NO. 42
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Joshua 8:1b
Just before Joshua was to lead his people in a major battle, ". . . the Lord said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.' "
Let us pray: O wondrous God, here at this point of the Senate's current term, many might pause to reflect upon just what these Senators and their aides have gotten done this year. Or what is it that still remains to be tackled, debated, and perhaps enacted? Indeed, there is much that has been accomplished, but many loose ends still need to be resolved. So at the heart of this prayer today is the same message that God shared with Joshua long, long ago -- that those who lead and serve others must not be discouraged. And in the same way, that these good servants here in the South Carolina Senate are likewise to continue moving forward, ever trusting in God's faithfulness and blessing. And to that end we indeed do pray, all in Your loving name, 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 Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Sutton Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
Senator STUBBS recorded his presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Initial Appointment, Board of Trustees for the Veterans' Trust Fund of South Carolina, with the term to commence May 19, 2025, and to expire May 19, 2029
At-Large:
Mr. Timothy M. Conrad, 111 Wild Hickory Circle, Easley, SC 29642 VICE Nick A. Mesenburg
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Initial Appointment, Board of Trustees for the Veterans' Trust Fund of South Carolina, with the term to commence May 19, 2025, and to expire May 19, 2027
County Veterans' Affairs Officer:
Mr. Alan D. Dabney, 307 Sycamore Drive, Mauldin, SC 29662 VICE James C. Brown
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Initial Appointment, Board of Trustees for the Veterans' Trust Fund of South Carolina, with the term to commence May 19, 2025, and to expire May 19, 2029
At-Large, Rural:
Hon. William Ralph Garris, 200 Magnolia Avenue, Great Falls, SC 29055 VICE Nancy B. Dunn
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Initial Appointment, Board of Trustees for the Veterans' Trust Fund of South Carolina, with the term to commence May 19, 2025, and to expire May 19, 2029
At-Large, Rural:
Mr. Gerald D. Henderson, Jr., 286 Minnow Lane, Batesburg, SC 29006 VICE Nikki R. Wooten
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Initial Appointment, Board of Trustees for the Veterans' Trust Fund of South Carolina, with the term to commence May 19, 2025, and to expire May 19, 2029
At-Large, Rural:
Mr. Timothy J. McIlhenny, 120 South Heyward Street, Bishopville, SC 29010 VICE David E. Finley
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Reappointment, Board of Trustees for the Veterans' Trust Fund of South Carolina, with the term to commence May 19, 2025, and to expire May 19, 2029
At-Large:
Mr. Shawn T. Pinkston, 184 Scott Street, Charleston, SC 29492-7539
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Reappointment, Board of Trustees for the Veterans' Trust Fund of South Carolina, with the term to commence May 19, 2025, and to expire May 19, 2029
At-Large:
Dr. Ada D. Stewart, 1313 Ashland Drive, Columbia, SC 29229-8414
Referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2028
5th Congressional District:
Rosetta Ann Daniels, D. Min., 1357 Jessicas Way, Rock Hill, SC 29730 VICE Andrew C. Williams
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
March 25, 2026
The Honorable Mark Hammond
Secretary of State
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525
Columbia, SC 29201
Dear Secretary Hammond:
Pursuant to Section 13-1-1000 et. Seq. of the S.C. Code, members of the 1st Congressional District Legislative Delegation met on March 25, 2026, for the purpose of electing a commissioner to represent the 1st District on the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.
Members of the Delegation elected Mr. Elliott Summey to fill the unexpired term of Mrs. Anne Esposito.
Appointment, South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, with term to commence February 15, 2027, and to expire February 15, 2031
1st Congressional District:
Mr. Elliott Summey, 1431 Headquarters Plantation Drive, Johns Island, SC 29455 VICE Anne Esposito
Referred to the 1st Congressional District Delegation
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Larry Grooms
Chairman, 1st Congressional District Delegation
Senator ZELL introduced Dr. Kent Cunningham of Sumter, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, at 11:05 A.M., Senator KIMBRELL was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator SUTTON, at 11:08 A.M., Senator SABB was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator GRAHAM, at 12:45 P.M., Senator WALKER was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator GAMBRELL, at 12:45 P.M., Senator GOLDFINCH was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, at 12:45 P.M., Senator MATTHEWS was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator TEDDER, at 12:45 P.M., Senator DEVINE was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator CORBIN, at 12:45 P.M., Senator GARRETT was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, at 12:45 P.M., Senator RANKIN was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator YOUNG, at 12:45 P.M., Senator JOHNSON was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
Senator DAVIS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
On motion of Senator ZELL, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator DAVIS, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
Senator YOUNG rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
On motion of Senator GROOMS, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator YOUNG, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
Senator CLIMER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
The following co-sponsor was added to the respective Bill:
S. 862 (Word version) Sen. Sutton
S. 943 (Word version) -- Senator Chaplin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE SECTION OF HIGHWAY 151 IN FRONT OF THE SHERRIF'S OFFICE IN DARLINGTON COUNTY THE "DEPUTY FRANK DEVIN MASON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" 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.
S. 999 (Word version) -- Senator Stubbs: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO PROCLAIM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYORS DAY" THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THIS GROUP OF PROFESSIONALS TO THE PALMETTO STATE.
Senator DAVIS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Senator DAVIS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Resolution.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Resolution was adopted.
H. 5396 (Word version) -- Reps. Gilliam, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, 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 RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND PERSONAL SACRIFICES OUR MILITARY CHILDREN MAKE AND TO DESIGNATE APRIL 2026 AS "MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Senator YOUNG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
Senator YOUNG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Resolution.
On motion of Senator YOUNG, the Resolution was adopted and ordered sent to the House.
The following were introduced:
S. 1059 (Word version) -- Senator Corbin: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES LIVING WITH AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS), TO RECOGNIZE CAREGIVERS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT THE REALITIES OF THIS DEVASTATING DISEASE, TO DEMONSTRATE THE STATE'S COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING THOSE IMPACTED BY THE DISEASE, AND TO DECLARE MAY 2026 AS "AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1060 (Word version) -- Senators Johnson, Blackmon, Fernandez, Peeler, Hembree, Climer, Adams, Alexander, Massey, Kennedy, Bennett, Turner and Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 14 TO CHAPTER 63, TITLE 59, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS RELATED TO EDUCATOR SAFETY AND CLASSROOM AUTHORITY; TO INCLUDE RELEVANT EDUCATOR CLASSROOM AUTHORITY; TO PROVIDE FOR REFERRAL, REMOVAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FOLLOW-UP PROCESSES; TO PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FOR EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND STAFF; TO CREATE DUTIES FOR THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION; AND TO REQUIRE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO REVISE THEIR STUDENT AND STAFF CODES OF CONDUCT TO CONFORM WITH THIS ARTICLE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE DATE OF ENACTMENT.
