NO. 14
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.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:
Isaiah 40:1
The prophet Isaiah declares to us: "Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God."
Let us pray: Dear Lord, how fervently do we all long for a sense of comfort, for a clear measure of security, for a renewed feeling of well-being. Quite sadly, a mood just the opposite of that seems to be affecting people from coast to coast these days, even all around the globe: a mood of insecurity and unsettledness that seemingly won't go away. Consequently, O Lord, we bow before You today asking that You will touch the heart of each one of these leaders. May they consequently, by Your grace, speak words of hope to us, words which in turn can lead ultimately to that new sense of wellbeing for which everyone seems so desperate. In addition, dear God, be with and protect each of our women and men in uniform as they also continue serving the causes of freedom and hope. In Your loving name do we boldly pray, O Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
Senator PEELER moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Cash Chaplin Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
Senator RANKIN recorded his presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.
The following appointment was transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Commission on Consumer Affairs, with the term to commence September 1, 2024, and to expire September 1, 2028
At-Large:
Amy Shapley-Farrell, 107 Graylock Court, Columbia, S.C. 29212 VICE Carole C. Wells
Referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
Senator CROMER introduced Dr. March Seabrook of Lexington, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
Senator YOUNG rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 695 (Word version) Sen. Walker
S. 717 (Word version) Sens. Sabb and Verdin
S. 881 (Word version) Sen. Young
H. 4920 (Word version) -- Rep. Caskey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF PLATT SPRINGS ROAD IN THE TOWN OF SPRINGDALE IN LEXINGTON COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH RAINBOW DRIVE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH WATTLING ROAD "MAYOR PAT G. SMITH MEMORIAL ROAD" 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. 4923 (Word version) -- Rep. Caskey: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF 12TH STREET FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH KNOX ABBOTT DRIVE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH JARVIS KLAPMAN BOULEVARD IN THE CITY OF WEST COLUMBIA IN LEXINGTON COUNTY "GUS MANOS MEMORIAL STREET" 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.
The following were introduced:
S. 896 (Word version) -- Senators Leber and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "CHATBOT PROTECTION ACT"; AND BY ADDING CHAPTER 80 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN CHATBOT ACTIVITIES AND TO PROVIDE FOR CIVIL REMEDIES.
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Senator LEBER spoke on the Bill.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator LEBER, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 897 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-29-180, RELATING TO VACCINATION AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS OF SCHOOL PUPILS AND DAY CARE CENTER CHILDREN, SO AS TO REMOVE THE RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FOR THE MMR VACCINE FOR CHILDREN ATTENDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-110, RELATING TO EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE AN ELIGIBLE STUDENT AS ONE WHO HAS HAD A MMR VACCINE OR A MEDICAL EXEMPTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-41-20, RELATING TO CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR GRANTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT THAT AN ELIGIBLE CHILD HAS A MMR VACCINE OR MEDICAL EXEMPTION; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-600 SO AS TO MANDATE A PERSON MUST HAVE A MMR VACCINE TO ATTEND A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING.
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Senator MATTHEWS spoke on the Bill.
On motion of Senator SABB, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator MATTHEWS, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
H. 4760 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Oremus, G. M. Smith, Jordan, Crawford, Duncan, Erickson, Forrest, Gatch, Gilliam, Guest, Haddon, Hiott, Hixon, J. E. Johnson, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, McCravy, Martin, C. Mitchell, T. Moore, B. Newton, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Robbins, Sessions, Vaughan, Whitmire, Willis, Yow, Chumley, Edgerton, Taylor, Bowers, White and Burns: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 41, TITLE 44 SO AS TO CREATE CRIMES AND ASSOCIATED PENALTIES REGARDING THE USE OF ABORTION-INDUCING DRUGS, WITH EXCEPTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-250, RELATING TO SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, SO AS TO ADD MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-370, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSES AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO CREATE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OF MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL, WITH EXCEPTIONS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
H. 5108 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE FORTY-SEVEN TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS NAMED TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2026 ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM BY THE PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SCHOLARLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:
S. 453 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO TITLE 40, CHAPTER 15, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE PRACTICE OF TELEDENTISTRY IN THIS STATE, TO OUTLINE UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS RELATED TO TELEDENTISTRY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 717 (Word version) -- Senators Garrett, Sabb and Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "MOTHERS AND PREBORNS ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 44-37-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF THE HEALTHY NEWBORN OMBUDSMAN IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE OMBUDSMAN; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-340, RELATING TO THE PUBLICATION OF MATERIALS REGARDING AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE CONCERNING PREGNANCY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BROCHURE OR OTHER WRITTEN MATERIALS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 44-37-80 ARE INCLUDED IN THE MATERIALS PROVIDED TO A PREGNANT WOMAN PRIOR TO AN ABORTION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator CAMPSEN from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry submitted a favorable report on:
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 Highway Graham Road, Kingstree, S.C. 29556
Received as information.
