NO. 61
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 1:00 P.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Psalm 127:1
The Psalmist tells us that: "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
Let us pray: Holy Lord, while Your servants here in the Senate of South Carolina are laboring away serving the citizens of our State, we call upon each and every one of them to never lose sight of the fact that they also need to feel Your presence and to honor You, O God, in all of their decisions and their actions. So guide and strengthen each Senator and staff aide. Clearly point them all in the ways that they must follow in order to be the faithful servants You have ordained each of them to be, especially here during these challenging days we find ourselves living through. And by Your grace, Lord, never cease caring for and looking out for our women and men in uniform serving in so many places around the globe. We praise You for Your unfailing care. In Your loving name we pray, dear Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
Senator PEELER moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Elliott Garrett Graham Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
Senator GROOMS recorded his presence subsequent to the Call of the Senate.
April 22, 2026
The Honorable Thomas C. Alexander
President of the Senate
State House, Second Floor
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Mr. President and Members of the Senate:
I write to withdraw my April 1, 2025, reappointment of Ms. Amanda Filiaggi Groesbeck to the South Carolina Panel for Dietetics ("Panel"). For ease of reference, a copy of my April 1, 2025, correspondence regarding Ms. Groesbeck's reappointment is enclosed here within.
I appreciate Ms. Groesbeck's willingness to seek reappointment to the Panel, and I trust that the Senate would have given favorable consideration to her reappointment. However, Ms. Groesbeck has indicated her intention to resign from the Panel, effective May 1, 2026.
Should the Senate have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours very truly,
Henry Dargan McMaster
On motion of Senator VERDIN, the Senate acceded to the Governor's request and the Clerk was directed to return the appointment to the Governor.
Reappointment, South Carolina Panel for Dietetics, with the term to commence May 30, 2025, and to expire May 30, 2027
Dietician, Nutritional Services Management:
Amanda Groesbeck, 123 Harmon Street, Lexington, SC 29072-3525
Senator KIMBRELL introduced Dr. Victoria Pollard of Spartanburg, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, at 1:09 P.M., Senator FERNANDEZ was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator CROMER, at 2:46 P.M., Senator CAMPSEN was granted a leave of absence until 3:00 P.M.
On motion of Senator GAMBRELL, at 2:46 P.M., Senator GOLDFINCH was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator DEVINE, at 2:46 P.M., Senator MATTHEWS was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator MARTIN, at 8:37 P.M., Senator KIMBRELL was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
Senator SUTTON rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
On motion of Senator GRAHAM, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator SUTTON, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
Senator HUTTO rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Senator CAMPSEN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
On motion of Senator KIMBRELL, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator CAMPSEN, 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. 872 (Word version) Sen. Alexander
S. 936 (Word version) Sen. Alexander
S. 937 (Word version) -- Senator Devine: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY PALMETTO GIRLS STATE TO USE THE CHAMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026.
Senator DEVINE asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Operations and Management.
The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Operations and Management.
Senator DEVINE asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Resolution.
On motion of Senator DEVINE, the Resolution was adopted.
S. 1126 (Word version) -- Senator Devine: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL EMERITUS TYRONE R. HARPER 33° 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."
Senator YOUNG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Senate Resolution from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
The Senate Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
S. 1131 (Word version) -- Senator Ott: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MAY 8, 2026, AS "PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Senator YOUNG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Senate Resolution from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
The Senate Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
S. 1157 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF CATES BAY HIGHWAY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH HIGHWAY 134 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH HIGHWAY 804 IN HORRY COUNTY "BOBBY LONG MARTIN HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
Senator GROOMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
S. 1082 (Word version) -- Senator Blackmon: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MAY 2026 AS "ALS AWARENESS MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Senator VERDIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Medical Affairs.
The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Medical Affairs.
Senator VERDIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Resolution up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Resolution.
On motion of Senator VERDIN, the Resolution was adopted.
H. 4128 (Word version) -- Reps. King and McDaniel: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF ESTES LANE IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH STATE ROAD S-20-60 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH LANDIS ROAD "MARY LUCILLE KENNEDY MCDANIEL ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS 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.
H. 4804 (Word version) -- Reps. T. Moore, Pope, White, Cromer, Edgerton, Burns, Beach, Morgan, Terribile, Pace, Kilmartin, Gilreath, Magnuson, Frank, McCravy, Hartz, D. Mitchell, Haddon, Willis, Vaughan, Pedalino, Chumley, Govan, Wickensimer, Lastinger, C. Mitchell, Yow, Guffey, Bowers, Ligon, Chapman, B. Newton, W. Newton, Forrest, Oremus and Gibson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO FIVE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO THREE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES BASED ON THE NUMBER OF IMAGES POSSESSED, INCLUDING A PENALTY OF UP TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE ONE TO TWENTY-FIVE IMAGES, ONE TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE TWENTY-SIX TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES, AND A PENALTY OF TWO TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES; AND TO ESTABLISH THAT A PERSON WHO IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER AND VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, UPON CONVICTION, MUST SERVE A MINIMUM OF FIVE YEARS
Senator RANKIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Judiciary.
The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Judiciary and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
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.
Senator RANKIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Judiciary.
The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Judiciary and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
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.
Senator CAMPSEN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.
The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 5500 (Word version) -- Reps. Teeple, Alexander, Anderson, Atkinson, Bailey, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bauer, Beach, Bernstein, Bowers, Bradley, Brewer, Brittain, Burns, Bustos, Calhoon, Caskey, Chapman, Chumley, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Collins, Cox, Crawford, Cromer, Davis, Dillard, Duncan, Edgerton, Erickson, Ford, Forrest, Frank, Gagnon, Garvin, Gatch, Gibson, Gilliam, Gilliard, Gilreath, Govan, Grant, Guest, Guffey, Haddon, Hager, Hardee, Harris, Hart, Hartnett, Hartz, Hayes, Henderson-Myers, Herbkersman, Hewitt, Hiott, Hixon, Holman, Hosey, Howard, Huff, J.E. Johnson, J.L. Johnson, Jones, Jordan, Kilmartin, King, Kirby, Landing, Lastinger, Lawson, Ligon, Long, Lowe, Luck, Magnuson, Martin, McCabe, McCravy, McDaniel, McGinnis, C. Mitchell, D. Mitchell, Montgomery, J. Moore, T. Moore, Morgan, Moss, Neese, B. Newton, W. Newton, Oremus, Pace, Pedalino, Pope, Rankin, Reese, Rivers, Robbins, Rose, Rutherford, Sanders, Schuessler, Scott, Sessions, G.M. Smith, M.M. Smith, Spann-Wilder, Stavrinakis, Taylor, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE, HISTORY, AND ENDURING CONTRIBUTIONS OF CAMBODIAN AMERICANS AND TO DECLARE APRIL 2026 CAMBODIAN HERITAGE MONTH IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Senator YOUNG asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Family and Veterans' Services and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
At 1:30 P.M., Senator MARTIN assumed the Chair.
The following were introduced:
S. 1154 (Word version) -- Senator Allen: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR HORACE MAXIE BURTON FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSICAL CAREER SPANNING SIXTY-FIVE YEARS.
sr-0665km-amb26.docx
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
S. 1155 (Word version) -- Senators Fernandez and Ott: A SENATE Resolution TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF DYLAN CARTER AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
sr-0663km-amb26.docx
The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1156 (Word version) -- Senator Allen: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR ALEXANDER JOHNSON AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE JOSHUA BAPTIST CHURCH, THE SUMTER COMMUNITY, AND THE STATE.
sr-0648km-amb26.docx
The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1157 (Word version) -- Senator Rankin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF CATES BAY HIGHWAY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH HIGHWAY 134 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH HIGHWAY 804 IN HORRY COUNTY "BOBBY LONG MARTIN HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
sr-0656km-vc26.docx
The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 1158 (Word version) -- Senator Leber: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 140 TO TITLE 44 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE GENETIC MODIFICATION OF HUMAN EMBRYOS TO ALTER THE BIOLOGICAL SEX OF A HUMAN EMBRYO, TO CREATE PENALTIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
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Senator LEBER spoke on the Bill.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
S. 1159 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE BILL GAITHER UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS NINETIETH BIRTHDAY AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN CHRISTIAN MUSIC.
sr-0658km-amb26.docx
The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1160 (Word version) -- Senator Corbin: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LANDRUM HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A STELLAR SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON WINNING THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
At 1:48 P.M., the PRESIDENT assumed the Chair.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 355 (Word version) -- Senators Bennett, Climer, Leber, Turner, Davis, Johnson, Adams, Fernandez, Tedder, Sutton, Ott and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-1140, RELATING TO TASTINGS AND RETAIL SALES ON LICENSED PREMISES, SO AS TO MODIFY THE TIME DURING WHICH TASTINGS AND RETAIL SALES CAN OCCUR; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-1150, RELATING TO TASTINGS AND RETAIL SALES, SO AS TO MODIFY THE AMOUNT OF LIQUOR THAT CAN BE SOLD TO A CONSUMER DURING ONE BUSINESS DAY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 849 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott, Johnson, Sutton, Turner, Climer, Ott, Zell, Young, Bennett, Hutto, Tedder, Adams and Graham: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-170, RELATING TO DRIVE-THROUGH OR CURBSIDE SERVICE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 61-4-45 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE CERTAIN LICENSES OR PERMITS ALLOWING A RETAILER TO OFFER CERTAIN CURBSIDE DELIVERY OR PICK UP; BY ADDING SECTION 61-4-280 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A RETAIL DEALER MAY HIRE A DELIVERY SERVICE TO DELIVER CERTAIN BEER AND WINE AND TO PROVIDE FOR REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 61-6-1570 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE CERTAIN LICENSES OR PERMITS ALLOWING A RETAILER TO OFFER CERTAIN CURBSIDE DELIVERY OR PICK UP; AND BY ADDING SECTION 61-6-1580 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A RETAIL DEALER MAY HIRE A DELIVERY SERVICE TO DELIVER CERTAIN ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS AND TO PROVIDE FOR REQUIREMENTS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S. 1001 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Rankin, Tedder and Kimbrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 61-2-400 SO AS TO DEFINE "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES", "ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS BY THE DRINK", "CATERER", "PRIVATE EVENT", AND "COMMERCIAL KITCHEN"; BY ADDING SECTION 61-2-410 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO ISSUE A RETAIL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CATERER LICENSE AND PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSING RQUIREMENTS; AND WHICH LICENSE WOULD ALLOW THE LICENSEE TO SERVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION, PURCHASE BEER AND WINE DIRECTLY FROM A WHOLESALER, AND PURCHASE ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR DIRECTLY FROM A LIQUOR STORE; AND WHICH LICENSE WOULD ALLOW THE TRANSFER OF THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FROM THE WHOLESALER TO THE CATERER AND FROM THE CATERER TO THE LOCATION OF THE PRIVATE EVENT, AND WOULD ALLOW A WHOLESALER AND RETAIL LIQUOR STORE WITH A WHOLESALER'S PERMIT TO TAKE LIQUOR AND OFFER A REFUND OR CREDIT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 61-2-420 SO AS TO ALLOW THE HOLDER OF A VALID RETAIL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CATERER LICENSE OR BUSINESS LIQUOR-BY-THE-DRINK LICENSE TO CONTRACT WITH AN EVENT HOST TO PROVIDE FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION, AND THE EVENT HOST IS ALLOWED TO CHARGE AN ENTRY FEE TO COVER THE COSTS OF THE EVENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-4-160, RELATING TO DISCOUNT PRICING FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION, SO AS TO ALLOW A BIENNIAL PERMIT HOLDER FOR THE SALE OF BEER OR WINE FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION TO SPONSOR TWELVE FUNCTIONS PER YEAR WHERE BEVERAGES ARE FREE DURING A FUND-RAISING ACTIVITY, PRIVATE FUNCTION ON PREMISES FOR WHICH A BIENNIAL PERMIT HAS BEEN ISSUED, OR TO A CUSTOMER ATTENDING A FUNCTION SPONSORED BY A PERSON WHO HOLDS A BIENNIAL PERMIT; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-2000, RELATING TO TEMPORARY PERMITS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS, SO AS TO ALLOW ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR TEMPORARY PERMITS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS TO BE ISSUED TO A CATERER WITH A VALID CATERER LICENSE, A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT SERVICE, OR A NONPROFIT, AND THE PERMIT HOLDER MAY SELL TICKETS TO THE EVENT; AND TO ESTABLISH THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REQUIRE THE APPLICANT TO COMPLETE THE NOTIFICATION PROVISION IN THE APPLICATION FORM, AND TO INCLUDE THAT THE APPLICANT SHALL NOTIFY THE DIVISION THAT ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS WILL BE SERVED AT LEAST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO THE SPECIAL EVENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 61-4-550, RELATING TO SPECIAL PERMITS FOR USE AT FAIRS AND SPECIAL FUNCTIONS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3021 (Word version) -- Reps. Bradley, G.M. Smith, Herbkersman, Lawson, B. Newton, Wooten, Mitchell, Pope, Guffey, Neese, Martin, Chapman, Pedalino, McCravy, Chumley, W. Newton, Taylor, Hewitt, Schuessler, Davis, M.M. Smith, Long, Sanders, Teeple, Gagnon, Hixon, Erickson, Hager, Ballentine, Calhoon, Holman, Moss, Burns, Gilreath, Gilliam, Rankin, Vaughan, B.L. Cox, Ligon, Oremus, Hartz, Guest, Crawford, Robbins, Forrest, Magnuson, Willis, Brewer, Gibson and Hiott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY FREEDOM ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 1-23-285 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY REVIEW COMMITTEE SHALL CONDUCT AN INITIAL REVIEW OF REGULATIONS PENDING REAUTHORIZATION AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR RETAINING OR REMOVING REGULATIONS, TO PROVIDE IT IS THE DUTY OF THE COMMITTEE WHEN REVIEWING REGULATIONS TO REDUCE THE OVERALL REGULATORY BURDEN ON BUSINESSES BY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS BY TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT, AND TO PROVIDE THE COMMITTEE MAY REQUEST ANY NECESSARY INFORMATION FROM STATE AGENCIES AND TO REQUIRE THE COMPLIANCE OF AGENCIES WITH THESE REQUESTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-110, RELATING TO THE PROCESS FOR PROMULGATING REGULATIONS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT SO AS TO PROVIDE AGENCIES MAY NOT PROMULGATE REGULATIONS ABSENT EXPRESS STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND CITATION TO THE SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY, TO PROVIDE FOR EVERY REGULATION AN AGENCY PROPOSES, IT MUST IDENTIFY AND PROPOSE TWO OF ITS REGULATIONS TO REMOVE, TO PROVIDE PERSONS AGGRIEVED BY A REGULATION MAY CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OF THE REGULATION IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, AND TO PROVIDE COURTS MAY DECLARE REGULATIONS INVALID UPON FINDING AN ABSENCE OF EXPRESS STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-115, RELATING TO ASSESSMENT REPORTS FOR REGULATIONS SUBMITTED FOR PROMULGATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE ALL REGULATIONS SUBMITTED FOR PROMULGATION MUST INCLUDE ASSESSMENT REPORTS, TO ALLOW LONGER REVIEW PERIODS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE DISCOUNT RATES MUST BE JUSTIFIED IF APPLIED IN AN ANALYSIS REPORT, TO PROVIDE PROMULGATING AGENCIES MUST CONDUCT RETROSPECTIVE ASSESSMENT REPORTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE ASSESSMENT CONTENTS MUST BE MADE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE IN A CERTAIN MANNER, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN STANDARDIZED ANALYTIC METHODS AND METRICS MUST BE APPLIED TO ALL REGULATIONS, TO REQUIRE RETROSPECTIVE ASSESSMENT REPORTS BE CONDUCTED WHEN REGULATIONS ARE REVIEWED FOR RENEWAL, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-120, RELATING TO DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BE FILED TO INITIATE THE REVIEW PROCESS FOR A REGULATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DOCUMENTS INCLUDE AN AUTOMATIC EXPIRATION DATE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE AUTOMATIC EXPIRATION AND PERIODIC REVIEW OF REGULATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 1-23-380, RELATING TO JUDICIAL REVIEW UPON EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF AGENCY INTERPRETATIONS OF REGULATIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3049 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, Pope, Taylor, Long, Cobb-Hunter and Cromer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "UNIFORM CIVIL REMEDIES FOR UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE OF INTIMATE IMAGES ACT"; AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, CREATE A CIVIL ACTION FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WHO SUFFERS HARM FROM A PERSON'S INTENTIONAL OR THREATENED DISCLOSURE OF PRIVATE, INTIMATE IMAGES WITHOUT CONSENT, AND PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS TO LIABILITY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3163 (Word version) -- Reps. M.M. Smith, Lawson, Pope, Spann-Wilder, McCravy, Hartnett, Teeple, Kilmartin, Montgomery, Sanders, Bauer, Guffey, Taylor and W. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 42-11-30, RELATING TO OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES COMPENSABLE UNDER WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND CONDITIONS PRESUMED TO HAVE ARISEN OUT OF AND IN THE COURSE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR FIREFIGHTERS, SO AS TO INCLUDE STROKE, AND TO REVISE PRESUMPTION ENTITLEMENT CRITERIA TO INCLUDE CONDITIONS DEVELOPED WHILE ACTIVELY ON DUTY INSTEAD OF ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN FIREFIGHTING.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3335 (Word version) -- Reps. Dillard, Spann-Wilder and Garvin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 33-1-103, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF REPRESENTATION IN MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO INCLUDE HOUSING AUTHORITIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3387 (Word version) -- Reps. G.M. Smith, W. Newton, B. Newton, Robbins, Mitchell, Pope, Chapman, McCravy, Chumley, Taylor, Forrest, Long, Ligon, Guest, Crawford, Edgerton, M.M. Smith, B.L. Cox, Holman, Davis, Brewer, Murphy, Calhoon, Erickson, Bradley, Williams, Hixon, Burns, Hewitt, Gilreath, Cromer, Oremus and Hartz: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 SO AS TO ENTITLE THE ARTICLE "EJECTMENT OF UNLAWFUL OCCUPANTS OF A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING," TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE REMEDY TO REMOVE PERSONS UNLAWFULLY OCCUPYING A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING; TO REDESIGNATE CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 AS "EJECTMENT PROCEEDINGS"; TO REDESIGNATE THE EXISTING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 AS ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 37, TITLE 27 AND ENTITLE IT "EJECTMENT OF TENANTS"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-521 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE OFFENSE OF CRIMINAL MISCHIEF.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3474 (Word version) -- Rep. Stavrinakis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-23-1610, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PERSONAL VEHICLE"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-23-1610, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PREARRANGED RIDE."
