NO. 25
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 12:15 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:
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Jeremiah prophesied: "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream."
Join me as we bow in prayer: Indeed, dear Lord, how marvelous are Your gifts to us, how incredible are Your blessings, how endless is Your care. We thank You for each of these Senators and for every staff member. Their own levels of trust in You and the guidance You grant them strengthens this Senate in marvelous ways. The result is clearly found in the reality that South Carolina continues to flourish and thrive. Consequently, we are ever grateful for each one of these leaders, and for the hard work and dedication they bring to their roles. Also, dear Lord, during these perilous days we find ourselves living through world-wide, we ask you to protect all of our women and men in uniform serving here at home as well as around the globe. Grant them, grant all of us, Your ongoing love and care. In Your hopeful name we pray, O Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, with unanimous consent, the Senate agreed that the Senate would reconvene one hour after the conclusion of the Joint Assembly.
The PRESIDENT appointed Senators CASH, BLACKMON, GRAHAM, KENNEDY, WALKER and ZELL and Representatives Gilliam, Holman, Ford, McCabe, Williams and Hosey to escort the Honorable Dan K. Wiley, National Commander of The American Legion, and members of his party to the House of Representatives for the Joint Assembly.
At 12:18 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate receded from business for the purpose of attending the Joint Assembly.
The PRESIDENT of the Senate announced that it had convened under the terms of a Concurrent Resolution adopted by both Houses, S. 881.
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 Honorable Dan K. Wiley and members of his party were escorted to the rostrum by Senators CASH, BLACKMON, GRAHAM, KENNEDY, WALKER and ZELL and Representatives Gilliam, Holman, Ford, McCabe, Williams and Hosey.
The PRESIDENT of the Senate introduced the Honorable Dan K. Wiley, National Commander of The American Legion.
Ladies, gentlemen, distinguished members of this great Body -- it is truly an honor to speak to you today in the historic capitol of what has become America's fastest growing State.
Before I begin, please allow me a moment to introduce members of The American Legion family who are with me today. We have with us the Commander of the South Carolina American Legion, Jim Rabon of Camden, National Executive Committeeman for the Department of South Carolina, Jim Hawk of Irmo, Cecil Phillips, Alternate NEC from Rock Hill, The American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Carolina President Beth Bryant of Greer, SC and the Sons of the American Legion South Carolina Detachment Commander Tom Cruise of Little River, South Carolina.
Ladies and gentlemen, South Carolina has a reputation as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country. Now, I have heard other states make that same claim, but I definitely believe that you have a compelling case. There is a good reason more than 380,000 veterans choose to live across your forty-six counties. It's a culture -- one that you all have helped create. You exempt military pensions, Guard and Reserve drill pay and combat income from your state taxes. You offer significant property tax relief to disabled veterans and award veterans preference in state employment. You never forget the sacrifice of our veterans, as you fund six state-of-the-art nursing homes, including your newest -- Patriot Village -- which I had the honor of touring yesterday. South Carolina has always honored the service of veterans, regardless of whether they are a teenager training today at Fort Jackson or a soldier who served long before any of us were born.
Just last month you held a ceremony at the Laurens County Council Chambers in honor of a 103-year-old life member of American Legion Post 25. Sergeant Paul O'Dell of the U.S. Army's 982nd Ordnance Depot Company supplied small arms and equipment while serving in England in preparation for the D-Day invasion eighty-two years ago. He would later serve in Paris after the Germans surrendered. As he was being awarded his well deserved French Legion of Honor in Laurens on January 27th, Sergeant O'Dell told the local Fox news station, "Now, I'm serving my Lord. I'm serving Him. I've been serving; we are to serve others. That's what it's all about." Service to others is what our military is all about. And while Tip O'Neil famously said, "All politics is local," the most effective service is what we find on the community level.
This legislature is to be commended for enabling the South Carolina Department of Veteran's Affairs to formally partner with your county VA offices in evaluating best practices and office operations. While I am proud of The American Legion's record and our influence on national legislation, I am also well aware that it is through our 12,000 local posts and 55 departments that we have our greatest impact.
As veterans mature -- that's what people my age like to say, we don't get old, "we mature,"... but as veterans mature and we see the impact of decades of deployments related to the Global War on Terrorism and other engagements -- as we see the harm caused by burn pits and other toxins -- as we see veterans taking their own lives at a rate that is 50 percent higher than nonveterans -- we understand that it requires sufficient resources to stop these tragic outcomes.
