South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Journal of the Senate

                                                    NO. 40

JOURNAL

OF THE

SENATE

OF THE

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

REGULAR SESSION BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025

_________

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
(Statewide Session)

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:

Isaiah 61:10

Isaiah the prophet tells us that: "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God."

Please join me as we bow in prayer: O most gracious and loving God, today in the beauty of springtime we all find ourselves aware of Your grand blessings, and in response we call upon You, Lord, to fill each one of us with the sort of contentment that only You can give. And may that sense of inner peace be reflected as well in the service of this Senate, as these leaders and their aides continue to work diligently on behalf of the citizens of this State, striving day after day to bring about meaningful and worthy results, results that are a perfect reflection of Your blessings to us all. May it ever be so, O Loving Lord. In Your holy name we humbly pray. Amen.

The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.

Call of the Senate

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
Fernandez                 Gambrell                  Goldfinch
Graham                    Grooms                    Hembree
Hutto                     Johnson                   Kimbrell
Martin                    Massey                    Matthews
Ott                       Peeler                    Reichenbach
Rice                      Sabb                      Stubbs
Sutton                    Tedder                    Turner
Verdin                    Williams                  Young
Zell

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:

Local Appointments

Reappointment, Berkeley County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Berkeley County:
Whilden V. Baggett, 105 Bonneau Street, Bonneau, SC 29431-8620

Reappointment, Berkeley County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Berkeley County:
Evonne Jenkins Whaley, 423 Jenkinsridge Lane, Pineville, SC 29468

Initial Appointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2022, and to expire April 30, 2026
Cherokee County:
Leslie C. Teague, 1421 Pleasant School Road, Gaffney, SC 29341 VICE Edward P. Suppiger

Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Leslie C. Teague, 1421 Pleasant School Road, Gaffney, SC 29341

Reappointment, Dillon County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Dillon County:
Andrew V. Bethea, P.O. Box 205, Latta, SC 29565

Reappointment, Dillon County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Dillon County:
Anthony B. Britt, Jr., 116 Kemper Church Road, Lake View, SC 29563-5665

Reappointment, Dillon County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Dillon County:
Lutherine J. Williams, P.O. Box 602, Latta, SC 29565

Reappointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2022, and to expire April 30, 2026
Lancaster County:
Fredrick A. Thomas, P.O. Box 3222, Lancaster, SC 29721-3222

Reappointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Lancaster County:
Fredrick A. Thomas, P.O. Box 3222, Lancaster, SC 29721-3222

Doctor of the Day

Senator CROMER introduced Dr. Jennifer Root of Lexington, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator RICE, at 12:39 P.M., Senator GARRETT was granted a leave of absence for today.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator CHAPLIN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Remarks to be Printed

On motion of Senator DAVIS, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator CHAPLIN, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 824 (Word version)     Sen. Zell
S. 877 (Word version)     Sen. Bright
S. 958 (Word version)     Sen. Alexander
S. 1040 (Word version)   Sen. Devine

CO-SPONSOR REMOVED

The following co-sponsor was removed from the respective Bill:
S. 1030 (Word version)     Sen. Martin

RECALLED

S. 729 (Word version) -- Senator Graham: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 34 AND MCGEE TOWN ROAD IN LEE COUNTY "LEWIS W. BOONE MEMORIAL INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

RECALLED

S. 730 (Word version) -- Senator Graham: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF CHERAW ROAD AND PARK ROAD IN THE TOWN OF CASSATT IN KERSHAW COUNTY "THOMAS C. CLARK AND AUDREE A. CLARK INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

RECALLED

S. 1040 (Word version) -- Senators Jackson and Devine: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF INTERSTATE 77 FROM UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 1 TO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 20 IN RICHLAND COUNTY "PRESIDENT BARACK H. OBAMA HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.

Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Joint Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

The Joint Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

RECALLED

H. 4571 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF BLACK STREET AND DAVE LYLE BOULEVARD IN YORK COUNTY "LT. LARRY 'LV' VAUGHAN MEMORIAL INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 1043 (Word version) -- Senators Adams, Zell, Leber and Graham: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "CIVIL AIR PATROL LEAVE ACT"; BY ADDING CHAPTER 23 TO TITLE 25 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS RELATED TO THE CIVIL AIR PATROL LEAVE ACT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF CIVIL AIR PATROL LEAVE, TO PRESCRIBE THE DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES AND RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS REGARDING CIVIL AIR PATROL LEAVE, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PROTECTIONS.
sr-0596km26.docx

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.

S. 1044 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-10-88, RELATING TO REDEVELOPMENT FEES REMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO REMOVE AN ANNUAL MAXIMUM AND TO REMOVE A SUNSET PROVISION; AND BY AMENDING ACT 356 OF 2002 SO AS TO DELETE A PROVISION REQUIRING THE SHARING OF CERTAIN REVENUE.
sr-0579km26.docx

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1045 (Word version) -- Senators Ott and Zell: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND CHAPTER 28, TITLE 12 OF THE S.C. CODE, RELATING TO MOTOR FUELS SUBJECT TO USER FEES AND THE IMPOSITION OF THOSE FEES, FOR THIRTY DAYS WITH AN AUTOMATIC EXTENSION FOR ANOTHER THIRTY DAYS IF THE AVERAGE PRICE OF GASOLINE HAS NOT FALLEN BY FIFTEEN PERCENT AT THE END OF THE INITIAL THIRTY DAY PERIOD.
sr-0598km26.docx

Senator OTT spoke on the Resolution.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1046 (Word version) -- Senators Corbin, Adams, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Blackmon, Bright, Campsen, Cash, Chaplin, Climer, 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 and Zell: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CHIEF BOBBY SCOTT BAKER UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS FORTY-ONE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
lc-0352ha-jah26.docx

The Senate Resolution was adopted.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 812 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-970, RELATING TO THE TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNAL LEGEND, SO AS TO REQUIRE A PERSON RIDING A BICYCLE TO STOP FULLY AT A RED LIGHT BUT TO ALLOW THE PERSON TO PROCEED WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO; AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3530 SO AS TO ALLOW A PERSON RIDING A BICYCLE TO YIELD AT STOP SIGNS WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 894 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-63-74, RELATING TO THE ELECTRONIC FILING AND TRANSMISSION OF DEATH CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR A DEATH CERTIFICATE TO BE FILED ON THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY FOLLOWING THE WEEKEND OR A HOLIDAY.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 935 (Word version) -- Senator Tedder: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-1-320 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH TO CREATE A PAMPHLET ON RENDERING SEIZURE FIRST AID TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE SUFFERED A SEIZURE IN THE WORKPLACE AND TO REQUIRE STATE GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES TO POST THE PAMPHLET IN A CONSPICUOUS LOCATION.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

S. 958 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin and Alexander: 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.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:

H. 3931 (Word version) -- Reps. Bailey, Sessions, Brewer, Robbins, M.M. Smith, Burns, Haddon, Lowe, Rutherford, Schuessler and Guffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 48-39-150, RELATING TO APPROVAL OR DENIAL OF PERMITS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH TIMELINES FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO TAKE ACTION ON A PERMIT APPLICATION.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1012 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Rankin, Massey and Hutto: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO INVITE THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT, THE HONORABLE JOHN W. KITTREDGE, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION ON THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT 12:00 NOON ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

HOUSE CONCURRENCE

S. 1042 (Word version) -- Senators Young, 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 and Zell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR BILL REYNOLDS OF AIKEN COUNTY FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CIVIC LEADERSHIP, DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND EXCEPTIONAL ROLE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE "ALL HANDS ON DECK" CAMPAIGN FOR AIKEN SENIOR LIFE SERVICES AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR MANY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERISM THAT HAS STRENGTHENED THE CITY OF AIKEN AND IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ITS CITIZENS.