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3558 (Word version) -- Reps. Taylor, Pope, Hewitt, B. Newton, Mitchell, Yow, Oremus, Willis, Ligon and Guffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 23 OF CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1, RELATING TO CALLS OR APPLICATIONS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDING CONVENTIONS MADE TO CONGRESS, SO AS TO RETITLE THE ARTICLE, AND TO ADD NEW SECTIONS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE QUALIFICATIONS, APPOINTMENT, OATH, AND DUTIES OF COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO REPRESENT THE STATE AT AN ARTICLE V CONVENTION, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 3731 (Word version) -- Rep. Bernstein: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY REPEALING SECTION 2 OF ACT 201 OF 2024 SO AS TO REMOVE A SUNSET PROVISION CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY OF SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS TO OWN, DISPOSE, ACQUIRE, PURCHASE, HOLD, USE, LEASE, CONVEY, SELL, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF PROPERTY.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 3874 (Word version) -- Reps. J.E. Johnson and Schuessler: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 42-15-90, RELATING TO FEES OF ATTORNEYS AND PHYSICIANS AND HOSPITAL CHARGES APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO ALLOW THE COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH MEDICAL FEE SCHEDULES AND RELATED SYSTEMS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 4188 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, B. Newton, M.M. Smith, B.L. Cox, Brewer, Ford, Davis, Robbins, Yow and C. Mitchell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-5-590, RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF REMAINS OF UNIDENTIFIED DEAD BODIES BY CORONERS, SO AS TO INCLUDE UNCLAIMED REMAINS IN THE PURVIEW OF THE STATUTE, AND TO AUTHORIZE CORONERS TO RELEASE REMAINS TO FAMILY MEMBERS, RATHER THAN THE NEXT OF KIN, WHEN THE NEXT OF KIN IS CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATH OR OTHERWISE UNCOOPERATIVE IN CLAIMING REMAINS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4292 (Word version) -- Reps. Martin, Terribile, M.M. Smith, Robbins, B.L. Cox, Brewer, Holman, Duncan, Sanders, Bailey, Lawson, Pope, Ligon, Davis, W. Newton, Guffey, Gilreath, Long, Wooten, Teeple, Montgomery, C. Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "ROADWAY PROTECTION AND SAFETY ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3910 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO PARTICIPATE IN, ORGANIZE, OR BE A SPECTATOR, AIDER, OR ABETTOR OF A STREET TAKEOVER, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 4337 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton and Bannister: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 2-15-130 SO AS TO GRANT SUBPOENA POWERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COUNCIL; BY AMENDING SECTION 2-15-40, RELATING TO THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE DIRECTOR OF THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COUNCIL, SO AS TO EXPAND THE PREREQUISITES FOR HOLDING THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR, AMONG OTHER CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 2-15-61, RELATING TO ACCESS TO AGENCY RECORDS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COUNCIL'S ACCESS TO RECORDS AND FACILITIES UPON REQUEST AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 2-15-120, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE WHICH RECORDS ARE CONSIDERED CONFIDENTIAL AND TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "RECORDS."
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4589 (Word version) -- Rep. Gilliam: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 4-10-470, RELATING TO COUNTIES IN WHICH THE EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS SALES AND USE TAX MAY BE IMPOSED, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
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.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4709 (Word version) -- Reps. Yow, C. Mitchell, M.M. Smith, Williams, Willis, Schuessler, Erickson, Bradley, Kirby, Brewer and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 11-35-5350 SO AS TO REQUIRE A PUBLIC ENTITY ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT FOR A PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT OR FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS FOR A PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT MUST INCLUDE IN THE CONTRACT A REQUIREMENT THAT ANY IRON OR STEEL PRODUCT PERMANENTLY INCORPORATED IN THE PROJECT BE PRODUCED IN THE UNITED STATES, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 4805 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, C. Mitchell, B. Newton, Pope, White, Robbins and Hart: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-5-610, RELATING TO THE DIVISION OF THE STATE INTO SIXTEEN JUDICIAL CIRCUITS, THE NUMBER OF JUDGES TO BE ELECTED FROM EACH CIRCUIT, AND THE ELECTION OF AT-LARGE JUDGES WITHOUT REGARD TO COUNTY OR CIRCUIT OF RESIDENCE, SO AS TO CONVERT THREE AT-LARGE CIRCUIT COURT SEATS TO RESIDENT SEATS IN THE FIRST, THIRD, AND EIGHTH CIRCUITS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-3-40, RELATING TO THE NUMBER OF FAMILY COURT JUDGES TO BE ELECTED FROM EACH CIRCUIT, SO AS TO CONVERT FOUR AT-LARGE FAMILY COURT SEATS TO RESIDENT SEATS IN THE FIFTH, TENTH, AND TWELFTH CIRCUITS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 4813 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, C. Mitchell, Robbins and Oremus: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 8-21-1010 AND 8-21-1060, BOTH RELATING TO FEES AND COSTS TO BE COLLECTED BY MAGISTRATES, BOTH SO AS TO INCREASE VARIOUS FEES AND COSTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 22-3-340, RELATING TO ASSESSMENTS ON FILINGS IN MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE ASSESSMENT ON SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT FILINGS AND ALL OTHER CIVIL FILINGS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Finance submitted a favorable report on:
H. 5006 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Long, Hewitt, M.M. Smith, Gatch, Schuessler, Stavrinakis, Hiott, Pope, Erickson, Hixon, Neese, Wooten, Ligon, Chapman, Forrest, Hartz, Guffey, Ford, Willis, Cox, Sanders, Vaughan, Oremus, Duncan, G.M. Smith, Bowers, Sessions, Bannister, Bailey, Brewer, Weeks, Landing, Moss, Bradley, Lawson, Rankin, Guest, Brittain, Lowe, T. Moore, Ballentine, Robbins, Martin, Caskey, Pedalino, Calhoon, Davis, W. Newton, C. Mitchell, Holman, Hardee, Taylor, Yow, Jordan, Haddon, Wickensimer, Bamberg, King, McDaniel, J.L. Johnson, Cromer, Gilreath and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA SMALL BUSINESS TAX CUT OF 2026"; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT THE FIRST TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS OF NET DEPRECIATED VALUE OF BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY A SMALL BUSINESS; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-900, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX RETURNS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A TAXPAYER IS NOT REQUIRED TO RETURN BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR TAXATION IF THE TAXPAYER HAS LESS THAN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS OF NET DEPRECIATED VALUE OF BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY; BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-980 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ALL BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY REQUIRED TO BE RETURNED FOR TAXATION TO BE RETURNED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-20-50, RELATING TO THE LICENSE TAX ON CORPORATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE FEE DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY PORTION OF THE FIRST FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS OF CERTAIN CAPITAL STOCK AND PAID-IN OR CAPITAL SURPLUS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 33-44-409, RELATING TO STANDARDS OF CONDUCT OF A CORPORATE OFFICER, SO AS TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION TO REFRAINING FROM COMPETING.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 5097 (Word version) -- Reps. Haddon, Yow, Ligon, Holman, Rankin, Pedalino, Forrest, Hixon, Cromer, Gilreath and M.M. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-145 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN ROADSIDE MARKETS OPERATED BY FARMERS ARE NOT CONSIDERED COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS FOR LOCAL ZONING PURPOSES AND ARE EXEMPT FROM CERTAIN LOCAL AND STATE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
H. 5113 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, M.M. Smith, Guffey, B. Newton, Lawson, Sessions, Robbins, Gatch, Neese, Kirby, Waters, C. Mitchell, Yow, Atkinson, Forrest, Gagnon, Guest, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hiott, J.L. Johnson, Wooten, Chapman and Ligon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-29-735 SO AS TO PROHIBIT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM PREVENTING THE CONTINUANCE OF LAWFUL NONCONFORMING USE OF PROPERTY WHEN A PREEXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME OR MOBILE HOME IS REPLACED WITH A NEW MANUFACTURED HOME OR MOBILE HOME, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-43-85, RELATING TO STANDARDS FOR PLACEMENT OF MODULAR HOMES; DISPLAY MODELS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECTION APPLIES TO ON-FRAME MODULAR HOMES AND TO REMOVE A FIVE-YEAR RESTRICTION ON DISPLAY MODELS BEING USED FOR RESIDENTIAL USE.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
H. 5120 (Word version) -- Reps. Cox, Garvin, Holman, T. Moore, Sessions, Wetmore, C. Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-2020, RELATING TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF JUVENILE RECORDS, SO AS TO CLARIFY WHEN NOTICE ABOUT THE DISPOSITION OF A CASE AGAINST A CHILD CHARGED WITH CERTAIN OFFENSES MUST BE PROVIDED TO A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, AND TO CLARIFY WHEN JUVENILE FINGERPRINT RECORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TAKEN, HOW THESE RECORDS ARE MAINTAINED, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THESE RECORDS MAY BE TRANSMITTED TO ANOTHER AGENCY OR PERSON; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-19-2030, RELATING TO JUVENILE LAW ENFORCEMENT RECORDS, SO AS TO CLARIFY WHEN INCIDENT REPORTS ABOUT A CHILD CHARGED WITH CERTAIN OFFENSES MUST BE PROVIDED TO A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
Initial Appointment, State Ethics Commission, with the term to commence April 1, 2025, and to expire April 1, 2030
Kristian Cross, 307 N. Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206 VICE AJ Holloway
Received as information.
Reappointment, State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2028
6th Congressional District:
Sharon L. Sellers, 427 Santee Drive, Santee, SC 29142-9304
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Commission for Minority Affairs, with the term to commence June 30, 2023, and to expire June 30, 2027
4th Congressional District:
Jil Littlejohn Bostick, 26 Blair Street, Greenville, SC 29607-1902 VICE Karen McGill
Received as information.
Reappointment, State Commission for Minority Affairs, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2029
At-Large:
Ame E. Fuss, 29049 Snapper Point, Tega Cay, SC 29708-8403 VICE Andrea C. Sancho-Baker
Received as information.
Reappointment, State Commission for Minority Affairs, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2029
At-Large:
Kaala Maple, 1007 Blockade Runner Parkway, Summerville, SC 29485-6317
Received as information.
Reappointment, State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2023, and to expire June 30, 2026
1st Congressional District:
Mary M. Amonitti, 6 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928-5189
Received as information.
Reappointment, State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2029
1st Congressional District:
Mary M. Amonitti, 6 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928-5189
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2025, and to expire June 30, 2028
5th Congressional District:
Rosetta Ann Daniels, D. Min., 1357 Jessicas Way, Rock Hill, SC 29730 VICE Andrew C. Williams
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2027
3rd Congressional District:
Martha H. Murtiashaw, Ph.D., 101 West Wesley Street, Walhalla, S.C. 29691 VICE Ashley P. Case
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2024, and to expire June 30, 2027
7th Congressional District:
Christine A. Ruth, 754 Bucklin Loop, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29579 VICE Harold Jean Brown
Received as information.
Initial Appointment, State Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement, with the term to commence June 30, 2023, and to expire June 30, 2027
6th Congressional District:
John G. Creel, 21476 Augusta Highway, Cottageville, SC 29435 VICE Juan X. Ayers
Received as information.
Columbia, S.C., April 29, 2026
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has returned the following Bill to the Senate with amendments:
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.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Placed on Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
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.
Senators CASH and OTT proposed the following amendment (SR-222.CEM0018S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 56-2-5000 and inserting:
Section 56-2-5000. For the purposes of this article, a "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 fifty-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.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator CASH explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator OTT proposed the following amendment (SMIN-222.MW0001S), which was proposed:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 56-3-630 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 56-3-630. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall classify as a private passenger motor vehicle every motor vehicle which is designed, used, and maintained for the transportation of ten or fewer persons, UTV's, and trucks having an empty weight of nine thousand pounds or less and a gross weight of eleven thousand pounds or less, except a motorcycle, motorcycle three-wheel vehicle, or moped. The department shall classify a three-wheel vehicle by the manufacturer's certificate of origin for the vehicles initial registration. For subsequent registration, the department shall classify the three-wheel vehicle by its title document. This section does not relieve or negate any applicable fees required under Section 56-3-660.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 4 and inserting:
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon six months after approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator OTT explained the amendment.
Senator MASSEY objected to further consideration of the Bill.
S. 270 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Hembree, Adams, Goldfinch, Walker, Garrett and Zell: 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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up further amendments on third reading.
Senators ALEXANDER, HEMBREE, and HUTTO proposed the following amendment (SEDU-270.DB0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 16-3-29(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A) A person who, with intent to kill, attempts to kill another person with malice aforethought, either expressed or implied, commits the offense of attempted murder. ,A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than thirty years. A sentence imposed pursuant to this section may not be suspended nor may probation be granted. A person who, unlawfully with intent to kill, attempts to kill another person commits the crime of attempted murder in the first degreeIt is unlawful for a person to knowingly, unlawfully and deliberately or with reckless disregard for life attempt to kill another person 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 who is convictedviolates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of attempted murder in the first degree is guilty of a felony and must be imprisoned for not less than five years nor more than thirty years.
(B) A person commits attempted murder in the second degree if the person, while unlawfully and intentionally discharges a firearm or unlawfully and intentionally uses a deadly weaponIt is unlawful for a person to knowingly, unlawfully and deliberately or with reckless disregard for life discharge or cause to be discharged a firearm at against a group, crowd, occupied vehicle, building, or other location where one or more persons are reasonably expected to be present, 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. engages in conduct that demonstrates a reckless disregard for human life and that is reasonably likely to cause death or great bodily injury to any person present. A person who is convictedviolates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of attempted murder in the second degree is guilty of a felony and must be imprisoned for not less than three years nor more than twenty years.
Amend the bill further, by deleting SECTION 2 from the bill.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the third reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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 third time, passed and ordered sent to the House.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 631 (Word version) -- Senators Walker and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-535, RELATING TO LIMITATIONS ON PLACES OF RESIDENCE OF CERTAIN SEX OFFENDERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A SEX OFFENDER TO RESIDE WITHIN ONE THOUSAND FEET OF A BUS STOP; AND TO PROVIDE THAT OWNERS OR RENTERS OF IMPACTED PROPERTY NOT BE REQUIRED TO RELOCATE IF THEY OWNED OR RENTED THE PROPERTY BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT.
S. 371 (Word version) -- Senators Jackson, Davis, Graham and Ott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-560 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ISSUE MOBILE DRIVERS' LICENSES AND MOBILE SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-190, RELATING TO REQUIRING DRIVERS' LICENSES TO BE CARRIED AND EXHIBITED ON DEMAND, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CARRYING AND EXHIBITING OF MOBILE DRIVERS' LICENSES.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.