I know the South Carolina Senate is trying to address staffing issues in your county VA offices, and that at least twenty of these offices have two or less employees. To keep up with the demand, many county VA officers must travel great distances to other counties and areas outside their normal region. This can be costly and less effective. H. 3510 passed by this House during the last session, helps address this challenge. The American Legion welcomes any additional support that this Body can provide for these hardworking servants of the community.
This General Assembly has allowed for greater accountability of state veterans homes when you passed S. 218, which transferred these vital services to the South Carolina Department of Veteran's Affairs, an agency that was created by veterans for veterans. Another point of pride for the Palmetto State is your Military Enhancement Fund Grant Program. This program has provided millions of dollars in grants benefiting service members and veterans in Beaufort, Richland, Aiken, Berkeley, Charleston and Sumter counties.
You heard me mention veteran suicide. The VA estimates that the rate is 17 a day. I have seen studies saying it could be as high as 44. You know as legislators how important it is to have accurate data when finding solutions. Sometimes an intentional death, especially if it is from an overdose or traffic related, is hard to determine. Other times, a person's veteran background is unknown. We welcome measures that you are considering to improve coordination with your county coroners in collaboration with the veterans community to help identify and mitigate these tragedies.
I understand that this Assembly is also working to protect South Carolina's veterans from falling victim to unaccredited claims representatives. For many years, The American Legion has been working with Congress to ban the predatory practices of unqualified firms that charge outrageous fees to provide services that most VSOs provide for free. During Fiscal Year 2025, The American Legion accredited service officers were able to obtain more than $23 billion in benefits for veterans submitting claims or appeals. We did this without charging a penny to the veteran or their families, regardless of whether they were members of the Legion or not. We take no issue with veterans choosing to pay a private firm to manage an appeal if they wish, but VA accreditation and criminal penalties to bad actors are the best way to keep out malevolent sharks that do not represent the best interest of the veteran.
In closing, as America celebrates its 250th birthday this year, it is important that we remember our Nation's first veterans -- those who fought in our war for independence. South Carolina was the scene of over 200 Revolutionary War battles and engagements. Recording history and the education of future generations are the most tangible methods to keep the legacies of our long departed veterans alive. We salute this state's efforts to preserve key sites such as the battlefields of Cowpens, Camden, Kings Mountain and Fort Moultrie, just to name a few. You simply cannot celebrate a great Nation without remembering its greatest heroes and South Carolina has produced them in abundance.
Now, if you would allow me a moment to call to this platform two members of this distinguished Body who have proven that they are not only great lawmakers, but they are effective advocates for those who have served. They have been designated by The American Legion Department of South Carolina as the Outstanding Members of the Legislature for 2026. They are both veterans, champions for those in uniform and faithful friends of The American Legion. And yes, I am proud to call them Legionnaires.
Senator JEFF ZELL and Representative Cody Mitchell would you please join me?
Congratulations Senator ZELL and Representative Mitchell. We appreciate all that you do on behalf of veterans in this great State. Thank you so much, South Carolina Legislature. God Bless you and God Bless America.
Senator MARTIN moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Adams Alexander Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
Senators GAMBRELL and CASH introduced Dr. Kristopher Gross of Anderson, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, at 2:05 P.M., Senator KIMBRELL was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator DEVINE, at 4:48 P.M., Senator MATTHEWS was granted a leave of absence until 5:15 P.M.
