolution.
The Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
Initial Appointment, Kershaw County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Kershaw County:
Steven John Knafelc, 3 Glen Drive, Lugoff, SC 29078 VICE Mr. Roderick Todd (resigned)
Reappointment, Lee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2022, and to expire April 30, 2026
Lee County:
Windi King, 414 Marsh Street, Bishopville, SC 29010-1924
Reappointment, Lee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 12, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Lee County:
Windi King, 414 Marsh Street, Bishopville, SC 29010-1924
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Tommy Bartlett Edwards of Central, S.C. Tommy attended Presbyterian College on a football scholarship and served as student body president his senior year. He worked as a logistics officer in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. A nearly fifty-year legal career included volunteer work in Montana, work in Ronan, serving in the Attorney General's Office, practicing law in Walhalla, working in the Oconee County Solicitor's Office and being elected as a Family Court Judge for the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Tommy was a member of the Walhalla Lions Club, a devoted supporter of T.L. Hanna football where he was a commentator for the programs radio broadcasts, an avid fly fisherman and a member of Central Presbyterian Church. Tommy was a loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather who will be dearly missed.
On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of the Honorable Ittriss Jermain Jenkins of Charleston, S.C. Ittriss graduated from North Carolina A&T State University and received his master's degree in political science from Clark Atlanta University and earned his law degree from Texas Southern University. Ittriss owned his own law practice where he specialized in estate planning, asset protection, guardianship/conservatorship and probate administration. He served as a magistrate judge from May 2015 until the time of his passing. Ittriss was a loving husband and devoted father who will be dearly missed.
On motion of Senator CROMER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mrs. Martha Hill McLure of Irmo, S.C. Martha grew up in Union County and was the daughter of Hope and Frank O. Hill. She was a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she also worked for several years. Martha was a loving wife, devoted mother and doting grandmother who will be dearly missed.
At 3:18 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.
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