NO. 53
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 11:45 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Isaiah 1:18a
In the writings of Isaiah we are reminded to " 'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord."
Let us pray: Certainly, most holy God, in today's text You remind us all of Your incredibly kind and generous invitation. For here the prophet, Isaiah, writing on Your behalf, of course, urges each of us to embrace Your call to enter into a creative, positive and hopefully meaningful relationship with colleagues here in the Senate of South Carolina, indeed with all who serve here in this State House. And may the shared goal of doing what is right and truly best for the people of this State be the end result of every effort these leaders make as they "reason together."
And yet again, O God, know that we fervently call upon You to guide the leaders of the world to bring us all together so that peace might prevail. In Your loving name we humbly pray, dear Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed that the Senate would reconvene one hour after the conclusion of the Joint Assembly.
The PRESIDENT appointed Senators RANKIN, MASSEY, HEMBREE, SABB, TEDDER and STUBBS and Representatives Brittain, Jordan, C. Mitchell, Stavrinakis, Weeks and Wickensimer to escort the Honorable John W. Kittredge, Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court to the House of Representatives for the Joint Assembly.
At 11:55 A.M., The Senate receded from business for the purpose of attending the Joint Assembly.
At 12:00 P.M., the Senate appeared in the Hall of the House.
The PRESIDENT of the Senate called the Joint Assembly to order and announced that it had convened under the terms of a Concurrent Resolution adopted by both Houses.
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.
Address by the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court
The PRESIDENT of the Senate announced that it had convened under the terms of a Concurrent Resolution adopted by both Houses, S. 1012.
The Honorable John W. Kittredge was escorted to the rostrum by Senators RANKIN, MASSEY, HEMBREE, TEDDER, SABB and STUBBS and Representatives Brittain, Jordan, C. Mitchell, Stavrinakis, Weeks and Wickensimer. The PRESIDENT of the Senate introduced the Honorable John W. Kittredge, Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court.
PRESIDENT ALEXANDER, Speaker Smith, Speaker pro tempore Pope, Chairman PEELER, Chairman Bannister, Chairman RANKIN, Chairman Newton, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and House, and to all members of the General Assembly: Thank you for extending me the privilege of addressing this esteemed Joint Assembly.
I wish to recognize and thank my excellent colleagues on the Supreme Court, Justices Few, James, Hill and Verdin. Chief Judge Williams of the Court of Appeals is here, along with our outstanding Appellate Court judges. As I always do, I recognize and thank my predecessors for the excellent foundation they laid -- Chief Justices Toal, Pleicones and Beatty.
Please know that I appreciate the tremendous demands on your time. Legislative service is not like it was a generation ago. It is full time service, and the advancements -- and curse -- of modern technology and the seemingly never-ending text messages, the emails, the phone calls and social media posts. With the speed of life always increasing, in this microwave society, it is difficult to pause and study an issue thoroughly and thoughtfully. Yet I respectfully ask you to give the Judicial Branch -- the third branch of government -- a few minutes of your attention.
In our brief time together, we will not come away with a full understanding of all the issues and challenges facing our justice system. There are so many topics we could discuss, including technology, leveraging AI for good, the increase in threats of violence in our justice system -- and the list goes on. But time is precious and limited, so I have decided to discuss only four topics: Judicial Reform, Judicial Infrastructure and Court Data, South Carolina has an Excellent Judiciary, Pursuing Justice for Every Case.
On the few topics we will discuss, I am only able to provide a brief overview. Remember this please: I am available to meet, speak and work with you -- individually or in groups -- on any matters involving our justice system that are important to you. I believe there is a positive relationship between the Legislature and the Judicial Branch. To be sure, the structure of government is such that there is a tension between branches of government. That tension is by design, and it necessarily flows from our constitutional structure and guardrails that we are familiar with and honor, like checks and balances and separation of powers. That tension inherent in our constitutional design, however, should not detract from our working together to do our best to provide to more than 5.5 million South Carolinians a justice system that is fair, open, accessible, timely and provides equal justice to all. Progress is being made, and I will share a few examples.
I want to emphasize on the front end that this progress in our justice system is largely because of YOU. Our General Assembly makes public policy decisions and determines budgets. You have provided the support that enables the Judicial Branch to better serve our fellow citizens. To put a finer point on it, in our collaboration, it is YOU who are strengthening the South Carolina justice system. I commend and thank you for your support of the justice system, which benefits our fellow citizens. I will address the state of our court system, court filings, and backlogs and show you where progress is being made.
I first address the topic of Judicial Reform. There is a lot we could unpack here, but I am only going to briefly mention two issues. First, we in the judiciary, like you, are aware of the half-truths and false narratives that circulate on social media, podcasts, and other outlets masquerading as journalism attacking you and our justice system. I believe you understand that judges are bound by ethical constraints, and those rules prohibit judges from responding to attacks against court decisions, no matter how false or outrageous the allegation may be. One attack levied against the legislature is the method of judicial selection, and I want to offer a brief comment on judicial selection. There are many ways judges can be appointed, and for lawyers who aspire to pursue a public service career on the bench, we leave it to you to determine what changes, if any, are needed in the method of selecting judges. There is no perfect way to elect judges. But I suggest to you that the legislature has elected quality judges over the years. When this legislative body of 170 diverse members individually vets judicial candidates and then collectively elects judges, that diffusion of authority enhances merit selection. Were one person allowed to completely control the selection process, we would expose the process to the potential of having political considerations driving the process and not merit based on legal competence and adherence to judicial independence. I will simply say I know firsthand that South Carolina has one of the finest judiciaries in the country.
Allow me to move to my second comment concerning judicial reform. Magistrate reform. I have requested a modest increase in magistrate court filing fees, fees which have not been adjusted in decades. This is a crucial part of judicial reform because it provides additional and long overdue funds to the counties, in part, to support magistrate salaries. Representative Pope has filed legislation in support of the modest filing fee increases, and it has passed the House. I am hopeful it will pass in the Senate.
Let's think for a moment more broadly about our magistrate court system. Magistrate court is often where a person gets their first and sometimes only exposure to the South Carolina court system. A citizen's entire view of the judiciary may come from a magistrate court experience. South Carolina has more than 300 magistrates. Put that in perspective: 300 plus magistrates, yet if you looked to the entirety of the family court judges (66), circuit court judges (53), court of appeals judges (9), supreme court justices (5), there are about 130 judges. You can double all our trial and appellate court judges that the legislature elects, and you are still far short of the number of magistrates. Is magistrate reform needed? It is my sense we would all say, "Yes." That's easy. The challenge is identifying what reform looks like. I wish I had the luxury of time to discuss this in great detail with you now, but I don't. I wrote all members of the General Assembly a few months ago detailing the challenges in addressing magistrate reform. There are a lot of moving pieces, and I will refer to my detailed letter. For now, I simply say we need to move toward a unified magistrate system, and we do that by focusing on uniformity. One obvious challenge is lawyer versus non-lawyer magistrates. The vast majority of magistrates are non-lawyers. Many of our non-lawyer magistrates serve well, but in terms of overall improvement to the justice system, we would be best served by having licensed attorneys serving as judges, including the magistrate position. Like many things in life, that's easier said than done. There are reasons why a transition to a lawyer-only magistrate system will take time--indeed, many years. But we will never get there if we don't begin the process. Existing magistrates must be grandfathered in. On my end in the Judicial Branch, we are tightening the vetting process for magistrate nominees -- by, among other things, raising passing scores, and beefing up initial training and ongoing continuing education requirements.
I am aware that the House has returned sweeping magistrate reform legislation to the Judiciary Committee for further study. I respect this decision, because I believe that move represents a desire to "get it right," and not a move to kill magistrate reform efforts. Perhaps the Senate, which is keenly aware of the many issues challenging our magistrate court system, will see fit to take the reins on the reform effort this session. When the legislature presses forward on this important issue, we can together take positive, incremental steps toward magistrate reform.
I leave you with a final point on judicial reform in the magistrate court system -- that point is the gross pay disparity among full-time magistrates. The highest paid magistrate in South Carolina earns $155,000, while the lowest paid full-time magistrate earns $37,105. This disparity in pay among our full-time magistrates not only defeats the goal of a uniform justice system, it guarantees a lack of uniformity and all the negative consequences that necessarily follow. I conclude my brief comments on magistrate reform with an invitation to discuss this important issue more fully. Magistrate reform is needed, and I am hopeful of a positive and productive dialogue with you.
I now transition to a challenge facing our court system, one that may appear self-evident but is not fully appreciated. I am going to call this "Judicial Infrastructure." Governor McMaster in his state of the state address addressed infrastructure and he mentioned "traffic congestion, water and sewer access, growing demand for electric power, healthcare and school pressures and road repair." I add judicial infrastructure to the list. Infrastructure demands reach everywhere, and that certainly includes our court system, and infrastructure is more than just needing more physical courthouses. Last year in my State of the Judiciary presentation, I mentioned a data collection effort that was underway. We need to know what goes on in our courts, specifically every aspect of the operation of the courts, so we can identify what the needs are and more wisely allocate judicial resources. We are still trying to work with all the courts and 46 county clerks of court to obtain correct data. We are making progress, but we have a ways to go. Let me share some numbers with you that, I believe, will get your attention. In the last few years, more than 9 million cases have been filed in all of our trial courts. That is a conservative number because we are still counting. As we gather more data, this public dashboard of court information will be updated.
Permit me to illustrate this reality of unprecedented growth, so that we can better and more fully appreciate the indisputable connection between infrastructure and our court system. In the year 2000, South Carolina had a population of approximately 4 million people. Today, a quarter of a century later, we are surpassing 5.5 million. In terms of percentage growth, South Carolina is the fastest growing state in the country, with a 1.5% growth rate. Between July 2024 and July 2025, according to the Census Bureau, South Carolina added more than 6600 people monthly or right at 80,000 for the year. So, in one year, 80,000 people are moving into our state, which approximates the population of Oconee County. As South Carolina grows at a rate we have never seen before, lets acknowledge the obvious: the increase in judicial resources since the year 2000 is far less than the actual population increase and court filing increase.
Here's another look: Courts often measure their ability to provide a justice system by the number of judges per 100,000 population. Looking to our general jurisdiction court -- the circuit court -- we have 53 circuit judgeships. That gives us .97 judges per 100,000 citizens in South Carolina. We are requesting in this year's budget four additional resident circuit judges in targeted areas of need. If we are successful in increasing our number of circuit judges from 53 to 57, our ratio would be 1.04 judges per 100,000 population. That would be an improvement, but how do we stack up with our sister states in the southeast? Based on data furnished by the National Center for State Courts, Tennessee has 2.3 judges per 100,000 population and Alabama has 3.3 judges per 100,000. We are behind other states, but the 4 additional circuit judges would move us in a positive direction.
Now, with all this growth -- in terms of population and court filings --you would think the backlogs are growing and growing and we are getting further behind. But I want you to know that we are making progress. We recently looked at a year-to-year comparison in the circuit and family courts, and I want to share what we learned.
We have a series of benchmarks that are utilized to measure backlogs and progress. Let's first look at the criminal court, which is called the Court of General Sessions. In criminal court, overall from 2021-2025, we can get a good look at our backlog by the number of pending cases at the end of each calendar year. Please see that we have reduced the backlog by 16.9%. The backlogs are decreasing. Look at this chart: Roughly 200,000 criminal cases were pending several years ago; now look to the end of 2025, the number of pending cases had declined to just over 165,000. However, that is not the only measure. We can all agree that we want criminal cases disposed of before they are 3 years old. From 2024 to 2025, in looking at indicted criminal cases, we saw overall a 17.6% decrease in the number of cases more than 3 years old. The backlog is coming down.
Look with me at the civil side of the court, which we call the Court of Common Pleas. On the civil side, one benchmark is to try and get cases resolved within two years. Look at cases filed year by year: you see a few years back, there were 77,879 cases filed and almost 15,000 still pending after 2 years. Now look at the yearly trend and you will note a tremendous increase in cases filed. We went from almost 78,000 cases filed to more than 100,000 cases filed last year in 2025. That is predictable, for we expect such a dramatic increase with the population boom across South Carolina. Yet look at the decrease in cases more than two years old -- almost 15,000 old cases were pending at the end of 2021, and at the end of 2025, there were only 9,200 old cases pending. The big picture is a 28% increase in new cases, yet we were able to reduce the civil backlog of cases pending more than two years by about 37%. That's counterintuitive. How do we reduce backlogs of older cases when case filings are on the rise? Before unpacking this good news further, please take a quick look at our family courts.