The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 788 (Word version) -- Senators Blackmon, Stubbs and Leber: 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.
S. 1005 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott, Stubbs, Walker, Blackmon and Garrett: 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.
S. 436 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Fernandez and Leber: 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.
Senator STUBBS desired to be recorded as voting against the third reading of the S. 436.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Finance proposed the following amendment (LC-556.DG0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 12-6-3830(B) and (C) and inserting:
(B) For taxable years beginning after 2025 and ending before taxable year 20322030, there is allowed a credit against the income tax imposed pursuant to Section 12-6-530 or license fees imposed pursuant to Section 12-20-50, or both, for twenty-five percent of the costs incurred by a taxpayer for the purchase and installation of equipment used to produce renewable natural gas for commercial purposes. Costs incurred by a taxpayer and qualifying for the credit allowed by this section must be certified as having been incurred by the State Energy Office. The credit may be claimed in the year in which the equipment is placed in service and may be claimed for all expenditures incurred for the purchase and installation of the equipment, including related engineering, permitting, and other necessary services.
(C) A taxpayer may use up to twenty-five percent, or five million dollars, whichever is less, of credit for a single taxable year. The tax credit is nonrefundable, but unused credits earned prior to the end of 20282030 may be carried forward for fifteen years from the year in which they were earned. The credit under this section may be transferred by the taxpayer to another person who is eligible to utilize the tax credit and who will then be subject to the same requirements within this section.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator MASSEY proposed the following amendment (LC-556.DG0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 12-6-3830(C) and inserting:
(C) A taxpayer may use up to twenty-five percent, or five million dollars, whichever is less, of credit for a single taxable year. The tax credit is nonrefundable, but unused credits earned prior to the end of 2030 may be carried forward for fifteen years from the year in which they were earned. The credit under this section may be transferred by the taxpayer to another person who is eligible to utilize the tax credit and who will then be subject to the same requirements within this section. Regardless of whether the credit is transferred, if a regulated utility receives this credit, the regulated utility must pass on the credit to the benefit of ratepayers through the utility's next rate proceeding, or as otherwise directed by the Public Service Commission.Renumber sections to conform.Amend title to conform.
Senator MASSEY 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 Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Bright
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered sent to the House.
The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
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.
S. 872 (Word version) -- Senators Goldfinch, Climer, Zell, Garrett and Alexander: 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.
S. 904 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Campsen, Stubbs, Graham and Garrett: 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.
S. 933 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, Corbin, Williams, Jackson, Leber, Hutto, Devine, Graham, Zell and Walker: 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.
Senators YOUNG, BRIGHT, CLIMER, KENNEDY, RICE, ALEXANDER and PEELER desired to be recorded as voting against the third reading of the S. 933.
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.
S. 180 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE, SO AS TO INCLUDE PERSONS WHO ARE OR WERE DATING TO THE LIST OF PERSONS DEFINED AS "HOUSEHOLD MEMBER"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-40, RELATING TO PETITIONS FOR AN ORDER OF PROTECTION, SO AS TO INCLUDE A PARENT, GUARDIAN, LEGAL COUNSEL, OR OTHER APPROPRIATE ADULT AS A PERSON WHO CAN PETITION ON BEHALF MINORS IN THE PERSON'S HOUSEHOLD.
Senator CASH objected to consideration of the Bill.
S. 427 (Word version) -- Senators Adams, Climer, Reichenbach, Garrett, Fernandez and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 11 OF CHAPTER 3, TITLE 47, RELATING TO TAUNTING, TORMENTING, INJURING, OR KILLING POLICE DOGS OR HORSES, SO AS TO EXPAND THE CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN A VIOLATION, INCREASE THE PENALTIES, REQUIRE RESTITUTION TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY, AND MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was recommitted to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 3259 (Word version) -- Reps. Pope, Gilliam, Lawson, Chapman, Pedalino, McCravy, M.M. Smith, Davis, Holman, B.L. Cox, Ligon and Gibson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-128 SO AS TO PROHIBIT INSURERS OR AGENTS FROM CONSIDERING THE WORK-RELATED DRIVING RECORD OF A FIRST RESPONDER IN DETERMINING THE PREMIUM RATE FOR THE FIRST RESPONDER'S PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICY.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator BENNETT explained the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator CORBIN proposed the following amendment (SR-3569.KM0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 27-40-350(A) and inserting:
(A) If a residential tenant is a protected tenant, then the tenant may:
(1) terminate the protected tenant's future obligations under a rental agreement within sixty days of the date of the documented qualifying incident; and
(2) not be held liable for penalties or fees that might otherwise be imposed for the termination of the protected tenant's obligations under a rental agreement within sixty days of the documented qualifying incident.; provided, however, that the protected tenant shall be liable for any damage that the protect tenant caused to the premises prior to the termination and no security deposits will be required to be returned until the end of the lease if such is due to be returned under the terms of the lease.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 27-40-350(C) and inserting:
(C) The protected tenant's obligations as a tenant must continue through the effective date of the termination. Any cotenants on the lease with the protected tenant shall remain responsible for the full rent for the balance of the term of the rental agreement. If the perpetrator is the remaining sole tenant obligated on the rental agreement, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement with five days' written notice and collect actual damages for such termination against the perpetrator.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by deleting Section 27-40-350(F) from the bill.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 27-40-210(19) and inserting:
(19) "protected tenant" means a tenant or household member who is a victim of a qualifying incident;
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator CORBIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator MARTIN proposed the following amendment (SR-3569.CEM0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Chapter 40, Title 27 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 27-40-460. A landlord shall release a signee from the rental agreement and return any prepaid rent if the signee notifies the landlord one hundred and twenty days prior to taking possession of the premises that the signee will not be taking possession of the premises.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MARTIN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
On motion of Senator YOUNG, the Bill was carried over.
S. 717 (Word version) -- Senators Garrett, Sabb, Verdin and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "MOTHERS AND PREBORNS ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 44-37-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF THE HEALTHY NEWBORN OMBUDSMAN IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE OMBUDSMAN; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-41-340, RELATING TO THE PUBLICATION OF MATERIALS REGARDING AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE CONCERNING PREGNANCY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE BROCHURE OR OTHER WRITTEN MATERIALS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 44-37-80 ARE INCLUDED IN THE MATERIALS PROVIDED TO A PREGNANT WOMAN PRIOR TO AN ABORTION.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator GARRETT asked unanimous consent to withdraw the Committee Amendment and proceed to Amendment No. 3B.
There was no objection.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-717.KM0002S), which was withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "Mothers and Preborns Act".
SECTION 2. Chapter 37, Title 44 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 44-37-80. (A) For the purposes of this section, "parent" means a biological parent, step-parent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, or other primary caregiver of a preborn human at the various gestational ages through infancy.
(B) The Healthy Mother and Healthy Newborn Ombudsman Office is created within the Department of Public Health. The office shall be headed by an ombudsman appointed by the Director of the Department of Public Health.
(C) The Healthy Mother and Healthy Newborn Ombudsman shall:
(1) maintain records of all state programs designed to assist a parent during pregnancy and infancy;
(2) refer parents to the appropriate programs related to services available to the parent or about which a parent inquires;
(3) act as a liaison between the programs available to parents and parents seeking services from the programs when the need for liaison services is recognized by the ombudsman;
(4) review and attempt to resolve complaints concerning the programs available to parents made to the ombudsman by affected parents; and
(5) produce a brochure or other written material that provides an overview of the services the ombudsman provides and describes the programs available to parents during pregnancy and infancy. The information in the brochure must be available on the ombudsman's website. The brochure or other written material must be provided to all obstetricians in the State who must also provide the brochure or other written material to their pregnant patients as early as possible during pregnancy. The brochure or other written material must also be available at every county health office and prominently displayed on each program's website.
(D)(1) Upon receipt of a written complaint that contains specific allegations and is signed by a parent seeking services, the ombudsman shall forward copies of the complaint to the program whose services the parent sought and any other affected parties. The ombudsman shall conduct an inquiry into the allegations stated in the complaint and attempt to resolve the complaint.
(2) In conducting the inquiry, the ombudsman is authorized to request and receive information and documents from the complainant, the program from which the complainant sought services, and any other affected parties that are pertinent to the complaint. Following each inquiry, the ombudsman shall issue a report verbally or in writing to the complainant and the program about which the complaint was filed. The program and any other affected parties that are the subject of the complaint shall respond to the ombudsman's request for information or documents within a reasonable time.
(3) The ombudsman shall prepare an annual report summarizing his activities. The annual report shall be submitted to all the programs designed to assist parents both during pregnancy and through infancy and to the Chairman of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.
(E) All programs designed to assist parents both during pregnancy and through infancy shall cooperate with the ombudsman in carrying out his duties.
SECTION 3. Section 44-41-340(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(A) The South Carolina Department of Public Health and Environmental Control shall cause to be published the following printed materials:
(1) geographically indexed materials designed to inform the woman of public and private agencies and services available to assist a woman through pregnancy, upon childbirth, and while the child is dependent, including adoption agencies, which include a comprehensive list of the agencies available, a description of the services they offer, and a description of the manner, including telephone numbers, websites, and email addresses through in which they may be contacted;
(2) materials designed to inform the woman of the probable anatomical and physiological characteristics of the embryo or fetuspreborn human at two-week gestational increments from the time when a woman can be known to be pregnant to full term. Any photograph, drawing or other depiction must state in bold letters, which are easily legible, stating the magnification of the photograph, drawing or depiction if it is not the actual size of the embryo or fetuspreborn human at the age indicated. The materials must be objective, nonjudgmental, and designed to convey only accurate scientific information about the embryo or fetuspreborn human at the various gestational ages;
(3) materials designed to inform the woman of the principal types of abortion procedures and the major risks associated with each procedure, as well as the major risks associated with carrying a fetus preborn human to full-term;
(4) materials designed to inform the woman that medical assistance benefits may be available for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care by providing the names, addresses, and phone numbers, websites, and email addresses of appropriate agencies that provide or have information available on these benefits;
(5) materials designed to inform the woman of the mechanisms available for obtaining child support payments;
(6) a list of health care providers, facilities, and clinics that offer to perform ultrasounds free of charge. The list must be arranged geographically and shall include the name, address, hours of operation, and telephone number, website, and email address of each entity listed. A health care provider, facility, or clinic that would like to be included on this list may contact the department and provide the required information. The department must update this list annually before September first;
(7) a plainly worded explanation of how a woman may calculate the gestational age of her embryo or fetuspreborn human;
(8) a scientifically accurate statement concerning the contribution that each parent makes to the genetic constitution of their biological child the preborn human;
(9) the brochure or other written materials provided for in Section 44-37-80; and
(9)(10) forms for notifications, certifications, and verifications required by Section 44-41-330.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
On motion of Senator GARRETT, the amendment was withdrawn.
Senator GARRETT proposed the following amendment (SR-717.CEM0004S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 44-37-80(A) and inserting:
(A) For the purposes of this section,:
(1) "parentParent" means a biological parent, step-parent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, or other primary caregiver of a preborn human at the various gestational ages through infancy.
(2) "Preborn human" means a human child at any stage of the gestational development process, from fertilization until live birth, including embryonic and fetal stages.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 44-37-80(C)(2) and inserting:
(2) refer parents to the appropriate programs related to services available to the parent or about which a parent inquires, which includes information as to how a parent can access a family court order of child support pursuant to Section 63-17-325;
Amend the bill further, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:
SECTION X. Section 63-17-10(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(B) As used in this article, "child" includes, but is not limited to, a person under the age of eighteen years, which includes a preborn human at any stage of the gestational development process, from fertilization until live birth, including the embryonic and fetal stage.
SECTION X. Section 63-17-325 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 63-17-325. (A) A biological father of a child has a duty to pay the mother of the child the following financial obligations beginning with the date of conception:
(1) child support payment obligations in an amount determined pursuant to Section 63-17-470;
(2) fifty percent of the mother's pregnancy expenses, which include prenatal costs and the cost of the birth.
(a) Any portion of a mother's pregnancy expenses paid by the mother or the biological father reduces that parent's fifty percent obligation regardless of when the mother or biological father pays the pregnancy expenses.
(b) Pregnancy expenses must include fifty percent of the mother's insurance premiums that are not paid by her employer or governmental program beginning from the date of conception and before the pregnancy ends, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
(c) Item (2) does not apply if a court apportions pregnancy expenses as part of an award of child support in item (1).
(B) In the case of a mother who becomes pregnant as a result of rape or incest, the biological father, in addition to the duties imposed by subsection (A), also is responsible for the full cost of any expenses incurred by the mother for mental health counseling arising out of the rape or incest.
(C) The duties imposed by this section accrue at the time of conception and must be applied retroactively when paternity is contested, and medical evidence establishes the paternity of the child. Interest accrues on any retroactive obligations beginning with conception until either the obligations are brought current or paid in full whichever happens first. The rate of interest must be calculated based on the applicable interest rate for money decrees and judgments in this State established annually by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GARRETT explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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. 343 (Word version) -- Senators Corbin, Cash, Rice, Garrett, Kimbrell, Leber, Zell and Kennedy: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-29-175 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN INFORMED CONSENT PROTOCOL THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED PRIOR TO A CERTAIN COVID-19 VACCINE BEING ADMINISTERED OR RECEIVED.
Senator DEVINE objected to consideration of the Bill.
S. 227 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Kimbrell, Matthews, Turner, Young, Grooms and Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 6-29-720, RELATING TO ZONING ORDINANCES, SO AS TO DEFINE "CONCURRENCY PROGRAMS"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 6-29-1130, RELATING TO REGULATIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE A REFERENCE TO AN ADOPTED CONCURRENCY PROGRAM.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry proposed the following amendment (LC-227.DG0001S), which was withdrawn:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 6-29-720(C)(8) and inserting:
(8) "concurrency programs" in which the governing authority conditions approval of land development activities on public facility and service adequacy. A concurrency program also may be referred to as an "adequate public facility program."
(a) Concurrency programs must ensure public facilities and services necessary to support development are adequate to serve that development, based on reasonable and locally documented level of service standards and proportionate share methodologies.
(b) A governing authority adopting concurrency may require public facility and service contributions sufficient to offset a development's proportionate share impacts on facilities and services and also may accept excess capacity contributions made pursuant to a written agreement with the property owner.
(c) However, under this subsection, the governing authority must take into consideration any contributions made by payment of development impact fees or other instruments for the same impacts on relevant facilities and services.
(d) Local governing authorities and property owners may enter into written proportionate share, cost sharing, or other similar agreements to facilitate exercise of any authority or requirement under this subsection.
(8) "Concurrency programs" condition land development approval on public facility and service adequacy, also referred to as "adequate public facility programs." Such programs shall ensure that growth and infrastructure investment proceed consistently with locally adopted comprehensive plans and shall not be administered to prevent or delay development where proportionate mitigation is available.
(a) Concurrency programs may not condition approval on the availability or adequacy of schools, parks, or libraries and are limited to:
(i) transportation facilities;
(ii) water supply and distribution;
(iii) wastewater collection and treatment;
(iv) stormwater management;
(v) law enforcement; and
(vi) fire protection and emergency medical services.
(b) Facilities are deemed "available" or "adequate" if capacity exists at time of application, is fully funded within the first three years of an adopted capital improvements program or will be provided through a binding agreement under subitem (f).
(c) Level-of-service standards must be objective, applied uniformly to similarly situated development, and reviewed at least every five years. Standards shall reflect adopted land use policies, may not require facility expansion inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, and may be multimodal or differentiated within designated growth or redevelopment areas. Failure to meet a standard shall not result in denial if the applicant commits to proportionate share mitigation.
(d) A concurrency program must:
(i) establish clear application review procedures;
(ii) credit developer contributions toward concurrency requirements;
(iii) allow developers to remedy deficiencies through proportionate share contributions or construction of improvements committed in a binding agreement on a schedule concurrent with or prior to the development's impacts;
(iv) provide exemptions or streamlined review for development with minimal facility impacts;
(v) establish an appeals process for concurrency determinations; and
(vi) establish time-limited capacity reservations that expire and revert to available capacity upon failure to demonstrate substantial progress within a defined period.
(e) A governing authority may require sufficient contributions to offset a development's proportionate share of facility impacts, based on documented impacts, reduced by developer-provided capacity, and applied consistently to similarly situated projects. No development may be required to fund pre-existing deficiencies beyond its proportionate share or to pay twice for the same impact on the same facility; all prior impact fees or other contributions addressing the same impacts must be credited. A proportionate share contribution satisfies concurrency only if the relevant improvement is included in the adopted capital improvements program and scheduled for completion concurrent with or prior to the development's impacts, or if the developer's contribution together with other committed funding is sufficient to fully fund the improvement on that schedule.
