NO. 81
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 12:00 Noon, the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Psalm 63:7-8
As David was in the Judean desert, he called to the Lord, saying, " 'Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.' "
Please, my friends, bow with me as we pray: Most gracious and loving Lord, here in this Senate Chamber today, without hesitation do we turn to You, as did Your servant David long ago. And we readily confess that this Body does so admitting its need for Your help, for Your guidance, and indeed for Your blessing, dear God.
By Your grace, therefore, as their work continues may each of these Senators and their staff members be encouraged and strengthened by Your presence. And may that reality, O Lord, empower each one of these leaders as they join together to move our State forward, knowing full well that it has been Your spirit that has led them to accomplish good for our people. And allow us all then to sing once more "in the shadow of your wings." So we pray in Your blessed name, O Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
Senator PEELER moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Davis Devine Goldfinch Graham Hutto Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2032
At-Large:
Deidre Denise Byrd, Esquire, Greenville, SC 29607 VICE Aisha K. Taylor (resigned)
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Initial Appointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
David Paul Beddingfield, Jr., Greer, SC 29651
Initial Appointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Carrie Lynn Cotton, Simpsonville, SC 29681 VICE Darrell Fisher
Reappointment, Jasper County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Jasper County:
Catherine D. Badgett, Ridgeland, SC 29936
Reappointment, Jasper County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Jasper County:
Jennifer Carter, Ridgeland, SC 29936
Initial Appointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Lancaster County:
Jay Ashley Staehr, Heath Springs, SC 29058 VICE Van K. Richardson
On motion of Senator RICE, at 12:13 P.M., Senator GARRETT was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator VERDIN, at 12:13 P.M., Senators GROOMS and CROMER were granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator TURNER, at 12:14 P.M., Senator HEMBREE was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator GRAHAM, at 12:15 P.M., Senator SUTTON was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, at 2:23 P.M., Senators FERNANDEZ and ADAMS were granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator GAMBRELL, at 5:12 P.M., Senators GOLDFINCH, MARTIN and STUBBS were granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
On motion of Senator ZELL, at 5:12 P.M., Senator KENNEDY was granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
On motion of Senator MATTHEWS, at 5:12 P.M., Senators JACKSON, HUTTO, TEDDER and PEELER were granted a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CONSIDERATION OF H. 5126, THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL.
H.5126 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2026, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, the Report of the Committee of Conference was taken up for immediate consideration.
Senator PEELER spoke on the Conference Report.
Senator DAVIS spoke on the Conference Report.
Senator HUTTO spoke on the Conference Report.
Senator PEELER spoke on the Conference Report.
The question then was adoption of the Report of Committee of Conference.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Davis Devine Elliott Gambrell Goldfinch Graham Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Kimbrell Leber Martin Massey Matthews Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
Bright Corbin
The Report of Committee of Conference was adopted.
The Committee of Conference Report was adopted as follows:
The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:
H. 5126 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2026, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
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:/
Amend title to conform.
/s/Sen. Harvey Smith Peeler, Jr. /s/Rep. Bruce Wyche Bannister /s/Sen. Brad Hutto /s/Rep. David R. Hiott /s/Sen. Tom Davis /s/Rep. Jakie Elliott "Coach" Hayes On Part of the Senate. On Part of the House.
, and a message was sent to the House accordingly.
Senator ADAMS desired to be recorded as voting in favor of the adoption of the Conference Report.
Columbia, S.C., August 11, 2026
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the Report of the Committee of Conference on:
H. 5126 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2026, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
The Report of the Committee of Conference having been adopted by both Houses, ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and the Act enrolled for Ratification.
A message was sent to the House accordingly.
Senator VERDIN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
On motion of Senator RICE, with unanimous consent, the remarks of Senator VERDIN, when reduced to writing and made available to the Desk, would be printed in the Journal.