Senator MARTIN from the Committee on Corrections and Penology submitted a favorable report on:
Initial Appointment, Director of Department of Corrections, with term coterminous with Governor
Joel E. Anderson, 4444 Broad River Road, Columbia, S.C. 29210 VICE Bryan P. Stirling
Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
S. 26 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-107 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT OWNERS OF WATERCRAFT OF MORE THAN SEVENTY HORSEPOWER MUST CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE OF AT LEAST FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS OF COVERAGE PER OCCURRENCE, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION OF FINES.
Senator TURNER objected to the consideration of the Bill.
S. 76 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Grooms, Young, Goldfinch, Sabb, Alexander, Kennedy, Cromer, Zell, Williams and Garrett: 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 BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 768 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler, Alexander, Kimbrell, Verdin, Massey, Hembree, Turner, Williams, Rice, Stubbs, Davis, Garrett and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-250, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO INCREASE THE EXEMPTION TO ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS AND TO REDUCE THE AGE ELIGIBILITY TO SIXTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-266, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-280, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-290, RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO GENERAL EXEMPTION FROM TAXES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 11-11-150, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FOR THE TRUST FUND FOR TAX RELIEF, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 12-37-245 RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.
On motion of Senator PEELER, the Bill was carried over.
H. 4216 (Word version) -- Reps. Bannister, Pope, G.M. Smith, B. Newton, Hiott, Murphy, Moss, Crawford, Bradley, Hager, M.M. Smith, Bustos, Landing, Lowe, Lawson, B.J. Cox, Jordan, Brittain, Forrest, Neese, Vaughan, Long, Montgomery, Davis, Sessions, C. Mitchell, Gatch, Herbkersman, Schuessler, Caskey, T. Moore, Hewitt, Erickson, Bowers, Gilliam, Teeple, Guest, Bailey, Guffey, Holman, Yow, Ballentine, Martin, Calhoon, Taylor, Hartnett, Robbins, Willis, B.L. Cox, Ligon, Brewer, Gagnon, Hartz, Hixon and Pedalino: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-510, RELATING TO INCOME TAX RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS, ESTATES, AND TRUSTS, SO AS TO REDUCE THE INCOME TAX RATE TO A FLAT 3.99 PERCENT AND TO SET FORTH STANDARDS FOR ADDITIONAL REDUCTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-50, RELATING TO INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTIONS SPECIFICALLY NOT ADOPTED BY THE STATE, SO AS TO NOT ADOPT THE FEDERAL STANDARD DEDUCTION AND ITEMIZED DEDUCTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1140, RELATING TO INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR A SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME ADJUSTED DEDUCTION (SCIAD); BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-4910, RELATING TO PERSONS REQUIRED TO FILE A TAX RETURN, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE TO THE CALCULATION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1720, RELATING TO ADJUSTMENTS TO THE TAXABLE INCOME OF NONRESIDENT INDIVIDUALS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE.
On motion of Senator PEELER, the Bill was carried over.
S. 832 (Word version) -- Senators Sutton, Graham, Goldfinch and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 53-1-20, RELATING TO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES EXEMPT FROM THE PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY PUBLIC SPORTS, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO CAMPUS EVENTS AND LAND USE APPROVAL, TO PROVIDE THAT NO COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY MAY PROHIBIT, RESTRICT, CONDITION, DELAY, OR REQUIRE LAND USE APPROVAL FOR EVENTS HELD ON THE CAMPUS OF A STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING BASED ON ZONING ORDINANCES OR LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS, AND TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF GENERALLY APPLICABLE SAFETY LAWS.
On motion of Senator SUTTON, the Bill was carried over.
