NO. 28
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Psalm 139:1-2
The Psalmist reminds us, "O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up: you discern my thoughts from far away."
Bow with me as we pray, please: Indeed, most glorious and loving Lord, You truly do know each and every one of us so very well: our thoughts, our hopes, our yearnings -- all that we might ever seek to be. And today, O God, we pray that You also know how each of us really does desire to be counted as one of Your true and faithful servants. To that end, dear Lord, we ask Your blessings upon all of this Senate's efforts to accomplish what will genuinely bring worthy benefit to everyone in South Carolina, this State where -- as the late Reverend Jackson would remind us - where each citizen indeed is somebody -- someone of value, worth and importance. Moreover, O God, we also urge today that, by Your grace, You will bring peace and hope to the people of the Middle East. In Your holy name we so pray, dear 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 Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott 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 Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
Senators JACKSON and CROMER introduced Dr. March Seabrook of Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
At 12:52 P.M., Senator DAVIS requested a leave of absence for the balance of the week.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, at 1:01 P.M., Senator FERNANDEZ was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator BENNETT, at 1:07 P.M., Senator TURNER was granted a leave of absence until 2:07 P.M.
Senator KIMBRELL rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 45 (Word version) Sen. Blackmon
S. 169 (Word version) Sen. Zell
S. 330 (Word version) Sen. Walker
S. 607 (Word version) Sen. Tedder
S. 849 (Word version) Sens. Hutto, Tedder, Adams and Graham
Senator MARTIN assumed the Chair.
Senators ALEXANDER, PEELER, ADAMS, 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, RANKIN, REICHENBACH, RICE, SABB, STUBBS, SUTTON, TEDDER, TURNER, VERDIN, WALKER, WILLIAMS, YOUNG and ZELL moved that it be the Sense of the Senate.
Whereas the authority of the Senate to provide advice and consent on executive appointments is an express constitutional responsibility and an essential component of the separation of powers; and
Whereas the advice and consent function is not simply a ministerial act, but an important legislative duty designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and balance within the constitutional structure of state government; and
Whereas interim appointments can be appropriate and needed in circumstances where the continuity of government cannot otherwise be maintained without its appropriate use; and
Whereas respect for the constitutional check of advice and consent requires meaningful consultation even when interim appointments are appropriate and necessary; and
Whereas the unnecessary use of interim appointments to offices subject to Senate confirmation diminishes this important constitutional requirement and alters the careful balance intended by the Framers;
Now, therefore, it is the Sense of the Senate that the Senate will guard and preserve the constitutional advice and consent authority and will decline to consider the nomination of or reject confirmation of any individual who has been appointed on an interim basis to an office requiring the advice and consent of the Senate unless each of the following conditions is satisfied:
The President of the Senate was provided advance notice of the intended interim appointment a reasonable period of time prior to its being made, sufficient to allow consultation with appropriate members of the Senate; and
The interim appointment was necessitated by a genuine emergency or exigent circumstance that rendered it impracticable to await the Senate's return to session.
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 Sense of the Senate motion was adopted.
At 12:39 P.M., the PRESIDENT assumed the Chair.
The following were introduced:
S. 969 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MARTHA BRAY CARSON, REMEMBER HER CONTRIBUTION OF THE PLEDGE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FLAG, AND RESOLVE THAT THE UNGLOVED RIGHT HAND BE PLACED OVER THE HEART WHILE RECITING THE PLEDGE.
sr-0561km-amb26.docx
The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 970 (Word version) -- Senator Reichenbach: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SMALL BUSINESSES IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
sr-0557km-amb26.docx
The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 971 (Word version) -- Senator Jackson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND HONOR REVEREND SAMMY LEE WADE UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AS PASTOR OF MT. NEBO BAPTIST CHURCH IN EASTOVER.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 972 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-21-860, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF AIRBOATS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE OPERATION OF CERTAIN AIRBOATS ON LAKE MOULTRIE FROM ONE HOUR BEFORE LEGAL SUNSET TO ONE HOUR AFTER LEGAL SUNRISE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
S. 973 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-51-90, RELATING TO REDEMPTION OF REAL PROPERTY AND THE ASSIGNMENT OF PURCHASER'S INTEREST, SO AS TO EXPAND THE ABILITY TO PAY A DELINQUENT TAX TO ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 974 (Word version) -- Senator Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE LIONEL SMITH, LTD., ON THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY; TO COMMEND THE STORE FOR ITS SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE IN MENSWEAR, TAILORING, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE; TO HONOR LIONEL "SMITTY" SMITH AND VAN SMITH FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL LIFE OF DOWNTOWN AIKEN AND THE CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA; AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED PROSPERITY.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
H. 5261 (Word version) -- Rep. W. Newton: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING AS PROVIDED FOR IN CHAPTER 3, TITLE 61 TO MAY 1, 2026.