You may know that in the often emotional and pressure-packed family court, because of the time sensitive and child-centered nature of family court proceedings, we have what is called the 365-day rule, where we want a family court domestic relation case resolved within a year. That's a big ask, but it's important given the critical need for family court cases to be handled expeditiously. We have always sought to meet an 80% threshold, which means we want 80% of all family court domestic relations cases completed in a year. Through the years, the majority of counties have met that 80% threshold. At the end of 2025, we had 32 counties meeting the benchmark. We have other counties that are close to meeting this threshold. We hope to put the three new family court judges you've just elected to work immediately, and we hope that next year, more counties will meet the benchmark. What makes our work on the family court backlog significant is context. We are maintaining substantial compliance with the family court 365-day rule for domestic relations cases, as case filings are increasing, just as we have seen in the circuit court. In family court, from 2020 through 2025, we saw a 13% increase in family court case filings. Yet we are maintaining success in helping most families achieve resolution in family court within a year of filing the case. Again, we are making progress.
As I wrap up our discussion of judicial infrastructure, please keep in mind the vastness of the workload in our court system. A term of court is a phrase we use to describe a court week from Monday through Friday, or designated days during the week. In 2024, we held 5,190 terms of circuit and family court. That's a lot of family court and circuit court. In 2025, we increased the terms of court to 5,771. That's a massive amount of court and that does not count probate courts, magistrate courts, municipal courts, or other courts. Operating the South Carolina court system is no small undertaking. The system operates because of people -- people who care and do their best everyday -- from judges, to court staff such as court reporters, clerks of court, court schedulers and a strong administrative staff. As you can see from these results, we are making progress. It could not happen without a supportive General Assembly.
South Carolina has an Excellent Judiciary. How are we making this kind of progress as we do more with less? The complete answer is muti-faceted. But due to time constraints, my answer must be abbreviated. The answer involves systems and people. You can see that the volume of work done in our court system is staggering. We are assigning our limited judicial resources to the areas of greatest need. We are doing our best to put our most valuable resource - people -- where they are needed. We have good and decent people in court administration, and hardworking people in the courtrooms, such as our court reporters. Give me a moment to mention our judges. Are judges perfect? Of course not. As with any group or institution, we are human, and mistakes occur. We have an appellate court system, with multiple judges involved, to correct mistakes when they occur. The judges you elect are overwhelmingly competent, diligent, professional, committed to doing their best to apply the law fairly and in an even-handed manner in every case; and significantly, they are caring. The record is clear that because of the extensive vetting done under the current system, South Carolina judges rarely face founded disciplinary complaints, unlike the judges in other states. Yes, I am aware of the largely social-media driven attacks against our judges, but those attacks from disgruntled litigants or those looking to score easy political points are generally unfounded. I am proud to serve alongside the fine men and women YOU elect as judges.
So many of our judges go the extra mile and do double duty. Moreover, when an unforeseen circumstance arises, those in the Judicial Branch step forward and volunteer. Last year, when circuit judge Diane Goodstein's home was destroyed by fire and members of her family were injured, many of her colleagues volunteered to serve and cover her terms of court. Included among those who volunteered were Judges Newman, Griffith, McIntosh, Mullen, Doby, Rivers and Warr. In addition, we have Masters-In-Equity judges who have stepped forward to do double duty and hold circuit court, and they include Judges Clemmons, Simmons, and Wegmann. Many retired judges in both circuit and family court are holding court more frequently, and they include Judges Cothran, Kinlaw, Hocker, Norton, Pogue, Wylie and Morehead. Last year a family court judge unexpectedly suffered a disabling injury and was unable to hold court. The judge had terms of court scheduled weeks and months in advance, and those family court litigants needed resolution, not delay. Your family court judges gave up chambers weeks and vacation and said, "send me." Included among the judges who volunteered were Judges Ballenger, Norton, Bromell-Holmes, Kimmons, Wylie, McEachin, Michael Murphy, Abstance, Morehead, Khoury and McFaddin. Judge McFaddin is a circuit judge who previously served on the family court bench. Judge McFaddin was on vacation when the family court judge could no longer hold court. Judge McFaddin called and let us know he was leaving his family vacation and heading to Sumter so he could complete that term of court. Judge McFaddin also -- every year -- holds a special "Adoption Day." Why make uncontested adoptions wait and wait on crowded dockets? Judge McFaddin, a circuit court judge, asks every year for a special appointment to hold extra family court so he can approve adoptions and unite families. Through the years, this special Adoption Day has approved almost 600 adoptions. Judge McFaddin gets not one extra penny for that judicial service. He does it not for recognition; he does it because he is a caring judge, and more importantly, a caring person. That description applies to so many of our fine judges. There are so many other examples of judges giving more and going the extra mile, but I must be sensitive of the limited time you have graciously allowed me. Please understand this: I am proud to serve alongside the judges YOU elect. You, too, should be proud of the fine men and women YOU elect to the judiciary of South Carolina.
I now move to my final point, justice for every case. We have looked at numbers -- like 9 million cases filed -- that show the size of the responsibility we face as stewards in ensuring and maintaining an effective justice system. It sounds like we, as judges, are just assembly line workers, focused only on moving cases through as rapidly as we can. That is not the message I leave with you today. Admittedly, the volume of cases is staggering, but the message I leave you with is this: always know that judges understand every case is important. To the litigant in a case, that case is often the most important thing in his or her life. No one wants to be in court. We must never lose sight of the very real and frequently painful realities of a court case. The pressures on judges to move cases, while doing precise justice in every case, is a difficult balancing act. The pressure and weight on judges to do the "right thing" is enormous. The judicial position in our constitutional structure necessarily requires the exercise of discretion and judgment. As I said earlier, we don't pretend to be perfect, yet our judges give their best every day. There are so many thousands of cases where justice is done. I close with just one example, an example that highlights the very real and human element that is on display in courtrooms across South Carolina everyday--from Oconee to Horry; from Cherokee to Charleston; and everywhere in between.
I'll share with you the story of Marc Adkison, and I do so with his permission. Here's Marc Adkison. A highly decorated noncommissioned officer in our armed forces. On September 8, 2022, Marc Adkison was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. He was one of many people arrested that day, and the system could have just assigned his case to a prosecutor and worked towards a conviction. That day, he looked just like another person arrested for DUI, but the system took the time to see that Marc Adkison was not a repeat offender with a criminal history. He was a person who was struggling. Mr. Adkison retired from the Air Force and Air National Guard, and he had seen active deployment all over the world both before and after 9/11. With his degree in Network Engineering, his services were needed in Qatar, Kuwait, Saudia Arabia, and Afghanistan. He did an outstanding job under dangerous conditions, and he was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. When he retired, like many veterans who served our country and saw combat, he had a difficult time coming home and assimilating into what we would call "normal life." He began drinking to cope with what he later found out was PTSD and, to use his words, was "heading down a very dark road." After his DUI arrest, Marc attempted suicide and continued to drink. He did not believe he would ever stop drinking, and he was overcome with a sense of hopelessness, but those in the justice system thought he could be saved. Marc agreed to give Veterans Treatment Court a try. Those in the justice system believed in Marc, so why shouldn't Marc believe in himself. Marc made it and he credits a caring judge, Chuck Simmons of Greenville, and the treatment court staff for saving his life. Marc has been sober for over two years. Here is Marc Adkison today.
Yes, our court system handles many millions of cases but the judges in South Carolina never forget that to the people involved in a court case, that one case is the most important thing to them.
The robe I wear is like the robe all our judges wear. It is made up of threads. Each thread is significant, yet individual threads are formless. It is when the threads are joined and woven together that the robe takes shape. My friend and retired circuit judge, Billy Keesley, said this about the judge's robe: "There are thousands of black threads woven together to make this robe. When it is complete, the robe will cover anyone ... it will cover every race, every religion, every person." My friends, I tell you these threads of the robe represents fidelity to the law; the robe represents impartiality, caring for all, including crime victims. The robe represents a humble recognition of the immense responsibility that is entrusted to us and a commitment to do our best to achieve justice in every case. Justice for victims, as well as the Marc Adkisons who enter the justice system every day. This is the judiciary of South Carolina. I am proud to serve alongside those who wear the robe in our justice system, and as long as I am privileged to serve as Chief Justice, we will never waver from the pursuit of justice in every case. God bless you and God bless the state of South Carolina.
Immediately following the Joint Assembly called for the address by the Honorable John W. Kittredge, Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court, the PRESIDENT announced that the Joint Assembly would proceed to the Election of College and Universities Boards of Trustees.
H. 5470 (Word version) -- Reps. Whitmire, King, McGinnis and Rose: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO FIX WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO BE DELIVERED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE IN JOINT ASSEMBLY IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS THE TIME FOR THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO MEET IN JOINT ASSEMBLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING ONE MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF VISITORS FOR THE CITADEL, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE AT-LARGE MEMBER THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2029; FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, SEAT 1, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, SEAT 3, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, SEAT 4, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2025, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2029, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, SEAT 5, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE SEVENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, SEAT 7, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 8, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2025, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2029, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 9, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 10, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2025, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2029, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 11, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 12, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2025, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2029, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 13, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 14, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2025, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2029, AND TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 15, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027; FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF LANDER UNIVERSITY, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, SEAT 5, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2024, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2028, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 12, FOR A TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2026, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 15, FOR A TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2026; FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, LAY MEMBER, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2024, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2028; FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 12, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2024, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2028; FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FOR A TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2028, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2024, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2028, TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FOR A TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2026, AND TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2024, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2028; FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WINTHROP UNIVERSITY TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE SEVENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, SEAT 7, THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2024, FOR THE REMAINDER OF A NEW TERM THAT EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2030, AND TO FILL THE TERM OF THE MEMBER FOR THE AT-LARGE SEAT 10, FOR A TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027; AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE AT-LARGE MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE WIL LOU GRAY OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL THAT EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2023, FOR THE REMAINDER OF NEW TERMS THAT WILL EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2027.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for The Citadel, at-large.
Representative Whitmire, on behalf of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Kenneth S. Bland, Kristofer D. Clark and James E. Nicholson, Jr. had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed their names in nomination.
On motion of Representative Whitmire the names of Kenneth S. Bland and Kristofer D. Clark were withdrawn from consideration.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable James E. Nicholson, Jr. was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for The Citadel, at-large position for the term to expire June 30, 2029.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 1st Congressional District, Seat 1.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that George E. Mullen had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable George E. Mullen was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 1st Congressional District, Seat 1 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 3rd Congressional District, Seat 3.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that William S. Biggs had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable William S. Biggs was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 3rd Congressional District, Seat 3 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 4th Congressional District, Seat 4.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that William E. Turner III had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable William E. Turner III was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 4th Congressional District, Seat 4 for the term to expire June 30, 2029.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 5th Congressional District, Seat 5.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Lisa Mabry Davis had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed her name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Lisa Mabry Davis was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 5th Congressional District, Seat 5 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 7th Congressional District, Seat 7.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Natasha Mabry Hanna had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed her name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Natasha Mabry Hanna was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, 7th Congressional District, Seat 7 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 8.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Jason Michael Repak had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Jason Michael Repak was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 8 for the term to expire June 30, 2029.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 9.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Eugene C. Spivey had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Eugene C. Spivey was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 9 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 10.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Mark S. Kelley had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Mark S. Kelley was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 10 for the term to expire June 30, 2029.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 11.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Brian J. Argo, Richard Blake Kline, Robin Russell, James Sessions and Edward Robert Tkacz had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed their names in nomination.
On motion of Representative Whitmire the names of Robin Russell James Sessions, Edward Robert Tkacz and Richard Blake Kline were withdrawn from consideration.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Brian J. Argo was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 11 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 12.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Hal Delan Stevens had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Hal Delan Stevens was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 12 for the term to expire June 30, 2029.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 13.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Lee A. Belcher had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Lee A. Belcher was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 13 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 14.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Joe N. Jarrett, Jr. had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Joe N. Jarrett, Jr. was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 14 for the term to expire June 30, 2029.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 15.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Patrick Steven Sparks had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Patrick Steven Sparks was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Coastal Carolina University, at-large, Seat 15 for the term to expire June 30, 2027.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Lander University, 5th Congressional District, Seat 5.