Senator RICE rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Senator STUBBS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
H. 4572 (Word version) -- Rep. Rankin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE ON SOUTH HARPER EXTENSION THAT CROSSES OVER THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 127 BYPASS IN LAURENS COUNTY "REVEREND DR. JEFFERSON N. MCDOWELL MEMORIAL BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Senator VERDIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
The Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Transportation.
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 and ordered returned to the House.
The following were introduced:
S. 1217 (Word version) -- Senator Matthews: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE DEZIREE HODGE OF HARDEEVILLE ON THE OCCASION OF HER EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1218 (Word version) -- Senator Chaplin: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR BRIAN RUDICK FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP AS A SCOUTING OF AMERICA SCOUTMASTER.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1219 (Word version) -- Senator Allen: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO HONOR THEM FOR WINNING THE SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAA BOYS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1220 (Word version) -- Senator Sabb: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MT. SEAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY AND THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1221 (Word version) -- Senators Graham and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MAJOR JAMES CAPERS JR. FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM AND LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR RECEIVING THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS ACTIONS IN VIETNAM.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered sent to the House.
S. 1222 (Word version) -- Senator Garrett: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE THE HISTORIC TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF WALNUT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH, AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR TWO CENTURIES OF SERVICE TO THE GREENWOOD COUNTY COMMUNITY AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1223 (Word version) -- Senator Garrett: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THE SUPREME SACRIFICE MADE BY OFFICER DON WILLIAM "DJ" KELLER OF THE GREENWOOD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND TO EXPRESS TO HIS FAMILY THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND APPRECIATION OF A GRATEFUL STATE FOR HIS LIFE, SACRIFICE, AND SERVICE.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1224 (Word version) -- Senator Tedder: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE POSITIVE VIBES RONJANAE SMITH INC. UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE ORGANIZATION ON ITS OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT TO GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION, COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, AND PUBLIC SERVICE.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1225 (Word version) -- Senator Garrett: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE AND HONOR VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICAL MISSIONS UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE ORGANIZATION AND VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1226 (Word version) -- Senators Bennett and Sutton: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH IN CHARLESTON FOR ITS SIGNIFICANT, HISTORIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FOUNDING OF THE PALMETTO STATE AND THE NATION.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1227 (Word version) -- Senator Bennett: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND HONOR NED SHOWS FOR FORTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEER WORK WITH MEALS ON WHEELS SUMMERVILLE, AND FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE WITHIN THE SUMMERVILLE COMMUNITY.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1228 (Word version) -- Senator Williams: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE SEPTEMBER 8-11, 2026, AS "MARION COUNTY LIBERTY WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO COMMEMORATE MARION COUNTY'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
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The Senate Resolution was introduced and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1229 (Word version) -- Senator Allen: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AUGUST 13, 2026, AS "MRS. FELICIA DOUGLAS LITTLEJOHN DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO COMMEND MRS. LITTLEJOHN FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR CAREER PROMOTING FINANCIAL LITERACY, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT, CIVIC LEADERSHIP, AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE GREENVILLE COMMUNITY.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
H. 5738 (Word version) -- Reps. Atkinson, Alexander, Anderson, 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, Teeple, Terribile, Vaughan, Waters, Weeks, Wetmore, White, Whitmire, Wickensimer, Williams, Willis, Wooten and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE F. BAXTER BEESON OF MARION COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS EIGHTY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN THE YEARS TO COME.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
H. 5792 (Word version) -- Reps. Luck and Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF CHARLES ERNEST "CHUCK" BLACK JR. OF MARLBORO COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.
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The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
Columbia, S.C., August 11, 2026
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has confirmed the appointment:
Initial Appointment, North Greenville Fire District Board of Fire Control, with term to commence upon confirmation, and to expire when the vacancy is filled by a General Election:
Greenville County:
Justin D. McKinney, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 VICE Shane Walters
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Senator RANKIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2032
At-Large:
Deidre Denise Byrd, Esquire, Greenville, SC 29607 VICE Aisha K. Taylor (resigned)
Received as information.