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Senator JOHNSON spoke on the Bill.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
On motion of Senator CASH, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator JOHNSON, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
S. 1061 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, RELATING TO PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5405, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 1062 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, RELATING TO DETERMINATION OF RATES OF TUITION AND FEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5443, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 1063 (Word version) -- Senator Elliott: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS SINCERE GRATITUDE TO THE PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND SPONSORS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESTAURANT AND LODGING ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL HOSPITALITY DAY LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON AND TO RECOGNIZE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026, AS "HOSPITALITY DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 1064 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 2026 AS "BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN ORDER TO SUPPORT BRAIN INJURY SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES, TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT THE PREVALENCE OF BRAIN INJURY ACROSS THE STATE AND NATION, AND TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF BRAIN INJURIES.
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S. 1065 (Word version) -- Senators Climer, Johnson and Stubbs: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-2010 SO AS TO PROHIBIT OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL OF TANGIBLE OR INTANGIBLE PROPERTY IN SOUTH CAROLINA BY ALIENS OR PERSONS AFFILIATED WITH FOREIGN ADVERSARIES, FOREIGN TERRORISTS, OR TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-2020 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNOR TO IDENTIFY FOREIGN ADVERSARIES, FOREIGN TERRORISTS, OR TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS IMPACTING SOUTH CAROLINA; BY ADDING SECTION 14-1-75 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT COURTS NOT USE SHARIA LAW IN MAKING JUDICIAL DECISIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 27-13-30, RELATING TO LIMITATION ON ALIEN LAND OWNERSHIP, SO AS TO PROHIBIT ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY BY ALIENS OR PERSONS AFFILIATED WITH FOREIGN ADVERSARIES, FOREIGN TERRORISTS, OR TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS AND TO PROVIDE FOR DIVESTING SUCH PERSONS OF THEIR REAL PROPERTY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 1066 (Word version) -- Senator Cromer: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE IN THE TOWN OF WHITMIRE THAT CROSSES THE CSX RAILROAD TRACK ALONG SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 72 "CAROL THOMAS MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 3874 (Word version) -- Reps. J. E. Johnson and Schuessler: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 42-15-90, RELATING TO FEES OF ATTORNEYS AND PHYSICIANS AND HOSPITAL CHARGES APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO ALLOW THE COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH MEDICAL FEE SCHEDULES AND RELATED SYSTEMS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 4544 (Word version) -- Reps. Jordan, W. Newton, M. M. Smith, Cox and Davis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-32-220, RELATING TO NONECONOMIC DAMAGES LIMIT AND EXCEPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR INTENT TO HARM, FELONY CONVICTIONS, AND INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 15-78-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE TORT CLAIMS ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE MEANING OF "OCCURRENCE"; BY AMENDING SECTION 15-78-120, RELATING TO LIMITATION ON LIABILITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE LIMITATIONS MUST BE INCREASED OR DECREASED; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-180, RELATING TO LIMITED LIABILITY OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 4662 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, Wetmore, Pope and Oremus: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-50, RELATING TO ORGANIZATIONS EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION PROVISIONS, SO AS TO REGULATE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS THAT SOLICIT, COLLECT, EARN, OR RECEIVE MORE THAN A STATED AMOUNT IN A FISCAL YEAR THAT REGISTER WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY INCREASING REPORT REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-70, RELATING TO CONTRACTS WITH PROFESSIONAL SOLICITORS, SO AS TO REQUIRE WRITTEN CONTRACTS BETWEEN A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION AND PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISING COUNSEL, PROFESSIONAL SOLICITOR, OR COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURER TO BE FILED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-90, RELATING TO REQUIRED DISCLOSURES, SO AS TO REQUIRE ANY ENTITY THAT IS SOLICITING 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 REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL SOLICITORS, FUNDRAISING COUNSELS, OR COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURERS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-120, RELATING TO MISREPRESENTATIONS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURERS FROM USING REGISTRATION WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE STATE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 4670 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, C. Mitchell and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 15-1-350 SO AS TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMANDS FOR PERSONAL INJURY, BODILY INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR WRONGFUL DEATH.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 4767 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, Chumley, Sessions, Oremus, Bustos, Landing, White, Wooten, Gagnon, Lawson, Guffey, Beach, Long, Cox, Rutherford, McCravy, Bowers, Wickensimer, Willis, Haddon, Bauer, Rankin, Burns, Rose, Vaughan, Duncan, Robbins, Brewer and D. Mitchell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 9 TO TITLE 41 SO AS TO PROHIBIT NONCOMPETE CLAUSES IN PHYSICIAN CONTRACTS, TO PROTECT PATIENT FREEDOM OF CHOICE, TO DEFINE IMPERMISSIBLE RESTRICTIONS ON PHYSICIAN PRACTICE, TO ALLOW CERTAIN RECOUPMENT OF EXPENSES AND PROTECTION OF LEGITIMATE BUSINESS INTERESTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR APPLICABILITY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
H. 5113 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, M. M. Smith, Guffey, B. Newton, Lawson, Sessions, Robbins, Gatch, Neese, Kirby, Waters, C. Mitchell, Yow, Atkinson, Forrest, Gagnon, Guest, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hiott, J. L. Johnson, Wooten, Chapman and Ligon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-29-735 SO AS TO PROHIBIT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM PREVENTING THE CONTINUANCE OF LAWFUL NONCONFORMING USE OF PROPERTY WHEN A PREEXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME OR MOBILE HOME IS REPLACED WITH A NEW MANUFACTURED HOME OR MOBILE HOME, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-43-85, RELATING TO STANDARDS FOR PLACEMENT OF MODULAR HOMES; DISPLAY MODELS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECTION APPLIES TO ON-FRAME MODULAR HOMES AND TO REMOVE A FIVE-YEAR RESTRICTION ON DISPLAY MODELS BEING USED FOR RESIDENTIAL USE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator DAVIS from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4730 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Erickson, Wooten, Ligon, Williams and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-11-360, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS OF SIGN AND BILLBOARD INSTALLATION, REPAIR, OR MAINTENANCE FROM CONTRACTOR LICENSURE, SO AS TO INCLUDE BILLBOARD STRUCTURES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator DAVIS from the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry submitted a favorable report on:
Initial Appointment, Jobs-Economic Development Authority, with the term to commence July 27, 2024, and to expire July 27, 2027
1st Congressional District:
Mark Stacy, 2788 Gaston Gate, Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29466 VICE Henry B. Fishburne (resigned)
Received as information.