(f) Governing authorities, property owners, and other governmental entities may enter into written agreements providing for phased improvements, reimbursement mechanisms, capacity credits, or excess capacity contributions, subject to the following:
(i) An agreement is a mechanism for achieving concurrency, not a substitute for it. The governing authority must make a written finding that required improvements will be completed concurrently with or prior to the impacts they serve;
(ii) The agreement shall correlate each development phase with the infrastructure necessary to serve it. No certificate of occupancy for a given phase may be issued unless the serving infrastructure is complete or contractually secured;
(iii) Where the agreement relies on future developer construction, the developer shall provide a performance bond, letter of credit, or equivalent security sufficient to complete the committed improvements;
(iv) Capacity credits may be granted only for improvements constructed and accepted, or for which full funding is secured under item (3); and
(v) Agreements shall be recorded in county deed records and run with the land, binding all successors. Material default suspends further development approvals until cured or the agreement is renegotiated consistent with this section.
(g) If a facility fails to meet adopted standards for more than thirty-six consecutive months, the governing authority shall amend its capital improvements program to fund corrections, revise the applicable standard, or adopt a temporary moratorium under applicable state law. Failure to act does not require automatic denial where mitigation is available.
(h) A concurrency program may not interfere with development approvals within the jurisdiction of another local government, as provided in Section 6-29-330.
(i) A concurrency program adopted in compliance with this subsection is presumed to be a valid exercise of police power and not an unconstitutional taking or equal protection violation. This presumption may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence that the program, as applied, denies all economically viable use, is arbitrary or capricious, discriminates against similarly situated properties without rational basis, or operates as a de facto moratorium by systematically denying approvals where proportionate mitigation has been offered.
(j) A development in which at least fifty percent of units are deed-restricted at or below eighty percent of area median income, or that receives federal, state, or local affordable housing financing, is exempt from concurrency requirements, subject to applicable building codes, life-safety standards, and utility connection obligations.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator DAVIS asked unanimous consent to withdraw the Committee Amendment and Amendment No. 1 and proceed to Amendment No. 2
There was no objection.
Senator DAVIS proposed the following amendment (LC-227.PH0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 6-29-720(C)(8) and inserting:
(8) "concurrency programs" in which the governing authority conditions approval of land development activities on public facility and service adequacy. A concurrency program also may be referred to as an "adequate public facility program."
(a) Concurrency programs must ensure public facilities and services necessary to support development are adequate to serve that development, based on reasonable and locally documented level of service standards and proportionate share methodologies.
(b) A governing authority adopting concurrency may require public facility and service contributions sufficient to offset a development's proportionate share impacts on facilities and services and also may accept excess capacity contributions made pursuant to a written agreement with the property owner.
(c) However, under this subsection, the governing authority must take into consideration any contributions made by payment of development impact fees or other instruments for the same impacts on relevant facilities and services.
(d) Local governing authorities and property owners may enter into written proportionate share, cost sharing, or other similar agreements to facilitate exercise of any authority or requirement under this subsection.that condition land development approval on public facility and service adequacy, also referred to as "adequate public facility programs." Such programs must ensure that growth and infrastructure investment proceed consistently with locally adopted comprehensive plans and must not be administrated to unreasonably prevent or delay development where proportionate mitigation is available. Concurrency programs may be enacted within the zoning ordinance or in land development regulations, pursuant to Section 6-29-1130(A).
(a) Concurrency programs may not condition approval on the availability or adequacy of parks or libraries, and are limited to:
(i) transportation facilities;
(ii) water supply and distribution;
(iii) wastewater collection and treatment;
(iv) stormwater management;
(v) law enforcement;
(vi) fire protection and emergency medical services; and
(vii) public schools; provided, however, that concurrency conditions based on school capacity may be imposed only if the school district or other governmental entity responsible for school construction and capital improvements is a party to the governing authority's adopted capital improvements program or has entered into a written intergovernmental agreement with the governing authority committing to address identified school-capacity level-of-service deficiencies on a schedule concurrent with or prior to the development's impacts. School-based concurrency conditions must be limited to capacity impacts at the school attendance zones directly served by the proposed development, and no development may be conditioned on school improvements serving areas beyond those zones.
(b) Facilities are deemed "available" or "adequate" if:
(i) capacity exists at time of application, taking into consideration all existing development entitlements regardless of building status;
(ii) capacity is fully funded by the adopted capital improvements program or with proportionate share contributions pursuant to subitem (f) and is scheduled for completion concurrent with or prior to the development's impacts; or
(iii) capacity will be provided through a binding agreement pursuant to subitem (g).
(c) Level-of-service standards must be objective, applied uniformly to similarly situated development, and reviewed at least every five years. Standards must reflect adopted land use policies, may not require facility expansion inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, and may be multimodal, and must be differentiated within designated growth or redevelopment areas and rural or conservation areas. Failure to meet a standard may not result in denial if the applicant commits to proportionate share mitigation.
(d) A concurrency program must:
(i) maintain consistency with the local adopted comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and land development regulations;
(ii) establish clear application review procedures;
(iii) credit developer contributions toward concurrency requirements;
(iv) allow developers to remedy deficiencies through proportionate share contributions or construction of improvements committed in a binding agreement on a schedule concurrent with or prior to the development's impacts;
(v) establish an appeals process for concurrency determinations; and
(vi) establish time-limited capacity reservations that expire and revert to available capacity upon failure to demonstrate substantial progress within a defined period.
(e) A concurrency program may:
(i) provide exemptions or streamlined review for development with minimal facility impacts;
(ii) provide exemptions from concurrency requirements to:
(A) developments in which at least fifty percent of units are deed-restricted at or below eighty percent of area median income, or that receives federal, state, or local affordable housing financing, subject to applicable building codes, life-safety standards, and utility connection obligations; and
(B) an entity organized pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a nonprofit corporation to build, rehabilitate, or repair a home for the benefit of an individual or family in need, subject to applicable building codes, life-safety standards, and utility obligations. For purposes of this subsubsubitem, "individual or family in need" means an individual or family whose income is at or below eighty percent of the county median income; or
(iii) provide exemptions from concurrency requirements to developments proposed within a locally defined priority growth area, subject to applicable building codes, life-safety standards, and utility connection obligations.
(f) A governing authority may require sufficient contributions to offset a development's proportionate share of facility impacts, based on documented impacts, reduced by developer-provided capacity, and applied consistently to similarly situated projects. No development may be required to fund preexisting deficiencies beyond its proportionate share or to pay twice for the same impact on the same facility; all prior impact fees or other contributions addressing the same impacts must be credited. A proportionate share contribution satisfies concurrency only if the relevant improvement is included in the adopted capital improvements program, or an amendment thereto, or applicable intergovernmental capital agreement, and is scheduled for completion concurrent with or prior to the development's impacts, or if the developer's contribution together with other committed funding is sufficient to fully fund the improvement on that schedule.
(g) Governing authorities, property owners, and other governmental entities may enter into written agreements providing for phased improvements, reimbursement mechanisms, capacity credits, or excess capacity contributions, subject to the following:
(i) an agreement is a mechanism for achieving concurrency, not a substitute for it. The governing authority must make a written finding that required improvements will be completed concurrent with or prior to the impacts they serve;
(ii) the agreement must correlate each development phase with the infrastructure necessary to serve it. No certificate of occupancy for a given phase may be issued unless the serving infrastructure is complete or contractually secured;
(iii) where the agreement relies on future developer construction, the developer must provide a performance bond, letter of credit, or equivalent security sufficient to complete the committed improvements;
(iv) capacity credits may be granted only for improvements constructed and accepted by the governing authority, or for which full funding has been secured pursuant to subitem (g)(iii); and
(v) agreements must be recorded in county deed records and run with the land, binding all successors. Material default suspends further development approvals until cured or the agreement is renegotiated consistent with this section.
(h) A governing authority may not deny or condition approval of a development application on concurrency grounds for a facility type unless:
(i) the governing authority has in effect a comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to Section 6-29-510 et seq. that includes all mandatory plan elements and has been reviewed within the cycle required by law; and
(ii) for any facility type cited as the basis for a concurrency determination, the governing authority has included in its adopted capital improvements program or applicable intergovernmental capital agreement a realistic plan to address any identified level-of-service deficiency or has made a written finding that the deficiency is attributable solely to the proposed development's proportionate share impacts rather than a preexisting shortfall. For purposes of this section, a "realistic plan" means one that identifies a funding source, a responsible party, and a projected schedule, even if full funding has not yet been secured. A capital improvements program entry or intergovernmental capacity agreement entry that has remained without meaningful progress for more than thirty-six consecutive months no longer satisfies this standard unless the governing authority makes an updated written finding demonstrating renewed commitment, revised funding, or a changed schedule with a credible basis for completion.
(iii) A governing authority that lacks a current comprehensive plan, or that cites a level-of-service deficiency without either a capital improvements program entry or intergovernmental capital agreement entry meeting the standard of subsubitem (ii) or a written proportionate-share finding, may not deny a development application on concurrency grounds for the facility type at issue, but may impose proportionate share mitigation conditions consistent with subitem (f).
(i) A concurrency program may not interfere with development approvals within the jurisdiction of another local government, pursuant to Section 6-29-330, provided, however, that this provision does not limit the authority of local governments to enter into multijurisdictional agreements relating to inadequate facilities affecting both jurisdictions.
(j) A concurrency program adopted in compliance with this subsection is presumed to be a valid exercise of police power and not an unconstitutional taking or equal protection violation. This presumption may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence that the program, as applied, denies all economically viable use, is arbitrary or capricious, discriminates against similarly situated properties without rational basis, or operates as a de facto moratorium by systematically denying approvals that are otherwise consistent with the locally adopted comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and land development regulations where proportionate mitigation has been offered.
(k) Governing authorities must process applications for concurrency determinations under a concurrency program adopted pursuant to this subsection and Section 6-29-1150, including the time periods for review and decision and the procedures for appeal from any decision rendered thereunder. Any denial of a concurrency application must be accompanied by written findings identifying the specific level-of-service standard, capital improvements program element, or adopted concurrency program provision that the application fails to satisfy, and must specify what proportionate share mitigation, if any, would be sufficient to cure the deficiency and allow approval.
(l) A governing authority administering a concurrency program must make the following information publicly available on its official website and must update such information no less than annually:
(i) the current adopted level-of-service standards for each facility category subject to the concurrency program;
(ii) a general description of any facility category for which the governing authority has determined that a capacity deficiency exists, and a reference to the capital improvements program element addressing that deficiency; and
(iii) the written findings supporting any denial of a development application on concurrency grounds, including identification of the specific facility category and level-of-service standard at issue.
A governing authority that receives a written request from a development applicant for information relevant to a concurrency determination affecting that applicant's property must respond in writing within forty-five days.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 6-29-1130(A) and inserting:
(A) When at least the community facilities element, the housing element, and the priority investment element of the comprehensive plan as authorized by this chapter have been adopted by the local planning commission and the local governing body or bodies, the local planning commission may prepare and recommend to the governing body or bodies for adoption regulations governing the development of land within the jurisdiction. These regulations may provide for the harmonious development of the municipality and the county; for coordination of streets within subdivision and other types of land developments with other existing or planned streets or official map streets; for the size of blocks and lots; for the dedication or reservation of land for streets, school sites, and recreation areas and of easements for utilities and other public services and facilities, including bythrough an adopted concurrency program; and for the distribution of population and traffic which will tend to create conditions favorable to health, safety, convenience, appearance, prosperity, or the general welfare. In particular, the regulations shall prescribe that no land development plan, including subdivision plats, will be approved unless all land intended for use as building sites can be used safely for building purposes, without danger from flood or other inundation or from other menaces to health, safety, or public welfare.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator DAVIS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator TURNER objected to further consideration of the Bill.
H. 3195 (Word version) -- Reps. Haddon, Pope, Pedalino, Chumley, Taylor, Erickson, Bradley, Hixon, Ligon, Weeks, Oremus, Hartz, Williams, Luck, Gilliard, Rivers and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-10-10, RELATING TO STANDARDS FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN MANDATORY MINIMUM PERIODS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND OUTDOOR RECESS IN FOUR-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE EACH YEAR IN ADDITION TO OTHER CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE RECESS PERIODS MUST BE HELD INDOORS DURING TIMES OF INCLEMENT WEATHER; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-10-30, RELATING TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY DIRECTORS AND VOLUNTEERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO REDESIGNATE ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 10, TITLE 59 AS "PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ACTIVITY."
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Education proposed the following amendment (SEDU-3195.KG0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-10-10(A)(4) and inserting:
(4) In the event of inclement weather, the school shall hold recess period indoors as conducive to allowing physical activity as practical. Recess periods may not be used to fulfill any curriculum or physical education requirements. and cannot be removed as a form of punishment to an individual or group.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 6 and inserting:
SECTION 6. The provisions of this act must be fully implemented by July 1, 20262027.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator TURNER explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator GRAHAM proposed the following amendment (SEDU-3195.KG0008S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-10-10(A)(2), (3), and (4) and inserting:
(2) Beginning in the 2006-072026-2027 2028-2029 school yearSchool Year, students in kindergarten through fifth grade must be provided a minimum of one hundred and fifty minutes a week of physical education and physical activity, with a minimum of one structured physical education course per year. one hundred fifty minutes a week of physical education and physical activity. In 2006-07, a minimum of sixty minutes a week must be provided in physical education, and as Section 59-10-20 is phased in, the minimum time for physical education must be increased to ninety minutes a weekone hour and thirty minutes of physical education weekly. Students in sixth grade through eighth grade must be provided a minimum of sixty hours of physical education and/or physical activity during each school year, with a minimum of one structured physical education course per year. Physical education courses offered in kindergarten through eighth grade must meet academic standards adopted by the State Board of Education. The certified physical education teacher to student ratio is designed to provide students in kindergarten through fiftheighth grade with scheduled physical education either every day or on alternate days throughout the school year and must be based on the South Carolina Physical Education Curriculum Standards. The student to teacher ratio in a physical education class may not exceed the average student to teacher ratio of 28 to 1as specified in the defined program. An individual student's fitness status must be reported to his parent or guardian during a student's fifth grade, eighth grade, and high school physical education courses. The physical activity must be planned and coordinated by the certified/licensed Physical Education Activity Director pursuant to Section 59-10-30.
(3) Every student in four-year-old kindergarten through eighth fifth grade must be provided a minimum of twenty minutes of unstructured outdoor recess daily, with allowance for short-term interruption not to exceed three consecutive school days due to facility and staffing availability, in addition to the time required to meet existing physical education standards of this title and other academic curriculum requirements.
(4) In the event of inclement weather, the school shall hold recess period indoors as conducive to allowing physical activity as practical. Recess periods may not be used to fulfill any curriculum or physical education requirements and cannot be removed as a form of punishment to an individual or group more than two days per week.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking Section 59-10-30(C) and inserting:
(C) Noncertified staff or adult volunteers may assist in implementing or supervising these structured physical activities, including the daily recess requirement in Section 59-10-30(A) 59-10-10(A), if approved by the district superintendent. If volunteers are used, appropriate liability insurance must be provided. The director annually shall submit to the principal a report outlining the additional physical activities for students.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 4, by striking Section 59-29-80(B)(3)(a) and inserting:
(3)(a) For students in seventh or eighth grade who seek middle school level physical education credit, a student taking units of ninth grade or higher work for high school credit at an off-campus location; and
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 6 and inserting:
SECTION 6. The provisions of this act must be fully implemented by July 1, 20272028.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GRAHAM explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Bright Massey
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Education proposed the following amendment (SEDU-3453.KG0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting SECTION 2 from the bill.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator TURNER explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator YOUNG proposed the following amendment (SEDU-3453.KG0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-111-20(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A) A child of a wartime veteran, upon application to and approval by the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, may be admitted to any state-supported college, university, or post high school technical education institution free of tuition so long as his work and conduct is satisfactory to the governing body of the institution, and if one of the following is met:
(1) the veteran was a resident of this State at the time of entry into service and during service
(2) the veteran is deceased and resided in this State for one year before his death; or
(3) the veteran's child has been a resident of this State since birth.
if the veteran was a resident of this State at the time of entry into service and during service or has been a resident of this State for at least one year and still resides in this State or, if the veteran is deceased, resided in this State for one year before his death, or the veteran's child has been a resident of this State since birth, and provided
(B) Additionally, the veteran must have served honorably in a branch of the military service of the United States during a war period, as those periods are defined by Section 101 of Title 38 of the United States Code and:
(1) was killed in action;
(2) died from other causes while in the service;
(3) died of disease or disability resulting from service;
(4) was a prisoner of war as defined by Congress or Presidential proclamation during such war period;
(5) is permanently and totally disabled, as determined by the Veterans Administration from any cause;
(6) has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor;
(7) is missing in action;
(8) the applicant is the child of a deceased veteran who qualified under items (4) and (5); or
(9) has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
(B)(C) The provisions of this section apply to a child of a veteran who meets the residency requirements of Chapter 112 of this title, is twenty-six years of age or younger, and is pursuing any type of undergraduate degree.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator YOUNG explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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. 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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Education proposed the following amendment (SEDU-5064.KG0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-53-510 and inserting:
Section 59-53-510. There is created the Northeastern Technical College Area Commission which is a body politic and corporate and the governing body of the Northeastern Technical College. The commission consists of twelve fifteen members, three of whom must be qualified electors of Chesterfield County, three of whom must be qualified electors of Marlboro County, and three of whom must be qualified electors of Dillon County. These nine members must be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a majority of the legislative delegation from the county in which the appointee is a resident for terms of three years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term only. The superintendents of education from Chesterfield, Dillon, and Marlboro Counties are ex officio members of the commission. One of the superintendents of the three two school districts of Dillon County shall serve as a member ex officio for a term of two years on a rotating basis. Representation from local industry may have one three ex officio member members appointed by a majority of the Northeastern Technical College Area legislative delegation consisting of one appointment per county. The industry leaders from Chesterfield, Dillon, and Marlboro counties are ex officio members of the commission and serve at the will of the legislative delegation.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator TURNER explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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. 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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator MASSEY explained the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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 recommitted to the Committee on Education.