S. 695 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Graham, Devine and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN VETERANS' BENEFITS ACT"; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 11, TITLE 25, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, SET GUIDELINES AND LIMITS FOR COMPENSATION, MEMORIALIZE TERMS, AND STATE PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Family and Veterans' Services proposed the following amendment (SR-695.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 25-11-820(D) and inserting:
(D) No person shall receive excessive or unreasonable fees as compensation for preparing, advising, presenting, or prosecuting a claim for any veterans' benefits matter. The factors articulated within Section 14.636 of Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and any successor regulations, that shall govern determinations of whether a fee is excessive or unreasonable. include:
(1) the extent and type of services the representative performed;
(2) the complexity of the case;
(3) the level of skill and competence required of the representative in giving the services;
(4) the amount of time that the representative spent on the case;
(5) the results that the representative achieved, including the amount of any benefits recovered;
(6) the level of review to which the claim was taken and the level of the review at which the representative was retained;
(7) rates charged by other representatives for similar services;
(8) whether, and to what extent, the payment of fees is contingent upon the results achieved; and
(9) if the representative was terminated, then the reasons for the termination and when the termination occurred in the claims process.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 25-11-830 and inserting:
Section 25-11-830. A person seeking to receive compensation for preparing, advising, presenting, or prosecuting a claim for any individual with a veterans' benefits matter shall, before rendering any services, memorialize all terms regarding the individual's payment of fees for services rendered in a written agreement, that includes: signed by both parties, that adheres to all criteria specified in Section 14.636 of Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations and any successor regulations.
(1) signatures of the claimant and the agent or attorney;
(2) specific details determining the amount of the fee and any costs that should be paid;
(3) identification of the veteran's name and date of birth, the claimant's name, and the VA file number; and
(4) if a third party pays the fee, then the third party's name and relationship to the claimant.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GAMBRELL explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator YOUNG proposed the following amendment (SR-695.QG0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 25-11-810, by adding a subsection to read:
(5) "Claimant" means the veteran or the surviving spouse, dependent children, dependent parents, fiduciary, or legal representative of the veteran who is applying for, or submitting a claim for, any benefit under this Article.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GAMBRELL 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 Blackmon Bright 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 Ott Peeler Rankin 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.
S. 718 (Word version) -- Senator Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 45-2-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH AN OPERATOR OF ANY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK MAY HAVE ANY TRANSIENT GUEST OF THE PARK REMOVED, AND TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR REMOVAL OF THE GUEST.
On motion of Senator GARRETT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 880 (Word version) -- Senators Massey and Rankin: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT IF A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUBMITS AN IRREVOCABLE RESIGNATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 8-1-145 ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1, 2026, THEN THE ELECTION TO FILL THE VACANCY SHALL BE CONDUCTED CONCURRENTLY WITH THE CANDIDACY FILING AND ELECTION SCHEDULE APPLICABLE TO THE 2026 ELECTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution.
Senator MASSEY explained the Resolution.
The question being the second reading of the Resolution.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright 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 Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Resolution was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, with unanimous consent, S. 880 was ordered to receive a third reading on Friday, February 6, 2026.
S. 881 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO WELCOME THE NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, THE HONORABLE DAN K. WILEY, AND TO INVITE HIM TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION IN THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 12:30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026.
The Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.
Senator MASSEY, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, moved under the provisions of Rule 32B to call S. 454 from the Contested Calendar.
The motion under Rule 32B was adopted.
At 12:06 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. 287 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Hutto, Grooms, Verdin, Davis, Turner, Gambrell, Hembree, Cromer, Kimbrell, Elliott, Zell, Ott, Garrett, Graham and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-95-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE REGULATIONS FOR THE SALE OF ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION; AND TO PROVIDE A TIMELINE FOR THE REQUIRED DEALER CERTIFICATION, DIRECTORY PUBLICATION, AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS.
The House returned the Bill with amendments, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.
Senator LEBER spoke on the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Bright Fernandez Leber Matthews Sutton Tedder
On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, 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 THE SPECIAL ORDERS.
S. 52 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Cash, Gambrell, Grooms, Jackson, Devine, Climer, Johnson, Adams, Turner, Kimbrell, Sutton, Blackmon, Williams, Alexander, Verdin, Garrett, Zell and Walker: 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)
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.
On motion of Senator JOHNSON, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up a further amendment on third reading.
Senator JOHNSON proposed the following amendment (SJ-52.SW0022S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 29, by striking SECTION 29 and inserting:
SECTION 29. This act takes effect one year after upon approval by the Governor, except for SECTIONS 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, and 17, which take effect on December 31, 2026.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator JOHNSON explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question then was third reading of the Bill.
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House of Representatives with amendments.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE CONTESTED STATEWIDE AND LOCAL CALENDAR.
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.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill.
Senator HEMBREE explained the Bill.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up amendments on third reading.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Bill was carried over.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
At 12:40 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1 for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.
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