On motion of Senator LEBER, at 4:51 P.M., Senator FERNANDEZ was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator SUTTON, at 4:51 P.M., Senator TEDDER was granted a leave of absence for today.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 42 (Word version) Sen. Garrett
S. 325 (Word version) Sens. Walker and Zell
S. 330 (Word version) Sens. Goldfinch and Rankin
S. 723 (Word version) Sen. Walker
S. 853 (Word version) Sen. Walker
S. 950 (Word version) Sen. Zell
The following were introduced:
S. 955 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF LAURA LORINE PATTERSON HUGGINS AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 956 (Word version) -- Senator Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-90, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES, SO AS TO EXCLUDE AMOUNTS PAID BY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE EMERGENCY SERVICES IP NETWORK.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 957 (Word version) -- Senators Gambrell and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 4-9-145, RELATING TO LITTER CONTROL OFFICERS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE LITTER CONTROL AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO REQUEST ACCESS TO A BLIGHTED PROPERTY, AND TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A SEARCH WARRANT WHEN SUCH ACCESS IS DENIED.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 958 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-400 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS RELATING TO THE STATE HEALTH FACILITY LICENSURE ACT; TO PROVIDE THAT PATIENT BEDS MAY BE USED IN HALLWAYS, CORRIDORS, AND OTHER MEANS OF EGRESS DURING A JUSTIFIED EMERGENCY UPON THE DISCRETION OF THE ON-SITE EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN; TO REQUIRE THAT HOSPITALS REMOVE ALL PATIENT BEDS IN HALLWAYS, CORRIDORS, AND MEANS OF EGRESS WHEN THERE IS NO JUSTIFIED EMERGENCY; AND TO PROVIDE THAT HOSPITALS MUST MAINTAIN A CLEAR PATHWAY IN HALLWAYS, CORRIDORS, AND MEANS OF EGRESS IN A JUSTIFIED EMERGENCY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER PATIENT BEDS ARE PRESENT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
S. 959 (Word version) -- Senator Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-150-385 SO AS TO CREATE THE TUITION GAP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENSURING THAT ELIGIBLE STUDENTS RECEIVING LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS, HOPE SCHOLARSHIPS, OR PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE THEIR REMAINING TUITION COSTS FULLY COVERED DURING ANY SEMESTER IN WHICH THEY RECEIVE SUCH SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
H. 3774 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson, Stavrinakis, Jordan, McCravy, C. Mitchell, Hart, Rivers and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 42-1-560, RELATING TO THE NOTICE REQUIREMENT FOR FILING A THIRD-PARTY ACTION IN A WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIM, SO AS TO MAKE THE FILING OF A NOTICE FORM PERMISSIVE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 4709 (Word version) -- Reps. Yow, C. Mitchell, M. M. Smith, Williams, Willis, Schuessler, Erickson, Bradley, Kirby, Brewer and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-5350 SO AS TO REQUIRE A PUBLIC ENTITY ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT FOR A PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT OR FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS FOR A PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT MUST INCLUDE IN THE CONTRACT A REQUIREMENT THAT ANY IRON OR STEEL PRODUCT PERMANENTLY INCORPORATED IN THE PROJECT BE PRODUCED IN THE UNITED STATES, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
H. 4730 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Erickson, Wooten, Ligon, Williams and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-11-360, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS OF SIGN AND BILLBOARD INSTALLATION, REPAIR, OR MAINTENANCE FROM CONTRACTOR LICENSURE, SO AS TO INCLUDE BILLBOARD STRUCTURES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 4752 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, McCabe, Edgerton, White and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-7-230, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AS A BARBER, SO AS TO REMOVE THE APPRENTICESHIP REQUIREMENT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 5140 (Word version) -- Reps. Ligon, Herbkersman, Kirby and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 26-1-100, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF NOTARIAL FEES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FEES TO TEN DOLLARS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
H. 5162 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Bernstein, Rivers, Weeks, Hardee, W. Newton, Brittain, Gatch, Montgomery, Lawson, J. E. Johnson, B. Newton, McCabe, Rankin, Brewer, Chumley, Gagnon, McGinnis, M. M. Smith, Williams, Ligon, Kirby, Anderson, Henderson-Myers, Govan, Oremus, Hartz and Wickensimer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 34-3-900 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO THE FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION OF ELIGIBLE ADULTS AND TO OUTLINE A PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING EMERGENCY CONTACTS FOR ELIGIBLE ADULTS TO PROTECT ELIGIBLE ADULTS FROM FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.