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 recommitted to the Committee on Education.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry proposed the following amendment (SFGF-3872.BC0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:
SECTION X. Article 10, Chapter 11, Title 50 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 50-11-2250. (A) To the greatest practical extent, decisions by the department must not result in any net loss of land acreage available for hunting opportunities on wildlife management areas owned by the department.
(B) Annually, on or before July first, the department must submit to the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee and the House Agricultural, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee a report providing:
(1) the acreage available for hunting opportunities on wildlife management areas owned by the department; and
(2) efforts by the department to offset the loss of hunting opportunities, if any, on wildlife management areas owned by the department.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 3, by striking the effective date and inserting:
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governoron January 1, 2027.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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. 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.
Senator ADAMS objected to consideration of the Bill.
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.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator ADAMS explained the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Rice
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator ADAMS explained the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator ADAMS explained the amendment.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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. 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.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Bill was recommitted to the Committee on Judiciary.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-3022.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 43-21-130(A)(4) and (5) and inserting:
(4) the Director of the Department of Mental Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Office of Mental Health or their designee;
(5) the Director of the Department of Disabilities and Special NeedsBehavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Office of Mental Health or their designee;
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator DAVIS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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. 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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-3842.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 40-45-285 and inserting:
Section 40-45-285. A physical therapist may certify that an individual has a temporary disability on the initial application for a temporary disability placard. Physical therapists may not certify the renewal of temporary placards is handicapped and declare that the handicap is temporary for purposes of the individual's application for a handicapped placard.
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 56-3-1960 (A) and (B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(A) A person who is "handicapped" as defined in Section 56-3-1910 may apply to the department for issuance of a temporary or permanent placard. A person may be issued a temporary placard if the condition causing his handicap is expected to last for at least four months. No applicant may be denied a placard if the applicant follows the procedures established by the department and if the application is accompanied by a certificate from a licensed physician, APRN, PA, or physical therapist that certifies that the individual is handicapped and whether the handicap is temporary or permanent, provided that physical therapists may only certify that an individual qualifies for a temporary placard. The placards must indicate that the person is qualified to use reserved handicapped parking spaces. Applications for placards must be processed through and issued by the department's headquarters. Only one placard may be issued to an applicant. The certification procedure shall adhere to the requirements set forth in Section 56-3-1910. In conjunction with the issuance of a placard, applicants also must be issued a placard registration certificate that must be carried at all times in the vehicle driven by or transporting the handicapped individual. The certificate will display the name of the individual to which the placard was issued. A placard only can be displayed on a vehicle driven by or transporting the disabled individual whose name appears on the placard registration certificate. The department shall charge a fee of one dollar for a placard. An agency, organization, or facility that transports a disabled or handicapped person may receive a placard for each vehicle registered upon proper application and the payment of the appropriate fees.
(B) The placards authorized by this section also may be issued for a vehicle of special design and equipment designed to transport a disabled person who is certified as meeting the requirements of this section for a vehicle used by an agency, organization, or facility that is designed to transport a handicapped or disabled person if the vehicle is titled in the name of the agency, organization, or facility. Proof that the agency, organization, or facility transports a handicapped or disabled person must be in a manner prescribed by the department. A certificate from a licensed physician, APRN, PA, or physical therapist is not required to apply for placards issued to an agency, organization, or facility. At the time of qualification, applicants qualifying for a placard under this section also must be issued a placard registration certificate that must be carried at all times in the vehicle transporting handicapped or disabled individuals. The certificate will display the name of the agency, organization, or facility to which the placard was issued.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator DAVIS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Bright Massey
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
H. 4189--Reps. Davis and Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 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. (Abbreviated Title)
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Medical Affairs proposed the following amendment (SR-4189.CEM0001S), which was ruled out of order:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 100, by striking Section 44-1-100 and inserting:
Section 44-1-100. AllIf so ordered, all sheriffs and constables in the several counties of this State and police officers and health officers of cities and towns mustmay aid and assist the Director of the Department of Public Health and Environmental Control and mustmay carry out and obey his orders, or those of the Department of Public Health and Environmental Control, to enforce and carry out any and all restrictive measures and quarantine regulations that may be prescribed. During a state of public health emergency, as defined in Section 44-4-130, the director may request assistance in enforcing orders issued pursuant to this chapter and pursuant to Chapter 4, Title 44, from the public safety authority, as defined in Section 44-4-130, other state law enforcement authorities, and local law enforcement. The public safety authority may request assistance from the South Carolina National Guard in enforcing orders made pursuant to this chapter or pursuant to Chapter 4, Title 44, which may be deployed or activated only upon order of the Governor.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 115, Section 44-4-130, by adding a subsection to read:
(X) "Gene therapy" means any product that mediates its effects by transcription or translation of transferred genetic material or by integrating into the host genome and that are administered as nucleic acids, viruses, or genetically engineered microorganisms.
(Y) "Vaccine" means a suspension of attenuated or killed microorganisms, or of antigenic proteins derived from them, that is administered for prevention, amelioration, or treatment of infectious diseases.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 117, by striking Section 44-4-510(A)(2) and inserting:
(2) DHECDPH may isolate or quarantine, pursuant to the sections of this act and its existing powers under Section 44-1-140, any symptomatic person or person who has been exposed to the contagious disease for which the public health emergency has been declared whose refusal of physical examination or testing results in uncertainty regarding whether he or she has been exposed to or is infected with athe contagious or possibly contagious disease or otherwise poses a danger to public health.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 117, by striking Section 44-4-520(A)(1) and inserting:
(1) to vaccinate persons as protection against infectious disease and to prevent the spread of contagious or possibly contagious disease;
Amend the bill further, SECTION 117, by striking Section 44-4-520(A)(3) and inserting:
(3) to prevent the spread of contagious or possibly contagious disease, DHECDPH may isolate or quarantine, pursuant to the applicable sections of this act, symptomatic persons or persons exposed to the disease who are unable or unwilling for any reason (including, but not limited to, health, religion, or conscience) to undergo vaccination or treatment pursuant to this section.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 117, by striking Section 44-4-520(B) and inserting:
(B) Vaccinations or treatment, or both, must be provided only to those individuals who agreeprovide consent to the vaccinations or treatment, or both.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 117, by striking Section 44-4-520(C)(1) and inserting:
(C)(1) VaccinationVaccinations may be performed by any qualified person authorized by DHECDPH.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 117, Section 44-4-520, by adding a subsection to read:
(E) For purposes of this section, "informed consent" means a written document that is signed and dated by an individual; or if the individual is a minor, by a parent or legal guardian; or if the individual is incapacitated or without sufficient mental capacity, by a designated health care agent pursuant to a health care power of attorney, that at a minimum includes:
(1) an explanation of the vaccine or treatment that is written in language that is understandable to the average lay person;
(2) a description of the potential risks and benefits resulting from vaccine or treatment, along with a realistic description of the most likely outcome;
(3) a statement acknowledging risks associated with the vaccine or treatment if the vaccine or treatment is an indemnified product; and
(4) language that clearly indicates that the individual agrees to the administration of the vaccine or treatment, that the individual has had time to thoughtfully and voluntarily accept or decline the vaccine or treatment free from coercion.
(F) The safety and efficacy of vaccines, tests, and treatments performed and administered as provided in this section must be reviewed and adverse events monitored by the department. References to evidence-based data determined to validate vaccines, tests, and treatments including, but not limited to VAERS data, must be prominently posted on the department's public website.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator VERDIN explained the Bill.
Senator MARTIN explained the amendment.
Senator SABB raised a Point of Order under Rule 24A that the amendment was out of order inasmuch as it was not germane to the Bill.
Senator MARTIN spoke on the Point of Order.
Senator SABB spoke on the Point of Order.
Senator CORBIN spoke on the Point of Order.
Senator GARRETT spoke on the Point of Order.
Senator LEBER spoke on the Point of Order.
Senator SABB spoke on the Point of Order.
The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, with unanimous consent, Senators KIMBRELL, JOHNSON, BENNETT, TEDDER and DAVIS were granted leave to attend a subcommittee meeting and were granted leave to vote from the balcony.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator GROOMS explained the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator GROOMS proposed the following amendment (SR-5131.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:
SECTION X. Article 44, Chapter 3, Title 56 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Share the RoadI Bike SC License Plates
Section 56-3-4410. (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Share the Road" "I Bike SC" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 and motorcycles registered in their names which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, or other symbol of the Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc. The Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc. shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for this special license plate. The Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc. may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period which expires twenty-four months from the month it is issued. The fee for this these special license plateplates is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of thirtyfifty-two dollars.
(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, from the fees collected pursuant to this section, the Comptroller General shall place into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167, an amount equal to the expenses of the Department of Motor Vehicles in producing and administering the special license plates. The remaining funds collected from the special motor vehicle license fee must be distributed to the Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc., or another nonprofit fund designated by the Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc., for the promotion of bicycling pedestrian, bicycle, and other active transportation safety and education programs. Any remaining funds must be administered by the Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc., or another nonprofit fund designated by the Palmetto Cycling Coalition Inc. used only for efforts to promote bicyclepedestrian, bicycle, and other active transportation safety and education programs, and deposited in an appropriate nonprofit account designated by the Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc.
(C) Before the department produces and distributes a plate authorized under this section, it must receive:
(1) four hundred or more prepaid applications for the special license plate or a deposit of four thousand dollars from the individual or organization seeking issuance of the license plate. If a deposit of four thousand dollars is made by an individual or organization pursuant to this section, the department must refund the four thousand dollars once an equivalent amount of license plate fees is collected for that organization's license plate. If the equivalent amount is not collected within four years of the first issuance of the license plate, then the department must retain the deposit; and
(2) a plan to market the sale of the special license plate that must be approved by the department.
(D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.
SECTION X. Chapter 3, Title 56 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Quail Forever Specialty License Plate
Section 56-3-16510. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Quail Forever" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles or motorcycles registered in their names. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of seventy dollars. Any portion of the additional seventy-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to Quail Forever, and those funds will be used exclusively in South Carolina in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to further Quail Forever's mission to influence bobwhite habitat conservation to support long-term and healthy quail populations in South Carolina. The department may issue this special license plate six months following the approval of its design.
SECTION X.A. Chapter 3, Title 56 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Blackout Special License Plates
Section 56-3-16610. (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall issue blackout special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles or motorcycles registered in their names. This special license plate is exempt from the provisions contained in Section 56-3-8100. Each blackout special license plate must have a solid black background and white characters imprinted horizontally.
(B) Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial period that expires twenty-four months from the month the plate is issued. The fee for each special license plate is the regular biennial registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional biennial fee of forty dollars. The additional biennial fee of forty dollars must be credited to the State Highway Fund. The fee for each special personalized plate is an additional biennial fee of sixty dollars, which must be credited to the State Highway Fund.
B. The department shall produce special blackout plates within six months after the effective date of this act.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GROOMS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator BENNETT proposed the following amendment (LC-5131.DG0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 56-3-1230(D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(D) Notwithstanding subsection (C), no later than January 1, 2027, the South Carolina Revolutionary War Sestercentennial Commission shall submit to the department for approval a new design, emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol it desires to be used as the regular license plate to commemorate the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the American Revolution. The design, emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol submitted to the department must be imprinted with the words "Where the Revolution Was Won" and shall include, at a minimum, a flag against an indigo background together with a gorget in an upper corner of the flag, also known as the Moultrie Flag. The department must use the commission's submission pursuant to this subsection as the design for regular license plates for private-passenger vehicles and motorcycles issued by the department until December 31, 2032.
(D)(E) Fees for regular license plates shall not exceed the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator TURNER explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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. 3949 (Word version) -- Reps. King, Duncan and Garvin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-614 SO AS TO DESIGNATE "DUM SPIRO SPERO" TRANSLATED AS "WHILE I BREATHE, I HOPE" AS THE OFFICIAL CHORAL ANTHEM OF THE STATE.
On motion of Senator YOUNG, the Bill was carried over.
H. 5168 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell and Yow: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-687 SO AS TO DESIGNATE "CAROLINA WHEN I DIE" BY PATRICK DAVIS AS AN OFFICIAL STATE SONG.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, the Bill was carried over.
H. 5179 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, McGinnis, Garvin, Grant, Yow, C. Mitchell, Wooten and King: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-440 SO AS TO CREATE THE SCHOOL MAPPING DATA PROGRAM WITHIN THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FACILITATING EFFICIENT EMERGENCY RESPONSES IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING BY PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCIES, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION BY THE DIVISION, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Education proposed the following amendment (SEDU-5179.KG0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-440(A)(2) and inserting:
(2) "Institution of higher learning" means:
(a) state-supported colleges and universities enumerated in Section 59-101-10; and
(b) state-supported technical institutions under the jurisdiction of the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education.is defined pursuant to Section 59-103-5.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-440(D) and inserting:
(D) In any given fiscal year and subject to available dedicated funding after the initial contract period, the State Law Enforcement Division shall be responsible for the annual cost of maintenance, which may not exceed fifteen percent of the initial cost of the mapping.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator ELLIOTT explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senators ALEXANDER, PEELER, HEMBREE, and RICE proposed the following amendment (SEDU-5179.KG0004S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Chapter 101, Title 59 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 59-101-700. (A) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Employee" means any individual employed by an institution of higher education on a full-time, part-time, temporary, or contractual basis.
(2) "Business with which he is associated" means any business, trade, profession, membership, appointment, elected position or other commercial activity conducted for compensation by an employee other than the employee's official duties with the institution.
(B) Every public institution of higher learning, as defined in Section 59-103-5, shall establish and maintain a secure, electronic reporting system for each employee to annually disclose any business with which he is associated.
(C) On or before December thirty-first of each year, every employee shall submit a disclosure through the reporting system listing:
(1) any business with which he is associated;
(2) the name of the business; and
(3) a general description of the type of work or services performed for the business.
(D) Each institution shall ensure that the reporting system maintains the confidentiality and security of all submitted information.
(E) An institution shall adopt policies and procedures necessary to implement and enforce the requirements of this section, including provisions addressing noncompliance. A copy of those policies and procedures shall be provided to the Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee and the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee upon adoption and upon any subsequent amendments.
(F) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an employee from engaging in any outside business activities unless otherwise restricted by state law or institutional policy.
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.
Senator ELLIOTT asked unanimous consent to make a motion to give the Bill a second reading, carry over all amendments and waive the provisions of Rule 26B in order to allow amendments to be considered on third reading.
There was no objection.