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Read the first time and, on motion of Senator RANKIN, with unanimous consent, H. 5261 was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
H. 5268 (Word version) -- Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J. E. Johnson, J. L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G. M. Smith, M. M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE APRIL 28, 2026, AS "WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN TRIBUTE TO THE WORKING MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES BECAUSE OF WORKPLACE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Senator DAVIS from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 821 (Word version) -- Senators Bennett and Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 39-5-39, RELATING TO AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISING IN A FALSE, DECEPTIVE, OR MISLEADING MANNER, SO AS TO DEFINE FALSE ADVERTISING; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY ADVERTISING FOR LEGAL SERVICES THAT REFERENCES A SETTLEMENT OBTAINED ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT MUST DISCLOSE THE AMOUNT OF ATTORNEY'S FEES AND LITIGATION COSTS DEDUCTED FROM THE RECOVERY; TO REQUIRE THE LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT TO CLARIFY THAT ANY REFERENCED RESULTS ARE NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL CASES AND THAT OUTCOMES DEPEND ON THE SPECIFIC FACTS OF EACH CASE; AND TO PROVIDE THAT ANY ADVERTISING FOR LEGAL SERVICES THAT STATES THAT THE FILING OF A LAWSUIT IS AGAINST AN INSURANCE COMPANY OR OTHER THIRD PARTY MUST DISCLOSE THE FACT THAT ANY LAWSUIT WOULD BE FILED AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS THAT WOULD BE NAMED AS THE DEFENDANT AND THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS ONLY PROVIDING THE COVERAGE ON BEHALF OF THE NAMED INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS BASED ON A POLICY PURCHASED BY THE INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments.
H. 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.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
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.
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. 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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator ADAMS explained the Bill.
Senator LEBER asked unanimous consent to make a motion under Rule 26B to take up further amendments on third reading.
Senator MASSEY objected.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
Senator MASSEY objected to further consideration of the Bill.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator CAMPSEN proposed the following amendment (SFGF-694.BC0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 and inserting:
SECTION X.A. Section 7-7-10 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-7-10. (A) For the purpose of holding any general, primary, or special election in this State, the voting precincts and voting places in the several counties of the State shall be designated, fixed, and established by the General Assembly.
(B) The polling places for the precincts must be established by the county boards of voter registration and elections, subject to the approval of a majority of the applicable county legislative delegation, if required under this chapter, and located in accordance with the following:
(1) at least one polling place must be located within each precinct unless a county board of voter registration and elections determines no suitable location for a polling place is within a precinct; and
(2) a polling place located outside of a precinct must be within five miles of the precinct boundary unless a waiver is received from the executive director of the State Election Commission or his designee.
(C) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a county board of voter registration and elections from establishing multiple polling places within a precinct, provided that voters are assigned to these polling places alphabetically or geographically as determined by the county board of voter registration and elections and approved by a majority of that county's legislative delegationa polling place for a precinct at the polling place of another precinct if the establishment is in accordance with subsection (B).
(D) A voter must be notified in writing of his transfer to a new polling place and the location of the new polling place.
B. A polling place that is assigned to a precinct on the effective date of this SECTION is deemed to be located in accordance with Section 7-7-10, as amended by this act.
SECTION X. Section 7-7-710 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-7-710. The State Election Commission shall report the names of all polling precincts by county that have more than one thousand five hundredthree thousand registered electors as of January first to the General Assembly not later than the fourth Tuesday of each odd-numbered year. If, by April first of the same year, the General Assembly has failed to alter the precincts so that no precinct shall have more than one thousand five hundred qualified electors the State Election Commission shall notify the respective county boards of voter registration and elections which shall make such alterations as necessary to conform all precincts to such limitations. Provided, that precincts isolated by water shall not be required to meet minimum requirements.