Representative Whitmire, on behalf of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Thomas Balek and Christopher Shawn Foxworth had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed their names in nomination.
On motion of Representative Whitmire the name of Thomas Balek was withdrawn from consideration.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Christopher Shawn Foxworth was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Lander University, 5th Congressional District, Seat 5 for the term to expire June 30, 2028.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Lander University, at-large, Seat 12.
Representative Whitmire, on behalf of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Sabrina Anne Walker had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed her name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Sabrina Anne Walker was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Lander University, at-large, Seat 12 for the term to expire June 30, 2026.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Lander University, at-large, Seat 15.
Representative Whitmire, on behalf of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Kathy R. Taylor had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed her name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Kathy R. Taylor was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Lander University, at-large, Seat 15 for the term to expire June 30, 2026.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for the Medical University of South Carolina, 2nd Congressional District, Lay Seat.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that William Delleney Wiseman had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable William Delleney Wiseman was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for the Medical University of South Carolina, 2nd Congressional District, Lay Seat for a term to expire June 30, 2028.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for S.C. State University, at-large, Seat 12.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Donald Beatty, Johnny Myron Sellers and Douglas M. Twitty had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed their names in nomination.
On motion of Representative Whitmire the name of Johnny Myron Sellers was withdrawn from consideration.
Representative Cromer moved to reject the slate of nominees.
The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.
Bright Rice
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Jackson Johnson Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
The following named Representatives voted in the affirmative are:
BeachBurns Chumley
The following named Representatives voted in the negative are:
AlexanderAnderson Atkinson
The motion to reject the slate failed.
The Joint Assembly proceeded to a vote.
The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.
The following named Senators voted for Donald Beatty:
Adams Allen Bennett Bright Campsen Chaplin Devine Elliott Graham Grooms Martin Massey Matthews Ott Rankin Sabb Sutton Tedder Walker Zell
The following named Senators voted for Douglas Twitty:
Alexander Blackmon Cash Climer Corbin Cromer Gambrell Garrett Hembree Jackson Johnson Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Verdin Williams Young
On the motion of Representative Hiott, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.
The following named Representatives voted for Donald Beatty:
Alexander Anderson Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Bernstein Bradley Brewer Brittain Calhoon Caskey Chumley Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Davis Dillard Edgerton Erickson Garvin Gatch Gilliard Govan Grant Guest Hager Hart Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Holman Hosey Huff J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson Jones Jordan King Kirby Lawson Long Lowe McDaniel McGinnis C. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Moss W. Newton Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Waters Weeks Wetmore Wickensimer Williams
The following named Representatives voted for Douglas Twitty:
Atkinson Beach Bowers Burns Bustos Chapman Cromer Duncan Forrest Frank Gagnon Gibson Gilliam Gilreath Guffey Hardee Harris Hartz Hayes Hiott Hixon Howard Kilmartin Landing Lastinger Ligon Luck Magnuson Martin McCabe McCravy D. Mitchell Morgan B. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Sanders Taylor Terribile White Whitmire Yow
Total number of Senators voting 39
Total number of Representatives voting 111
Grand Total 150
Necessary to a choice 76
Of which Donald Beatty received 86
Of which Douglas Twitty received 64
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Donald Beatty was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for S.C. State University, at-large, Seat 12 for a term to expire June 30, 2028.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina, 2nd Judicial Circuit.
Representative Whitmire, on behalf of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that James Strom Thurmond, Jr. and Bernie Lee Sims, Jr. had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed their names in nomination.
On motion of Representative Whitmire the name of Bernie Lee Sims, Jr. was withdrawn from consideration.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable James Strom Thurmond, Jr. was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina, 2nd Judicial Circuit for the term to expire June 30, 2028.
Senator YOUNG desired to be recorded as voting to abstain in the election.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina, 4th Judicial Circuit.
Representative Whitmire, on behalf of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Richard Mark Bonnoitt, J. Colin Hungerpiller and Caroline W. Streater had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed their names in nomination.
On motion of Representative Whitmire the name of Caroline W. Streater was withdrawn from consideration.
The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.
The following named Senators voted for Richard Bonnoitt:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Climer Corbin Cromer Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Jackson Johnson Leber Martin Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The following named Senators voted for Colin Hungerpiller:
Chaplin
The following named Senators voted present:
Massey
On the motion of Representative Hiott, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.
The following named Representatives voted for Richard Bonnoitt:
Alexander Anderson Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bamberg Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brewer Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Cox Cromer Davis Dillard Duncan Edgerton Erickson Forrest Frank Gagnon Garvin Gatch Gibson Gilliam Gilliard Gilreath Govan Grant Guest Guffey Hager Hardee Harris Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Holman Hosey 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 D. Mitchell Montgomery J. Moore T. Moore Morgan Moss B. Newton W. Newton Oremus Pace Pedalino Pope Rankin Reese Rivers Robbins Rose Rutherford Schuessler Scott Sessions G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Terribile Waters Weeks Wetmore White Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
The following named Representatives voted for Colin Hungerpiller:
Howard C. Mitchell
The following named Representatives abstained:
Sanders
Total number of Senators voting 40
Total number of Representatives voting 116
Grand Total 156
Necessary to a choice 79
Of which Richard Bonnoitt received 153
Of which Colin Hungerpiller received 3
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Richard Mark Bonnoitt was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina, 4th Judicial Circuit for the term to expire June 30, 2028.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina, 12th Judicial Circuit.
Representative Whitmire, on behalf of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Coleman Floyd Buckhouse had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed his name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Coleman Floyd Buckhouse was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina, 12th Judicial Circuit for the term to expire June 30, 2026.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina, 15th Judicial Circuit.
Representative Whitmire, on behalf of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Frederick Schipman Johnston, Michelle Kerscher Plyler, Anthony Holland Pope and Kellah Fortson Webster had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed their names in nomination.
On motion of Representative Whitmire the name of Kellah Fortson Webster was withdrawn from consideration.
The Reading Clerk of the Senate called the roll of the Senate, and the Senators voted viva voce as their names were called.
The following named Senators voted for Frederick Johnston:
Chaplin Climer Garrett Goldfinch Hembree Peeler Reichenbach Stubbs Williams
The following named Senators voted for Michelle Plyler:
The following named Senators voted for Anthony Pope:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Cash Cromer Devine Elliott Gambrell Graham Grooms Jackson Johnson Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Rankin Rice Sabb Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Young Zell
The following named Senators voted present:
Corbin
The following named Senators abstained:
Campsen
On the motion of Representative Hiott, with unanimous consent, the members of the House voted by electronic roll call.
The following named Representatives voted for Frederick Johnston:
Alexander Atkinson Bailey Ballentine Bannister Bauer Beach Bernstein Bowers Bradley Brittain Burns Bustos Calhoon Caskey Chapman Clyburn Cobb-Hunter Collins Davis Dillard Erickson Forrest Garvin Gibson Govan Guest Hager Hardee Hart Hartnett Hartz Hayes Henderson-Myers Herbkersman Hewitt Hiott Hixon Hosey J. E. Johnson J. L. Johnson Jones Jordan King Kirby Landing Ligon Long Lowe Luck Martin McGinnis Montgomery T. Moore Moss B. Newton Pope Reese Rivers Rose Schuessler G. M. Smith M. M. Smith Stavrinakis Taylor Teeple Wetmore Whitmire Wickensimer Williams Willis Wooten Yow
The following named Representatives voted for Michelle Plyler:
The following named Representatives voted for Anthony Pope:
Anderson Brewer Chumley Cox Cromer Duncan Edgerton Frank Gagnon Gatch Gilliard Gilreath Grant Guffey Holman Howard Huff Kilmartin Lastinger Lawson Magnuson McCabe McCravy McDaniel C. Mitchell D. Mitchell J. Moore Morgan Oremus Pace Pedalino Rankin Robbins Scott Sessions Terribile Weeks White
The following named Representatives abstained:
Sanders
Total number of Senators voting 39
Total number of Representatives voting 111
Grand Total 150
Necessary to a choice 76
Of which Frederick Johnston received 82
Of which Michelle Plyler received 0
Of which Anthony Pope received 68
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Frederick Schipman Johnston was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina, 15th Judicial Circuit for the term to expire June 30, 2028.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Winthrop University, 7th Congressional District, Seat 7.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Alison Jean Hamilton had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed her name in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominee.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Alison Jean Hamilton was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees for Winthrop University, 7th Congressional District, Seat 7 for a term to expire June 30, 2030.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to a position on the Board of Trustees for Winthrop University, at-large, Seat 10.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Jean Haubert and Timothy O'Riley had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed their names in nomination.
On motion of Representative Whitmire the names of Timothy O'Riley and Jean Haubert were withdrawn from consideration.
The PRESIDENT announced that nominations were in order to elect a successor to positions on the Board of Trustees for the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, three at-large seats.
Representative Whitmire, Chairman of the Committee to Screen Candidates for State Colleges and Universities, indicated that Dan Austin Dobson and Jackie Chitty Drake had been screened and found qualified to serve and placed their names in nomination.
Representative Whitmire moved that nominations be closed and, with unanimous consent, the vote was taken by acclamation, resulting in the election of the nominees.
Whereupon, the PRESIDENT announced that the Honorable Dan Austin Dobson and the Honorable Jackie Chitty Drake were elected to the positions on the Board of Trustees for the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, at-large seats for the term to expire June 30, 2027.
The purposes of the Joint Assembly having been accomplished, the PRESIDENT declared it adjourned, whereupon the Senate returned to its Chamber and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
At 2:45 P.M., the Senate resumed.
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 Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Johnson Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Sutton Turner Verdin Williams Young
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
Senator KIMBRELL recorded his presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Reappointment, Donate Life South Carolina, with the term to commence April 1, 2024, and to expire April 1, 2028
Civic Organization:
Abbi Mason, 1126 Ambling Way, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
Reappointment, Abbeville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Abbeville County:
Hon. Joyce K. Monts, 297 Monts Farm Drive, Iva, SC 29655
Reappointment, Abbeville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Abbeville County:
Hon. Phillip W. Sears, Jr., 64 Pinehurst Street, Abbeville, SC 29620
Initial Appointment, Anderson County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Anderson County:
William T. Vaughn, 144 Mockingbird Lane, Starr, SC 29684 VICE Hon. Carey B. Murphy
Reappointment, Chesterfield County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Chesterfield County:
Hon. Vivian L. Patrick, 519 Sandpiper Circle, Cheraw, SC 29520
Reappointment, Colleton County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Colleton County:
Hon. Jennifer Epps Fishburne, 1123 Saint Peters Road, Walterboro, SC 29488
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Jonathan D. Anders, 29 Greenhill Drive, Simpsonville, SC 29681
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Scott C. Bingel, 9 Melvin Circle, Taylors, SC 29687
Initial Appointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Harold Dean Campbell, Jr., 58 Smythe Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Mark Edmonds, 12 Marine Road, Greenville, SC 29617
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Jonathan A. Horne, 50 Tindal Road, Greenville, SC 29617
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Ernest M. O'Brien, Sr., 305 Hamby Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Laura M. Saunders, 3 Brookside Way, Greenville, SC 29605
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Letonya T. Simmons, 202 Twilight Place, Simpsonville, SC 29681
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Kenneth G. Southerlin, 301 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Bradley C. Stepp, 1 Chasta Avenue, Greenville, SC 29615
Reappointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2022, and to expire April 30, 2026
Lancaster County:
Hon. Douglas M. Vecchio, 197 Floyd Road, Kershaw, SC 29067
Reappointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Lancaster County:
Hon. Douglas M. Vecchio, 197 Floyd Road, Kershaw, SC 29067
Reappointment, Sumter County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Sumter County:
Hon. W. Mattison Gamble, 190 East Canal Street, Sumter, SC 29150
Reappointment, Sumter County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Sumter County:
Hon. Cecil Kelly Jackson, 109 East Canal Street, Sumter, SC 29150
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, at 2:54 P.M., Senator KENNEDY was granted a leave of absence Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and Thursday, April 16, 2026.
On motion of Senator BLACKMON, at 5:03 P.M., Senators HUTTO and GRAHAM were granted a leave of absence until 6:00 P.M.
On motion of Senator TEDDER, at 5:34 P.M., Senators WALKER, SABB and OTT were granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
At 5:38 P.M., Senator GROOMS requested a leave of absence from Thursday, April 16, 2026, through Friday, April 24, 2026.