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
H. 5205 (Word version) -- Reps. McGinnis, Erickson, Grant, Spann-Wilder and Govan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 4 TO CHAPTER 101, TITLE 59 SO AS TO REQUIRE EACH PUBLIC COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN THIS STATE TO IMPLEMENT A SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ALL NEW STUDENTS, TO PROVIDE EXCLUSIONS FROM THE PROGRAMS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAMS, TO REQUIRE EACH INSTITUTION TO COMPILE AND ANNUALLY REPORT CERTAIN CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Education proposed the following amendment (SEDU-5205.KG0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-810(1) and inserting:
(1) "Institution of higher learning" means each public college, public university, and technical college in this State.is defined pursuant to Section 59-103-5.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-820(A) and inserting:
(A) Each Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, each institution of higher learning shall develop and implement a safety training program for all new students. The training must be administered during the student's initial orientation or within the first thirty days of the student's arrival on campus. The provisions of this subsection apply to undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis and physically attend class on campus. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to:
(1) students who are only enrolled in adult education, dual enrollment, or certificate programs;
(2) continuing education students; and
(3) transient students.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-820(B)(1) and (2) and inserting:
(B)(1) The training program for an institution of higher learning to which the provisions of this article apply pursuant to subsection (A) must be developed by the institution's public safety director, in coordination with the institution's president and governing board. In the absence of a campus public safety department, a technical college shall contract with the security personnel that it uses on campus to develop and implement the student safety training in coordination with the president and governing board.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of item (1), the president of the University of South Carolina system, in coordination with the governing board, shall work with the appropriate administrative personnel or, public safety personnel, or both at each system institution to ensure that each campus implements a training program as required by this chapter.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-830(A)(1) and (2) and inserting:
(1) Each Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, each institution of higher learning shall submit its annual security report, which is required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. section 1092(f), required by federal law and the summary analysis described in subsection (B) to the Commission on Higher Education or the State Board of Technical and Comprehensive Education, as appropriate, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division no later than October thirty-first of each year. The annual security report and the summary analysis described in subsection (B) shall cover the time period of January first through December thirty-first of the preceding calendar year. Each institution shall:
(a) post direct access to its report and annual summary analysis on its internet website when it provides the report to the commission or state board and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division no later than October thirty-first of each year; and
(b) email direct access to the report and annual summary analysis to students before the first day of the class during the following fall semester, excluding students enumerated in Section 59-101-820(A)(1)-(3).
(2) The commission, state board, and State Law Enforcement Division shall:
(a) make these reports and annual summary analyses publicly available on their respective websites by use of not more than three links and no later than November fifteenth of each year; and
(b) provide a composite summary report of each of these reports to the respective chairs of the House Education and Public Works Committee and Senate Education Committee no later than December first of each year.Each institution, the Commission on Higher Education, the State Board of Technical and Comprehensive Education, and the State Law Enforcement Division shall make reports required pursuant to this section available on their websites and provide a summary to the House Education and Public Works Committee and the Senate Education Committee no later than December first each year.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-830(B) and (C) and inserting:
(B) Each institution shall compile and report, a summary analysis as required in Section 59-101-830(A), an annual summary analysis including to include the number of criminal reports alleging homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle larceny, and arson reported to have occurred on property owned, leased, or controlled by the institution. The annual summary analysis shall, to the extent possible, report whether the alleged victim and alleged offender were affiliated with the institution at the time the crime was reported.
(C) Although the reporting obligation under this section is annual, if the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, or Chairman of the Senate Education Committee determines that concerns exist regarding campus safety or crime reporting, the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, or Chairman of the Senate Education Committee may submit a written request for campus crime data at any time. Upon such a request, the institution must provide the requested data within thirty calendar days after receipt of the request.Upon a request by the Speaker of the House, the Chairman of House Education and Public Works, the President of the Senate, or the Chairman of Senate Education for interim campus safety or crime reporting data, the institution must provide the requested data within thirty calendar days after receipt of the request.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-830(E) and inserting:
(E) Nothing in this section may be construed to limit, modify, or otherwise affect the duties of institutions of higher learning under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. section 1092(f), or to relieve any institution from complying with all applicable federal reporting and disclosure requirements.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-850(A) and inserting:
(A) The Commission on Higher Education and State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, respectively, shall maintain a record of institutions that submit the annual reports required pursuant to Section 59-101-820(E) and Section 59-101-830.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-850(C) and inserting:
(C) By January first of each year, the Commission on Higher Education and State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education shall notify the respective chairmen of the House Education and Public Works Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, and the Senate Education Committee, and the Senate Finance Committee of any institution that is institutions not in compliance with the provisions of this article. The House Education and Public Works Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, or both may:
(1) recommend a reduction or suspension in institutional funding for the following fiscal year to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee; and
(2) refer a finding of noncompliance to the Attorney General who may bring an enforcement action in the circuit court of appropriate jurisdiction.
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Chapter 101, Title 59 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:
Section 59-101-440. (A) Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, each public institution of higher learning in this State shall make opioid and fentanyl prevention education and awareness information available to enrolled students. Education may be provided in person or electronically and must include information on recognizing an opioid overdose, appropriate response including contacting emergency services, and the legal protections available to people who seek medical assistance or render aid in good faith pursuant to Section 15-1-310 and the South Carolina Overdose Prevention Act.
(B) The information required by subsection (A) must be posted on a publicly accessible portion of each institution's internet website for viewing by students, parents, and legal guardians.
(C) Each institution of higher learning shall provide training on the administration of naloxone or other opioid overdose reversal medication to staff assigned to work in student residence halls. The training may be incorporated into existing training programs.
(D) For the purpose of assisting a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose, an institution of higher learning may obtain, possess, store, and maintain naloxone or other opioid overdose reversal medication pursuant to a standing order, statewide protocol, or other lawful mechanism authorized under the South Carolina Overdose Prevention Act, and may make the medication available for use in responding to a suspected overdose on property owned or controlled by the institution.
(E) A person who, in good faith and in accordance with training, administers opioid overdose reversal medication pursuant to this section is entitled to the immunities and protections provided under Section 15-1-310 and the South Carolina Overdose Prevention Act.
(F) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Institution of higher learning" is defined pursuant to Section 59-103-5.
(2) "South Carolina Overdose Prevention Act" means Chapter 130 of Title 44.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and first applies to students enrolling for the academic year beginning in the fall of 2027 with the annual summary analysis data being first produced in November 2027.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator ELLIOTT explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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. 4163 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson, Bowers, Bradley, Crawford, Davis, Pedalino, Hartnett, Neese, M.M. Smith, Oremus, Lawson, Vaughan, Herbkersman, B.J. Cox, Collins, B.L. Cox, Forrest, Brewer, Burns, Gatch, Haddon, Hager, Hixon, Murphy, Taylor, Whitmire, Teeple, Guest, Alexander and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 9 TO TITLE 59, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AND TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSE, FUNCTIONS, ORGANIZATION, AND GOVERNANCE OF THE ASSOCIATION; TO PROVIDE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, INCLUDING CHARTER SCHOOLS, MAY NOT JOIN OR AFFILIATE WITH ANY OTHER ENTITY WITHIN THE STATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNING, SANCTIONING, OR OPERATING INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAMS; AND TO PROVIDE PROVISIONS CONCERNING TRANSFER STUDENTS, HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS, PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND APPEALS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Senator HUTTO objected to consideration of the Bill.
H. 4738 (Word version) -- Reps. Erickson and McGinnis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-26-20, RELATING TO CERTAIN DUTIES OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION RELATING TO PUBLIC EDUCATOR TRAINING, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE GOVERNOR'S TEACHING SCHOLARSHIP LOAN PROGRAM; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-26-35, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATOR PREPARATION REPORT CARD, SO AS TO REVISE DUTIES OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-53-40, RELATING TO COLLEGE PARALLEL COURSES AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS, SO AS TO REMOVE RELATED BUDGETARY REVIEW REQUIREMENTS OF THE COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-104-40, RELATING TO THE CONVERSION FROM THE QUARTER CALENDAR SYSTEM TO THE SEMESTER CALENDAR SYSTEM BY THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION SYSTEM, SO AS TO REMOVE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-150-355, RELATING TO EDUCATION LOTTERY APPROPRIATIONS AND USES, SO AS TO REMOVE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 8-17-380, RELATING TO THE GRIEVANCE AND PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL PROCEDURE FOR ACADEMIC EMPLOYEES, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO THE COMMISSION; BY REPEALING CHAPTER 51, TITLE 11 RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH UNIVERSITY INFRASTRUCTURE ACT; BY REPEALING SECTION 39-9-230 RELATING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE METRIC SYSTEM BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE WITH ASSISTANCE BY AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-54-20 RELATING TO THE STATE OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING ADVISORY COMMITTEE; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-101-340 RELATING TO ALLOCATION OF FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR A CERTAIN INVESTMENT INITIATIVE; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-101-360 RELATING TO CERTAIN REVENUE FROM TAX ON CATALOG SALES CREDITABLE TO MAIL ORDER SALES TAX FUND; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-103-50 RELATING TO THE ADVISORY COUNCIL OF PRIVATE COLLEGE PRESIDENTS; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-103-120 RELATING TO THE ACCREDITATION AND CHARTERING OF CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGES; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-103-162 RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-104-210 RELATING TO THE COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-104-230 RELATING TO THE ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS PROGRAM; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-104-410 RELATING TO THE RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-104-420 RELATING TO CRITERIA FOR RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND USES; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-104-430 RELATING TO COMPREHENSIVE REPORTS FOR THE RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND TO BE MADE AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-104-440 RELATING TO THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FROM THE RESEARCH INVESTMENT FUND; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-105-60 RELATING TO THE MODEL SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY CREATED BY THE CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT INFORMATION ACT; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-111-75 RELATING TO THE COLLEGE LOAN PROGRAM FOR NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-121-15 RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CITADEL TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE INSTITUTION; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-127-75 RELATING TO THE FELTON-LABORATORY SCHOOL AT SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 59-150-380 RELATING TO THE EDUCATIONAL LOTTERY TEACHING SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS PROGRAM.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator HEMBREE explained the Bill.
The question being the second reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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.
H. 5073 (Word version) -- Reps. Pedalino, Erickson, Montgomery, McCravy, Pace, Bradley, D. Mitchell, Terribile, Robbins, T. Moore, Sessions, Neese, Brittain, Crawford, Lawson, Edgerton, Chumley, Brewer, Chapman, Vaughan, Guest, Guffey, Cox, W. Newton, McGinnis, B. Newton, McCabe, Rankin, Gagnon, Gibson, J.E. Johnson, Long, Moss, Schuessler, G.M. Smith, White, Oremus, Teeple, Lastinger, Burns, Hewitt, Haddon, Cromer, Gilreath, Hartnett and Ballentine: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-250 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADING PRACTICES, TO CONDITION ELIGIBILITY FOR CREDIT RECOVERY AND CONTENT RECOVERY ON COMPLETION OF REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS, TO LIMIT THE USE OF CERTAIN ASSESSMENTS IN CALCULATING FINAL COURSE GRADES, TO PROVIDE ENFORCEMENT THROUGH WITHHOLDING OF STATE AID TO CLASSROOM FUNDS, TO DIRECT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO EVALUATE AND RECOMMEND REVISIONS TO THE UNIFORM GRADING POLICY, AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT THE RECOMMENDED REVISIONS.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Education proposed the following amendment (SEDU-5073.DB0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-29-250 and inserting:
Section 59-29-250. (A) In alignment with the Profile of the Graduate and state academic standards, grading practices in schools shall promote college and career readiness by measuring student mastery of rigorous material as demonstrated through completed assignments and assessments. Only academic performance may be considered in the assignment of grades in a high school credit course.
(B)(A) Grades that reflect actual student performance are essential for maintaining academic standards and accountability. No public school district or public school may adopt any type of grading system that requires a teacher to assign a minimum grade or score that exceeds the student's actual performance on completed required assignments. If a school district is found to be in violation of this section, the State Department of Education shall withhold ten percent of the school district's State Aid to Classroom funding.
(C)(B) In order for a student to be eligible to participate in a district-approved credit recovery course as defined in the South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy, a student must have submitted all required assignments for the course in a manner consistent with district policies for timely submission of student work.
(D)(C) In order for a student to be eligible to participate in a district-approved content recovery program as defined in the South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy, a student must have completed all required assignments for the relevant subset of the course in a manner consistent with district policies for timely submission of student work.
(E)(D) Districts Public school districts shall not require the inclusion of student performance on the formative assessments required in Section 59-18-310(D) or on any district-selected benchmark assessment in calculating a student's final grade in any course or subject. As used in this section, a district-selected benchmark assessment is defined as an assessment that includes items not available for review by the classroom teacher in advance of administration or items covering content that has not been previously taught in the course.Any district-selected assessments developed without the input and prior review of the teacher of students taking the assessment may only be used as a formative assessment to inform instructional practices and shall not factor into a student's course grade. These provisions do not apply to End of Course assessments. This section does not prohibit a district from requiring administration of benchmark assessments for the purpose of informing and improving instructional practices through evaluation and monitoring of student mastery of state academic standards. To further this goal, studentStudent results on district-developed benchmark assessments must be made available in a timely fashion to educators, students, and parents after administration of the assessment.
(F)(E) Prior to the start of the 2026-2027 School Year, the State Board of Education is directed to establish a task force comprised of three superintendents, principals, teachers, representatives of public school boards each, and three high school students to evaluate potential revisions to the Uniform Grading Policy in order to enhance the utility of grades in evaluating college and career readiness, ensure high school grade point averages are meaningful indicators of academic achievement, and reduce the need for and use of credit recovery and content recovery programs. The task force shall make recommendations to the board for potential revisions in areas including, but not limited to, the use of term weighting in calculating final student grades, the method of awarding quality points on the basis of unique numeric final course averages when calculating student grade point averages, and the use of a 100-point grading scale. The task force shall report its findings to the State Board of Education before June 1, 2027. The State Board of Education shall consider the findings and adopt then adoptany updates to the Uniform Grading Policy., and school Public school districts shall implement, any updates to the Uniform Grading Policy by no later than the 2028-2029 School Year. At a minimum thereafter, the uniform grading policy should be reviewed and updated every seven years.
(F) Nothing in this section shall restrain a public school district from adopting policies regarding credit or content recovery.
(G) For the purpose of this section, the use of "public school district" shall include charter school districts and the use of "public school" shall include charter schools.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator HEMBREE explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator HEMBREE proposed the following amendment (SEDU-5073.DB0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-29-250(D) and inserting:
(D) Public school districts shall not require the inclusion of student performance on the formative assessments required in Section 59-18-310(D) or on any district-selected benchmark assessment in calculating a student's final grade in any course or subject. District-selected benchmark assessments may only be used as formative assessments for informing instructional purposes and shall not factor into a student's course grade unless the Any district-selected assessments assessment is developed or directly accessible to the course instructor prior to administration of the assessment and exclusively measures content that has previously been taught in the coursewithout the input and prior review of the teacher of students taking the assessment may only be used as a formative assessment to inform instructional practices and shall not factor into a student's course grade. These provisions do not apply to End of Course assessments. This section does not prohibit a district from requiring administration of benchmark assessments for the purpose of informing and improving instructional practices through evaluation and monitoring of student mastery of state academic standards. Student results on district-developed benchmark assessments must be made available in a timely fashion to educators, students, and parents after administration of the assessment.
Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 2 and inserting:
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governoron July 1, 2026.
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 Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey 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. 4000 (Word version) -- Reps. M.M. Smith, Stavrinakis, B.L. Cox, Davis, Wetmore, Bustos, Teeple, Holman, Spann-Wilder, Kirby, Robbins, Landing, Hartnett, Brewer, Gilliard, Gatch, J. Moore, T. Moore, Murphy, W. Newton, Duncan and Bauer: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-100, RELATING TO THE PERSONS ENTITLED TO BE LICENSEES OR PERMITTEES, SO AS TO ADD PERFORMING ARTS AND CONVENTION COMPLEXES; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-4-515, RELATING TO THE PERMIT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION, SO AS TO ADD PERFORMING ARTS AND CONVENTION COMPLEXES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-2016, RELATING TO THE BIENNIAL LICENSE FOR PURCHASE AND SALE FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION, SO AS TO ADD PERFORMING ARTS AND CONVENTION COMPLEXES.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator JOHNSON proposed the following amendment (SJ-4000.SW0003S), which was proposed:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Section 61-2-145 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 61-2-145. (A) In addition to all other requirements, a person licensed or permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, which remains open after five o'clock p.m. to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, is required to maintain a liquor liability insurance policy or a general liability insurance policy with a liquor liability endorsement with an annual aggregate limit of at least one million dollars during the period of the biennial permit or license, unless the person licensed or permitted to sell alcoholic beverages qualifies under the terms of a liquor liability risk mitigation program pursuant to subsection (E). Failure to maintain this coverage during the entire period of the biennial permit or license constitutes grounds for suspension or revocation of the permit or license and is sufficient grounds for the department to seek an emergency revocation order as provided in Sections 12-60-1340 and 1-23-370(c). An insurance policy issued pursuant to this section must provide for minimum coverage of five hundred thousand dollars per occurrence giving rise to the claim of at least fifty percent of the total aggregate limit, per occurrence, giving rise to the claim.