SECTION X. Section 7-7-720(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(A) A person whose registration is transferred to another precinct by virtue of the provisions of this article must be notified by mail by the county board of voter registration and elections of the transfer.
SECTION X. Section 7-7-910(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(A) Subject to the provisions of Section 7-7-920 and Section 7-5-440 and except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, each elector must be registered and, unless otherwise specified on his voting certificate,Unless otherwise provided in this title, each registered elector shall vote at the designated polling place within for the precinct of his residence, but in incorporated municipalities in which officers are elected by wards or other municipal subdivisions, electors must be registered and shall vote at their designated polling places.
SECTION X. Section 7-7-920 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-7-920. In all municipal elections when the aldermen or councilmen are elected by wards, the electors shall vote at the voting place within their ward nearest their residences, and in all municipal elections when the aldermen, councilmen or other officials are elected by a vote at large within the municipality, the electors shall vote at the voting place in the precinct within which they reside which is nearest their residences.
In all municipal elections when the ward lines and the precinct lines coincide within the city limits of the municipality, electors shall vote at the nearest voting place within the ward or precinct.
InIf any city or town with a population under three thousand, according to the most recent official United States census, has having not more than one polling precinctplace, established by ordinance, for municipal elections, then all duly qualified electors shall be permitted to vote in municipal elections at such the polling voting place if such electors are authorized to vote at any voting precinct within such city or town.
SECTION X. Section 7-7-730 of the S.C. Code is repealed.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder 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.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (SJ-3556.PB0002S), which was withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 7-17-560(C) and inserting:
(C) Appeals from decisions by the state executive committee must be taken directly to the Supreme Court on petition for a writ of certiorari only based on record of the state executive committee hearing and must be granted first priority of consideration by the court. Notice of appeals must be served within ten days of the state executive committee's decision. The Supreme Court may impose filing fees for appeals taken pursuant to this subsection.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the amendment was withdrawn.
Senator CAMPSEN proposed the following amendment (SFGF-3556.BC0006S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 7-17-560(B) and (C) and inserting:
(B) The state executive committee mustmay, by resolution adopted at least sixty days prior to the conduct of a primary, require the filing of any protest or contest to be accompanied by a refundable deposit for hearing costs, not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars. The amount of the deposit must be refunded to a candidate who files a protest or contest only if:
(1) the state executive committee upholds the protest or contest; or
(2) a petition to the Supreme Court under Section 7-17-570(D) is granted. bond with surety as payment for the reasonable costs of hearing the protest in the event the election challenge is denied. However, the amount may not exceed seven hundred fifty dollars. If a protestant or contestant's election challenge is granted, he shall receive a refund of the amount of the surety bond.
(C) Appeals from decisions by the state executive committee must be taken directly to the Supreme Court on petition for a writ of certiorari only based on record of the state executive committee hearing and must be granted first priority of consideration by the court. Notice of appeals must be served within ten days of the state executive committee's decision.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 7-17-570 and inserting:
(A) The executive committee shall hear the protest or contest no later than the Saturday following on Thursday following within two weeks of the deadline for filing the same. Testimony at the hearing shall be limited to the grounds stated in the written protest.
(B) The protestant and each other candidate in the protested race shall have the right to be present at the hearing, to be represented by counsel, to examine and cross-examine witnesses and to produce evidence relevant to the grounds of the protest. The chairman of the committee shall provide for and conduct the hearing as nearly as possible in accordance with the procedures and rules of evidence observed by the circuit courts of this State. The chairman shall have authority to administer oaths and subpoena witnesses. Upon the conclusion of the hearing of the protest the committee shall determine all issues by majority vote and forthwith certify the results of the election. The State Election Commission shall pay for the costs of the court reporter and the transcript of the hearing.
(C) The committee shall remain in session until a conclusion has been reached. All candidates in the protested or contested race shall be immediately notified of the committee's decision.
(D) Appeals from decisions by the state executive committee must be taken directly to the Supreme Court on petition for a writ of certiorari based only on the record of the state executive committee hearing. Notice of appeal must be served within ten days of the state executive committee's decision. The Supreme Court may impose filing fees for appeals taken pursuant to this subsection.