Returned with concurrence.

Received as information.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME
SENT TO THE HOUSE

S. 823 (Word version) -- Senators Reichenbach, Hutto, Devine and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTIONS 63-7-2630 AND 63-9-765 SO AS TO REQUIRE FAMILY COURTS TO CONSIDER THE APPROPRIATENESS OF NO CONTACT ORDERS OR SUPERVISED-CONTACT ORDERS WHEN TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS OR FINALIZING ADOPTIONS; TO AUTHORIZE THESE ORDERS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.

Senator GARRETT proposed the following amendment (SJ-823.SW0004S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 63-7-2630(B) and inserting:
  (B) Upon motion of any party, except for a person who is the subject of the termination of parental rights action, or at the discretion of the court, when the court enters an order terminating parental rights pursuant to this article, the court shall may:

(1) consider whether a no contact order or supervised-contact order between the child and any biological parent or relative is necessary to protect the child's safety, welfare, or attachment to the prospective adoptive family or other caregiver; and

(2) if the court determines that a no contact order or supervised-contact order is not necessary, make written findings on the record stating the factual basis for that determination.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 63-9-765(B) and inserting:
  (B) Upon motion of any party or at the discretion of the court, when the court enters a final decree of adoption pursuant to this article, the court shall may:

(1) consider whether a no contact order or supervised-contact order between the child and any biological parent or relative is necessary to protect the child's safety, welfare, or attachment to the adoptive family; and

(2) if the court determines that a no contact order or supervised-contact order is not necessary, make written findings on the record stating the factual basis for that determination.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator ELLIOTT explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

The question being the third reading of the Bill.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 40; Nays 0

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Allen
Bennett                   Blackmon                  Bright
Cash                      Chaplin                   Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Devine                    Elliott                   Fernandez
Gambrell                  Graham                    Hembree
Hutto                     Jackson                   Johnson
Kimbrell                  Leber                     Martin
Massey                    Matthews                  Ott
Peeler                    Rankin                    Reichenbach
Rice                      Stubbs                    Sutton
Tedder                    Turner                    Verdin
Walker                    Williams                  Young
Zell

Total--40

NAYS

Total--0

There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House.

MOTION TO VARY THE ORDER OF THE DAY ADOPTED

On motion of Senator MASSEY, under Rule 32A, the Senate agreed to vary the order of the day and proceed directly to the Contested Statewide Third Reading Calendar.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE CONTESTED STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

CARRIED OVER

H. 3305 (Word version) -- Rep. W. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 7 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 15 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC EXPRESSION PROTECTION ACT," REGARDING A CAUSE OF ACTION ASSERTED IN A CIVIL ACTION BASED UPON A PERSON'S COMMUNICATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE PROCEEDINGS.

On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.

CARRIED OVER

S. 26 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-107 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT OWNERS OF WATERCRAFT OF MORE THAN SEVENTY HORSEPOWER MUST CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE OF AT LEAST FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS OF COVERAGE PER OCCURRENCE, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION OF FINES.

On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.

CARRIED OVER

S. 808 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin, Alexander and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-7-10, RELATING TO ILLEGAL ACTS DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THAT HARASSING OR THREATENING A WORKER RESTORING CRITICAL SERVICES IS A MISDEMEANOR, AND THAT ASSAULTING OR ENDANGERING A WORKER RESTORING OR DESTROYING OR TAMPERING WITH AN ELECTRIC UTILITY SYSTEM IS A FELONY, AND TO DEFINE CRITICAL SERVICES.

On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.