H. 5205 (Word version) -- Reps. McGinnis, Erickson, Grant, Spann-Wilder and Govan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 4 TO CHAPTER 101, TITLE 59 SO AS TO REQUIRE EACH PUBLIC COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN THIS STATE TO IMPLEMENT A SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ALL NEW STUDENTS, TO PROVIDE EXCLUSIONS FROM THE PROGRAMS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAMS, TO REQUIRE EACH INSTITUTION TO COMPILE AND ANNUALLY REPORT CERTAIN CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
H. 5229 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, Williams, Yow, Luck, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis and Wooten: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE BELIEF OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT NASCAR RACING IS AN INTEGRAL AND VITAL PART OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND ITS ECONOMY AND TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE DARLINGTON RACEWAY ON CONTINUING TO HOST TWO NASCAR RACE WEEKENDS THAT GENERATE SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACT TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS ONE OF OUR STATE'S MOST TREASURED ATTRACTIONS AND TO NAME THE WEEKS AROUND BOTH RACES, MARCH 15-22, 2026, AND THE TRADITIONAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND, AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2026, AS "DARLINGTON RACEWAY WEEK," TWO WEEKS TOO TOUGH TO TAME.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 5230 (Word version) -- Reps. Gagnon, McCravy, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, 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 WARE SHOALS HIGH SCHOOL OF GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 51 UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY; TO COMMEND THE SCHOOL ON ITS MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PAST CENTURY; AND TO WISH ITS STUDENTS, FACULTY, ADMINISTRATORS, AND ALUMNI WELL AS THEY CONTINUE TO HOLD HIGH THE FOUNDING STANDARDS OF WARE SHOALS HIGH SCHOOL.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
H. 5231 (Word version) -- Reps. Taylor, Clyburn, Hixon, Oremus, Hartz, Cobb-Hunter, Hosey, Govan, Ballentine, Calhoon, Caskey, Forrest, Kilmartin, Gibson, Lastinger, McCabe, White, Wooten and Bamberg: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE GARY L. STOOKSBURY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF AIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO EXPRESS PROFOUND GRATITUDE FOR HIS THIRTY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR A FULFILLING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
H. 5238 (Word version) -- Reps. Schuessler, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, 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 SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE ALL EFFORTS TO REDUCE WASTE GENERATION AND INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WASTE DIVERSION THROUGH RECYCLING INITIATIVES IN ORDER TO ADDRESS DECREASING DISPOSAL CAPACITY.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
The PRESIDENT ordered the following invitations placed on the Calendar:
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Members and Staff, Reception, Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, hosted by SOUTH CAROLINA REALTORS
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Members and Staff, Reception, 1208 Washington Place, hosted by CLEMSON UNIVERSITY / CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION / CLEMSON UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Members and Staff, Breakfast, 112 Blatt Building, hosted by AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CANCER ACTION NETWORK
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Members and Staff, Luncheon, State House Grounds, hosted by SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FIREFIGHTERS' ASSOCIATION
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Members and Staff, Reception, Steel Hands Distilling, 705 Gervais Street, Suite A, hosted by HCA HEALTHCARE
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Members and Staff, Reception, South Carolina Farm Bureau, 724 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, hosted by SOUTH CAROLINA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION "CELEBRATE THE HARVEST"
Thursday, March 5, 2026 - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Members, Breakfast, 112 Blatt Building, hosted by SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (SCEMA)
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Members, Staff, and Families, Reception, Founders Park, 431 Williams Street, hosted by BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF SOUTH CAROLINA MARY ELIZABETH MULLIKIN ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE SOFTBALL GAME
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Members and Staff, Breakfast, 112 Blatt Building, hosted by SOUTH CAROLINA'S COALITION FOR MATH AND SCIENCE
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Members and Staff, Luncheon, State House Grounds, hosted by SC MANUFACTURERS ALIANCE / SC TIRE MANUFACTURERS COUNCIL
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Members and Staff, Reception, The Palmetto Club, hosted by SANTEE COOPER
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Members and Staff, Reception, 1208 Washington Place, hosted by MUSC HEALTH
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Members and Staff, Breakfast, 112 Blatt Building, hosted by LEADERSHIP SOUTH CAROLINA
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Members and Staff, Reception, Burr & Forman, 1221 Main Street, Suite 1800, hosted by AIRBNB
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Members and Staff, Reception, 701 Whaley Street, hosted by SOUTH CAROLINA CONSERVATION COALITION "OYSTER ROAST"
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
S. 858 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-700, RELATING TO THE DIVISION FOR REVIEW OF THE FOSTER CARE OF CHILDREN'S BOARD, SO AS TO CHANGE THE STANDARDS FOR SERVING ON THE BOARD AND THE PROCEDURE FOR TERMS OF OFFICE; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN STANDARDS FOR LOCAL REVIEW BOARDS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-710, RELATING TO LOCAL BOARDS FOR REVIEW, SO AS TO GIVE THE DIRECTOR AUTHORIZATION TO APPOINT OR REMOVE A MEMBER OF A LOCAL BOARD; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-740, RELATING TO MEETINGS OF LOCAL BOARDS AND STAFFING, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO EACH LOCAL BOARD FOR MEETINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-760, RELATING TO IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-770, RELATING TO COOPERATION OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AGENCIES, SO AS TO INCLUDE ALL PUBLIC AGENCIES PROVIDING SERVICES TO CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Bill was carried over.