Senator YOUNG from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services submitted a favorable report on:
Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2030
4th Congressional District:
Jane W. Daniel, 107 East Shallowstone Road, Greer, S.C. 29650
Received as information.
Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2028
3rd Congressional District:
George E. Jones, Jr., 107 Walnut Street, Greenwood, S.C. 29646-0205
Received as information.
Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2028
5th Congressional District:
Mary D. Long, 508 Indigo Court, Camden, S.C. 29020
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2029
2nd Congressional District:
Cheryl Azouri Long, 219 Healing Springs Road, Blackville, S.C. 29817 VICE Margaret Jo B. Hecker
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2022, and to expire June 30, 2026
7th Congressional District:
Felicia B. Miles, Ph.D., 628 Oxbow Dr., Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29579 VICE Vernon Lee McCurry
Received as information.
Reappointment, South Carolina State Board of Social Work Examiners, with the term to commence November 27, 2026, and to expire November 27, 2030
Independent Social Worker:
Dell A. Lancaster, 107 Crestland Dr., Columbia, SC 29210-4021
Received as information.
Reappointment, South Carolina State Board of Social Work Examiners, with the term to commence November 27, 2026, and to expire November 27, 2030
Independent Social Worker:
Jeffery Cameron, 403 Meadow Hill Way, Greer, SC 29650-5104
Received as information.
Reappointment, South Carolina State Board of Social Work Examiners, with the term to commence November 27, 2026, and to expire November 27, 2030
Master Social Worker:
Alicia Layne Alderson Nix, 312 Winding Way, Columbia, SC 29212-1347
Received as information.
S. 1056 (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 SOUTH CAROLINA VETERANS WHO SERVED IN THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SACRIFICES AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE MEN AND WOMEN FROM THIS STATE WHO SERVED IN THIS CONFLICT.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
S. 1058 (Word version) -- Senators Gambrell and Cash: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE ANGELA BOWEN UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HER FOR HER YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 428 (Word version) -- Senators Allen, Hembree and Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 34-11-90, RELATING TO JURISDICTION FOR OFFENSES INVOLVING CHECKS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A METHOD TO EXPUNGE CONVICTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 17-22-910, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR EXPUNGEMENT, SO AS TO ADD MULTIPLE MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES OF CHECK FRAUD TO THOSE OFFENSES ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 17-1-43 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DESTRUCTION OF ARREST RECORDS OF PERSONS MADE AS A RESULT OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
S. 711 (Word version) -- Senators Johnson, Walker and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-60, RELATING TO SCHOOL GUARDS REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE AUTHORITY TO DIRECT AND CONTROL TRAFFIC ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS NEAR SCHOOLS.
S. 688 (Word version) -- Senators Massey and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-5, RELATING TO CONTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENTS TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE LOOKBACK PERIOD FOR THE BENEFIT RATIO; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-45, RELATING TO DEBT STATUS ESTIMATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A SOLVENCY TARGET FOR THE FUND; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-60, RELATING TO THE TAX RATE WHEN A DELINQUENT REPORT IS RECEIVED, SO AS TO CHANGE THE PENALTY FOR AN OUTSTANDING LIEN; BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-350, RELATING TO THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FILE A REPORT, SO AS TO REMOVE THE CAP ON THE PENALTY FOR FAILING TO FILE A REPORT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 41-31-370, RELATING TO INTEREST ON UNPAID CONTRIBUTIONS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE CAP ON THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PAY CONTRIBUTIONS.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
The following Bills and Resolution were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 830 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-77-122, RELATING TO INSURERS AND AGENTS PROHIBITED FROM REFUSING TO ISSUE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICIES DUE TO CERTAIN FACTORS AND PROHIBITED FACTORS FOR PREMIUM RATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT INSURERS CAN LIMIT THE ISSUANCE OF INSURANCE TO MEMBERS OF PARTICULAR NON-PROFIT MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS.
S. 851 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Young and Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 34-3-900 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO THE FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION OF AN ELIGIBLE ADULT AND TO OUTLINE A PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING EMERGENCY CONTACTS FOR AN ELIGIBLE ADULT TO PROTECT THE ELIGIBLE ADULT FROM FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION.
S. 996 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Sutton, Reichenbach, Devine, Zell, Elliott and Tedder: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-13-190, RELATING TO FINGERPRINT-BASED BACKGROUND CHECKS OF DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES PERSONNEL, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROVISION THAT A PERSON WHO HAS DIRECT UNSUPERVISED CONTACT WITH A CHILD IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES SHALL UNDERGO A STATE FINGERPRINT-BASED BACKGROUND CHECK.
S. 1011 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, THE STATE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AUTHORITY, OR THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY, TO TRANSFER THE NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY IN THE CITY OF BARNWELL, SOUTH CAROLINA, TO BARNWELL COUNTY.
The following Bills were read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, were ordered that the titles be changed to that of Acts and enrolled for Ratification:
H. 5089 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton and Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-110, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN BEAUFORT COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED.
H. 3514 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, C. Mitchell, Pedalino, Guest, Crawford and Pope: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 11-1-130 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT STATE DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, INSTITUTIONS, AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS MAY NOT USE PUBLIC FUNDS TO PURCHASE CERTAIN FLAGS UNLESS THE FLAGS ARE MADE IN THE UNITED STATES.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 895 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin, Alexander and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-7-130, RELATING TO STATE HEALTH FACILITY LICENSURE ACT DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD TO THE DEFINITION OF "HOSPITAL" ALL HOSPITALS THAT CONVERT TO RURAL EMERGENCY HOSPITALS.