AMENDED, READ THE THIRD TIME

S. 922 (Word version) -- Senators Massey, Alexander, Hutto, Campsen, Leber and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-3-210, RELATING TO FILLING VACANCIES WHEN THE SENATE IS NOT IN SESSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR WHEN THE GOVERNOR MAY MAKE AN INTERIM APPOINTMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-3-10, RELATING TO THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY ADDING SECTION 1-30-12 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CABINET MEMBERS WILL SERVE COTERMINOUS WITH THE GOVERNOR THAT APPOINTS THEM; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-13-40, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN AFFAIRS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-15-10, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-31-10, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION FOR COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 6-19-30, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION FOR COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 13-1-370, RELATING TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE DIVISION OF STATE DEVELOPMENT, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 13-19-10, RELATING TO THE MIDLANDS AUTHORITY, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 13-21-10, RELATING TO THE EDISTO DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 25-21-20, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-89-160, RELATING TO THE DAY CARE JOINT UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-7-10, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-13-10, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-20-40, RELATING TO THE PANEL FOR DIETETICS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-30-40, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-35-10, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF LONG TERM HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATORS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-11, RELATING TO THE MEDICAL DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-51-30, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF PODIATRY EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-57-40, RELATING TO THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-59-10, RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS COMMISSION, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-60-10, RELATING TO THE REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS BOARD, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-63-10, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-67-10, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-69-10, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-81-50, RELATING TO THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 43-31-40, RELATING TO THE STATE AGENCY OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-43-1320, RELATING TO DONATE LIFE SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-830, RELATING TO THE DARE FUND, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 46-41-260, RELATING TO THE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 46-50-40, RELATING TO THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 48-23-10, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION OF FORESTRY, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 50-5-2700, RELATING TO THE ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMPACT, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 51-13-1720, RELATING TO THE OLD JACKSONBOROUGH HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD OF REGENTS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 54-17-30, RELATING TO THE MARITIME SECURITY COMMISSION, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 60-11-40, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 60-15-20, RELATING TO THE ARTS COMMISSION, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-11-700, RELATING TO THE DIVISION FOR REVIEW OF THE FOSTER CARE OF CHILDREN, SO AS TO REMOVE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE.

The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator VERDIN, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up further amendments on third reading.

Senator VERDIN proposed the following amendment (SR-922.CEM0002S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting SECTION 25 from the bill.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Senator MASSEY explained the Bill.

Senator GRAHAM spoke on the Bill.

RECESS

At 2:33 P.M., on motion of Senator SABB, the Senate receded from business not to exceed 5 minutes.

At 2:37.M., the Senate resumed.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator SABB, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up further amendments on third reading.

Senators MATTHEWS, SUTTON, HUTTO, SABB and TEDDER proposed the following amendment (SMIN-922.MW0001S), which was tabled:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 41 and inserting:
SECTION 41.   The office of Director of the Department of Public Health is declared vacant as of May 14, 2026 December 31, 2026. The director must cease to exercise the duties of his office and vacate the premises on or before that date because it would be to the detriment of the State for the Director to cease to exercise the duties of his office due to a public health outbreak. The Governor may name a current employee of the Department of Public Health as acting director to carry out the duties of the director until a new director is appointed and the Senate confirms the new director. However, the person serving as director as of January 1, 2026 may not be named acting or interim director.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator SABB explained the amendment.

Senator MASSEY spoke on the amendment.

Senator MASSEY moved to lay the amendment on the table.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 31; Nays 12

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Bright                    Campsen
Cash                      Chaplin                   Climer
Corbin                    Davis                     Elliott
Fernandez                 Gambrell                  Goldfinch
Grooms                    Hembree                   Johnson
Kimbrell                  Leber                     Martin
Massey                    Peeler                    Rankin
Reichenbach               Rice                      Stubbs
Turner                    Verdin                    Young
Zell

Total--31

NAYS

Allen                     Cromer                    Devine
Graham                    Hutto                     Matthews
Ott                       Sabb                      Sutton
Tedder                    Walker                    Williams

Total--12

The amendment was laid on the table.