Senator TURNER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator TURNER, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 222 (Word version) Sen. Stubbs
S. 385 (Word version) Sen. Garrett
S. 872 (Word version) Sen. Climer
S. 915 (Word version) Sens. Alexander and Cromer
S. 1005 (Word version) Sen. Stubbs
H. 4957 (Word version) -- Rep. Ligon: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE TEN-MILE STRETCH OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 77 FROM SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 97 (EXIT 55) TO SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 9 (EXIT 65) IN CHESTER COUNTY "REPRESENTATIVE F.G. 'GREG' DELLENEY JR. HIGHWAY" 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.
On motion of Senator GOLDFINCH, with unanimous consent, Senators GROOMS, GOLDFINCH and YOUNG were granted leave to attend a subcommittee meeting and were granted leave to vote from the balcony.
The following were introduced:
S. 1122 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-65-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA TEXTILES COMMUNITIES REVITALIZATION ACT, SO AS TO SPECIFY QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN REHABILITATION EXPENSES.
sr-0631km26.docx
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 1123 (Word version) -- Senator Martin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 28-2-70, RELATING TO THE APPRAISAL OF PROPERTY AND CONDEMNOR'S RIGHT TO ENTER UPON LAND FOR LIMITED PURPOSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY CONDEMNOR TO KNOWINGLY MAKE CERTAIN FALSE, FRAUDULENT, OR DECEPTIVE STATEMENTS TO A CONDEMNEE; BY ADDING SECTION 28-2-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN NOTICES BEFORE INITIATING AN APPRAISAL; BY ADDING SECTION 28-2-130 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A CIVIL PENALTY FOR KNOWINGLY MAKING CERTAIN FALSE, FRAUDULENT, OR DECEPTIVE STATEMENTS TO A CONDEMNEE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-120, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS FOR ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO INTENDS TO FILE CERTAIN APPLICATIONS MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE.
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Senator MARTIN spoke on the Bill.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 1124 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE APRIL 2026 AS "FOOT HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
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Senator VERDIN spoke on the Resolution.
The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1125 (Word version) -- Senator Sabb: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SANTEE ROAD IN WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY FROM JUNE BRANCH CREEK TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH CHARLESTON ROAD "TYRONE A. BURROUGHS ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 1126 (Word version) -- Senator Devine: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL EMERITUS TYRONE R. HARPER FOR HIS COMMITMENT AND MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY, THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO RECOGNIZE JUNE 7, 2026, AS "SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL EMERITUS TYRONE R. HARPER DAY."
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The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
H. 4248 (Word version) -- Reps. Herbkersman, Bradley, Erickson, Hixon, Pope, Hewitt, Cobb-Hunter, Forrest, M. M. Smith, Hartnett, Luck, Gilliard, Rivers, W. Newton, Guest, J. Moore and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 39-25-220 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL SHRIMP AND SHRIMP PRODUCTS SOLD IN THIS STATE HAVE A LABEL NOTING THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF THE SHRIMP.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
H. 4679 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, Cox, M. M. Smith, Wooten, Chapman, W. Newton, Herbkersman, Wickensimer, Guest, McCravy, Hartnett, Gilliard, Rivers and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA DRONE REGULATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 55-1-110 SO AS TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES FOR DRONE OPERATIONS AND PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL DRONE USE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 4706 (Word version) -- Reps. Rutherford, Neese, Chumley, Hartnett, Gilliard, Rivers and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 15-1-350 SO AS TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN RACING FACILITIES, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, FROM BEING SUBJECT TO NUISANCE AND TAKING CAUSES OF ACTION FROM A SURROUNDING LANDOWNER.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 5069 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, Bradley, Wooten, Brittain, Bernstein, Holman, Ford, Wetmore, Stavrinakis, B. Newton, Rivers, Anderson, Kirby, McDaniel, Caskey, Erickson, Reese, Chapman, Govan, Yow, Bustos, Martin, Sessions, Gatch, M. M. Smith, D. Mitchell, Guest, Neese, Pedalino, Bauer, W. Newton, Gilreath, Gilliam, Luck, Pope, Ligon, Cox, J. L. Johnson, Guffey, Bowers, Jordan, Collins, Duncan, Teeple, Lawson, Sanders, Montgomery, Ballentine, Brewer, Gagnon, Haddon, Hartnett, Hartz, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Jones, Lowe, Robbins, Cromer, Oremus, Davis, Gilliard, Gibson, McCravy and C. Mitchell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 61 TO TITLE 48 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PROTECTED LANDS AND CONSERVATION COORDINATION ACT"; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO RECOGNIZE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AS AN IMPORTANT STATE INTEREST; TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE PROTECTED LAND BENCHMARK; AND TO PROVIDE FOR COORDINATION OF LAND PROTECTION PROJECTS AND ANNUAL REPORTING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
H. 5111 (Word version) -- Reps. Forrest, Lastinger, Hartz, Gibson, McCravy, Reese and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 5-31-60 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PROPERTY OWNERS TO DRILL, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN PRIVATE WATER WELLS ON AGRICULTURAL OR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY; TO PROHIBIT COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES FROM MANDATING CONNECTION TO MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEMS ABSENT A DOCUMENTED PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT; TO ESTABLISH PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE; TO PREEMPT CONFLICTING LOCAL ORDINANCES; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 5217 (Word version) -- Reps. Hixon, Haddon, Forrest and Luck: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-9-650, RELATING TO DEER HUNTING, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ANTERLESS DEER TAGS AND DECREASE THE NUMBER OF ANTLERED DEER TAGS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
H. 5473 (Word version) -- Reps. Lowe and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 15 TO CHAPTER 19, TITLE 50 SO AS TO PROHIBIT FISHING ON THE J. FOSTER JEFFORDS CAUSEWAY IN FLORENCE COUNTY.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 436 (Word version) -- Senator Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO ADD AN EXEMPTION FOR A PORTION OF THE VALUE OF AIRCRAFT OF AN AIRLINE COMPANY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-2440, RELATING TO THE VALUATION OF AIRCRAFT, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH TIME ON THE GROUND IS CALCULATED.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 556 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3830 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A TAX CREDIT FOR RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:
S. 869 (Word version) -- Senators Climer, Peeler, Blackmon, Johnson and Stubbs: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-780, RELATING TO PERMANENT LICENSE PLATES AND FEES FOR VEHICLES OF THE STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, SO AS TO CREATE A PERMANENT LICENSE PLATE FOR TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS LOCATED IN THE STATE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 872 (Word version) -- Senator Goldfinch: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-80, RELATING TO AN APPLICATION FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR PERMIT, SO AS TO REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO PROVIDE PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP OR LEGAL STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE APPLICANT IS NOT A CITIZEN, THEN THE DRIVER'S LICENSE MUST CONTAIN A "NC" DESIGNATION INDICATING THAT THE LICENSEE IS A NON-US CITIZEN; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-3350, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS, SO AS TO REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO PROVIDE PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP OR LEGAL STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE APPLICANT IS NOT A CITIZEN, THEN THE IDENTIFICATION CARD MUST CONTAIN A "NC" DESIGNATION INDICATING THAT THE HOLDER OF THE IDENTIFICATION CARD IS A NON-US CITIZEN; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-13-710, RELATING TO PROOF OF THE RIGHT TO VOTE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD WITH A "NC" DESIGNATION CANNOT BE USED TO VOTE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:
S. 904 (Word version) -- Senators Young and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-16510 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ISSUE SPECIAL MOTOR VEHICLE PLATES TO MEMBERS OF THE "QUAIL FOREVER" ORGANIZATION.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 933 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, Corbin, Williams, Jackson, Leber, Hutto, Devine, Graham and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 2-3-20, RELATING TO COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL RECEIVE LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION AND AN IN-DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE SERVICE ALLOWANCE OF FORTY-SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE MEMBERS' SALARY SHALL BE ADJUSTED EVERY TWO YEARS BY AN INFLATION FACTOR NOT TO EXCEED FIVE PERCENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 9-9-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EARNABLE COMPENSATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF CALCULATING BENEFITS IS LIMITED TO ONLY THE MEMBERS' SALARY AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 1100 (Word version) -- Senators Rankin and Adams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO DESIGNATE ARTICLE 11, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 47 AS "TEASING, MALTREATING, AND INJURING POLICE DOGS OR HORSES PROHIBITED"; BY AMENDING SECTION 47-3-610, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL TO TAUNT, TORMENT, TEASE, BEAT, STRIKE, OR ADMINISTER DESENSITIZING DRUG TO POLICE DOG OR HORSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION IS A MISDEMEANOR AND, UPON CONVICTION, A PERSON MUST BE FINED NOT LESS THAN TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS OR IMPRISONED NOT LESS THAN THIRTY DAYS NOR MORE THAN FIVE YEARS OR BOTH; BY AMENDING SECTION 47-3-620, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL TO TORTURE, MUTILATE, INJURE, DISABLE, POISON, OR KILL POLICE DOG OR HORSE, SO AS TO INCLUDE SHOOTING INTO A VEHICLE OR TRAILER WHILE A DOG OR HORSE IS INSIDE, AND SHOOTING AND HITTING A POLICE DOG OR HORSE WHILE RUNNING IN PURSUIT, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION IS A FELONY AND, UPON CONVICTION, THE PENALTY IS NOT LESS THAN TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS AND IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT LESS THAN TWO YEARS NOR MORE THAN TEN YEARS, AND TO REQUIRE RESTITUTION TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 47-3-630, RELATING TO PENALTIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH NOTHING IN THIS SECTION DENIES A RIGHT TO ASSERT A LEGAL DEFENSE OF SELF-DEFENSE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:
S. 1119 (Word version) -- Senator Bennett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-16610 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL ISSUE BLACKOUT SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3022 (Word version) -- Reps. M.M. Smith, Guest, Kirby and W. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 43-21-130, RELATING TO THE LONG-TERM CARE COUNCIL, SO AS TO CORRECT REFERENCES TO CERTAIN AGENCIES WITH MEMBERSHIP ON THE COUNCIL; BY AMENDING SECTION 43-21-140, RELATING TO THE PURPOSE AND DUTIES OF COUNCIL, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SHARING OF DATA WITH MEMBER AGENCIES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3842 (Word version) -- Reps. Lowe, Willis, Caskey, Wooten, Rose, Huff, Sanders and Duncan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-45-285 SO AS TO PROVIDE PHYSICAL THERAPISTS MAY CERTIFY THAT AN INDIVIDUAL IS HANDICAPPED AND DECLARE THAT THE HANDICAP IS TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S APPLICATION FOR A HANDICAPPED PLACARD.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 4189 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis and Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 1-3-240, 1-5-40, 1-11-20, 1-23-600, 1-25-60, 2-13-240, 3-5-40, 3-5-50, 3-5-60, 3-5-70, 3-5-80, 3-5-90, 3-5-100, 3-5-110, 3-5-120, 3-5-130, 3-5-140, 3-5-150, 3-5-160, 3-5-170, 3-5-180, 3-5-190, 3-5-320, 3-5-330, 3-5-340, 3-5-350, 3-5-360, 4-12-30, 4-29-67, 4-33-10, 4-33-20, 4-33-30, 5-31-2010, 6-1-150, 6-11-285, 6-11-290, 6-11-1210, 6-11-1230, 6-11-1430, 6-15-30, 6-19-30, 6-19-35, 6-19-40, 6-21-400, 7-5-186, 7-5-310, 10-5-270, 10-9-10, 10-9-20, 10-9-30, 10-9-35, 10-9-40, 10-9-110, 10-9-200, 10-9-260, 10-9-320, 11-11-170, 11-11-230, 11-37-200, 11-58-70, 11-58-80, 12-6-3370, 12-6-3420, 12-6-3550, 12-6-3775, 12-23-810, 12-23-815, 12-28-2355, 12-37-220, 12-44-30, 13-1-380, 13-2-10, 13-7-10, 13-7-20, 13-7-30, 13-7-40, 13-7-45, 13-7-60, 13-7-70, 13-7-90, 13-7-120, 13-7-160, 14-1-201, 14-7-1610, 14-7-1630, 14-23-1150, 15-74-40, 16-3-740, 16-3-2050, 16-17-500, 16-17-650, 16-25-320, 20-1-240, 20-1-320, 20-1-330, 20-1-340, 20-1-350, 20-1-720, 20-3-230, 20-3-235, 23-1-230, 23-3-535, 23-3-810, 25-11-70, 25-11-75, 27-16-90, 27-31-100, 30-2-30, 30-2-320, 31-13-30, 32-8-305, 33-36-1315, 37-11-20, 37-11-50, 38-7-20, 38-55-530, 38-70-60, 38-71-46, 38-71-145, 38-71-1520, 38-78-10, 39-23-20, 39-23-30, 39-23-40, 39-23-50, 39-23-60, 39-23-70, 39-23-100, 39-23-110, 39-23-120, 39-23-130, 40-7-60, 40-7-230, 40-10-230, 40-13-60, 40-13-110, 40-15-85, 40-15-102, 40-15-110, 40-23-10, 40-23-20, 40-23-110, 40-23-280, 40-23-300, 40-23-305, 40-23-310, 40-25-20, 40-25-170, 40-33-20, 40-33-30, 40-35-10, 40-35-20, 40-43-72, 40-43-83, 40-43-86, 40-43-87, 40-43-190, 40-43-195, 40-43-200, 40-45-300, 40-47-31, 40-47-32, 40-47-34, 40-61-20, 40-69-255, 40-71-10, 40-71-20, 40-81-20, 40-84-120, 41-27-280, 43-5-24, 43-5-910, 43-5-1185, 43-21-120, 43-21-130, 43-25-30, 43-33-350, 43-35-10, 43-35-15, 43-35-25, 43-35-35, 43-35-220, 43-35-310, 43-35-520, 43-35-560, 44-1-60, 44-1-70, 44-1-80, 44-1-90, 44-1-100, 44-1-110, 44-1-130, 44-1-140, 44-1-151, 44-1-152, 44-1-165, 44-1-170, 44-1-180, 44-1-190, 44-1-200, 44-1-210, 44-1-215, 44-1-220, 44-1-230, 44-1-280, 44-1-300, 44-1-310, 44-1-315, 44-2-20, 44-2-40, 44-2-60, 44-2-130, 44-2-150, 44-3-10, 44 3-150, 44-4-130, 44-4-300, 44-4-310, 44-4-320, 44-4-330, 44-4-340, 44-4-500, 44-4-510, 44-4-520, 44-4-530, 44-4-540, 44-4-550, 44-4-560, 44-4-570, 44-5-20, 44-6-5, 44-6-150, 44-6-170, 44-6-400, 44-7-77, 44-7-80, 44-7-90, 44-7-130, 44-7-150, 44-7-180, 44-7-190, 44-7-200, 44-7-210, 44-7-220, 44-7-225, 44-7-230, 44-7-240, 44-7-250, 44-7-260, 44-7-320, 44-7-325, 44-7-370, 44 7-392, 44-7-510, 44-7-1420, 44-7-1440, 44-7-1490, 44-7-1590, 44-7-1660, 44-7-1690, 44-7-2420, 44-7-2430, 44-7-2940, 44-7-3430, 44-7-3460, 44-8-10, 44-8-20, 44-8-60, 44-9-70, 44-20-270, 44-29-10, 44-29-15, 44-29-20, 44-29-30, 44-29-40, 44-29-50, 44-29-60, 44-29-70, 44-29-80, 44-29-90, 44-29-100, 44-29-110, 44-29-115, 44-29-120, 44-29-130, 44-29-135, 44-29-136, 44-29-140, 44-29-145, 44-29-146, 44-29-150, 44-29-160, 44-29-170, 44-29-180, 44-29-185, 44-29-190, 44-29-195, 44-29-200, 44-29-210, 44-29-230, 44-29-240, 44-29-250, 44-30-20, 44-30-90, 44-31-10, 44-31-20, 44-31-30, 44-31-105, 44-31-110, 44-31-610, 44-32-10, 44-32-20, 44-32-120, 44-33-10, 44-33-310, 44-34-10, 44-34-20, 44-34-100, 44-35-10, 44-35-20, 44-35-30, 44-35-40, 44-35-50, 44-35-60, 44-35-70, 44-35-80, 44-35-90, 44-35-100, 44-36-20, 44-36-30, 44-36-50, 44-36-320, 44-36-520, 44-37-20, 44-37-30, 44-37-40, 44-37-50, 44-37-70, 44-38-30, 44-38-380, 44-38-630, 44-39-20, 44-40-30, 44-40-60, 44-41-10, 44-41-60, 44-41-340, 44-44-20, 44-44-30, 44-44-40, 44-49-40, 44-52-10, 44-53-10, 44-53-50, 44-53-110, 44-53-160, 44-53-280, 44-53-290, 44-53-310, 44-53-320, 44-53-360, 44-53-362, 44-53-375, 44-53-430, 44-53-480, 44-53-490, 44-53-500, 44-53-630, 44-53-620, 44-53-710, 44-53-720, 44-53-730, 44-53-740, 44-53-750, 44-53-930, 44-53-1320, 44-53-1630, 44-53-1640, 44-55-20, 44-55-30, 44-55-40, 44-55-45, 44-55-50, 44-55-60, 44-55-70, 44-55-120, 44-55-210, 44-55-220, 44-55-230, 44-55-240, 44-55-250, 44-55-260, 44-55-270, 44-55-275, 44-55-280, 44-55-290, 44-55-410, 44-55-420, 44-55-430, 44-55-440, 44-55-450, 44-55-460, 44-55-610, 44-55-620, 44-55-630, 44-55-640, 44-55-650, 44-55-660, 44-55-670, 44-55-680, 44-55-690, 44-55-700, 44-55-820, 44-55-822, 44-55-825, 44-55-827, 44-55-830, 44-55-860, 44-55-1310, 44-55-2320, 44-55-2360, 44-55-2390, 44-56-20, 44-56-30, 44-56-60, 44-56-100, 44-56-130, 44-56-160, 44-56-200, 44-56-210, 44-56-405, 44-56-410, 44-56-420, 44-56-495, 44-56-840, 44-59-10, 44-59-30, 44-61-20, 44-61-30, 44-61-40, 44-61-50, 44-61-60, 44-61-70, 44-61-80, 44-61-130, 44-61-310, 44-61-320, 44-61-340, 44-61-350, 44-61-510, 44-61-520, 44-61-530, 44-61-540, 44-61-630, 44-61-650, 44-63-10, 44-63-20, 44-63-30, 44-63-80, 44-63-86, 44-63-110, 44-63-161, 44-63-163, 44-69-20, 44-69-30, 44-69-50, 44-70-20, 44-71-20, 44-71-70, 44-74-50, 44-74-60, 44-78-15, 44-78-65, 44-80-10, 44-81-30, 44-87-10, 44-89-30, 44-89-90, 44-93-20, 44-93-160, 44-96-40, 44-96-60, 44-96-85, 44-96-100, 44-96-120, 44-96-165, 44-96-170, 44-96-250, 44-96-440, 44-96-450, 44-99-10, 44-99-30, 44-99-50, 44-113-20, 44-115-80, 44-115-130, 44-117-50, 44-122-50, 44-125-20, 44-128-20, 44-128-50, 44-130-20, 44-130-70, 44-139-40, 44-139-50, 45-4-30, 45-4-70, 46-1-130, 46-1-140, 46-3-240, 46-7-100, 46-7-110, 46-9-120, 46-13-110, 46-13-150, 46-45-10, 46-45-60, 46-45-80, 46-49-60, 46-51-20, 46-57-20, 46-57-50, 47-1-80, 47-3-420, 47-4-150, 47-5-20, 47-9-60, 47-17-40, 47-17-120, 47-17-130, 47-17-140, 47-17-320, 47-19-35, 47-20-165, 48-1-10, 48-1-20, 48-1-55, 48-1-85, 48-1-95, 48-1-100, 48-1-110, 48-1-280, 48-2-20, 48-2-60, 48-2-70, 48-2-80, 48-2-320, 48-2-330, 48-2-340, 48-3-10, 48-3-140, 48-5-20, 48-6-50, 48-6-60, 48-18-20, 48-18-50, 48-20-30, 48-20-40, 48-20-70, 48-21-20, 48-34-40, 48-39-10, 48-39-35, 48-39-45, 48-39-50, 48-39-250, 48-39-270, 48-39-280, 48-39-290, 48-39-320, 48-39-345, 48-40-20, 48-40-40, 48-40-50, 48-40-60, 48-40-70, 48-43-10, 48-43-30, 48-43-40, 48-43-50, 48-43-60, 48-43-100, 48-43-390, 48-43-510, 48-43-520, 48-43-570, 48-46-30, 48-46-40, 48-46-50, 48-46-80, 48-46-90, 48-52-810, 48-52-865, 48-55-10, 48-56-20, 48-57-20, 48-60-20, 48-62-30, 49-1-15, 49-1-16, 49-1-18, 49-3-60, 49-4-20, 49-4-80, 49-4-170, 49-5-30, 49-5-60, 49-6-10, 49-6-30, 49-11-120, 49-11-170, 49-11-260, 49-23-60, 50-5-35, 50-5-360, 50-5-910, 50-5-955, 50-5-965, 50-5-997, 50-11-90, 50-15-430, 50-16-30, 50-19-1935, 50-21-30, 54-6-10, 55-1-100, 56-1-221, 56-3-9800, 56-5-170, 56-5-2720, 56-35-50, 56-35-60, 56-35-80, 58-27-255, 58-33-140, 59-1-380, 59-1-450, 59-31-330, 59-32-10, 59-32-30, 59-36-20, 59-47-10, 59-63-75, 59-63-95, 59-111-720, 59-123-125, 59-152-60, 61-4-220, 61-4-1515, 61-4-1750, 61-6-1610, 61-6-2410, 62-1-302, 63-1-50, 63-7-1210, 63-9-730, 63-9-910, 63-11-1720, 63-11-1930, 63-11-2240, 63-11-2290, 63-13-80, 63-13-180, AND 63-17-70, ALL RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE RESTRUCTURING PROVIDED BY ACT 60 OF 2023; AND BY REPEALING SECTIONS 44-1-30, 44-1-40, 44-1-50, 44-3-110, 44-3-120, 44-3-130, 44-3-140, 44-7-310, 44-11-30, 44-11-40, 44-55-1320, 44-55-1330, 44-55-1350, 44-55-1360, 59-111-510, 59-111-520, 59-111-530, 59-111-540, 59-111-550, 59-111-560, 59-111-570, AND 59-111-580 ALL RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4249 (Word version) -- Rep. Erickson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-1538, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS OF EMERGENCY SCENE MANAGEMENT, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, PROVIDE DRIVERS SHALL ENSURE THEIR VEHICLES ARE KEPT UNDER CONTROL WHEN APPROACHING OR PASSING OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES STOPPED ON OR NEAR THE RIGHT OF WAY OF STREETS OR HIGHWAYS, TO PROVIDE PERSONS DRIVING VEHICLES APPROACHING OTHER STATIONARY VEHICLES DISPLAYING FLASHING HAZARD LIGHTS SHALL REDUCE THEIR SPEED, YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY, AND MAINTAIN SAFE SPEEDS WHEN CHANGING LANES IS UNSAFE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator GROOMS from the Committee on Transportation submitted a favorable report on:
H. 5131 (Word version) -- Reps. Hartnett, M.M. Smith and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-780, RELATING TO PERMANENT LICENSE PLATES AND FEES FOR VEHICLES OF STATE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, SO AS TO CREATE A PERMANENT LICENSE PLATE FOR TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS LOCATED IN THE STATE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:
H. 5164 (Word version) -- Reps. Hewitt, Bannister, G.M. Smith and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-255 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR FIRE AND BUILDING CODE EXCEPTIONS FOR PLACEMENT OF HOSPITAL BEDS IN HALLWAYS, CORRIDORS, OR OTHER MEANS OF EGRESS DURING JUSTIFIED EMERGENCIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Columbia, S.C., April 15, 2026
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
H. 3557 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Pedalino, Taylor, Guest, Crawford, Schuessler and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-15, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN AS A CANDIDATE IN GENERAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO SHORTEN THE CANDIDATE FILING PERIOD, TO REQUIRE ALL CANDIDATES FROM EACH POLITICAL PARTY IN THIS STATE TO PAY A FILING FEE, AND TO AUTHORIZE POLITICAL PARTIES TO CHARGE A CERTIFICATION FEE TO ALL CANDIDATES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-210, RELATING TO THE FILING OF PARTY PLEDGES BY CANDIDATES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE BY WHICH A PARTY PLEDGE MUST BE FILED.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Columbia, S.C., April 15, 2026
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
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.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
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 returned to the House with amendments:
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.