The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 420 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 6-5-10, RELATING TO AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS SO AS TO ALLOW A QUALIFIED RETIREE POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT TRUST MAINTAINED FOR THE BENEFIT OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION RETIREES TO INVEST IN CERTAIN CORPORATE DEBT ISSUED BY UNITED STATES CORPORATIONS.
S. 723 (Word version) -- Senators Blackmon, Climer, Kennedy, Reichenbach, Rice, Zell, Garrett and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR DEFINED; PRESUMPTIONS; DEFENSES; PENALTIES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO FIVE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR DEFINED; PRESUMPTIONS; DEFENSES; PENALTIES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO THREE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR DEFINED; PENALTIES; EXCEPTION, SO AS TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES BASED ON THE NUMBER OF IMAGES POSSESSED, INCLUDING A PENALTY OF UP TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE ONE TO TWENTY-FIVE IMAGES, ONE TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE TWENTY-SIX TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES, AND A PENALTY OF TWO TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES; AND TO ESTABLISH THAT A PERSON WHO IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER AND VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECTION, UPON CONVICTION, MUST SERVE A MINIMUM OF FIVE YEARS.
S. 853 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Hutto, Sutton, Graham, Turner, Stubbs, Matthews, Zell, Campsen, Kimbrell and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-120, RELATING TO THE ABANDONED BUILDINGS REVITALIZATION ACT DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE EXISTENCE OF AN INCOME-PRODUCING USE PRIOR TO THE PERIOD OF ABANDONMENT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR ELIGIBILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-130, RELATING TO APPLICABILITY, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-140, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR THE CREDIT, SO AS TO CLARIFY CERTAIN TIMING CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO THE FILING OF A NOTICE OF INTENT TO REHABILITATE AN ABANDONED BUILDING AND TO CLARIFY THAT ABANDONED BUILDING TAX CREDITS MAY NOT SERVE AS COLLATERAL FOR ANY DEBT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-160, RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF ABANDONED BUILDING SITES, SO AS TO REMOVE A REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN CERTIFICATIONS OF STATE-OWNED ABANDONED BUILDING SITES.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator BRIGHT moved under Rule 26B to take up a further amendment on third reading.
Senator BRIGHT explained the amendment.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Bright Cash Climer Corbin Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Campsen Chaplin Cromer Sabb
The Senate agreed to take up the amendment.
Senator BRIGHT proposed the following amendment (SR-853.KM0001S), which was withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 12-67-130 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
(C) This chapter does not apply to abandoned building sites or portions of abandoned building sites put into operation as a data center. For the purposes of this subsection, "data center" means a facility comprised of one or more buildings that houses computer systems and associated components, including telecommunications and data storage systems, and that has a combined connected electrical load of one megawatt or more.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator BRIGHT continued to speaking on the amendment.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, with unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, with unanimous consent, the Bill was carried over until the end of the Second Reading Calendar.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments.
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.
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 HUTTO, the Bill was carried over.
S. 325 (Word version) -- Senators Massey, Alexander, Walker and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-10, RELATING TO DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO ADD THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO THE DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT; BY ADDING SECTION 1-30-145 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF STATE GOVERNMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 37-6-103, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "ADMINISTRATOR," SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADMINISTRATOR IS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 37-6-104(6), 37-6-117(I), 37-6-501 THROUGH 510, 37-6-602, AND 37-6-604(B), ALL RELATING TO FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISSOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO BE REPLACED WITH AN ADMINISTRATOR AS THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator GAMBRELL explained the Bill.
Senator JACKSON spoke on the Bill.