The following Bill was read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification
H. 3967 (Word version) -- Reps. Haddon, Ligon, Brewer, Bannister, Forrest, Herbkersman, Hixon, Duncan and Sanders: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 48-23-185 SO AS TO DEFINE "BIOMASS" AND OTHER RELEVANT TERMS; TO REQUIRE THAT ENERGY PRODUCED FROM CERTAIN SOURCES BE CONSIDERED CARBON NEUTRAL AND FROM OTHER SOURCES CARBON NEGATIVE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
S. 76 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Grooms, Young, Goldfinch, Sabb, Alexander, Kennedy, Cromer, Zell, Williams, Garrett and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-230, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-240, RELATING TO USE OF OR THREAT OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE BY CRIMINAL GANG MEMBERS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH UNLAWFUL CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-245 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY OF CRIMINAL GANG AND CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY EVIDENCE DURING A TRIAL OR PROCEEDING; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-250, RELATING TO PREVENTING WITNESSES OR VICTIMS FROM TESTIFYING AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM TO ABATE A PUBLIC NUISANCE OF REAL PROPERTY USED BY A CRIMINAL GANG; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-275 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY IN A CRIMINAL PROCEEDING OF THE ACCUSED'S COMMISSION OF CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-520 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS FOR THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-530 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO ENGAGE IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-540 SO AS TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ENGAGING IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-550 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CIRCUIT COURT MAY ENJOIN VIOLATIONS OF THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT BY ISSUING APPROPRIATE ORDERS; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-560 SO AS TO ESTABLISH JURISDICTION FOR RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-570 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM DISCLOSURE OF INFORMANTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 14-7-1630, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF JURIES, NOTIFICATION TO IMPANEL JURIES, POWERS AND DUTIES OF IMPANELING AND PRESIDING JUDGES, THE TRANSFER OF INCOMPLETE INVESTIGATIONS, EFFECTIVE DATES AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO ORDERS OF JUDGE, AND APPEALS, SO AS TO ADD THE CRIME OF RACKETEERING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE GRAND JURY.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 270 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Hembree and Adams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-29, RELATING TO ATTEMPTED MURDER, SO AS TO DEFINE ATTEMPTED MURDER AS COMMITTING AN UNLAWFUL ACT OF A VIOLENT NATURE THAT CAUSES INJURY TO ANOTHER WITH MALICE.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Bill was carried over.
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.
H. 4763 (Word version) -- Reps. Oremus, Brittain, W. Newton, Bailey, Bradley, Brewer, Caskey, Crawford, Duncan, Erickson, Forrest, Gagnon, Gatch, Gilliam, Guest, Haddon, Hardee, Hartnett, Hartz, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, J.E. Johnson, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Martin, McCravy, C. Mitchell, B. Newton, Pedalino, Pope, Robbins, Sanders, Schuessler, Sessions, G.M. Smith, M.M. Smith, Taylor, Teeple, Vaughan, Whitmire, Willis, Wooten, Yow, Terribile, White, Lastinger, Wickensimer, Atkinson, Chapman, Gibson, Cromer and Gilreath: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "HELPING ALLEVIATE LAWFUL OBSTRUCTION (HALO) ACT"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-1092 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERMS "EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER", "FIRST RESPONDER", AND "HARASS", TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO APPROACH, IMPEDE, CAUSE HARM TO, OR HARASS A FIRST RESPONDER OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER AFTER RECEIVING A VERBAL WARNING, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (SJ-4763.SW0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction (HALO) Act".
SECTION 2. Article 11, Chapter 3, Title 16 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 16-3-1092. (A) As used in this section, the term "first responder" includes a firefighter, law enforcement officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, or other individual with specialized training and skills who, in the course of his professional duties, responds to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other similar emergencies.
(B) It is unlawful for a person, after receiving a verbal warning not to approach from a person he knows or reasonably should know is a first responder who is engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty, to knowingly and wilfully violate the warning and approach or remain within twenty-five feet of the first responder with the intent to:
(1) impede or interfere with the first responder's ability to perform his duty;
(2) threaten the first responder with harm; or
(3) harass or taunt the first responder.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars and imprisoned not more than sixty days.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator ADAMS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator HEMBREE proposed the following amendment (SEDU-4763.DB0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 16-3-1092(A) and inserting:
(A) As used in this section, the term "first responder" includes a firefighter, law enforcement officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, or other individual with specialized training and skills who, in the course of his professional duties, responds to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other similar emergencies.For the purpose of this section:
(1) "First Responder" includes a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, and a paramedic.
(2) "Harass" means to wilfully engage in a course of conduct directed at a first responder which serves no legitimate purpose and intentionally causes and would cause a reasonable person in his position to suffer substantial mental and emotional distress in that first responder.
(3) "Healthcare Facility" shall mean any hospital, health clinic or any other location providing health care services.
(4) "Healthcare Worker" means registered nurse, physician, physician's assistant, medical director, or employees, agents, or volunteers of any healthcare provider who are employed, under contract, or otherwise authorized by a healthcare provider to perform duties directly associated with the care and treatment rendered by the healthcare provider.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 16-3-1092(B)(1) and (2) and inserting:
(1) impede or interfere with the first responder's ability to perform his duty including, but not limited to, obstructing a first responders' movement, distracting a first responder from administering medical care to another, or effectuating a lawful arrest;
(2) threaten the first responder with harmoffer or attempt to cause physical harm or injury to a first responder with apparent present ability under circumstances reasonably creating fear of imminent harm or injury; or
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 16-3-1092(C) and inserting:
(C) It is unlawful for a person, after receiving a verbal warning not to approach from a person he knows or reasonably should know is a healthcare worker providing medical care within a healthcare facility or on a healthcare facility campus, to knowingly and wilfully violate the warning and approach or remain at a distance that would not allow safe and unencumbered treatment of the patient as determined by the healthcare facility with the intent to:
(1) impede or interfere with the healthcare worker's ability to perform his duty including, but not limited to, obstructing a healthcare worker's movement or distracting a healthcare worker from administering medical care to another;
(2) offer or attempt to cause physical harm or injury to a healthcare worker with apparent present ability under circumstances reasonably creating fear of imminent peril; or
(3) harass the healthcare worker.
(C)(D) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars and imprisoned not more than sixty days.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senators ADAMS and WALKER proposed the following amendment (SJ-4763.SW0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 16-3-1092(B) and inserting:
(B) It is unlawful for a person, after receiving a verbal warning not to approach from a person he knows or reasonably should know is a first responder who is engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty, to knowingly and wilfully violate the warning to stand a reasonable distance from the first responder and approach or remain within twenty-five feet of the first responder with the intent to:
(1) impede or interfere with the first responder's ability to perform his duty; or
(2) threaten the first responder with harm.; or
(3) harass or taunt the first responder.