Amend the bill further, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:
SECTION X. Section 5-15-120 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 5-15-120. (A) Immediately upon the closing of the polls at any municipal election, the managers shall count publicly the votes cast and make a statement of the whole number of votes cast in such election together with the number of votes cast for each candidate for mayor and councilman and transmit this information to the municipal election commission. In partisan elections the person securing the highest number of votes for mayor shall be declared elected and the councilmen shall be selected by the following methods:
(a)(1) When all councilmen are to be elected at large, the persons receiving the highest number of votes in number equal to the number to be chosen shall be declared elected.
(b)(2) When the councilmen are to be elected from each ward and are required to be residents of that ward, the person receiving the highest number of votes in that ward shall be declared elected.
(c)(3) When some councilmen are to be elected from each ward and required to be residents of that ward and the remainder of the councilmen to be elected at large, those persons receiving the highest number of votes in each ward shall be declared elected and those persons running at large who receive the highest number of votes in number equal to the number to be chosen at large shall be declared elected.
(d)(4) When all councilmen are to be elected at large, but required to reside in a particular ward, the person receiving the highest number of votes for the seat to be filled shall be declared elected.
(e)(5) When all councilmen are to be elected at large, but some are required to be residents of particular wards and other councilmen may not be so required, the person receiving the highest number of votes for the seat to be filled shall be declared elected.
(B) Newly elected officers shall not be qualified until at least forty-eight hours after the closing of the polls and in the case a contest is finally filed the incumbents shall hold over until the contest is finally determined.A municipal governing body may by ordinance determine when the terms of its newly elected officers begin, provided the terms must begin no earlier than forty-eight hours after the certification of the election results and no later than eighty days after the day of the election. If a municipality does not have an ordinance determining when the terms of its newly elected officers begin, then the terms of the newly elected officers in the municipality begin at the start of the first regular meeting of its council in the month following the election.
(C) A candidate who is declared elected by certification of the election results has the right to take the oath of office and to perform the duties of the office pending the outcome of a contest unless a court of competent jurisdiction directs otherwise.
SECTION X. Section 7-3-25(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(B) If a county board of voter registration and elections or a municipal election commission does not or cannot determine and certify the results of an election or referendum for which it is responsible by the time set for certification by applicable law, the responsibility to determine and certify the results is devolved upon the State Election Commission.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senators MARTIN, CLIMER and BRIGHT proposed the following amendment (SR-3556.KM0002S):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTIONS 1, 2, 3, and 4 and inserting:
SECTION X. Section 7-17-560 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-17-560. (A) The state executive committee must meet in Columbia at such place as may be designated by the chairman to hear and decide protests and contests that may arise in the case of federal officers, state officers, State Senate, State House of Representatives, and officers involving more than one county. Any protest or contest must be filed in writing with the chairman of the committee, together with a copy for each candidate in the race, not later than noon on Monday following the canvassing of the votes for these officers by the committee. However, service upon the chairman may be perfected by depositing at the office of the Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division a copy of the protest, together with a copy for each candidate in the race. The chief must take immediate steps to deliver these copies to the chairman. The protest must contain each ground thereof stated separately and concisely. The chairman of the committee must forthwith serve upon each candidate in the protested race a copy of the protest and serve a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the committee for the purposes of hearing the protest.
(B) A candidate that challenges or protests his election shall, for the purposes of an independent election audit, be provided for each precinct, voting center, and tabulator where in-person or absentee votes were tabulated, or where both in-person or absentee votes were tabulated, in an electronic form, free of charge:
(1) cast vote records;
(2) ballot summary reports;
(3) precinct detail reports and poll tapes for each of the precincts within the district that the challenger or protester is seeking election;
(4) poll lists of registrants who voted in each precinct or voter location;
(5) a list of provisional and challenged ballots;
(6) a list of absentee voters; and
(7) logic and accuracy reports for each precinct to ensure that each machine properly tested candidate selection.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MARTIN explained the amendment.
Senator CAMPSEN raised a Point of Order that the amendment was out of order inasmuch as it was an attempt to amend a previously adopted amendment.
The Point of Order was taken under advisement.