(B) The department shall add this requirement to all applications and renewals for biennial permits or licenses to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, in which the permittees and licensees remain open and sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption after five o'clock p.m. Each applicant or person renewing its license or permit, to whom this requirement applies, shall provide the department with documentation of a liquor liability insurance policy or a general liability insurance policy with a liquor liability endorsement in the required amounts.
(C) Each insurer writing liquor liability insurance policies or general liability insurance policies with a liquor liability endorsement to a person licensed or permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, in which the person so licensed or permitted remains open to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption after five o'clock p.m., must notify the department in a manner prescribed by department regulation of the lapse or termination of the liquor liability insurance policy or the general liability insurance policy with a liquor liability endorsement within thirty days of the lapse or termination.
(D) For the purposes of this section, the term "alcoholic beverages" means beer, wine, alcoholic liquors, and alcoholic liquor by the drink as defined in Chapter 4, Title 61, and Chapter 6, Title 61.
(E) A person licensed or permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, which remains open after five o'clock p.m. to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, may qualify for liquor liability risk mitigation. A licensee or permittee qualifies if the licensee or permittee:
(1) stops serving alcohol by twelve o'clock a.m. for the entire policy period;
(2) has all employees who serve alcohol complete an alcohol server training course pursuant to Title 61, Chapter 3, within sixty days of employment in that capacity;
(3) has less than forty percent of its total sales deriving from alcohol sales;
(4) uses a forensic digital identification system that validates the identification of any person attempting to enter the premises between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.; or
(5) is a nonprofit organization which is exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of United States Code, as amended, or the entity is engaging in a single event for which a Beer and Wine Special Event License or Liquor Special Event Permit is obtained.
(6) A licensee or permittee meeting the requirement of item (1) may reduce the required annual aggregate limit by two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. A licensee or permittee meeting the requirements of item (2), (3) or (4) may reduce the required annual aggregate limit by one hundred thousand dollars per item satisfied. A licensee or permittee meeting the requirements of item (5) may reduce the annual aggregate limit by five hundred thousand dollars. A licensee or permittee who has met the requirements of any combination of items (1)-(5) must receive the permitted reduction in the required annual aggregate limit for each item the licensee or permittee complies with provided a person licensed or permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, which remains open after five o'clock p.m. to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, must at all times maintain coverage with an annual aggregate limit of at least three hundred thousand dollars during the entire period of the biennial permit or license.
(7) Insurers must establish liquor liability mitigation measures and offer reasonable premium discounts for compliance therewith that reduce the risk to the general public associated with the service of on-premises consumption of alcohol.
(F)(E) Permittees and licensees selling alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption at any time between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. shall use a forensic digital identification system during those hours that validates the identification of any person at the point of sale or attempting to enter the premises as a patron. Selling alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption at any time between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. without the use of a forensic digital identification system during those hours is a violation of this subsection and must be punished:
(1) for a first offense, by a fine administered by the department in the amount of two thousand five hundred dollars;
(2) for a second offense committed within two years of the commission of the first offense, by having the licensee's or permittee's alcohol license or permit suspended for up to fourteen days, as determined by the department; and
(3) for a third offense committed within three years of the commission of the first offense, by having the licensee's or permittee's alcohol license or permit revoked.
(G)(F) For purposes of this section, the calculation of total sales shall include sales of alcohol sold for on-premises consumption and all food and nonalcoholic beverages sold on the premises where the alcohol is sold, including food and nonalcoholic beverages sold by third-party vendors.
SECTION 2. Section 61-6-4270 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 61-6-4270. (A) For violations of Articles 3, 5, 7, and 13 of this chapter, or of Chapter 21 or 33 of Title 12, and for a violation of any regulation pertaining to alcoholic liquors, the department may, in its discretion, impose a monetary penalty upon the holder of a liquor license in lieu of suspension or revocation, except as otherwise provided in Subsection (B).
In these cases, the amount of any penalty imposed must be determined within the limits prescribed in this section in each case by the department after a hearing as provided in the South Carolina Revenue Procedures Act and the Administrative Procedures Act. For these violations:
(1) retail liquor licensees are subject to a penalty of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars; and
(2) wholesale liquor licensees are subject to a penalty of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars.
The department in its discretion may suspend payment of a fine or a monetary penalty imposed under this section.
(B) Notwithstanding the penalties provided above, any licensee holding a license pursuant to this chapter, or a servant, agent, or employee of such a license holder who knowingly violates Section 61-6-1500(A)(1), Section 61-6-2220, or Section 61-6-2230, must be punished:
(1) for a first offense, by a fine administered by the department in the amount of two thousand five hundred dollars;
(2) for a second offense committed within two years of the commission of the first offense, by having the licensee's alcohol license suspended for up to fourteen days, as determined by the department; and
(3) for a third offense committed within three years of the commission of the first offense, by having the licensee's alcohol license revoked.
(C) If the department imposes a monetary penalty under this section which is not paid or a contested case hearing requested within thirty days after demand by the department, the license or licenses may be suspended or revoked by the department.
(D) Penalties provided for in this section by the department are in addition to any fines and penalties imposed upon the licensees by any court of competent jurisdiction for violation of the laws of this State.
(E) Penalties provided for in this section must be paid to the State Treasurer for credit to the general fund of the State for public school use.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator JOHNSON explained the amendment.
Senator TURNER objected to further consideration of the Bill.
H. 4544 (Word version) -- Reps. Jordan, W. Newton, M.M. Smith, B.L. Cox and Davis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-32-220, RELATING TO NONECONOMIC DAMAGES LIMIT AND EXCEPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR INTENT TO HARM, FELONY CONVICTIONS, AND INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 15-78-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE TORT CLAIMS ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE MEANING OF "OCCURRENCE"; BY AMENDING SECTION 15-78-120, RELATING TO LIMITATION ON LIABILITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE LIMITATIONS MUST BE INCREASED OR DECREASED; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 33-56-180, RELATING TO LIMITED LIABILITY OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator MASSEY proposed the following amendment (SR-4544.KM0001S), which was proposed:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting SECTION 3 from the bill.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MASSEY explained the amendment.
Senator MASSEY objected to further consideration of the Bill.
H. 4670 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, C. Mitchell and Henderson-Myers: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 15-1-350 SO AS TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMANDS FOR PERSONAL INJURY, BODILY INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR WRONGFUL DEATH.
On motion of Senator RANKIN, the Bill was carried over.
S. 867 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Kimbrell, Garrett, Sutton, Walker, Blackmon, Turner, Zell, Kennedy and Devine: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-10 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-20 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE, TO ESTABLISH THE DATA CENTER INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S MEMBERSHIP, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S POWERS AND DUTIES; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-30 SO AS TO REQUIRE A SITING PERMIT BEFORE A DATA CENTER MAY LOCATE A FACILITY AT A PARTICULAR LOCATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TIMELINE FOR CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-40 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PERFORMANCE-BASED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY STANDARDS, WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS, AND TO REQUIRE ANNUAL REPORTS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-50 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE ADEQUACY ASSESSMENTS, TO PROVIDE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR REASONABLE BUFFER REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION'S ROLE CONCERNING RATES, AGREEMENTS BETWEEN UTILITIES AND DATA CENTERS, AND COST ALLOCATION METHODOLOGIES; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-70 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DECOMMISSIONING PLANS AND FINANCIAL ASSURANCES ASSOCIATED WITH DECOMMISSIONING; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-80 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAND USE PLANNING; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-90 SO AS TO REQUIRE DATA CENTERS TO IMPLEMENT REASONABLE MEASURES TO MINIMIZE NOISE, VIBRATION, AND LIGHT IMPACTS RESULTING FROM THEIR OPERATION; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-100 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FOR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION SHARED WITH THE OFFICE BY DATA CENTER OPERATORS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-110 SO AS TO CLARIFY THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THIS CHAPTER AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS; BY ADDING SECTION 49-35-120 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER ARE PROSPECTIVE; TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES; AND TO PROVIDE THAT FOR TWO YEARS AFTER ENACTMENT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES SHALL PRIORITIZE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE OVER ENFORCEMENT TO FACILITATE INDUSTRY TRANSITION TO THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
Senator RANKIN objected to consideration of the Bill.
S. 936 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Young, Garrett, Stubbs, Martin, Johnson, Hembree, Elliott, Fernandez, Gambrell, Bennett, Blackmon, Climer, Grooms, Campsen, Cromer, Turner, Sutton, Kennedy, Walker, Tedder, Williams, Rankin, Hutto, Cash, Graham and Alexander: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM THE COMMITMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO SECURING SOUTH CAROLINA'S ROLE AS THE NATION'S PREMIER HOST FOR A NUCLEAR LIFECYCLE INNOVATION CAMPUS; TO RECOGNIZE SOUTH CAROLINA'S UNMATCHED LEADERSHIP IN NUCLEAR ENERGY, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING; AND TO DIRECT A UNIFIED, COMPETITIVE STATE RESPONSE TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.
Senator CORBIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.
The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.
Senator MARTIN asked unanimous consent to return to S. 936 on an uncontested basis and waive the provisions of Rule 39.
There was no objection.
S. 936 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Young, Garrett, Stubbs, Martin, Johnson, Hembree, Elliott, Fernandez, Gambrell, Bennett, Blackmon, Climer, Grooms, Campsen, Cromer, Turner, Sutton, Kennedy, Walker, Tedder, Williams, Rankin, Hutto, Cash and Graham: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM THE COMMITMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO SECURING SOUTH CAROLINA'S ROLE AS THE NATION'S PREMIER HOST FOR A NUCLEAR LIFECYCLE INNOVATION CAMPUS; TO RECOGNIZE SOUTH CAROLINA'S UNMATCHED LEADERSHIP IN NUCLEAR ENERGY, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING; AND TO DIRECT A UNIFIED, COMPETITIVE STATE RESPONSE TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Resolution.
Senator DAVIS proposed the following amendment (SJ-936.BJ0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the joint resolution, before the enacting words, by striking the eighth paragraph and inserting:
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly, through Senate Bill S. 51, ratified in May 2025 as Act 73, directed encouraged Santee Cooper to solicit competitive private sector bids for the restart and completion of V.C. Summer Nuclear Units 2 and 3, the partially constructed reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsville, South Carolina, that were abandoned in 2017; and
Amend the joint resolution further, before the enacting words, after the eleventh paragraph by adding:
Whereas, the Savannah River Site currently stores more than 33 million gallons of legacy high-level radioactive waste as well as substantial quantities of spent nuclear fuel, and while the General Assembly opposes any expansion of the State's role as a destination for nuclear waste beyond its existing legal obligations, the legacy materials stored at the Savannah River Site and the nuclear materials the State is already obligated to receive under existing agreements represent longstanding remediation obligations that the State has an interest in discharging as completely and efficiently as possible; and
Whereas, a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus designation would position South Carolina to deploy advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies, including, without limitation, electrochemical reprocessing, pyroprocessing, and molten salt extraction, to convert waste streams and nuclear materials already present at the Savannah River Site and those the State is otherwise obligated to receive into usable fuel for advanced reactors, thereby reducing stored waste volume and toxicity while generating economic value; and
Amend the joint resolution further,, by striking the undesignated paragraph and inserting:
(4) "V.C. Summer Units 2 and 3" means the partially constructed nuclear reactor units at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsville, South Carolina, the restart and completion of which was directed encouraged pursuant to Act 73 of 2025.
Amend the joint resolution further,, by striking the undesignated paragraph and inserting:
The General Assembly further finds that the enactment of Act 73 of 2025, directing encouraging Santee Cooper to solicit private sector bids for the completion of V.C. Summer Units 2 and 3, and Santee Cooper's subsequent award of that contract to Brookfield Renewable Partners, reflects South Carolina's demonstrated willingness to act decisively to advance nuclear energy development, and that the active restart and completion of those reactors will provide a singular operational asset - new nuclear construction underway within the state's borders - that no other prospective host state can offer to the federal government in connection with a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus.
The General Assembly further finds that the convening of a public-private steering committee by the South Carolina Department of Commerce reflects the coordinated, collaborative approach this initiative demands, and that the General Assembly's formal expression of support strengthens South Carolina's competitive position before the federal government.
The General Assembly further finds that a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus designation presents a singular opportunity to more fully and efficiently address the more than 33 million gallons of legacy high-level radioactive waste at the Savannah River Site and the nuclear materials South Carolina is already obligated to receive under existing agreements, and that the advanced reprocessing technologies such a campus would bring offer the prospect of converting those materials into usable nuclear fuel, reducing stored waste volume and toxicity, and accelerating the State's remediation timeline.
The General Assembly further finds and declares that its support for advanced reprocessing technologies is limited in scope to nuclear materials already present at the Savannah River Site and materials South Carolina is obligated to receive under existing legal agreements; that deploying these technologies to manage this universe of materials serves the State's direct interest in discharging its existing obligations more completely and reducing long-term storage burdens; and that nothing in this joint resolution shall be construed as consent to receive, process, or store nuclear waste beyond what South Carolina is already legally obligated to accept.
Amend the joint resolution further,, by striking the undesignated paragraph and inserting:
Nothing in this joint resolution shall be construed as committing the State to a specific site, geographic region, fuel cycle activity, or financial obligation, and any future decisions regarding siting, funding, or formal agreements shall require separate legislative authorization and appropriate oversight. Each agency or subdivision of the state to which this joint resolution applies shall take all necessary actions to ensure that costs associated with the development of the State response and any subsequent actions taken to implement the State response are not unreasonably borne by South Carolina taxpayers or utility ratepayers.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator DAVIS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator BRIGHT desired to be recorded as voting to abstain on the adoption of the amendment.
The question being the second reading of the Resolution.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Bright
There being no further amendments, the Resolution, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
S. 1062 (Word version) -- Education Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE STATE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, RELATING TO DETERMINATION OF RATES OF TUITION AND FEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5443, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Resolution.
Senator HEMBREE explained the Resolution.
The question being the second reading of the Resolution.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The Resolution was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
H. 3034 (Word version) -- Reps. Collins, Wooten, C. Mitchell, Pope, Chapman, Pedalino, Yow, M.M. Smith, Davis, Holman, B.L. Cox, Hixon, Gagnon, Calhoon, Moss, Lawson, Kirby, Ligon, Bailey, Forrest, Gilliam, Willis, Erickson, Schuessler, Vaughan, Bradley, Hager, Whitmire, Robbins, T. Moore, Brewer, Guffey, Martin, J.L. Johnson, Haddon, Wickensimer, Brittain, Kilmartin, D. Mitchell, Cromer, Bowers, Landing, White, W. Newton, J.E. Johnson and B. Newton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "FARGO'S, HYCO'S, RICO'S, COBA'S, WICK'S, AND MIKKA'S LAW" BY AMENDING ARTICLE 11 OF CHAPTER 3, TITLE 47, RELATING TO TAUNTING, TORMENTING, INJURING, OR KILLING POLICE DOGS OR HORSES, SO AS TO EXPAND THE CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN A VIOLATION, INCREASE THE PENALTIES, REQUIRE RESTITUTION TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY, AND MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
Senator ADAMS proposed the following amendment (SJ-3034.MB0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 47-3-620(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A)(1) It is unlawful for a person to wilfully orand maliciously torture, mutilate, injure, disable, poison, shoot into a vehicle while a police dog or horse is inside, shoot and hit a police dog or horse while running in pursuit, or kill a dog or horse used by a law enforcement department or agency in the performance of the functions or duties of the department or when a dog is placed in a kennel off duty or a horse is placed in a stable off duty. However, a police officer or veterinarian may perform euthanasia in emergency situations when delay would cause the dog or horse undue suffering and pain.
(2) It is unlawful for a person to wilfully and maliciously shoot into a vehicle or trailer while a police dog or horse is inside or shoot and hit a police dog or horse while running in pursuit from a law enforcement department or agency.
(B) A person who violates a provision of this sectionsubsection (A)(1) is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars nor more than twenty thousand dollars, and imprisoned for not more than fifteen years. A person who violates a provision of subsection (A)(2) is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars nor more than twenty thousand dollars, and imprisoned for not more than ten years. In addition to any other penalty provided in this section, the court shall order a person convicted of a violation of this section to pay restitution to the law enforcement department or agency in an amount that would cover the full cost of restoring or replacing the animal that was injured or killed, including all related purchase, training, and veterinary expenses incurred as a result of the incident; and the court also may sentence the person to one year of animal-related community service.