Senator MASSEY spoke on 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 Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Jackson Johnson Kennedy Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Hutto
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 905 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO SHELLFISH PERMIT APPLICATIONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5439, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the Resolution was recommitted to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
S. 906 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA REGULATIONS; TURKEY HUNTING RULES AND SEASONS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5441, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the Resolution was recommitted to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
S. 907 (Word version) -- Fish, Game and Forestry Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTATION, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5440, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the Resolution was recommitted to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
H. 3974 (Word version) -- Reps. Calhoon, Bernstein, Erickson, Schuessler, Bauer, Guffey and McGinnis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 10, TITLE 59 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE EVALUATORS TO EVALUATE PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR HEALTH, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, OR THERAPEUTIC NEEDS, TO AUTHORIZE PRIVATE PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE RELATED SERVICES AT SCHOOLS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, TO SPECIFY THESE EVALUATIONS AND SERVICES ONLY MAY OCCUR UPON REQUEST OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF THE STUDENT, TO PROVIDE SCHOOL DISTRICTS MAY NOT PROHIBIT SUCH EVALUATIONS OR SERVICES IN SCHOOLS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, TO PROVIDE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ADOPT A RELATED MODEL POLICY, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MODEL POLICY, TO PROVIDE SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL ADOPT RELATED POLICIES, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 694 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-40, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN AIKEN COUNTY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE BOARD OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS DETERMINES THAT A PRECINCT CONTAINS NO SUITABLE LOCATION FOR A POLLING PLACE, THE BOARD, UPON APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, MAY LOCATE THE POLLING PLACE INSIDE THE COUNTY AND WITHIN FIVE MILES OF THE PRECINCT'S BOUNDARIES.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3556 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Schuessler, Guest, Taylor and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-560, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF A POLITICAL PARTY TO HEAR CERTAIN PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ALSO HEAR PROTESTS AND CONTESTS IN THE CASE OF COUNTY OFFICERS, LESS THAN COUNTY OFFICERS, AND MUNICIPAL OFFICERS, TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE FILING OF ANY PROTEST OR CONTEST TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A BOND WITH SURETY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR APPEALS FROM DECISIONS BY THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-570, RELATING TO HEARINGS OF PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE TIME IN WHICH THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MUST CONDUCT SUCH HEARINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-80, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PROTESTS AND CONTESTS ARE TO BE FILED, HEARD, AND DECIDED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 7-17-560 AND 7-17-570; AND BY REPEALING SECTIONS 7-17-520, 7-17-530, 7-17-540, 7-17-550, 7-17-580, AND 7-17-590 ALL RELATING TO PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS FOR CERTAIN OFFICES.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3557 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Pedalino, Taylor, Guest, Crawford, Schuessler and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-15, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN AS A CANDIDATE IN GENERAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO SHORTEN THE CANDIDATE FILING PERIOD, TO REQUIRE ALL CANDIDATES FROM EACH POLITICAL PARTY IN THIS STATE TO PAY A FILING FEE, AND TO AUTHORIZE POLITICAL PARTIES TO CHARGE A CERTIFICATION FEE TO ALL CANDIDATES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-210, RELATING TO THE FILING OF PARTY PLEDGES BY CANDIDATES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE BY WHICH A PARTY PLEDGE MUST BE FILED.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3858 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, Pedalino, Lowe, C. Mitchell, M.M. Smith, B.J. Cox, Chapman, Davis, Sessions, Erickson, Guffey, B.L. Cox, Hewitt, Teeple, Hartnett, Pope, Rutherford, Brittain, Wooten, Guest, Hager, J.L. Johnson, B. Newton, Bailey, Bustos, Gagnon, Gilliam, Herbkersman, Holman, Jordan, Lawson, Martin, Murphy, Robbins, Ballentine, T. Moore, Montgomery, Sanders, Atkinson, Ligon, Gibson, J. Moore, Caskey, Moss, Huff, Beach, Terribile, Kilmartin, Hardee, Taylor, Yow, J.E. Johnson, Landing, Frank, Forrest, Oremus, Kirby, Hixon, Cromer and Gilreath: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 23, TITLE 50, SECTION 50-23-345, AND SECTION 50-23-375, ALL RELATING TO THE TITLING OF WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTORS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT OUTBOARD MOTORS BE TITLED; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-3210, RELATING TO TAX NOTICES FOR BOATS AND BOAT MOTORS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-3210, RELATING TO TAX NOTICES FOR BOATS, BOAT MOTORS, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ALLOW THE AUDITOR TO CONSOLIDATE THE TAX NOTICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 50-23-370, RELATING TO WATERCRAFT CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR FIFTY PERCENT OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF WATERCRAFT.
Senator HUTTO objected to the consideration of the Bill.
S. 343 (Word version) -- Senators Corbin, Cash, Rice, Garrett, Kimbrell, Leber, Zell and Kennedy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-29-175 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN INFORMED CONSENT PROTOCOL THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED PRIOR TO A CERTAIN COVID-19 VACCINE BEING ADMINISTERED OR RECEIVED.