Senator SABB objected to further consideration of the Bill.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (SJ-3557.PB0003S), which was carried over:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 7-11-15(A) and inserting:
(A) In order to qualify as a candidate to run in the general election, all candidates seeking nomination by political party primary or political party convention must file a statement of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees between noon on March sixteenth and noon on March thirtieth twenty-fifth as provided in this section. If March sixteenth is on a Saturday or Sunday, the time for filing begins the next regular business day. If March thirtieth twenty-fifth is on a Saturday or Sunday, the time for filing extends to the next regular business day. For purposes of this section and Section 7-13-45, "next regular business day" means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Notwithstanding another provision of law, beginning July 1, 2026 Except as provided in Section 7-11-12(G), beginning January 1, 2027, all candidates from each political party in this State shall pay a filing fee, including candidates from parties that choose not to conduct a primary election. In addition to the filing fee required pursuant to this subsection, political parties may also charge a certification fee not to exceed the sum of one hundred dollars to all candidates seeking nomination by political party primary or political party convention.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, candidates seeking nomination for a statewide, congressional, or district office that includes more than one county must file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the State Election Commission.
(2) Candidates seeking nomination for the State Senate or House of Representatives must file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the State Election Commission or county board of voter registration and elections in the county of their residence. The state executive committees must certify candidates pursuant to Section 7-13-40.
(3) Candidates seeking nomination for a countywide or less than countywide office shall file their statements of intention of candidacy and party pledge and submit any filing fees with the county board of voter registration and elections in the county of their residence.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 3 and inserting:
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the GovernorJanuary 1, 2027.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the amendment was carried over.
Senator JOHNSON proposed the following amendment (SJ-3557.PB0004S), which was carried over:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 7-11-15(F) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(F) If, after the closing of the time for filing the documents required pursuant to this section, there are not more than two candidates for any one office and one or more of the candidates dies, or withdraws, the state or county committee, as the case may be, if the nomination is by political party primary or political party convention only may, in its discretion, afford opportunity for the entry of other candidates for the office involved; however, for the office of State House of Representatives or State Senator, the discretion must be exercised by the state committee.
(1) In order for a state or county committee to allow entry of other candidates for the office, the committee must:
(a) hold a public hearing within forty-eight hours of the death or withdrawal of the candidate or candidates; and
(b) publicly vote to allow reopening of the time to file for the office.
(2) The additional filing period for the office shall consist of three business days following the vote authorizing reopening of the time to file.
(3) Any withdrawal must be in writing to the Director of the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections in which the candidate filed.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
On motion of Senator JOHNSON, the amendment was carried over.
Senator BRIGHT proposed the following amendment (SR-3557.KM0001S), which was out of order:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:
SECTION X.A. Article 3, Chapter 5, Title 7 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 7-5-115. (A) Beginning on January 1, 2027, only an elector registered as a member of a certified political party may vote in a partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum of the certified political party with which that elector is registered, unless that political party has taken action to open its partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum to independent electors unaffiliated with a certified political party and has advised the State Election Commission, in writing, no more than one hundred eighty days and no less than sixty days in advance of the partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum of that action. In no event may an elector registered as a member of a certified political party vote in the partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum of a certified political party with which that elector is not registered.
(B) The State Election Commission shall assist the county entities charged by law with registering electors with creating and maintaining a list of all electors registered by party affiliation. The State Election Commission shall indicate in the state voter file what selection an elector makes. To expedite the registration of electors, the county boards of voter registration and elections shall allow electors to register by party, if they wish, at all partisan primary elections conducted before January 1, 2027, by having an elector sign the following statement before an election official overseeing the conduct of the partisan primary election:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a resident of South Carolina and a registered voter in this precinct. I further swear (or affirm) that I hereby choose to: (a) register as a member of a certified political party, specifically the ________________ Party; or (b) register as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party."
The form to be signed by the elector may specifically list all of the certified political parties from which the elector may choose and must contain the option for the elector to register as an independent voter unaffiliated with a certified political party. In an instance where an elector fails, for whatever reason, to select membership in one of the certified political parties, that elector must be deemed to have chosen to be registered as an independent voter unaffiliated with a certified political party.
(C) Prior to June 1, 2026, the county boards of voter registration and elections shall contact the qualified electors of that county, by whatever method it determines to be appropriate, informing them of partisan primary voting procedures as provided in this section.
B. Section 7-5-110 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-5-110. No A person shall be allowed tomay not vote at any partisan primary election or a partisan advisory referendum unless he shall beis registered as herein being a member of that political party as required by the provisions of this chapter.
(B) The State Election Commission shall assist the county boards charged by law with registering electors with capturing the data and maintaining a list of all electors registered by party affiliation. To expedite the registration of electors, the county entities shall allow electors to register by party, if they wish, at all partisan primary elections conducted before January 1, 2027.