Amend the bill further, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. Section 42-7-90 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
Section 42-7-90. From the State Accident Fund the following expenditures are authorized:
(1) for the payment of any award under this article made by the commission in connection with accidental injury or death of any official or employee of the State, any county or municipality therein, any political subdivision thereof or any agency or institution of the State or a county, municipality, or political subdivision thereof participating hereunder; or
(2) any other expenses authorized by law or approved by the State Fiscal Accountability Authority.
(3) first responder line of duty death benefit.
(a) For the purposes of this item, the term "first responder" means:
(i) an emergency medical technician as defined in Section 44-61-20(12);
(ii) a law enforcement officer as defined in Section 23-23-10(E)(1);
(iii) a corrections officer as described in Section 23-1-145 or Section 24-1-280;
(iv) reserves as defined in Section 23-28-10(A);
(v) constables appointed pursuant to Section 23-1-60;
(vi) a fire department worker who serves on a paid or voluntary basis for a firefighting agency, fire department, or a volunteer fire department and who performs duties related to rescue, fire suppression, and public safety; or
(vii) a coroner as defined in Section 17-5-5(3) or a deputy coroner as defined in Section 17-5-5(5) who directly engages in examining, treating, or directing persons during an emergency.
(b) Upon receipt by the State Accident Fund of the satisfactory proof of death of a first responder as defined in subitem (a) whose death was a natural and proximate result of an injury by external accident or violence incurred while undergoing a hazard peculiar to the first responder's employment as a first responder while in the actual performance of his duty, provided that his death is not the result of the first responder's wilful negligence, suicide, or intentionally self-inflicted bodily injury, there must be paid from the State Accident Fund to the designated beneficiary a one-time, lump sum benefit payment of seventy-five thousand dollars.
(c) The amount of the benefit provided for in subitem (b) is increased to a total of one hundred fifty thousand dollars if the first responder is killed in the line of duty as defined above and the first responder's death is either:
(i) the result of an unlawful and intentional act of another person; or
(ii) the result of an accident that occurs:
(A) as a result of the first responder's response to fresh pursuit, defined as the pursuit of a person who has committed or is reasonably suspected of having committed a felony, misdemeanor, traffic infraction, or violation of a county or municipal ordinance;
(B) as a result of the first responder's response to what is reasonably believed to be an emergency;
(C) at the scene of a traffic accident to which the first responder has responded; or
(D) while the first responder is enforcing what is reasonably believed to be a traffic law or ordinance.
(d) Payments made pursuant to this item must be paid to the beneficiary designated for this benefit by the first responder in writing and filed with the State Accident Fund in a manner prescribed by the agency during the first responder's lifetime. If no designation is made, then the payment must be paid to the first responder's surviving spouse. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment must be paid to the first responder's surviving children in equal portions. If there is no surviving spouse or child, the benefit is payable to the first responder's surviving parents in equal portions. If a beneficiary is not designated and there is no surviving child, spouse, or parent, then the sum must be paid to the first responder's estate. The payments required by this subsection are in addition to any other benefit set forth in this chapter or otherwise in law, including worker's compensation, but excluding first responder death benefit payments made to a member of a retirement system, and are exempt from the claims and demands of creditors of the first responder.
(e) Any benefits paid pursuant to this item are not subject to subrogation, assignment, set-off, or lien claimed pursuant to Section 42-1-560.
(f) Within thirty days after a written determination of the State Accident Fund regarding payment, a person or representative of the estate, as set out in subitem (d), may seek relief by requesting a contested case hearing before the Administrative Law Court in accordance with its rules. A hearing may be requested to contest any part of the decision made pursuant to this section.
(4) for the payment of an award for injury or death of a specific patrol canine or canine used by law enforcement for tracking or specific detection, as described in Section 23-23-140.
(a) Upon receipt by the State Accident Fund of the satisfactory proof of death of a specific patrol canine or canine used by law enforcement for tracking or specific detection, whose death was a natural or proximate result of an injury in the actual performance of the canine's duty, there must be paid from the State Accident Fund to the law enforcement agency responsible for the care and the training of a new canine a one-time, lump sum benefit of fifteen thousand dollars.
(b) Upon receipt by the State Accident Fund of the satisfactory proof of injury of a specific patrol canine or canine used by law enforcement tracking or specific detection, whose injury or illness was a natural or proximate result of an injury in the actual performance of the canine's duty, there must be paid from the State Accident Fund to the law enforcement agency responsible for the care and treatment of the canine an amount to reimburse the agency for the costs of treatment and care for the canine.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator ADAMS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senators MASSEY and KIMBRELL proposed the following amendment (SJ-3034.MB0003S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 47-3-610(B) and inserting:
(B) A person who violates a provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars nor more than five one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 47-3-620(A) and (B) and inserting:
(A)(1) It is unlawful for a person to wilfully orand maliciously torture, mutilate, injure, disable, poison, shoot into a vehicle while a police dog or horse is inside, shoot and hit a police dog or horse while running in pursuit, or kill a dog or horse used by a law enforcement department or agency in the performance of the functions or duties of the department or when a dog is placed in a kennel off duty or a horse is placed in a stable off duty. However, a police officer or veterinarian may perform euthanasia in emergency situations when delay would cause the dog or horse undue suffering and pain.
(2) It is unlawful for a person to wilfully and maliciously shoot into a vehicle or trailer while a police dog or horse is inside .
(B) A person who violates a provision of this sectionsubsection (A)(1) is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars nor more than twenty thousand dollars, and imprisoned for not more than fifteen years. A person who violates a provision of subsection (A)(2) is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars, and imprisoned for not more than five years. In addition to any other penalty provided in this section, the court shall order a person convicted of a violation of this section to pay restitution to the law enforcement department or agency in an amount that would cover the full cost of restoring or replacing the animal that was injured or killed, including all related purchase, training, and veterinary expenses incurred as a result of the incident; and the court also may sentence the person to one year of animal-related community service.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator MASSEY 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 Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Corbin
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.
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.
Senator CAMPSEN objected to consideration of the Bill.
H. 4270 (Word version) -- Reps. Schuessler, B.J. Cox, McGinnis, Yow, Jones, Vaughan, Kirby, Dillard, Wetmore, Bauer, Collins, Wickensimer, Brewer, Gilliard, Bernstein, Bannister, Willis, J.L. Johnson, Guest, King, Chapman, Herbkersman, Bradley, Brittain, Burns, Martin, Calhoon, Lowe, C. Mitchell, Oremus, Atkinson, Sessions, Haddon, Waters, Rivers, Scott and Govan: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 60-2-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN PUBLIC RECORDS.
Senator MARTIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.
The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.
H. 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.
Senator MARTIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.
The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.
H. 5506 (Word version) -- Reps. Jordan, Williams, Atkinson, Kirby and Lowe: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 55-11-620, RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE PEE DEE REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, ITS MEMBERS, THEIR TERMS, AUTHORITY, VACANCIES, AND COMPENSATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE MEMBERS OF THE PEE DEE REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UPON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATIONS.
Senator MARTIN raised a Point of Order under Rule 39 that the Bill had not been on the desks of the members at least one day prior to second reading.
The PRESIDENT sustained the Point of Order.
S. 1133 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Young, Adams, Alexander, Allen, Blackmon, Campsen, Cash, Chaplin, Climer, Corbin, Cromer, Davis, Devine, Elliott, Fernandez, Gambrell, Garrett, Goldfinch, Graham, Grooms, Hembree, Jackson, Johnson, Kennedy, Kimbrell, Leber, Martin, Massey, Matthews, Peeler, Rankin, Reichenbach, Rice, Sabb, Stubbs, Sutton, Tedder, Turner, Verdin, Walker, Williams and Zell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF HIGHWAY 78 FROM THE BAMBERG COUNTY LINE TO THE AIKEN COUNTY LINE THE "LONNIE HOSEY PURPLE HEART HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
Senator HUTTO spoke on the Resolution.
The Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
Senators BENNETT, BRIGHT, and OTT desired to be recorded as voting against the adoption of the Resolution.
On motion of Senator JACKSON, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator HUTTO, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
H. 5519 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, G.M. Smith and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF HIGHWAY CHURCH ROAD BETWEEN STEPHEN CAMPBELL ROAD AND LARRY JEFFERS ROAD IN THE TOWN OF ELGIN IN KERSHAW COUNTY "JEANNIE ROSE POTTER ROAD" 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 8:20 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS OF COMMITTEES OF CONFERENCE AND FREE CONFERENCE.
S. 477 (Word version) -- Senators Davis and Ott: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-210, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF A "SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE" IN THE PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-230, RELATING TO PHARMACISTS PERMITTED TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE SUCH DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-240, RELATING TO WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS BY THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND THE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO AUTHORIZE PHARMACISTS TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES WITHOUT PATIENT-SPECIFIC WRITTEN ORDERS, SO AS TO INSTEAD PROVIDE THE DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE UNDER STANDING ORDERS OR WITHOUT STANDING ORDERS WHEN DISPENSED OR ADMINISTERED PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS.
On motion of Senator DAVIS, with unanimous consent, the Report of the Committee of Conference was taken up for immediate consideration.
Senator DAVIS spoke on the report.
The question then was adoption of the Report of Committee of Conference.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., April 21, 2026
The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:
S. 477 (WORD VERSION) -- Senators Davis and Ott: TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-210, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF A "SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE" IN THE PHARMACY PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-230, RELATING TO PHARMACISTS PERMITTED TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SO AS TO PROVIDE SUCH DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-43-240, RELATING TO WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS BY THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND THE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO AUTHORIZE PHARMACISTS TO DISPENSE SELF-ADMINISTERED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES WITHOUT PATIENT-SPECIFIC WRITTEN ORDERS, SO AS TO INSTEAD PROVIDE THE DISPENSATIONS MAY BE MADE UNDER STANDING ORDERS OR WITHOUT STANDING ORDERS WHEN DISPENSED OR ADMINISTERED PURSUANT TO CERTAIN WRITTEN JOINT PROTOCOLS.
Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:
That the same do pass with the following amendments:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
SECTION 1. Section 40-43-210(9) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(9) "Self-administered hormonal contraceptive" means a drug composed of a hormone or a combination of hormones that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to prevent pregnancy and that the patient to whom the drug is prescribed or dispensed may administer to himselfherself. "Self-administered hormonal contraceptive" includes an oral hormonal contraceptive, a hormonal vaginal ring, and a hormonal contraceptive patch. "Self-administered hormonal contraceptive" does not include an intrauterine device or any drug intended to terminate a pregnancy.
SECTION 2. Section 40-43-230(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(A) A person licensed under the South Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act who is acting in good faith and exercising reasonable care as a pharmacist and who is employed by a hospital or a pharmacy that is permitted by this State may dispense a self-administered hormonal contraceptive or administer an injectable hormonal contraceptive pursuant to a standing order by a prescriber, or pursuant to the written joint protocols as required by this chapter, to a patient who is:
(1) eighteen years of age or older; or
(2) under eighteen years of age if the person has evidence of a previous prescription from a practitioner for a self-administered hormonal contraceptive or an injectable hormonal contraceptive.
SECTION 3. Section 40-43-240(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:
(A) The Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Pharmacy must issue a written joint protocol to authorize a pharmacist to dispense a self-administered hormonal contraceptive or administer an injectable hormonal contraceptive without a patient-specific written orderunder a standing order or without a standing order when the contraceptive is being dispensed or administered pursuant to the written joint protocols as required by this chapter.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Amend title to conform.
/s/Sen. Davis /s/Rep. Bernstein /s/Senator Matthews /s/Rep. Calhoon /s/Senator Garrett /s/Rep. Guest On part of the Senate. On part of the House.
, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.
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.
S. 337 (Word version) -- Senator Reichenbach: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-13-640, RELATING TO THE POSSESSION OF BLUE CATFISH, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A DAILY LIMIT OF SEVENTY-FIVE BLUE CATFISH IN STATE WATERWAYS OTHER THAN IN LAKE MARION, LAKE MOULTRIE, AND THE UPPER REACH OF THE SANTEE RIVER.
The House returned the Bill with amendments, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.
Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendments.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, the Senate concurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly. Ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and the Act enrolled for Ratification.
S. 585 (Word version) -- Senators Tedder, Adams, Devine, Zell and Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN FAMILIES EVERYWHERE (SAFE) ACT" AND BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPLICATIONS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS MUST INCLUDE LANGUAGE ALLOWING APPLICANTS TO VOLUNTARILY INDICATE THEY OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CERTAIN DISABILITIES OR DISORDERS, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO INCLUDE THE DESIGNATION "SAFE" IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE'S RECORDS.
The House returned the Bill with amendments.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.
Senator GROOMS explained the House amendments.
Senators GROOMS and TEDDER proposed the following amendment (SR-585.KM0001S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:
SECTION X. This act may be cited as the "Safeguarding American Families Everywhere (SAFE) Act".
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 56-3-115(A), (B), (C), and (D) and inserting:
(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may add athe notation "SAFE" to a private passenger-carrying motor vehicle registration to indicate that the driver registered owner or a child or ward of the registered owner, whose full legal name and date of birth, as well as an original certificate from a licensed physician as defined in Section 40-47-20, must be provided to the department, has The registered owner or co-owner of a private passenger carrying automobile may voluntarily disclose to the department that he or his child or ward has been diagnosed with certain disabilities or disorders. Upon presenting an original certificate from a licensed physician as defined in Section 40-47-20 and other documentation determined necessary by the department, the department may add the notation "SAFE" to the vehicle registration to indicate that the person has been diagnosed with any of the following disabilities or disorders:
(1) may be deaf or hard of hearing. The application for this special motor vehiclea registration notation pursuant to this subsection must include an original certificate from a licensed physician, as defined in Section 40-47-20 and required in subsection (A), or a licensed audiologist, as defined in Section 40-67-22040-67-20, that certifies that the applicantregistered owner or his child or ward has a permanent, uncorrectable hearing loss of forty decibels or more in one or both ears.;
(2) autism;
(3) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;
(4) Down syndrome;
(5) Alzheimer's disease;
(6) traumatic brain injury;
(7) post-traumatic stress disorder;
(8) diabetes;
(9) an autoimmune disorder;
(10) blindness; or
(11) any other mentally or physically limiting disorder.
(B) The "deaf or hard of hearing" notation "SAFE" notation must would only appear when a law enforcement runs a check is run on the vehicle's license plate through the department's online interface with law enforcement to alert the officer that the driver or any identifieda passenger may be deaf or hard of hearinghave a disability or disorder contained in subsection (A). The department may not include in the vehicle registration personal identifying information of, or any diagnosis of, a person for whom a diagnosis is indicated.
(C) The department must allow a motor vehicle owner or co-owner to update a motor vehicle registration to include or remove the "SAFE" designationnotation at any time. Should the child or ward of the registered owner turn eighteen years old, theThe child or ward canmay remove himself as a designee of the word "SAFE" notation upon attaining the age of eighteen and submitting proper documentation to determined necessary by the department.
(D) No cause of action may arise nor may liability be imposed against any person, government entity, or government entity officer, agent, or employee arising from any action taken by any person in reliance upon information indicated on a person's driver's license or motor vehicle registration when the license holder registered owner or co-owner or his child or ward, a licensed physician, or medical providera licensed audiologist provided the information on the forms required pursuant to this section.
Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 56-3-1910(A)(8) and inserting:
(8) autism or neurodivergenceif the condition causes significant safety or mobility risks in parking environments.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator GROOMS explained the amendment.
The question then was the adoption of the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The Bill was ordered returned to the House of Representatives with amendments.
H. 3924 (Word version) -- Reps. Wooten, W. Newton, Erickson, Neese, Hager, Bannister, Herbkersman, M.M. Smith, Pedalino, C. Mitchell, Bustos, Lawson, Guffey, Hiott, Taylor, Ballentine, Vaughan, White, Long, Ligon, Guest, Gilliam, Hartnett, Bailey, Landing, B.J. Cox, Hayes, Atkinson, Willis, Lowe, T. Moore, Davis, Hixon, Martin, Pope, Henderson-Myers and Robbins: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 56 TO TITLE 46 SO AS TO REGULATE THE SALE OF HEMP-DERIVED CONSUMABLES, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
The House returned the Bill with amendments, the question being concurrence in the House amendments.
Senator JOHNSON explained the amendments.
Senator CASH spoke on the amendment.
Senator SUTTON spoke on the amendment.
The question then was the adoption of the amendment.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Alexander Bright Campsen Cash Corbin Cromer Garrett Grooms Hembree Kennedy Massey Peeler Reichenbach Rice Stubbs Verdin
Adams Allen Bennett Blackmon Chaplin Climer Davis Devine Elliott Graham Hutto Jackson Johnson Leber Martin Ott Rankin Sabb Sutton Tedder Turner Walker Williams Young Zell
The Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments and a message was sent to the House accordingly.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
At 8:42 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.
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