The question being the third reading of the Bill.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 32; Nays 11

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Bright                    Campsen
Cash                      Chaplin                   Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Elliott                   Fernandez                 Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Johnson                   Kimbrell                  Leber
Martin                    Massey                    Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Stubbs                    Turner                    Verdin
Young                     Zell

Total--32

NAYS

Allen                     Devine                    Graham
Hutto                     Matthews                  Ott
Sabb                      Sutton                    Tedder
Walker                    Williams

Total--11

There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House.

Statement by Senators DEVINE, TEDDER, and WALKER

Pursuant to Senate Rules, S. 922 was given second reading using an earlier second reading roll call vote. As such, we are recorded as voting in favor of this piece of legislation.

We were not present in the Chamber at the time this Bill was amended to include provisions pertaining to the Director of Public Health and subsequently received second reading. Had we been present, we would have voted against the amendment and against granting the Bill second reading as amended.

AMENDED, HOUSE BILL RETURNED

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.

The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator JOHNSON, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up further amendments on third reading.

Senator JOHNSON proposed the following amendment (SJ-3924.MB0071S), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 31, by striking Section 61-6-20(1)(a) and inserting:
  (1)(a) "Alcoholic liquors" or "alcoholic beverages" means any hemp-cannabinoid products that contain not less more than five milligrams or more and not more than ten milligrams of allowable THC concentration, spirituous malt, vinous, fermented, brewed (whether lager or rice beer), or other liquors or a compound or mixture of them, including, but not limited to, a powdered or crystalline alcohol, by whatever name called or known, which contains alcohol and is used as a beverage for human consumption, but does not include:

(i) wine when manufactured or made for home consumption and which is not sold by the maker of the wine or by another person; or

(ii) a beverage declared by statute to be nonalcoholic or nonintoxicating.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 32, by striking Section 61-6-120(A) and inserting:
  (A) The department shall not grant or issue any license provided for in this article, Article 5, or Article 7 of this chapter or Chapter 14 of this title, as applicable to hemp-cannabinoid products with an allowable THC concentration of more than five milligrams and up to ten milligrams, if the place of business is within three hundred feet of any church, school, or playground situated within a municipality or within five hundred feet of any church, school, or playground situated outside of a municipality. Such distance shall be computed by following the shortest route of ordinary pedestrian or vehicular travel along the public thoroughfare from the nearest point of the grounds in use as part of such church, school, or playground, which, as used herein, shall be defined as follows:

(1) "church", an establishment, other than a private dwelling, where religious services are usually conducted;

(2) "school", an establishment, other than a private dwelling, where the usual processes of education are usually conducted; and

(3) "playground", a place, other than grounds at a private dwelling, which is provided by the public or members of a community for recreation.

The above restrictions do not apply to the renewal of licenses and they do not apply to new applications for locations which are licensed at the time the new application is filed with the department.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 38, by striking Section 61-14-10(1)(a) and inserting:
    (a) not more than five milligrams per serving which can be sold in a twelve-ounce single serving container in a retail store; or

(a)(b) not more than ten milligrams per serving, which can be:

(i) up to one and one-half of an ounce, in a 750-milliliter container sold in a liquor store;