In performance of a legal duty, the first responder may direct a person to stand a reasonable distance away, not to exceed twenty-five feet.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator ADAMS 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 Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Martin Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
Bright
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 97 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-45-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE ELIGIBLE TO HOLD THE OFFICE OF COUNTY TREASURER.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Finance proposed the following amendment (LC-97.DG0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, Section 12-45-25, by striking the undesignated paragraph before the first item and inserting:
In For persons first elected or first appointed to serve as the county treasurer after November 1, 2026, in order to be eligible to serve or continue to serve as the county treasurer, a person must:
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 12-45-25(3)(b)(iii) and (c) and inserting:
(iii) as a treasurer in this State; and
(c) for an appointed treasurer, a person must comply with any county requirements not conflicting with the qualifications in this section and the Constitution of South Carolina.
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Chapter 45, Title 12 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 12-45-18. (A) Any person first elected or first appointed to serve as the county treasurer after November 1, 2026, shall complete a forty-hour training program that the department establishes or causes to be established. Failure to complete satisfactorily this course in any year results in the treasurer forfeiting five thousand dollars of his state salary supplement each year until the course is completed. The content, cost, and dates of the courses must be determined by the department.
(B)(1) The department, for reasonable cause, may excuse a county treasurer from attending this course for no more than one year. If excused, the treasurer does not forfeit five thousand dollars of his state salary supplement for that year.
(2) The department may credit some or all of the training program hours towards the continuing education courses required by Section 12-45-15 in the year in which the training program is completed.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, the Bill was carried over.
S. 98 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-39-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE ELIGIBLE TO HOLD THE OFFICE OF COUNTY AUDITOR.
On motion of Senator VERDIN, the Bill was carried over.
S. 682 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Kimbrell, Corbin, Gambrell, Cromer, Massey, Rice, Verdin, Campsen, Kennedy, Garrett, Elliott, Stubbs, Ott, Nutt and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3830 SO AS TO ALLOW AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR A TIMBER CASUALTY LOSS IN A FEDERALLY DECLARED DISASTER AREA RESULTING FROM HURRICANE HELENE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1140, RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS FROM INDIVIDUAL TAXABLE INCOME, SO AS TO ALLOW A DEDUCTION FOR PAYMENTS RECEIVED FROM CERTAIN DISASTER RELIEF AGENCIES RESULTING FROM HURRICANE HELENE.
Senator HUTTO objected to consideration of the Bill.
H. 3368 (Word version) -- Reps. Long, Forrest, Yow, C. Mitchell, Magnuson, Calhoon, J.E. Johnson, Crawford, Erickson, Davis, Bradley, Hager, Hartz, McCravy, Ballentine, Bowers, Bailey, Hardee, Guest, Hewitt, Jordan, Lowe, McGinnis, Sessions, Caskey, B. Newton, Hiott, Gilliam, Bannister, G.M. Smith, Ligon, Bustos, Hartnett, W. Newton, Wooten, Oremus, Pedalino, M.M. Smith, B.L. Cox, Landing, Robbins, Martin, Brewer, Ford, Teeple, Vaughan, Pope, Chapman, Gagnon, Gibson, Whitmire, Rankin, Sanders, Duncan, Wickensimer, Haddon, Herbkersman, Lawson, T. Moore, Taylor, Holman and Schuessler: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1120, RELATING TO MODIFICATIONS TO GROSS INCOME FOR INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, SO AS TO EXCLUDE OVERTIME PAY AND CERTAIN BONUS PAY FROM GROSS INCOME.
Senator HUTTO objected to consideration of the Bill.
H. 3768 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, Gatch, Robbins, Schuessler and Sessions: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ACT 36 OF 2019, RELATING TO HIGHWAY SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION, SO AS TO CHANGE THE SUNSET EXPIRATION PROVISION TO JULY 1, 2031.
Senator BENNETT objected to consideration of the Bill.
S. 893 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-2-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO THE STATE UNDERGROUND PETROLEUM ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE BANK ACT OF 1988, SO AS TO DEFINE A PIPELINE FACILITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH 49 U.S.C. CHAPTER 601; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-2-40, RELATING TO THE SUPERB ACCOUNT AND SUPERB FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FUND, SO AS TO ADJUST THE ALLOWABLE COSTS FOR SITE REHABILITATION BY THE FUND AND MAKE OTHER CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-2-60, RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FEE, SO AS TO SET CERTAIN YEARS FOR THE RENEWAL FEE TO BE ADJUSTED; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-2-130, RELATING TO COMPENSATION FROM THE SUPERB ACCOUNT, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-2-150, RELATING TO THE SUPERB ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SO AS TO DEFINE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SUPERB ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
On motion of Senator GAMBRELL, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3856 (Word version) -- Rep. Erickson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-80, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSES OR PERMITS, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "BLOOD TYPE" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "INFORMATION"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-3350, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS AND VETERAN DESIGNATIONS ON DRIVERS' LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED ON APPLICATIONS FOR A PERSON'S BLOOD TYPE TO APPEAR ON A SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD, AND TO PROVIDE A CAUSE OF ACTION BASED ON INACCURATE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON IDENTIFICATION CARDS OR DRIVERS' RECORDS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "RENTAL TRAILER"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-785, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF PERMANENT LICENSE PLATES TO CERTAIN OWNERS OF TRAILERS AND SEMITRAILERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSE PLATES TO OWNERS OF RENTAL TRAILERS, AND MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-2320, RELATING TO DEALER AND WHOLESALER LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLE SALES THAT MUST BE MADE BEFORE DEALER PLATES MAY BE ISSUED; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-15-560, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR WHOLESALE MOTOR VEHICLE AUCTION LICENSES AND FEES, SO AS TO REVISE EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE LICENSES AND INCREASE THE LICENSE FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "BUS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-23-85, RELATING TO DRIVER INSTRUCTOR PERMITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE PERMITS AND PROVIDE A SCHEDULE OF FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-37-30, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POINTS SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING PERFORMANCE RECORDS OF DEALERS, SO AS TO ELIMINATE CERTAIN CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN POINT VIOLATIONS AND ADD ADDITIONAL CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN POINT VIOLATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-37-70, RELATING TO SUSPENSIONS OF LICENSES, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "CERTIFIED" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "NORMAL."