(C) After the first primary is conducted under the provisions of this section, the entity charged by law with registering qualified electors shall contact the qualified electors of that county, by whatever method it determines to be appropriate, informing them of partisan primary voting procedures as provided in this section.
(D) The State Election Commission shall provide a format for absentee voting registration to comply with the provisions of this section.
C. Section 7-5-170 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-5-170. (1)(A) Written application required. A person may not be registered to vote except upon written application or electronic application pursuant to Section 7-5-185., which shall become That application becomes a part of the permanent records of the board to which it is presented and which must be open to public inspection. However, the social security number contained in the application must not be open to public inspection.
(2)(B) Form of application. - The application must be on a form prescribed and provided by the executive director and shall contain the following information: name, sex, race, social security number, date of birth, residence address, mailing address, telephone number of the applicant, political party affiliation, if any, and location of prior voter registration. The applicant must shall affirm that he is not under a court order declaring him mentally incompetent, confined in any a public prison, has never been convicted of a felony or offense against the election laws, or if previously convicted that he has served his entire sentence, including probation and parole time, or has received a pardon for the conviction. Additionally, the applicant must shall take the following oath: "I, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a citizen of the United States and that on the date of the next ensuing election, I will have attained the age of eighteen years and am a resident of South Carolina, this county, and of my precinct. I further swear (or affirm) that the present residence address listed herein on my application is my sole legal place of residence, that I claim no other place as my legal residence, and that, to my knowledge, I am neither registered nor intend to register to vote in another state or county. I further swear (or affirm) that I chose to register as member of a certified political party, specifically the ________ Party, or register as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party."
(C) Any applicant convicted of fraudulently applying for registration is guilty of perjury and is subject to the penalty for that offense.
(3)(D) Date stamp voter registration applications. - The county board of voter registration and elections shall date stamp all voter registration applications delivered in person, electronically, or by mail as of the date received.
(E) The form to be signed by the elector may specifically list all of the certified political parties from which the elector may choose and must contain the option for the elector to register as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party. In an instance where an elector fails, for whatever reason, to select membership in one of the certified political parties, that elector must be deemed to have chosen to be registered as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party.
(4)(F) Administration of oaths. - Any member of the county board of voter registration and elections, deputy registrar, or any registration clerk must be qualified to administer oaths in connection with the application.
(5)(G) Decisions on applications. - AnyA member of the county board of voter registration and elections, deputy registrar, or registration clerk may pass on the qualifications of the prospective voter. In case of a question of an applicant being refused registration, at least one member of the board shall pass on the qualifications of the voter. A concise statement of the reasons for the refusal must be written on the application.
D. Section 7-9-20 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 7-9-20. (A) The qualificationsTo qualify for membership in a certified political party and for voting at a party primary election include the following: the applicant for membership, or voter, must be at least eighteen years of age or become so before the succeeding general election, and must be a registered elector and a citizen of the United States and of this State. A person may not vote in a primary unless he is a registered elector. The state convention of any political party, organization, or association in this State may add by party rules to the qualifications for membership in the party, organization, or association and for voting at the primary elections if the qualifications do not conflict with the provisions of this section or with the Constitution and laws of this State or of the United States.to meet the criteria for voting in a party's partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum, unless a certified political party has taken action to open its partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum to independent electors unaffiliated with a certified political party pursuant to the requirements of Section 7-5-115, the applicant for membership, or voter, must be:
(1) at least eighteen years of age or become so before the succeeding general election;
(2) a registered elector, a citizen of the United States and of this State; and
(3) registered as a member of the certified political party.
(B) A person may not belong to a party club or vote in a partisan primary election unless he is a registered elector and a member of that party. The state convention of a political party, organization, or association in this State may add by party rules to the qualifications for membership in the party, organization, or association and for voting at the primary elections if the qualifications do not conflict with the provisions of this section or with the Constitution and laws of this State or of the United States.
(C) The county boards of voter registration and elections charged by law with conducting a primary shall allow an elector to change his political party affiliation by executing an affidavit no later than thirty days before the primary. During that time, an elector may execute an affidavit declaring that he desires not to be affiliated with a political party. The choice to affiliate with a political party or remain independent and unaffiliated with a certified political party is valid until changed by the qualified elector pursuant to the provisions of this section. In an instance where an elector fails, for whatever reason, to select membership in one of the certified political parties, that elector must be deemed to have chosen to be registered as an independent voter, unaffiliated with a certified political party.