(ii) a twelve-ounce single serving container sold in a liquor store; or

(iii) one hemp gelatin chewable in a liquor store.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 38, by striking Section 61-14-10(9) and inserting:
  (9) "Hemp gelatin chewable," "chewable," or "gummy" is an edible, chewable product that contains intoxicating alcoholic liquid converted into a gelatin or a kosher gelatin alternative substance subject to the exercise of the police power of the General Assembly, pursuant to Section 1, Article VIII-A of the South Carolina Constitution. Chewables may contain no more than ten milligrams per serving of an allowable THC concentration per chewable or gummy and must be sold in containers of no more than four chewables per package, forty milligrams total THC per package. Baked goods or other food products of any kind are not chewables or gummies.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 38, by striking Section 61-14-300(B) and inserting:
  (B) All hemp-cannabinoid beverages or chewables distributed into or within the State and offered for sale and sold to consumers in this State must be governed by this chapter, and where applicable Chapter 4 for hemp-cannabinoid beverages containing not more than five milligrams of an allowable THC concentration, or Chapter 6, for hemp cannabinoid products containing more than five milligrams but nonot more than ten milligrams of an allowable THC concentration.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 38, by striking Section 61-14-360(B) and inserting:
  (B) A permit authorized by this section to sell on Sundays in retail stores hemp-cannabinoid beverages with an allowable THC concentration of five milligrams or less, may be issued only in those counties or municipalities where a majority of the qualified electors voting in a referendum vote in favor of the issuance of the permit for retail sales of hemp-cannabinoid beverages, on Sundays in retail stores. The county or municipal election commission, as the case may be, shall conduct a referendum upon petition of at least ten percent but not more than seven thousand five hundred qualified electors of the county or municipality, as the case may be. The petition form must be submitted to the election commission not less than one hundred twenty days before the date of the referendum. The names on the petition must be on the petition form provided to county election officials by the State Election Commission. The names on the petition must be certified by the election commission within sixty days after receiving the petition form. The referendum must be conducted at the next general election. The election commission shall cause a notice to be published in a newspaper circulated in the county or municipality, as the case may be, at least seven days before the referendum. The state election laws shall apply to the referendum, mutatis mutandis. The election commission shall publish the results of the referendum and certify them to the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 38, by striking Section 61-14-530(A)(3) and (4) and inserting:
    (3) may not include a statement, artwork, or design that could reasonably appeal to children or mislead an individual to believe that the package contains anything other than a hemp-cannabinoid beverage or hemp gelatin chewable, as applicable; and

(4) may not be packaged in any way that violates federal trademark or copyright laws, and

(5) for the purposes of hemp gelatin chewable packaging must be child resistant.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 38, by striking Section 61-14-920 and inserting:
  Section 61-14-920.   Hemp-cannabinoid beverages in a 750-milliliter bottle, a single serving can or bottle containing more than five milligrams but not more than ten milligrams of an allowable THC concentration, or a hemp gelatin chewable as permitted by this chapter must be sold only in licensed alcoholic liquor stores.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 46, by striking Section 61-14-15(A) and inserting:
  (A) It is unlawful for a licensee of a retail establishment or a liquor store to fail to not to maintain any hemp-cannabinoid product behind the counter of a retail establishment or a liquor store in an area inaccessible to the customer.

Amend the bill further, SECTION 49, by striking Section and inserting:
SECTION 49.The prohibition and enforcement of hemp-cannabinoid product distribution and sales to individuals under the age of twenty-one are effective upon the signature of the Governor, unless there is a challengefinal adjudication to the constitutionality of the prohibition and enforcement of hemp-cannabinoid product distribution and sales to individuals under the age of twenty-one, then this act shall have the effect of prohibiting and enforcing hemp-cannabinoid products distribution and sales to individuals under the age of eighteen, and the remaining provisions of this act take effective sixty days after approval by the Governor.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator JOHSON explained the amendment.

The amendment was adopted.

Motion Failed

Senator HUTTO moved under Rule 26B to propose a further amendment on third reading.

Senator HUTTO explained the amendment.

The motion failed.

Motion Failed

Senator OTT moved under Rule 26B to propose a further amendment on third reading.

Senator OTT explained the amendment.

The motion failed.

Motion Failed

Senator SUTTON moved under Rule 26B to propose a further amendment on third reading.

Senator SUTTON explained the amendment.

The motion failed.

  Motion Failed

Senator OTT moved under Rule 26B to propose a further amendment on third reading.

Senator OTT explained the amendment.

The question being the consideration of the amendment on third reading.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 14; Nays 29

AYES

Allen                     Devine                    Fernandez
Graham                    Hutto                     Leber
Matthews                  Ott                       Rankin
Sabb                      Sutton                    Tedder
Walker                    Zell

Total--14
NAYS

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Bright                    Campsen
Cash                      Chaplin                   Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Elliott                   Gambrell                  Goldfinch
Grooms                    Hembree                   Johnson
Kimbrell                  Martin                    Massey
Peeler                    Reichenbach               Rice
Stubbs                    Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Young

Total--29

The motion failed.