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Transportation proposed the following amendment (SR-3856.KM0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 12 and inserting:
SECTION X.A. Section 56-1-40(7) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(7) who is not a resident of South Carolina. For purposes of determining eligibility to obtain or renew a South Carolina driver's license, the term "resident of South Carolina" shall expressly include all persons authorized by the United States Department of Justice, the United States Immigration Citizenship and Naturalization Immigration Service, or the United States Department of State to live, work, or study in the United States on a temporary or permanent basis who present documents indicating their intent to live, work, or study in South Carolina. These persons and their dependents are eligible to obtain a motor vehicle driver's license or identification card or have one renewed pursuant to this provision. A driver's license or identification card issued pursuant to this item to a person who is not a lawful permanent resident of the United States shall expire on the later of: (1) the expiration date of the driver's license applicant's authorized period of stay in the United States; or (2) the expiration date of the driver's license applicant's employment authorization document, provided the driver's license or identification card is valid for no more than eight years. However, a driver's license issued pursuant to this item is valid for at least one year but not more than eight years from the date of its issue. Under this provision, a driver's license valid for not more than four years must be issued upon payment of a fee of twelve dollars and fifty cents. A driver's license that is valid for more than four years must be issued upon payment of a fee of twenty-five dollars. The fee for an identification card is pursuant to Section 56-1-3350. In addition, a person pending adjustment of status who presents appropriate documentation to in the discretion of the Department of Motor Vehicles shall be granted a one-year extension of his driver's license or identification card, which is renewable annually;
B. This section is effective on August 6, 2026.
SECTION X. Section 56-3-210(L) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(L) All temporary license plates must be valid for no more than forty-five sixty days and must be affixed at all times to the rear of the item in an unobscured and secure manner.
SECTION X. Section 56-5-2585 of the S.C. Code is repealed.
SECTION X. Section 56-19-10 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
(51) "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.
(52) "Physical odometer document" means a physical document as defined in the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 580, containing an odometer disclosure statement printed on paper by a secure printing process or other secure process by any jurisdiction in compliance. Physical odometer documents, for the purposes of this section, are limited to certificates of title, secure powers of attorney, and reassignment documents. The term does not include any other form or document, even if the document contains a space for an odometer reading.
SECTION X. Section 56-19-265 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 56-19-265. (A) All commercial entities located in this State that are engaged in vehicle titling must utilize the Department of Motor Vehicle's electronic title system. The electronic title system must be funded exclusively through transaction fees paid by commercial entities engaged in vehicle titling. The system must enable all commercial entities including, but not limited to, dealers, lenders, and auctions, to:
(1) transfer vehicle ownership;
(2) apply for and release liens; and
(3) perform any other components necessary to perform vehicle titling.
(A)(B)(1) Any liens or encumbrances on a motor vehicle or titled mobile home must be noted on the printed title or noted electronically through the Department of Motor Vehicles' Electronic Title and Lien System electronic title system.
(2) The department shall must electronically transmit a motor vehicle title or titled mobile home title and the lien to the first lienholder and notify the first lienholder of additional liens. This The transmittal must be done made electronically for business commercial entities or by paper certificate for nonbusiness entities (persons purchasing vehicles for personal use from persons selling vehicles they have used primarily for personal use). Paper certificates of title may be used or requested for casual sales of automobiles between individuals, or as otherwise directed by department policy. Lien recordings and subsequent lien satisfactions may must be electronically transmitted to the department and shall include the name and address of the person satisfying the lien pursuant to department policy. Electronic transmission of liens and lien satisfaction does not require a certificate of title until the last lien is satisfied and a clear certificate of title is issued to the owner of the motor vehicle or mobile home. The owner has the option to retain the electronic copy of the title with the department once all liens are satisfied.
(3) When If a motor vehicle or mobile home is subject to an electronic lien, then the certificate of title for the motor vehicle or mobile home is considered to be physically held by the lienholder for purposes of compliance with state or federal odometer disclosure requirements, and a duly certified copy of the department's electronic record of the lien is admissible in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding in this State as evidence of the existence of the lien. The department must electronically transmit to the lienholder a certificate of title and notice of subsequent liens and satisfactions of liens.The lienholder shall have the option to receive a paper certificate of title and to receive notices of subsequent liens and satisfaction of liens by way of the United States Postal Service. Business entities are subject to fees contained in subsection (D).
(B) The department is authorized to convene a working group chaired by the director of the department or his designee for the purpose of assisting in the development of program specifications governing the transmission of electronic lien information between lienholders and the department, and maximize the use of the program by various lien stakeholders. The working group will be composed of members of the lienholder community, representing applicable industries. The director is authorized to appoint members of the working group to ensure that all stakeholders are represented. The working group will be a standing group convened on a regular basis until all specifications have been developed. The department also is charged with promulgating regulations pursuant to the specifications and standards for lien recording and releasing developed by the working group.
(C) All entities submitting lien information electronically under this program are required to comply with all regulations.
(D)(C) The department is authorized to collect a transaction fee from commercial entities who either transmit or retrieve data from the department pursuant to this section for all liens placed or transmitted in the electronic title system. The fee must not exceed five dollars for each transaction and must be agreed to as part of the program specifications developed by the working group. These fees must be placed by the State Treasurer into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167.
(E)(D) Commercial entities and lenders who that either transmit or retrieve data from the department pursuant to this section, notwithstanding Sections 37-2-202 and 37-3-202, may collect transaction fees from owners of the vehicles or mobile homes a transaction fee for all liens placed or transmitted in the electronic title system. The fee must not to exceed a fee of five dollars for each transaction which must be agreed to as part of the program specifications developed by the working group. All feesAny fee charged by the department or its third-party contractors to any party as to a titled motor vehicle, motor home, or mobile home for purposes of transmittal or retrieval of this data is an "official fee" as referenced in Sections 37-2-202 and 37-3-202.
(F) All businesses and commercial lienholders who are regularly engaged in the business or practice of selling motor vehicles as dealers licensed under Chapter 15 of this title or in the business or practice of financing motor vehicles shall utilize the electronic lien system to transmit and receive electronic lien information as described by subsection (A). The department shall maintain contact information on its website for service providers providing an electronic interface between the department, lienholders and sellers of motor vehicles. The department may establish procedures to ensure businesses comply with use of the electronic lien system and to deal with valid exceptions as determined by the department.
(G)(E) Any lien upon a vehicle titled by the State, except upon vehicles defined as motor homes, mobile homes, special mobile equipment, or commercial trucks, shall be deemed effective for a period of twelve years from the date the lien was perfected. The effectiveness of the lien lapses at the end of this twelve-year period unless a continuation statement is filed pursuant to this subsection by the entity existing on the current title as lienholder using the application process acceptable by the departmentDepartment of Motor Vehicles. The department shall must publish forms for the purpose of filing a continuation statement. The lienholder shall may not make application for lien continuation until no not more than six months prior to lien expiration. Upon a timely filing of a continuation statement in accordance with this subsection, the lien will be effective for a period of two additional years from the date of the filing of the continuation statement. The responsibility of lien continuation lies with the lender. The twelve-year effective lien period refers to the age of the lien, not the age of the vehicle.