(D) When a qualified elector presents himself at a polling place to vote in a partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum, the entity charged by law with conducting the election or its representative shall require the qualified elector to sign an affidavit affirming that he is a member of the party conducting the primary, or that he is an independent elector unaffiliated with a certified political party who meets the criteria established by that political party to vote in that particular partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum pursuant to the requirements of Section 7-5-115. If the qualified elector does not sign this affidavit, he may not vote in the partisan primary election or partisan advisory referendum.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of this act, in all primaries conducted before January 1, 2027, an elector is permitted to vote if he signs the affidavit required by this act when he presents himself to vote or submits an absentee ballot application. After January 1, 2027, all political party primaries must be conducted pursuant to the provisions of this act.
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
F. The provisions contained within this SECTION take effect upon the approval of the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator BRIGHT explained the amendment.
Senator OTT raised a Point of Order under Rule 24A that the amendment was out of order inasmuch as it was not germane to the Bill.
Senator BRIGHT spoke on the Point of Order.
Senator LEBER spoke on the Point of Order.
Senator CLIMER spoke on the Point of Order.
The President sustained the Point of Order.
The amendment was ruled out of order.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.
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.
S. 715 (Word version) -- Senators Sutton, Rice, Elliott and Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-50, RELATING TO ORGANIZATIONS EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION PROVISIONS, ALTERNATE FILINGS, AND FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES, SO AS TO INCREASE THRESHOLDS FOR CHARITIES REQUESTING EXEMPTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-70, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT CONTRACTS WITH PROFESSIONAL SOLICITORS MUST BE IN WRITING, FILING REQUIREMENTS, JOINT FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR EACH CAMPAIGN, AND PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, SO AS TO LIMIT FILING REQUIREMENTS TO COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURERS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-90, RELATING TO DISCLOSURES TO SOLICITED PARTIES, SO AS TO REQUIRE ANY ENTITY THAT SOLICITS FOR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS TO DISCLOSE THE LEGAL NAME AND PURPOSE OF THE CHARITY FOR WHICH THEY ARE SOLICITING; BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-110, RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL SOLICITORS, FUNDRAISING COUNSEL, OR COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURERS, SO AS TO LIMIT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURERS SOLICITING MORE THAN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS IN A SINGLE SOLICITATION CAMPAIGN; BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-110, RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL SOLICITORS, FUNDRAISING COUNSEL, OR COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF A COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURER INTENDING TO BE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE COLLECTS, EARNS, OR RECEIVES CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN EXCESS OF TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS DURING A SOLICITATION CAMPAIGN, THEN THE COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURER SHALL REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-120, RELATING TO PROHIBITED MISREPRESENTATIONS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURERS FROM USING REGISTRATION WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE STATE.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator MASSEY 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 Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott 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 Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 962 (Word version) -- Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, RELATING TO HONEY BEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5370, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Resolution was carried over.
H. 3924 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, W. Newton, Erickson, Neese, Hager, Bannister, Herbkersman, M.M. Smith, Pedalino, C. Mitchell, Bustos, Lawson, Guffey, Hiott, Taylor, Ballentine, Vaughan, White, Long, Ligon, Guest, Gilliam, Hartnett, Bailey, Landing, B.J. Cox, Hayes, Atkinson, Willis, Lowe, T. Moore, Davis, Hixon, Martin, Pope, Henderson-Myers and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 56 TO TITLE 46 SO AS TO REGULATE THE SALE OF HEMP-DERIVED CONSUMABLES, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
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.
THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.
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 MASSEY moved that the Bill be made a Special Order.
The Bill was made a Special Order.
At 2:10 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed that if and when the Senate stands adjourned today, that it will adjourn to meet tomorrow at 11:45 A.M. for the purpose of attending the Joint Assembly, and upon conclusion of the Joint Assembly, the Senate will stand in recess for one hour.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the seal of secrecy was removed, so far as the same relates to appointments made by the Governor and the following names were reported to the Senate in open session:
Having received a favorable report from the Corrections and Penology Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
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
On motion of Senator MARTIN, the question was confirmation of Joel E. Anderson.
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 Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Martin Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Leber Massey
The appointment of Joel E. Anderson was confirmed.