Senator TEDDER spoke on the Bill.

Senator SUTTON spoke on the Bill.

Remarks to be Printed

On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator SUTTON, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.

Senator OTT spoke on the Bill.

Motion Failed

Senator SUTTON moved under Rule 26B to propose a further amendment on third reading.

Senator SUTTON explained the amendment.

The question being the consideration of the amendment on third reading.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 15; Nays 25

AYES

Allen                     Chaplin                   Devine
Graham                    Hutto                     Jackson
Leber                     Matthews                  Ott
Rankin                    Sabb                      Sutton
Tedder                    Walker                    Zell

Total--15

NAYS

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Bright                    Campsen
Cash                      Climer                    Corbin
Cromer                    Davis                     Elliott
Gambrell                  Goldfinch                 Grooms
Hembree                   Johnson                   Kimbrell
Martin                    Massey                    Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Turner
Young

Total--25

The motion failed.

Motion Failed

Senator TEDDER moved under Rule 26B to propose a further amendment on third reading.

Senator TEDDER explained the amendment.

The question being the consideration of the amendment on third reading.

Ayes 14; Nays 28

AYES

Allen                     Devine                    Graham
Hutto                     Jackson                   Leber
Matthews                  Ott                       Rankin
Sabb                      Sutton                    Tedder
Walker                    Zell

Total--14
NAYS

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Bright                    Campsen
Cash                      Chaplin                   Climer
Corbin                    Cromer                    Davis
Gambrell                  Goldfinch                 Grooms
Hembree                   Johnson                   Kimbrell
Martin                    Massey                    Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Stubbs
Turner                    Verdin                    Williams
Young

Total--28

The motion failed.

The question being the third reading of the Bill.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 30; Nays 13

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Campsen                   Cash
Chaplin                   Climer                    Cromer
Davis                     Elliott                   Gambrell
Goldfinch                 Grooms                    Hembree
Johnson                   Kimbrell                  Leber
Martin                    Massey                    Peeler
Rankin                    Reichenbach               Rice
Stubbs                    Turner                    Verdin
Williams                  Young                     Zell

Total--30

NAYS

Allen                     Bright                    Corbin
Devine                    Graham                    Hutto
Jackson                   Matthews                  Ott
Sabb                      Sutton                    Tedder
Walker

Total--13

There being no further amendments, the Bill as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered returned to the House.

OBJECTION

H. 4756 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Bailey, Ballentine, Brewer, Brittain, Bustos, Caskey, Chapman, Crawford, Davis, Duncan, Forrest, Gagnon, Gatch, Gilliam, Guest, Hardee, Hartz, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, J.E. Johnson, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Martin, McCravy, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, T. Moore, W. Newton, Oremus, Pedalino, Rankin, Robbins, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G.M. Smith, M.M. Smith, Taylor, Vaughan, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis, Wooten, Yow, B. Newton, Chumley, Edgerton, Magnuson, Terribile, White, D. Mitchell, Cromer, Gilreath, Huff, Landing, Lastinger, Teeple, Guffey, McCabe, Gibson and Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT PHYSICAL PRIVACY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 23, TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE VARIOUS MEASURES TO PROMOTE AND ENSURE PRIVACY AMONG SEXES USING CERTAIN RESTROOMS AND CHANGING FACILITIES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Senator MASSEY asked unanimous consent to set the Bill for Special Order.

Senator MATTHEWS objected.

MOTION TO VARY THE ORDER OF THE DAY ADOPTED

On motion of Senator MASSEY, under Rule 32A, the Senate agreed to vary the order of the day and proceed directly to the Motion Period.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.