SECTION X. Section 56-19-370(B)(4) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(4) No dealer may be prosecuted for not properly titling or registering a vehicle within forty-five days if the department has placed the title in suspended status or if a financial institution has not released the lien in a timely manner. A dealer may not be prosecuted for improperly titling or registering a vehicle within forty-five days if the department has placed the title in suspended status or if a financial institution has not released the lien pursuant to Section 56-19-680.
SECTION X. Section 56-19-680 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 56-19-680. (1) Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a vehicle for which the certificate of title is in the possession of the lienholder, he the lienholder shall, within ten days after demand and, in any event, within thirty days, execute a release of his security interest, in the space provided therefor on the certificate or as the Department of Motor Vehicles prescribes, and mail or or electronically deliver the certificate and release to the Department departmentwhich shall file the release and note it upon the record of security interest maintained by the Department pursuant to Section 56-19-660. The Department shall then mail the certificate to the next lienholder or if no other lienholder, then to the owner. No charge shall be made by the lienholder for executing such release.
(2) Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a vehicle for which the certificate of title is in the possession of a prior lienholder, the lienholder whose security interest is satisfied shall within ten days after demand, and, in any event, within thirty days execute a release in duplicate in the form the Department prescribes and deliver or mail a copy to the owner and a copy to the Department for notation upon the record of security interests maintained by the Department pursuant to Section 56-19-660.
(3) Upon failure of the lienholder to forward the certificate to the Department as required by this article he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
(2) If payment for lien satisfaction is received by paper, then the lienholder shall execute the release within ten business days of receipt of payment. If payment for lien satisfaction is received electronically, then the lienholder shall execute the release within three business days of receipt of payment.
(3) If the payment is deemed to be cleared by the department, then the department shall electronically transmit the certificate of title to the next lienholder or, if there is no other lienholder, then to the owner. The department shall file the release and note it upon the record of security interest maintained by the department pursuant to Section 56-19-660. The certificate of title shall remain in electronic format unless the owner requests a paper certificate of title pursuant to Section 56-19-265. No charge shall be made by the lienholder for executing such release.
(4) Failure of the lienholder to forward the certificate of title to the department as required by this article is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or imprisonment of not more than thirty days.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 13, and inserting:
SECTION 13. This act takes effect six months after approval by the Governor. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles shall contract with a third party to implement an electronic title system as described in Section 56-19-265, which shall be operational not later than March 31, 2027.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senators GROOMS and VERDIN proposed the following amendment (SR-3856.CEM0009S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 18, by striking Section 56-19-680(2) and inserting:
(2) If payment for lien satisfaction is received by paper, then the lienholder shall execute the release within ten business days, excluding federal and state holidays, of receipt of payment after confirmation that the funds are good and that the lien is fully satisfied. If payment for lien satisfaction is received electronically, then the lienholder shall execute the release within three business days, excluding federal and state holidays, of receipt of payment after confirmation that the funds are good and that the lien is fully satisfied.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Transportation proposed the following amendment (SJ-812.BJ0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 56-5-970(C)(5) and inserting:
(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a driver of a motorcycle or moped, or a bicycle rider, approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic-control device, then the driver may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light only if the driver or rider, as the case may be:
(a) comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection for one hundred twenty seconds; and
(b) exercises due care as provided by law, otherwise treats the traffic controltraffic-control device as a stop sign, and determines it is safe to proceed.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 56-5-970(C)(6)(a), (b), and (c) and inserting:
(6)(a) if a person operating a bicycle If a cyclist approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic-control device, then the rider cyclist may proceed with caution through the intersection on a steady red light only if the ridercyclist:
(i) makes a complete stop at the steady red traffic-control light before entering the intersection; and
(ii) yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard during the time that he the cyclist is moving across or within the intersection.
(b) If a person operating a bicycle meets the requirements provided in (6)(a) of this section, then he may proceed through the steady red traffic-control light with caution.
(c)(b) However, a person operating a bicycle A cyclist may make a:
(i) right-hand turn at a steady red traffic-control light without stopping after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way, if required, to oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard; or
(ii) left-hand turn onto a one-way road at a steady red traffic-control light after stopping and yielding the right-of-way to oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 56-5-3530(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A) A person riding a bicycle cyclist approaching a stop sign shall:
(1) slow down;
(2) if required to avoid an immediate hazard, stop at the stop sign before entering the intersection; and
(3) cautiously enter the intersection and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
(B) If a person operating a bicyclecyclist meets the requirements provided in (A)(1) of this section, then he the cyclist may cautiously make a right or left turn, or proceed through the intersection without stopping at the stop sign.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator SUTTON explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
On motion of Senator SUTTON, the Bill was carried over.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-894.KM0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-63-74(A)(1) and inserting:
(A)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, death certificates must be electronically filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics as prescribed by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics within five days after assuming the physical in-person custody of the decedent, unless the funeral director, after a good faith effort, is unable to collect the personal data of the decedent required in subsection (A)(2), in which case the funeral director must immediately inform the bureau of the reason for the delay. In the event that a five day period terminates on a weekend or a federal or state holiday, then the death certificate must be electronically filed at the end of the next business day.death and after the funeral director has obtained the information required in (A)(2), but if the five day period terminates on a weekend or a federal or state holiday, then the death certificate must be electronically filed by the end of the next business day. As prescribed by law, the Bureau of Vital Statistics shall notify the State Election Commission of the decedent's death who shall subsequently notify the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections in which the decedent was a resident of the decedent's death for purposes of removing the decedent from the voter roll.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator VERDIN proposed the following amendment (SR-894.CEM0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-63-74(A)(1) and inserting:
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, death certificates must be electronically filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics as prescribed by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics within five days after assuming the physical in-person custody of the decedent, unless the funeral director, after a good faith effort, is unable to collect the personal data of the decedent required in subsection (A)(2), in which case the funeral director must immediately inform the bureau of the reason for the delay. In the event that a five day period terminates on a weekend or a federal or state holiday, then the death certificate must be electronically filed at the end of the next business day.death and after the funeral director has obtained the information required in (A)(2), but if the five day period terminates on a weekend or a federal or state holiday, then the death certificate must be electronically filed by the end of the next business day. As prescribed by law, the Bureau of Vital Statistics shall notify the State Election Commission of the decedent's death who shall subsequently notify the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections in which the decedent was a resident of the decedent's death for purposes of removing the decedent from the voter roll.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-935.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-1-320(A)(1)(a) and inserting:
(a) create an informational pamphlet or poster for state governmental entities on rendering evidence-based seizure first aid to an individual who has suffered experienced a seizure in the workplace; and
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-1-320(B) and inserting:
(B) The chief executive officer of every state governmental entity shall post the informational, evidence-based pamphlet or poster on rendering seizure first aid to an individual who has suffered experienced a seizure in the workplace in a conspicuous clearly visible and accessible location frequented by employees.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-958.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-7-400(B) and inserting:
(B) Patient beds may be used in hallways, corridors, and other means of egress during a justified emergency when the on-site emergency department physiciana designated member of the emergency department leadership team, as provided for in the hospital's written policies and procedures, determines and, within seven calendar days of the start of the justified emergency, documents on a an electronic form developed by the Department of Public Health that:
(1) all other appropriate treatment space in the hospital has been exhausted; and
(2) the health and safety of patients is jeopardized without the use of patient beds in these areas.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 44-7-400(C)(6) and inserting:
(6) the signature of the emergency department physician on sitethe designated member of the emergency department's leadership team at the onset of the justified emergency.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin 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. 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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-3931.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 48-39-80(11) and inserting:
(11) Develop a system whereby the department shall have the authority to review all state and federal permit applications in the coastal zone, and to certify that these do not contravene the management plan. For individual navigable waters permits for docks located in the eight coastal counties but outside of critical areas, a coastal zone consistency certification is deemed approved if certification review is not completed within thirty days of an administratively complete application. For all other state permits, a coastal zone consistency certification is deemed approved if certification review is not completed within ninety days of an administratively complete applicationthe of the public comment period closing.