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, 410 Cherokee Drive, Greenville, SC 29615 VICE Kenneth D. McKellar (deceased)
On motion of Senator MARTIN, the question was confirmation of Marc P. Embler, Ed.D.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of Marc P. Embler, Ed.D was confirmed.
Having received a favorable report from the Education Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
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 William L. Kinney, Jr. (deceased)
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the question was confirmation of Elisabeth K. McNiel.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of Elisabeth K. McNiel was confirmed.
Reappointment, South Carolina Arts Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2028
At-Large:
Bhavna Vasudeva, 4 Enclave Ct., Columbia, SC 29223
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the question was confirmation of Bhavna Vasudeva.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of Bhavna Vasudeva was confirmed.
Having received a favorable report from the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:
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
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the question was confirmation of Amy L. McFadden.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of Amy L. McFadden was confirmed.
Having received a favorable report from the Judiciary Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
Initial Appointment, Solicitor,
13th Judicial Circuit:
Cynthia S. Crick, Esquire, 416 E. North Street, Second Floor, Greenville, SC 29601 VICE W. Walter Wilkins, III, Esquire (resigned)
On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Cynthia S. Crick, Esquire.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of Cynthia S. Crick, Esquire was confirmed.
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
On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Thomas Scott Beck.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Elliott Gambrell Goldfinch Graham Grooms Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Sutton Verdin Williams Zell
Davis Devine Garrett Hembree Johnson Kennedy Matthews Rankin Stubbs Tedder Walker Young
The appointment of Thomas Scott Beck was confirmed.
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
On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Thomas Scott Beck.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Elliott Gambrell Goldfinch Graham Grooms Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Sutton Verdin Williams Zell
Davis Devine Garrett Hembree Johnson Kennedy Matthews Rankin Stubbs Tedder Walker Young
The appointment of Thomas Scott Beck was confirmed.
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
On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of John Gabriel Coggiola, Esquire.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Elliott Gambrell Goldfinch Graham Grooms Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Sutton Verdin Williams Zell
Davis Devine Garrett Hembree Johnson Kennedy Matthews Rankin Stubbs Tedder Walker Young
The appointment of John Gabriel Coggiola, Esquire was confirmed.
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
On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Aisha K. Taylor.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Elliott Gambrell Goldfinch Graham Grooms Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Sutton Verdin Williams Zell
Davis Devine Garrett Hembree Johnson Kennedy Matthews Rankin Stubbs Tedder Walker Young
The appointment of Aisha K. Taylor was confirmed.
Having received a favorable report from the Medical Affairs Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
Reappointment, South Carolina Board of Long Term Health Care Administrators, with the term to commence June 9, 2026, and to expire June 9, 2029
Nonproprietary Nursing Home Administrator:
William H. Birmingham, 16C Hartwell Villas, Anderson, SC 29626
On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of William H. Birmingham.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of William H. Birmingham was confirmed.
Reappointment, South Carolina Panel for Dietetics, with the term to commence May 30, 2025, and to expire May 30, 2027
Dietician, Consulting:
Elizabeth Griffith, 934 Sherwood Circle, Lancaster, SC 29720
On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Elizabeth Griffith.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of Elizabeth Griffith was confirmed.
Reappointment, South Carolina State Board of Nursing, with the term to commence December 31, 2025, and to expire December 31, 2029
General Public:
Robert J. Wolff, 104 Cyclamen Court, Columbia, SC 29212-2052
On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Robert J. Wolff.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of Robert J. Wolff was confirmed.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Board of Pharmacy, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2032
4th Congressional District:
Timothy F. Gentilcore, 108 General Store Way, Greer, SC 29650 VICE Michael Bedenbaugh
On motion of Senator VERDIN, the question was confirmation of Timothy F. Gentilcore.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of Timothy F. Gentilcore was confirmed.
Having received a favorable report from the Transportation Committee, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
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
On motion of Senator GROOMS, the question was confirmation of James Britt Blackwell.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of James Britt Blackwell was confirmed.
Reappointment, Department of Transportation Commission, with the term to commence February 15, 2026, and to expire February 15, 2030
At-Large:
Thomas Rhodes, 5145 Lakeshore Drive, Columbia, SC 29206
On motion of Senator GROOMS, the question was confirmation of Thomas Rhodes.
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 Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The appointment of Thomas Rhodes was confirmed.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
At 2:15 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:45 A.M.
This web page was last updated on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 9:58 A.M.