H. 3556 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Schuessler, Guest, Taylor and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-560, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF A POLITICAL PARTY TO HEAR CERTAIN PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ALSO HEAR PROTESTS AND CONTESTS IN THE CASE OF COUNTY OFFICERS, LESS THAN COUNTY OFFICERS, AND MUNICIPAL OFFICERS, TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO REQUIRE THE FILING OF ANY PROTEST OR CONTEST TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A BOND WITH SURETY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR APPEALS FROM DECISIONS BY THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-570, RELATING TO HEARINGS OF PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO EXTEND THE TIME IN WHICH THE STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MUST CONDUCT SUCH HEARINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-80, RELATING TO MUNICIPAL PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PROTESTS AND CONTESTS ARE TO BE FILED, HEARD, AND DECIDED IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 7-17-560 AND 7-17-570; AND BY REPEALING SECTIONS 7-17-520, 7-17-530, 7-17-540, 7-17-550, 7-17-580, AND 7-17-590 ALL RELATING TO PRIMARY PROTESTS AND CONTESTS FOR CERTAIN OFFICES.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 866 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott and Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "MUNICIPAL TAX RELIEF ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 41 TO TITLE 5 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES TO IMPOSE UP TO A ONE PERCENT SALES TAX TO PROVIDE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF TO OWNER-OCCUPIED HOMES AND TO FINANCE CERTAIN PROJECTS, TO SPECIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH THE TAX MUST BE IMPOSED AND ADMINISTERED AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PROPERTY TAX CREDIT IS CALCULATED.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:
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.
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.
Senator HEMBREE objected to consideration of the Bill.
S. 270 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Hembree, Adams and Goldfinch: 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. 3650 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, Wooten, Pope, Chapman, W. Newton, Bailey, Robbins, Crawford, Guest, Caskey, Forrest, B. Newton, Hixon and Taylor: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-60, RELATING TO OFFENSES DEFINED AS VIOLENT CRIMES, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OFFENSE OF DISCHARGING FIREARMS AT OR INTO A DWELLING HOUSE, OTHER BUILDING, STRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT, WATERCRAFT, OR OTHER CONVEYANCE, DEVICE, OR EQUIPMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-23-440, RELATING TO DISCHARGING FIREARMS INTO A DWELLING HOUSE, OTHER BUILDING, STRUCTURE, ENCLOSURE, VEHICLE, AIRCRAFT, WATERCRAFT, OR OTHER CONVEYANCE, DEVICE, OR EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO CREATE A TIERED PENALTY STRUCTURE.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator ADAMS proposed the following amendment (SJ-3650.SW0001S), which was withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 16-23-440(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly and intentionally discharge or cause to be discharged unlawfully firearms;
(1) at or into a dwelling house, other building, structure, or enclosure regularly occupied by persons regardless of whether the attended target is actually struck; or
(2) the bullets of which unintentionally strike or otherwise enter a dwelling house, other building, structure, or enclosure regularly occupied by persons.
A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(B) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly and intentionally discharge or cause to be discharged unlawfully firearms:
(1) at or into any vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or other conveyance, device, or equipment while it is occupied; or
(2) the bullets of which unintentionally strike or otherwise enter any vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or other conveyance, device, or equipment while it is occupied.
(C) A person who violates the provisions of this subsection subsections (A) or (B) is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. must be fined not more than:
(1) twenty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than ten years; and
(2) fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than fifteen years when any occupant is struck or bodily injury occurs as a proximate cause of the discharge of a firearm.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, with unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.
Senators HEMBREE, CORBIN, and ADAMS proposed the following amendment (SR-3650.CEM0004S), which was withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 16-23-440(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly, and intentionally and unlawfully discharge or cause to be discharged unlawfully firearms at or into a dwelling house, other building, structure, or enclosure regularly occupied by persons. A person need not have specific intent to strike a dwelling house, other building, structure or enclosure regularly occupied by persons to be guilty under this section. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. must be fined not more than:
(1) twenty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than ten years; and
(2) fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than fifteen years when any occupant is struck or bodily injury occurs as a proximate cause of the discharge of a firearm.
(B) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly, and intentionally and unlawfully discharge or cause to be discharged unlawfully firearms at or into any vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or other conveyance, device, or equipment while it is occupied. A person need not have specific intent to strike a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft or other conveyance, device or equipment while it is occupied by persons to be guilty under this section. For the purposes of this subsection an unmanned aerial vehicle shall not constitute an aircraft A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.must be fined not more than:
(1) twenty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than ten years; and
(2) fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than fifteen years when any occupant is struck or bodily injury occurs as a proximate cause of the discharge of a firearm.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, with unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.
Senators HUTTO, CORBIN, and GARRETT proposed the following amendment (SMIN-3650.MW0001S), which was withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 16-23-440(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly and intentionally with malice discharge or cause to be discharged unlawfully firearms at or into a dwelling house, other building, structure, or enclosure regularly occupied by persons unless it is in defense of that person's own real property or life of himself or another. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. must be fined not more than:
(1) twenty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than ten years; and
(2) fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than fifteen years when any occupant is struck or bodily injury occurs as a proximate cause of the discharge of a firearm.
(B) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly and intentionally with malice discharge or cause to be discharged unlawfully firearms at or into any vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or other conveyance, device, or equipment while it is occupied unless it is in defense of that person's own real property or life of himself or another. For purposes of this subsection, an unmanned aerial vehicle shall not constitute an aircraft. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.must be fined not more than:
(1) twenty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than ten years; and
(2) fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than fifteen years when any occupant is struck or bodily injury occurs as a proximate cause of the discharge of a firearm.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, with unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.
Senator HEMBREE proposed the following amendment (SEDU-3650.DB0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 16-23-440(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly, and intentionally unlawfully and deliberately or with a reckless disregard for life discharge discharges or cause causes to be discharged unlawfully firearms at or into a dwelling house, other building, structure, or enclosure regularly occupied by persons unless it is in defense of that person's own property or the life of himself or another as provided in Title 16, Chapter 11, Article 6. A person need not have a specific intent to strike a dwelling house, other building, structure or enclosure regularly occupied by persons to be guilty under this section. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. must be fined not more than:
(1) twenty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than ten years; and
(2) fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than fifteen years when any occupant is struck or bodily injury occurs as a proximate cause of the discharge of a firearm.
(B) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly, and intentionally unlawfully and deliberately or with a reckless disregard for life discharge discharges or cause causes to be discharged unlawfully firearms at or into any vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or other conveyance, device, or equipment while it is occupied unless it is in defense of that person's own property or the life of himself or another as provided in Title 16, Chapter 11, Article 6. A person need not have a specific intent to strike a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft or other conveyance, device or equipment while it is occupied by persons to be guilty under this section. For purposes of this section an unmanned aerial vehicle shall not constitute an aircraft. A person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.must be fined not more than:
(1) twenty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than ten years; and
(2) fifty thousand dollars and imprisoned not more than fifteen years when any occupant is struck or bodily injury occurs as a proximate cause of the discharge of a firearm.
(C) A person who discharges or causes to be discharged a firearm in a criminally negligent manner while in preparation for, engaged in the act of, or returning from hunting, in violation of Section 50-1-85, cannot be charged with a violation of this section. Nothing however herein prohibits the charging of a violation under any other applicable section.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
H. 3569 (Word version) -- Reps. M.M. Smith, Pope, Davis, Cobb-Hunter, Wetmore, Henderson-Myers, Erickson, Rivers and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 27-40-350 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RESIDENTIAL TENANTS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF CERTAIN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES MAY TERMINATE A RENTAL AGREEMENT AND TO PROVIDE FOR NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 27-40-210, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
S. 222 (Word version) -- Senators Ott and Stubbs: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-2-140 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLE" AND PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF THEM ON THE HIGHWAYS AND STREETS OF THE STATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "OFF-ROAD USE ONLY"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 38-77-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE PASSENGER AUTOMOBILE" TO INCLUDE CERTAIN UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLES.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Transportation proposed the following amendment (SR-222.KM0002S):
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2, Title 56 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Utility Terrain Vehicles
Section 56-2-5000. For the purposes of this article:
(1) "Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV)" means a side-by-side, four-wheel drive, off-road vehicle intended to transport individuals, cargo, or both with a top speed over thirty-five miles per hour; a motor vehicle of at least four hundred and fifty cubic centimeters; eighty inches or less in overall width; designed to travel on four or more wheels, two or four tracks, or combinations of four or more tracks and wheels; using a steering wheel for steering control; with a nonstraddle seat; and with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of no more than four thousand pounds. Utility Terrain Vehicle does not include golf carts or vehicles specially designed to carry a disabled person.
(2) "Farm Utility Terrain Vehicle (Farm UTV)" means a UTV as defined in Section 56-2-5000(1) that is:
(a) used exclusively by the registered owner for agricultural, horticultural, dairying, livestock, or poultry operations; and
(b) equipped with a reflective, fluorescent, red-orange triangular emblem in compliance with ASAE standard S276.8. A Farm UTV does not include a golf cart or a vehicle specially designed to carry a disabled person.
Section 56-2-5010. A person operating a UTV or Farm UTV on a public highway must be at least seventeen years of age, hold a valid driver's license that permits the operation of a motor vehicle at any time, and have in his possession:
(1) the license plate and registration certificate;
(2) proof of liability insurance in conformance with Section 38-77-140; and
(3) his driver's license.
Section 56-2-5020. (A) A person who holds a beginner's permit pursuant to Section 56-1-50 or solely a moped operator's license pursuant to Section 56-1-1720 may not operate a UTV or Farm UTV on a public highway, even if a licensed driver accompanies the beginner's permit holder in the UTV pursuant to Section 56-1-50(B)(1).
(B) A person who holds a temporary alcohol license, route restricted driver's license, provisional driver's license, or solely a motorcycle license may not operate a UTV or Farm UTV on a public highway.
Section 56-2-5030. A child under eight years old is not permitted to be a passenger in a UTV or Farm UTV that is being operated on a public highway.
Section 56-2-5040. A person under the age of twenty-one operating or riding as a passenger in a UTV or Farm UTV being operated on a public highway must wear the protective gear described in Sections 56-5-3660 and 56-5-3670.
Section 56-2-5050. A person operating or riding as a passenger in a UTV or Farm UTV being operated on a public highway must wear a fastened safety belt that complies with the provisions of Section 56-2-5060. An operator or passenger who violates this subsection must be fined pursuant to Section 56-5-6540.
Section 56-2-5060. A registered UTV and a registered Farm UTV must be equipped with:
(1) a Type 2 seat belt assembly conforming to 49 C.F.R. 571.209 installed at each designated seating position; and
(2) operable headlights, brake lights, taillights, and turn signals.
Section 56-2-5070. (A) UTVs and Farm UTVs are exempt from the provisions of Sections 56-3-627.
(B) A registered UTV and registered Farm UTV are subject to road-use fees for vehicles powered by electric, hydrogen, and fuels other than motor fuel pursuant to Section 56-3-645.
(C) UTVs and Farm UTVs are subject to sales tax pursuant to Title 12, Chapter 36.
(D) The owner of a UTV or Farm UTV is exempt from the payment of property taxes in the county in which the UTV or Farm UTV is registered.
Section 56-2-5080. (A) A person may not operate a UTV or Farm UTV on any interstate highway.
(B) The Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of UTVs and Farm UTVs on any highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
Section 56-2-5090. (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall not register or renew the registration of a UTV or a Farm UTV unless a certificate of title has been issued by the department to the owner or an application has been delivered by the owner to the department. The fee for a certificate of title is contained in Section 56-19-420. The department may require a bill of sale, invoice, or other sales document to properly title a UTV or a Farm UTV under this section. Certificates of titles issued under this section must carry the brand "off-road use only" to designate that the UTV's Manufacturer Certificate of Origin or equivalent document of origin stipulates that a UTV is not manufactured for use on a public highway.
(B) To operate a UTV or a Farm UTV on a public highway, a person must:
(1) present proof of ownership, proof of liability insurance, and pay a ten-dollar biennial fee;
(2) register his UTV or Farm UTV in the same fashion as a passenger vehicle pursuant to this title, unless otherwise provided in this article; and
(3) obtain a license plate that must be affixed to the rear of the UTV or Farm UTV in an unobscured manner.