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 48-39-130(D)(10) of the S.C. Code is repealed on September 30, 2032. Any maintenance dredging occurring after September 30, 2032 in areas that were dredged pursuant to Section 48-39-130(D)(10) must be performed pursuant to the provisions contained in Chapter 39, Title 48 and the maintenance dredging regulations promulgated pursuant to this act.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GAMBRELL explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 863 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Cromer, Martin, Bennett, Rankin, Tedder and Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-103-15, RELATING TO THE STATE'S MISSION AND GOALS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN APPLIED BACCALAUREATE IN CULINARY ARTS MANAGEMENT DEGREE FROM INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE PART OF THE STATE TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-103-15, RELATING TO FUNDING FOR CERTAIN DEGREES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT APPLIED BACCALAUREATE IN CULINARY ARTS MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAMS ARE ONLY ALLOWED IF STATE FUNDS ARE NOT APPROPRIATED TO FUND THE PROGRAMS.
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.
H. 3195 (Word version) -- Reps. Haddon, Pope, Pedalino, Chumley, Taylor, Erickson, Bradley, Hixon, Ligon, Weeks, Oremus, Hartz, Williams, Luck, Gilliard, Rivers and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-10-10, RELATING TO STANDARDS FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN MANDATORY MINIMUM PERIODS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND OUTDOOR RECESS IN FOUR-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE EACH YEAR IN ADDITION TO OTHER CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE RECESS PERIODS MUST BE HELD INDOORS DURING TIMES OF INCLEMENT WEATHER; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-10-30, RELATING TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY DIRECTORS AND VOLUNTEERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO REDESIGNATE ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 10, TITLE 59 AS "PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ACTIVITY."
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.
H. 3258 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Gilliam, Martin, Grant, M.M. Smith, Schuessler and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-66-35 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE ACQUISITION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MOBILE PANIC ALERT SYSTEMS IN EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE STATE, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SYSTEMS, AND TO PROVIDE PROCUREMENT AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.
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.
H. 3453 (Word version) -- Reps. Rose, Pope, Spann-Wilder and J. Moore: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-111-20, RELATING TO FREE TUITION FOR CERTAIN VETERANS' CHILDREN, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VETERAN'S CHILD QUALIFIES FOR FREE TUITION IF THAT CHILD HAS BEEN A RESIDENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE BIRTH.
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.
H. 5064 (Word version) -- Reps. Yow, Hayes, C. Mitchell, Luck and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-53-510, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE NORTHEASTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE AREA COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE REPRESENTATION FROM LOCAL INDUSTRY MAY INCLUDE CERTAIN EX OFFICIO MEMBERS.
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.
At 1:24 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.
Senator MASSEY rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF THE VETOES.
(R112, H4902 (Word version)) -- Reps. Hiott, G.M. Smith, Bannister, Rutherford, Brittain, Guest, Stavrinakis, Erickson, Caskey, Pope, Collins, B. Newton, Davis, Herbkersman, Hixon, Willis, Reese and Gilliard: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-158-50, RELATING TO AN EXEMPTION OF AN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETE'S NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS COMPENSATION CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION MAINTAINED BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO REMOVE AN EXCEPTION TO THE EXEMPTION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT RECORDS OF AGGREGATE REVENUE FUNDS EXPENDED FOR INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS REVENUE-SHARING PROGRAMS BY A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING EACH FISCAL YEAR ARE SUBJECT TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT SUBJECT TO EXCEPTIONS FROM SUCH DISCLOSURE FOR INDIVIDUAL ATHLETE PAYMENTS, SPORT-SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS, AND NEGOTIATION RECORDS.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Veto was carried over.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE SPECIAL ORDERS.
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.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Graham Grooms Hembree Jackson Kennedy Martin Massey Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
Sutton Tedder
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered returned to the House of Representatives with amendments.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed that when the Senate stands adjourned on Thursday, March 26, 2026, that the Senate would stand adjourned subject to the times and limitations set forth under the provisions of Rule 1B to meet on Friday, March 27, 2026.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed that when the Senate stands adjourned on Friday, March 27, 2026, that it will adjourn to meet in regular Statewide Session on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 and Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and further, the Senate would meet on Thursday, April 2, 2026, under the provisions of Rule 1B for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mrs. Betty Jean Edwards Brock of Westminster, S.C. Betty retired from the Oconee County School District where she worked in the payroll department. She was a lifetime member of Coneross Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher and member of the choir. Betty had a passion for reading, quilting and gardening. Betty was a loving wife, devoted mother and doting grandmother who will be dearly missed.
On motion of Senator ALEXANDER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Herman Franklin Brock of Westminster, S.C. Herman passed hours after the passing of his beloved wife Betty of seventy-two years. He worked his entire life in the textile industry, having worked at Avondale Mill and Chicopee Mill. He was a lifetime member of Coneross Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and member of the choir. Herman enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening and following Walhalla sports. Herman was a loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather who will be dearly missed.
At 1:36 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1B for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.
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