On motion of Senator CORBIN, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3223 (Word version) -- Rep. Bailey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 69, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE USE OF TELEHEALTH FOR VETERINARY SERVICES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-69-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REMOVE AN OBSOLETE DEFINITION.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator DAVIS 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 Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Leber Martin Massey 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. 3254 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Erickson and Bradley: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-32, RELATING TO SPECIAL EXAMINATIONS AND RELATED CRITERIA REQUIRED OF APPLICANTS FOR PERMANENT MEDICAL LICENSURE BY THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE BOARD MAY WAIVE CERTAIN EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS FOUND TO POSSESS THE GENERAL MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED TO COMPETENTLY PRACTICE MEDICINE.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator DAVIS 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 Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Leber Martin Massey 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. 4342 (Word version) -- Rep. M.M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-15-175, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR RESTRICTED INSTRUCTORS' LICENSES ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF DENTISTRY, SO AS TO REMOVE LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Bill was carried over.
H. 4343 (Word version) -- Reps. Wetmore, Erickson, Edgerton, Terribile, Cromer, Schuessler, Crawford, Davis, Calhoon, Oremus, Holman, Pedalino, Bernstein, Cobb-Hunter, Dillard, Bauer, Henderson-Myers, Landing, McDaniel, Waters, Alexander and Spann-Wilder: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-33-31 SO AS TO REQUIRE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION CONTINUING EDUCATION TRAINING FOR LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES, REGISTERED NURSES, OR ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES EXCLUDING CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETISTS; BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-39 SO AS TO REQUIRE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION CONTINUING EDUCATION TRAINING FOR PHYSICIANS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-953 SO AS TO REQUIRE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION CONTINUING EDUCATION TRAINING FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-4343.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 40-33-31(C) and inserting:
(C) The State Board of Nursing shall adopt rules to implement this section in collaboration with the Director of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force and the State Task Force Healthcare Subcommittee.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 40-47-39(B) and (C) and inserting:
(B) A human trafficking awareness and prevention course required by this section must contain information reviewed by the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force Healthcare Subcommittee:
(1) and only may be provided by:
(a) a statewide organization recognized by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to recognize and accredit organizations in South Carolina offering continuing medical education;
(b) a statewide organization approved to provide continuing medical education by its national organization which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education; or
(c) from an organization approved by the State Board of Medical Examiners; and
(2) must include instruction on:
(a) identifying suspected trafficking victims;
(b) laws for reporting suspected trafficking victims; and
(c) providing care and support to potential trafficking victims.
(C) The State Board of Medical Examiners shall adopt rules to implement this section in collaboration with the Director of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force and the State Task Force Healthcare Subcommittee.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GARRETT explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator VERDIN proposed the following amendment (SR-4343.KM0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 4 and inserting:
SECTION 4. This act takes effect on January 1, 2026 upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN 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 Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Leber Martin Massey 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.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up further amendments on third reading.
S. 819 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-31-45 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR TUBERCULOSIS TESTING OF APPLICANTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES AT NURSING HOMES AND COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES.
Senator MARTIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.
The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.
S. 853 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Hutto, Sutton, Graham, Turner, Stubbs, Matthews, Zell, Campsen, Kimbrell and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-120, RELATING TO THE ABANDONED BUILDINGS REVITALIZATION ACT DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT THE EXISTENCE OF AN INCOME-PRODUCING USE PRIOR TO THE PERIOD OF ABANDONMENT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR ELIGIBILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-130, RELATING TO APPLICABILITY, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-140, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR THE CREDIT, SO AS TO CLARIFY CERTAIN TIMING CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO THE FILING OF A NOTICE OF INTENT TO REHABILITATE AN ABANDONED BUILDING AND TO CLARIFY THAT ABANDONED BUILDING TAX CREDITS MAY NOT SERVE AS COLLATERAL FOR ANY DEBT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-67-160, RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF ABANDONED BUILDING SITES, SO AS TO REMOVE A REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN CERTIFICATIONS OF STATE-OWNED ABANDONED BUILDING SITES.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senators BRIGHT, CASH and MARTIN proposed the following amendment (SR-853.CEM0002S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 12-67-130 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
(C) This chapter does not apply to abandoned building sites or portions of abandoned building sites put into operation as a data center. For the purposes of this subsection, "data center" means a facility comprised of one or more buildings that houses computer systems and associated components, including telecommunications and data storage systems, and that has a combined connected electrical load of fifty megawatts or more.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator BRIGHT explained the amendment.
Senator DAVIS spoke on the amendment.
Senator DAVIS moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Campsen Chaplin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Leber Matthews Ott Rankin Sabb Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Bright Cash Climer Corbin Garrett Kennedy Martin Massey Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator BRIGHT spoke on the Bill.