(C) The owner of a UTV or Farm UTV is responsible for renewing his registration, which is only required for use of the UTV or Farm UTV on a public highway, biennially directly with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
(D) The Department may issue special "Farm UTV" license plates to bona fide farmers, subject to the provisions of Section 56-2-5020.
(1) Two dollars of each biennial fee must be placed by the Comptroller General in a special restricted account to be used solely by the department for the costs associated with the production and issuance of new license plates pursuant to Section 56-3-1230.
(2) Four dollars of the biennial registration fee must be placed in the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20 to be distributed by the Comptroller General.
(3) Four dollars of the biennial registration fee must be placed in the account of the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank.
Section 56-2-5100. (A) A municipality or a county within its unincorporated portions may, by ordinance:
(1) stipulate the hours, methods, and locations of UTV operations, provided that UTVs may only be operated on a highway where the speed limit is thirty-five miles per hour or less;
(2) permit the operation of UTVs at night, provided that UTVs may only be operated on a highway where the speed limit is thirty-five miles per hour or less;
(3) stipulate the hours, methods, and locations of Farm UTV operations, provided that Farm UTVs may only be operated on a highway where the speed limit is fifty-five miles per hour or less; and
(4) permit the operation of Farm UTVs at night, provided that Farm UTVs may only be operated on a highway where the speed limit is fifty-five miles per hour or less.
(B) A municipality or a county within its unincorporated portions may not impose any tax or fee for the operation of a UTV or Farm UTV on a public highway.
(C) A municipality or a county within its unincorporated portions may not require proof of property ownership or proof of long-term rental agreement as a requirement in which to receive a decal to operate a UTV or Farm UTV within its limits.
Section 56-2-5110. In the absence of an ordinance enacted pursuant to Section 56-2-5100, a registered UTV may:
(1) be operated only during daylight hours;
(2) be operated only on a secondary highway where the speed limit is thirty-five miles per hour or less;
(3) be operated only within four miles of the address on the registration, or only within four miles of a point of ingress and egress of a gated community if the address is within a gated community; and
(4) cross a highway at an intersection where the speed limit is more than thirty-five miles per hour.
Section 56-2-5120. In the absence of an ordinance enacted pursuant to Section 56-2-5100, a registered Farm UTV may:
(1) be operated only during daylight hours;
(2) be operated only on a secondary highway where the speed limit is fifty-five miles per hour or less;
(3) be operated only within four miles of the address on the registration, or only within four miles of a point of ingress and egress of a gated community if the address is within a gated community; and
(4) cross a highway at an intersection where the speed limit is more than fifty-five miles per hour.
Section 56-2-5130. (A) A UTV dealer or employee of a UTV dealership shall not be held liable for damages for personal injury, death, or property damage resulting from UTV use on public roads if that UTV is not designed to be operated on public roads.
(B) A company that manufactures UTVs not intended for public road use shall not be held liable for damages for personal injury, death, or property damage resulting from UTV use on public roads unless it is determined that a defect existed at the time the product left the company's possession or control that caused the damages.
SECTION 2. Section 56-1-10(37) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(37) "Off Road Use Only" means a brand added to a vehicle's title by the department to designate a vehicle's Manufacturer Certificate of Origin or equivalent document of origin designating a vehicle is not manufactured for use on public roads. The department shall not register and license the vehicle pursuant to Section 56-3-350, unless otherwise specified in Article 5, Chapter 2, Title 56. Vehicles brought into this State from a foreign jurisdiction without a title that clearly says "Off Road Use Only", or its equivalent, which do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards may be subject to this brand at the department's discretion.
SECTION 3. Section 38-77-30(5.5)(a) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(5.5)(a) "Individual private passenger automobile" means the following types of motor vehicles owned by or leased under a long-term contract by an individual or individuals:
(i) motor vehicles of the private passenger type or station wagon type;
(ii) panel trucks, delivery sedans, vehicles with a pickup body, vans, or similar motor vehicles designed for use on streets and highways and so licensed;
(iii) motor homes, so long as the motor vehicles described in (ii) and (iii) are not used in the occupation, profession, or business of the insured other than farming and ranching; and
(iv) motorcycles.; and
(v) utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and Farm utility terrain vehicles (Farm UTVs), as defined in Section 56-2-5000, but only if registered for road use pursuant to Article 5, Chapter 2, Title 56.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.
Senator BENNETT objected to further consideration of the Bill.
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.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
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.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
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.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
S. 788 (Word version) -- Senators Blackmon and Stubbs: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 40, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS RELATED TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THERAPY OR PSYCHOTHERAPY; TO PROVIDE THAT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO ASSIST IN PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPORT IN THERAPY OR PSYCHOTHERAPY WHERE THE CLIENT'S THERAPEUTIC SESSION IS RECORDED UNLESS THE PATIENT IS INFORMED THAT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL BE USED AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE AND THE PATIENT CONSENTS TO THIS USE; TO PROVIDE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATION, OR ENTITY MAY NOT OFFER THERAPY OR PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES, INCLUDING THROUGH THE USE OF INTERNET-BASED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, UNLESS THE THERAPY OR PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED BY A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL; TO PROVIDE THAT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL MAY NOT ALLOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MAKE INDEPENDENT THERAPEUTIC DECISIONS; TO REQUIRE THAT ALL RECORDS KEPT BY A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL; TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, the Bill was carried over.
S. 1038 (Word version) -- Senator Massey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-340 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE FIRST DAY OF MARCH OF EACH YEAR AS "RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 1096 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5412, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Resolution was carried over.
S. 1099 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, RELATING TO PARKING AND TRAFFIC REGULATIONS - GOLF CARTS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5433, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Resolution was carried over.
H. 3872 (Word version) -- Reps. B.J. Cox, Bauer and Caskey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "HUNTING HERITAGE PROTECTION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 50-1-320 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO ADOPT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO NET LOSS OF DEPARTMENT-MANAGED LAND FOR HUNTING AND FISHING.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
H. 5284 (Word version) -- Rep. Gagnon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 30-5-10, RELATING TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DUTIES OF A REGISTER OF DEEDS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ABBEVILLE COUNTY AMONG THE COUNTIES EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT THESE DUTIES BE PERFORMED BY THE CLERK OF COURT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 30-5-12, RELATING TO COUNTIES WHERE THE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY APPOINTS THE REGISTER OF DEEDS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ABBEVILLE COUNTY.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator GAMBRELL explained the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 447 (Word version) -- Senator Adams: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-1-235 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS RELATED TO LICENSE PLATE READER SYSTEMS, TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY CERTAIN ENTITIES MAY USE AN AUTOMATIC LICENSE PLATE READER SYSTEM, AND TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE WAYS IN WHICH INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH THE SYSTEM MAY BE USED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT; AND BY ADDING SECTION 57-3-786 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO PERMIT CERTAIN CAMERAS USED BY GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES ON NON-INTERSTATE HIGHWAY RIGHTS-OF-WAY.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, the Bill was carried over.
S. 765 (Word version) -- Senator Reichenbach: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 8-11-83, RELATING TO PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL TO DEDUCT DUES FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION FROM THE COMPENSATION OF STATE EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kimbrell Leber Martin Matthews Ott Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Alexander Climer Massey Peeler
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 822 (Word version) -- Senators Corbin, Garrett, Young, Turner and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 27-7-80 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS RELATING TO REAL ESTATE FRAUD AND CREATE THE FELONY OF DEED THEFT.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Bill was carried over.
S. 879 (Word version) -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 14-11-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERMS OF MASTERS-IN-EQUITY BEGIN JULY 1.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 903 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Grooms, Johnson, Zell, Stubbs and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 27-30-130, RELATING TO THE ENFORCEABILITY OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, RECORDING REQUIREMENTS, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND AMENDMENTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBJECT TO SECTION 30-5-30.
On motion of Senator JOHNSON, the Bill was carried over.
S. 915 (Word version) -- Senators Garrett, Johnson, Adams, Bennett, Cash, Massey, Corbin, Turner, Blackmon, Kennedy, Stubbs, Reichenbach, Rice, Goldfinch, Elliott, Kimbrell, Alexander and Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 43-7-60, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF FALSE CLAIMS, STATEMENTS, OR REPRESENTATION BY MEDICAL PROVIDERS, SO AS TO CREATE TIERED VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES FOR THIS SECTION AND PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF CONSENT AGREEMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 43-7-70, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF FALSE STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATION ON APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE, SO AS TO CREATE TIERED VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES FOR THIS SECTION AND PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF CONSENT AGREEMENTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 43-7-90, RELATING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF SECTIONS 43-7-60 TO 43-7-80, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ISSUE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENAS AND OTHER APPROPRIATE ACTIONS.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (SJ-915.SW0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 43-7-60(A)(1), (2), and (3) and inserting:
(1) "provider" includes Provider" means a person who provides goods, services, or assistance and who is entitled or claims to be entitled to receive reimbursement, payment, or benefits under the state'sState Medicaid programProgram. "Provider" also includes an owner, a billing agent, and a person acting as an employee, representative, or agent of the provider.
(2) "false False claim, statement, or representation" means a claim, statement, or representation made or presented, or attempted to be made or presented, in any form including, but not limited to, a claim, statement, or representation which is computer generated or transmitted or made, produced, or transmitted by an electronic means or device.
(3) "State Medicaid Program" includes means the state or federal agency which administers or assists in the administration of the State Medicaid Program, a Managed Care Organization, or similar entity contracted under the State Medicaid Program to provide goods, services, or assistance.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 43-7-60(D) and inserting:
(D) A person who knowingly makes a false claim, statement, or misrepresentation, and any other person who knowingly assists, abets, solicits, or conspires with a person to make a false claim, statement, or misrepresentation, is guilty of a: A person who violates the provisions of this section subsection (B) or subsection (C), or a person who knowingly aids, assists, abets, solicits, or conspires with another person to violate the provisions of subsection (B) or subsection (C), is guilty of medical assistance provider fraud, a: Class A misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than three years and fined not more than one thousand dollars for each offense.
(1) Class A misdemeanor for a first offense violation, if the amount of the economic advantage or benefit sought or received is less than five thousand dollars and, upon . Upon conviction, the person must be imprisoned not more than three years or fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both.;
(2) Class F felony for a first offense violation, if the amount of the economic advantage or benefit sought or received is five thousand dollars or more but less than fifty thousand dollars. Upon conviction, the person must be fined not less than five thousand nor more than twenty thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.; or
(3) Class E felony for a first offense violation, if the amount of the economic advantage or benefit sought or received is fifty thousand dollars or more. Upon conviction, the person must be fined not less than twenty thousand nor more than fifty thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 43-7-60(F) and inserting:
(E)(F) In addition to all other remedies provided by law, the Attorney General may bring an action to recover damages equal to three times the amount of an overstatement or overpayment and the court may impose a civil penalty of two thousand dollars for each false claim, representation, or overstatement made to a state or federal agency which administers funds under the state's Medicaid program. Upon a finding that the provider has violated a provision of this section, the state agency which administers the Medicaid program may impose other administrative sanctions against the provider authorized by law. A civil or criminal action brought under this section may be filed or brought in either the county where the false claim, statement, or representation violation originated, or in the county in which the false claim, statement, or representation violation was received by the Health and Human Services Finance Commission Department of Health and Human Services or other agency of the State responsible for administering the state's Medicaid Program.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 43-7-70(B) and inserting:
(B) A person who violates subsection (A), and any other or a person who knowingly aids, assists, abets, solicits, or conspires with a another person to make a false claim, statement, or misrepresentation as described in to violate subsection (A), is guilty of a:A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of medical assistance recipient fraud, a Class A misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than three years or fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both.
(1) Class A misdemeanor for a first offense violation, if the amount of the economic advantage or benefit sought or received is less than five thousand dollars and, upon. Upon conviction, the person must be imprisoned not more than three years or fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both.;
(2) Class F felony for a first offense violation, if the amount of the economic advantage or benefit received is five thousand dollars or more but less than fifty thousand dollars. Upon conviction, the person must be fined not less than five thousand nor more than twenty thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.; or
(3) Class E felony for a first offense violation, if the amount of the economic advantage or benefit received is fifty thousand dollars or more. Upon conviction, the person must be fined not less than twenty thousand nor more than fifty thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 43-7-70(D) and inserting:
(D) In addition to all other remedies under this section, the Attorney General may bring a civil action to recover damages equal to three times the amount of the overpayment by the state agency that administers funds under the State Medicaid Program. A civil or criminal action brought under this section may be filed or brought in either the county where the false claim, statement, or representation violation originated, or in the county in which the false claim, statement, or representation violation was received by the Health and Human Services Finance Commission Department of Health and Human Services or other agency of the State responsible for administering the State Medicaid Program.