MADE SPECIAL ORDER

H. 4756 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Bailey, Ballentine, Brewer, Brittain, Bustos, Caskey, Chapman, Crawford, Davis, Duncan, Forrest, Gagnon, Gatch, Gilliam, Guest, Hardee, Hartz, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, J.E. Johnson, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Martin, McCravy, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, T. Moore, W. Newton, Oremus, Pedalino, Rankin, Robbins, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G.M. Smith, M.M. Smith, Taylor, Vaughan, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Willis, Wooten, Yow, B. Newton, Chumley, Edgerton, Magnuson, Terribile, White, D. Mitchell, Cromer, Gilreath, Huff, Landing, Lastinger, Teeple, Guffey, McCabe, Gibson and Bowers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT PHYSICAL PRIVACY ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 23, TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE VARIOUS MEASURES TO PROMOTE AND ENSURE PRIVACY AMONG SEXES USING CERTAIN RESTROOMS AND CHANGING FACILITIES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Senator MASSEY moved that the Bill be made a Special Order.

The Bill was made a Special Order.

At 5:04 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

OBJECTION

H. 4982 (Word version) -- Reps. Crawford, Brittain, Guest, McGinnis, Hardee, Schuessler, Bailey and J.E. Johnson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 73 ALSO KNOWN AS "FUTURE 73" THAT WILL SERVE DILLON, HORRY, MARION, AND MARLBORO COUNTIES, THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA "PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.

The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
Senator MATTHEWS objected.

MOTION TO VARY THE ORDER OF THE DAY ADOPTED

On motion of Senator MASSEY, under Rule 32A, the Senate agreed to vary the order of the day and proceed directly to the Motion Period.

The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:

Ayes 28; Nays 5

AYES

Adams                     Alexander                 Bennett
Blackmon                  Bright                    Campsen
Cash                      Chaplin                   Climer
Corbin                    Davis                     Elliott
Gambrell                  Goldfinch                 Grooms
Hembree                   Johnson                   Kimbrell
Martin                    Massey                    Peeler
Reichenbach               Rice                      Stubbs
Verdin                    Williams                  Young
Zell

Total--28

NAYS

Allen                     Devine                    Matthews
Sutton                    Tedder

Total--5

The motion was adopted.

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD

MOTION UNDER RULE 32B ADOPTED

Senator MASSEY, Chairman of the Committee on Rules, moved under the provisions of Rule 32B to recall H. 4982 from the Committee on Transportation and have it placed on the Calendar.

At 5:13 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.

LOCAL APPOINTMENTS
Confirmations

Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:

Reappointment, Berkeley County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Berkeley County:
Whilden V. Baggett, 105 Bonneau Street, Bonneau, SC 29431-8620

Reappointment, Berkeley County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Berkeley County:
Evonne Jenkins Whaley, 423 Jenkinsridge Lane, Pineville, SC 29468

Initial Appointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2022, and to expire April 30, 2026
Cherokee County:
Leslie C. Teague, 1421 Pleasant School Road, Gaffney, SC 29341 VICE Edward P. Suppiger

Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Cherokee County:
Leslie C. Teague, 1421 Pleasant School Road, Gaffney, SC 29341

Reappointment, Dillon County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Dillon County:
Andrew V. Bethea, P O. Box 205, Latta, SC 29565

Reappointment, Dillon County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Dillon County:
Anthony B. Britt, Jr., 116 Kemper Church Road, Lake View, SC 29563-5665

Reappointment, Dillon County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Dillon County:
Lutherine J. Williams, P.O. Box 602, Latta, SC 29565

Reappointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2022, and to expire April 30, 2026
Lancaster County:
Fredrick A. Thomas, P.O. Box 3222, Lancaster, SC 29721-3222

Reappointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Lancaster County:
Fredrick A. Thomas, P.O. Box 3222, Lancaster, SC 29721-3222

Motion Adopted

On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.

ADJOURNMENT

At 5:14 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 1:00 P.M.

* * *

This web page was last updated on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 1:17 P.M.