The question then being third reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Campsen Chaplin Climer Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Massey Matthews Ott Rankin Sabb Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Bright Cash Corbin Garrett Kennedy Leber Martin Peeler Reichenbach Rice
There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House.
After learning that data centers could take advantage of tax breaks in S.853 after Second Reading, we had to vote "No" on Third Reading after we unsuccessfully tried to remove data centers from the Bill.
Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on February 25, 2026, at 3.00 P.M. and the following Acts and Joint Resolutions were ratified:
(R101, S. 287 (Word version)) -- Senators Alexander, Hutto, Grooms, Verdin, Davis, Turner, Gambrell, Hembree, Cromer, Kimbrell, Elliott, Zell, Ott, Garrett, Graham and Walker: AN ACT 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, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE SECTION, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN TIMELINES AND EFFECTIVE DATES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-17-501, RELATING TO TERMS DEFINED IN THE "YOUTH ACCESS TO TOBACCO PREVENTION ACT," SO AS TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICE".
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(R102, S. 383 (Word version)) -- Senators Davis, Goldfinch, Graham, Zell and Rankin: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "PROTHONOTARY WARBLER RECOGNITION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-613 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (PROTONOTARIA CITREA) AS THE OFFICIAL STATE MIGRATORY BIRD OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
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(R103, S. 415 (Word version)) -- Senators Young, Elliott, Sutton, Ott, Devine, Reichenbach and Zell: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-20, RELATING TO CHILDREN'S CODE DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE TERM "LICENSED"; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-1110, RELATING TO ADOPTION BY A STEPPARENT OR RELATIVE, SO AS TO APPLY TO CHILDREN PLACED WITH RELATIVES OR FICTIVE KIN FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2320, RELATING TO THE KINSHIP FOSTER CARE PROGRAM, SO AS TO LOWER THE MINIMUM AGE OF A KINSHIP FOSTER PARENT FROM TWENTY-ONE TO EIGHTEEN AND TO ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT TO USE DIFFERENT STANDARDS WHEN LICENSING RELATIVES AND FICTIVE KIN; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2350, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON FOSTER CARE, ADOPTION, OR LEGAL GUARDIAN PLACEMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2400, RELATING TO THE NUMBER OF FOSTER CHILDREN WHO MAY BE PLACED IN A FOSTER HOME, SO AS TO REMOVE THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT LIMITATIONS FROM KINSHIP FOSTER CARE PLACEMENTS.
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(R104, S. 586 (Word version)) -- Senator Graham: AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 172 OF 1995, RELATING TO THE KERSHAW COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE KERSHAW COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE SHALL RECEIVE NINETY DOLLARS FOR EACH MEETING AT WHICH HE IS IN ATTENDANCE AND THAT THE CHAIRMAN SHALL RECEIVE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PAYMENTS SHALL NOT OCCUR MORE THAN EIGHTEEN TIMES EACH FISCAL YEAR.
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(R105, H. 4257 (Word version)) -- Reps. J.E. Johnson, Lowe, C. Mitchell, Yow, Brittain, Jordan, B. Newton, Caskey, Gilliam, Rankin, Schuessler, Hayes, Guest, Crawford, Gagnon, McCabe, Pedalino and Hiott: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 59-1-462 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS, RELATING TO EXCUSED SCHOOL ABSENCES FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN ANY INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITY AUTHORIZED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ACTIVITY IS SANCTIONED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE OR ANY OTHER GOVERNING ENTITY, AND TO REQUIRE THAT STUDENTS BE IN ACADEMIC GOOD STANDING TO QUALIFY FOR SUCH EXCUSED ABSENCES.
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On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
On motion of Senator CORBIN, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. K. Carey Ballew of Campobello, S.C. Carey was a lifelong member of Campobello First Baptist Church and attended New Springs Church. He joined the fire service in 1985 with the Campobello Fire Department where he remained throughout his career. He worked with the Pelham-Batesville Fire Department where he worked his way up to Deputy Fire Chief. He also served as Deputy Director of the Spartanburg County Emergency Services Academy from 2001-2006. He became an instructor through the South Carolina Fire Academy in 1998 where he taught numerous classes across the State. Carey enjoyed playing corn hole, pickleball, working around the house and spending time with his family. Carey was a loving husband and devoted father who will be dearly missed.
At 5:42 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.
This web page was last updated on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:40 P.M.