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 Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 983 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott, Ott, Devine, Zell, Sutton, Turner and Allen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 30-2-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EVICTION FILINGS AND RECORDS THAT INCLUDE PERSONAL INFORMATION OF A DEFENDANT ARE AUTOMATICALLY REMOVED FROM THE PUBLIC INDEX AFTER FIVE YEARS IF NO SUBSEQUENT EVICTIONS OR EJECTMENTS HAVE OCCURRED.
On motion of Senator ELLIOTT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 1005 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott and Stubbs: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-1-200, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SALARIES OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICES AND COURT OF APPEALS, CIRCUIT COURT, AND FAMILY COURT JUDGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A REVISED SALARY SCHEDULE FOR JUDGES.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3020 (Word version) -- Reps. Rutherford, C. Mitchell, Pedalino, Taylor, Grant, Atkinson, King and Weeks: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 63-1-40 AND 63-19-20, BOTH RELATING TO STATUS OFFENSES, SO AS TO ELIMINATE PLAYING A PINBALL MACHINE AS A STATUS OFFENSE; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 63-19-2430 RELATING TO THE PLAYING OF PINBALL MACHINES BY A MINOR.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3285 (Word version) -- Reps. Landing, Spann-Wilder, Garvin, Cobb-Hunter, Henderson-Myers, Hartnett, Bustos, J.L. Johnson, Teeple, Wickensimer, M.M. Smith, Davis, Holman, Waters, Rivers and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-23-57 SO AS TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE CONTINUING LAW ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION CREDITS IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-61-80, RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM MUST INCLUDE COURSES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
H. 4720 (Word version) -- Reps. Rose, McCravy, C. Mitchell, Yow, Reese and Rivers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 17-22-50 AND 17-22-60, BOTH RELATING TO PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY, BOTH SO AS TO PROVIDE A PERSON MAY PARTICIPATE IN A PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM IF TWENTY YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE DATE OF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM BY THE PERSON, RATHER THAN LIMITING ELIGIBILITY OF PARTICIPATION TO ONLY ONCE.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was carried over.
S. 888 (Word version) -- Senators Campsen and Ott: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND HONOR THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF SPORTSMEN'S CAUCUSES FOR PROTECTING WILDLIFE HABITATS AND PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.
The Resolution was adopted.
H. 5199 (Word version) -- Rep. Govan: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 321 FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH IW HUTTO ROAD TO THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 3 IN THE TOWN OF SWANSEA IN LEXINGTON COUNTY "WILBER LEE JEFFCOAT MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
S. 1108 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF FRED NASH BOULEVARD FROM ITS NORTH END TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH HARRELSON BOULEVARD IN HORRY COUNTY "CORNELIA BRIGHAM INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
The Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
Senator BENNETT desired to be recorded as voting against the adoption of the Resolution.
H. 4570 (Word version) -- Reps. Oremus, Clyburn, Hixon, Taylor and Hartz: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF PINEY HEIGHTS ROAD IN AIKEN COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH PINE HILL ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH PINE LOG ROAD THE "JAMES ROLAND SMITH MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
H. 4981 (Word version) -- Rep. Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERSECTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 301 AND BLACK BRANCH ROAD IN THE TOWN OF DILLON IN DILLON COUNTY "JOSEPH B. 'BENNY' COOPER INTERSECTION" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
The Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
Senator BENNETT desired to be recorded as voting against the adoption of the Resolution.
THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.
At 4:17 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.
HAVING DISPENSED WITH THE MOTION PERIOD, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS RETURNED FROM THE HOUSE.
S. 449 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 40-43-245 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PHARMACISTS AND PHYSICIANS TO ENTER INTO COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PHYSICIANS AND MISCELLANEOUS HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-205 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE PHYSICIANS AND PHARMACISTS TO ENTER INTO COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS; AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY AND THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS AND TO PROVIDE THAT COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS MAY NOT BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL AFTER THE REGULATIONS ARE EFFECTIVE.
On motion of Senator VERDIN, the Bill was carried over.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF H. 5126, THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL.
H. 5126 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2026, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
On motion of Senator PEELER, the Bill was carried over.
H. 5127 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026, AND TO ALLOW UNEXPENDED FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO BE CARRIED FORWARD TO SUCCEEDING FISCAL YEARS AND EXPENDED FOR THE SAME PURPOSES.
On motion of Senator PEELER, the Resolution was carried over.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE SPECIAL ORDERS.
S. 508 (Word version) -- Senators Verdin, Goldfinch, Martin, Peeler, Bennett, Young, Blackmon, Kimbrell, Zell, Nutt, Fernandez, Alexander, Turner, Adams, Leber, Corbin, Grooms, Hembree, Rice, Massey, Garrett, Chaplin, Cromer, Johnson, Gambrell, Kennedy, Davis, Climer, Campsen, Reichenbach, Bright and Cash: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 10-1-165, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF CERTAIN MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPE OF MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS THAT MAY NOT BE RELOCATED, REMOVED, OR DISTURBED, TO WITHHOLD DISBURSEMENTS FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND FOR ANY COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY THAT VIOLATES THIS SECTION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CARE AND PRESERVATION OF MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS BY CERTAIN PEOPLE OR ORGANIZATIONS, TO PROVIDE STANDING TO CERTAIN PEOPLE OR ORGANIZATIONS TO BRING A CIVIL ACTION IN RESPONSE TO A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION OR TO PREVENT SUCH VIOLATION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR LIMITATIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY UNDERNEATH A MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL OR THE TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN, ACCESS, OR VIEW A MONUMENT OR MEMORIAL.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.
Senator SUTTON proposed the following amendment (SMIN-508.MW0027S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 10-1-165(C) and inserting:
(C)(1) The prohibition on disturbing or altering a monument or memorial contained in this section includes affixing to or placing on or near a monument or memorial, or the public property upon which the monument or memorial is located, plaques, markers, anything that facilitates the transmission of messages through digital or electronic means, or other messages or message delivery devices or platforms that are related to the monument or memorial but are not original to the monument or memorial.
(2)However, this subsection does not prohibit the public body having ownership or control of the monument or memorial from authorizing plaques, markers, QR codes, photographs, digital content, interpretive materials, educational materials, or other similar supplemental information, including QR codes or other similar digital or electronic informational tools, on or near a monument or memorial, or on the public property upon which the monument or memorial is located, for the limited purpose of providing historical context, correcting inaccuracies, updating factual information, adding newly identified names, dates, or service records, recognizing subsequent factual developments, or otherwise preserving and enhancing the public's understanding of the monument or memorial, provided that:
(a) the supplemental information is factual, content-neutral, and non-editorial;
(b) the supplemental information does not advocate, condemn, praise, or include political commentary unrelated to the original commemorative purpose;
(c) the supplemental information is clearly supplemental to, and not a replacement for, the original monument, memorial, inscription, or dedication;
(d) the supplemental information does not result in the relocation, removal, destruction, concealment, or material alteration of the original monument or memorial or its original inscriptions; and
(e) if a dispute arises as to whether proposed supplemental information complies with this subsection, the Department of Archives and History, upon written request of the public body having ownership or control of the monument or memorial, may issue written approval, and that approval satisfies the requirements of this subsection and does not require a joint resolution of the General Assembly.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator SUTTON explained the amendment.
Senator DEVINE spoke on the amendment.
Senator VERDIN moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Johnson Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Verdin Young Zell
Allen Bennett Devine Fernandez Gambrell Graham Hutto Jackson Matthews Ott Sabb Sutton Tedder Walker Williams
The amendment was laid on the table.
Senator SUTTON asked unanimous consent to proceed to Amendment No. 16.
Senator SUTTON proposed the following amendment (SMIN-508.MW0033S), which was tabled:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, Section 10-1-165, by adding a subsection to read:
(K)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if a historic figure for whom a street, bridge, structure, park, preserve, reserve, installation, nameplate, or other commemorative property is named or dedicated was, prior to death, convicted of, or is shown by clear and convincing evidence contained in judicial records, sworn testimony, certified law enforcement records, or other contemporaneous documentary records determined by the Department of Archives and History to be reliable, to have committed an offense involving human trafficking, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, or child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury or death, the public body having ownership or control of the property may petition the Department of Archives and History for expedited written approval to remove the name or dedication.
(2) The Department shall issue a written decision on an expedited basis. Approval under this subsection does not require the General Assembly to enact a joint resolution directing the action to be taken.
(3) This subsection applies only to the removal of a name or dedication and does not authorize the destruction, concealment, or removal of the underlying monument or memorial itself unless otherwise authorized by law.
(4)This subsection may not be used based solely on ideological disagreement, public controversy, reassessment of a person's historical role, or conduct judged only by modern standards rather than by a criminal conviction or plea.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator SUTTON explained the amendment.
Senator VERDIN moved to lay the amendment on the table.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Johnson Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Verdin Young
Allen Devine Jackson Matthews Ott Sabb Sutton Tedder Walker Williams
The amendment was laid on the table.
On motion of Senator SUTTON, with unanimous consent, all remaining amendments he sponsored were withdrawn.
On motion of Senator BENNETT, with unanimous consent, Amendment No. 8 was withdrawn.
Senator MATTHEWS spoke on the Bill.
On motion of Senator TEDDER, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator MATTHEWS, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
Senator SUTTON spoke on the Bill.
The question then was third reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Goldfinch Grooms Hembree Johnson Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Turner Verdin Young
Allen Devine Jackson Matthews Sutton Tedder Williams
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.
Senator ZELL desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the third reading of the Bill.
Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
Reappointment, Abbeville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Abbeville County:
Hon. Joyce K. Monts, 297 Monts Farm Drive, Iva, SC 29655
Reappointment, Abbeville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Abbeville County:
Hon. Phillip W. Sears, Jr., 64 Pinehurst Street, Abbeville, SC 29620
Initial Appointment, Anderson County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Anderson County:
William T. Vaughn, 144 Mockingbird Lane, Starr, SC 29684 VICE Hon. Carey B. Murphy
Reappointment, Chesterfield County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Chesterfield County:
Hon. Vivian L. Patrick, 519 Sandpiper Circle, Cheraw, SC 29520
Reappointment, Colleton County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Colleton County:
Hon. Jennifer Epps Fishburne, 1123 Saint Peters Road, Walterboro, SC 29488
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Jonathan D. Anders, 29 Greenhill Drive, Simpsonville, SC 29681
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Scott C. Bingel, 9 Melvin Circle, Taylors, SC 29687
Initial Appointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Harold Dean Campbell, Jr., 58 Smythe Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Mark Edmonds, 12 Marine Road, Greenville, SC 29617
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Jonathan A. Horne, 50 Tindal Road, Greenville, SC 29617
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Ernest M. O'Brien, Sr., 305 Hamby Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Laura M. Saunders, 3 Brookside Way, Greenville, SC 29605
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Letonya T. Simmons, 202 Twilight Place, Simpsonville, SC 29681
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Kenneth G. Southerlin, 301 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Reappointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Hon. Bradley C. Stepp, 1 Chasta Avenue, Greenville, SC 29615
Reappointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2022, and to expire April 30, 2026
Lancaster County:
Hon. Douglas M. Vecchio, 197 Floyd Road, Kershaw, SC 29067
Reappointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Lancaster County:
Hon. Douglas M. Vecchio, 197 Floyd Road, Kershaw, SC 29067
Reappointment, Sumter County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Sumter County:
Hon. W. Mattison Gamble, 190 East Canal Street, Sumter, SC 29150
Reappointment, Sumter County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Sumter County:
Hon. Cecil Kelly Jackson, 109 East Canal Street, Sumter, SC 29150
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
On motion of Senator OTT, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Darrell Wade Hanshaw of West Columbia, S.C. Darrell attended Anderson College, Francis Marion College and the University of South Carolina. He loved cooking, coaching his children's sports teams, hanging out at the beach, fishing, golfing, watching the Gamecocks and giving back to his community. Darrell was the founder of D's Wings which he established in 1987 and worked in other restaurant ventures over the years. Darrell was a loving husband and devoted father and son who will be dearly missed.
At 5:45 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.
This web page was last updated on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:59 P.M.