S. 1221 (Word version) -- Senators Graham and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MAJOR JAMES CAPERS JR. FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM AND LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR RECEIVING THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS ACTIONS IN VIETNAM.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
Senator HUTTO asked unanimous consent to proceed to H. 4300 on the uncontested Statewide Calendar.
There was no objection.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
The following Bill was read the third time and ordered returned to the House with amendments:
H. 4300 (Word version) -- Reps. Bannister, Jordan, W. Newton, Yow, C. Mitchell and Luck: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-8-50, RELATING TO SERVICE CREDIT IN THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT JUDGES ARE VESTED IN THE SYSTEM AFTER ATTAINING EIGHT YEARS OF EARNED SERVICE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 9-8-60, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES' AND SOLICITORS' ALLOWANCES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE RETIREMENT AGE OF JUDGES FROM SEVENTY-TWO TO SEVENTY-FOUR.
Senator CLIMER desired to be recorded as voting against the third reading of the Bill.
Columbia, S.C., August 11, 2026
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
H. 4300 (Word version) -- Reps. Bannister, Jordan, W. Newton, Yow, C. Mitchell and Luck: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-8-50, RELATING TO SERVICE CREDIT IN THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT JUDGES ARE VESTED IN THE SYSTEM AFTER ATTAINING EIGHT YEARS OF EARNED SERVICE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 9-8-60, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES' AND SOLICITORS' ALLOWANCES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE RETIREMENT AGE OF JUDGES FROM SEVENTY-TWO TO SEVENTY-FOUR.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
At 2:53 P.M., on motion of Senator PEELER, the House of Representatives was invited to attend the Senate Chamber for the purpose of ratifying Acts at a mutually convenient time.
A message was sent to the House accordingly.
Senator REICHENBACH rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Senator CAMPSEN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Senator DAVIS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Senator HUTTO rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, with unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to go into Executive Session prior to adjournment.
At 4:30 P.M., on motion of Senator RANKIN, the Senate receded from business until 4:50 P.M.
At 5:07 P.M., the Senate resumed.
On motion of Senator MASSEY, the seal of secrecy was removed, so far as the same relates to appointments made by the Governor and the following names were reported to the Senate in open session:
Having received a favorable report from the Judiciary Committee, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2026, and to expire June 30, 2032
At-Large:
Deidre Denise Byrd, Esquire, Greenville, SC 29607 VICE Aisha K. Taylor (resigned)
On motion of Senator RANKIN, the question was confirmation of Deidre Denise Byrd, Esquire.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Alexander Bennett Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Elliott Gambrell Graham Leber Massey Matthews Ott Reichenbach Rice Turner Williams Zell
Blackmon
Allen Bright Davis Devine Sabb Walker Young
The appointment of Deidre Denise Byrd, Esquire was confirmed.
Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
Initial Appointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
David Paul Beddingfield, Jr., Greer, SC 29651
Initial Appointment, Greenville County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Greenville County:
Carrie Lynn Cotton, Simpsonville, SC 29681 VICE Darrell Fisher
Reappointment, Jasper County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Jasper County:
Catherine D. Badgett, Ridgeland, SC 29936
Reappointment, Jasper County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Jasper County:
Jennifer Carter, Ridgeland, SC 29936
Initial Appointment, Lancaster County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2026, and to expire April 30, 2030
Lancaster County:
Jay Ashley Staehr, Heath Springs, SC 29058 VICE Hon. Van K. Richardson
Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on August 11, 2026, at 4:30 P.M. and the following Acts were ratified:
(R275, H. 4300 (Word version)) -- Reps. Bannister, Jordan, W. Newton, Yow, C. Mitchell and Luck: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-8-50, RELATING TO SERVICE CREDIT IN THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES AND SOLICITORS, SO AS TO RESTATE THE SECTION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 9-8-60, RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR JUDGES' AND SOLICITORS' ALLOWANCES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE RETIREMENT AGE OF JUDGES FROM SEVENTY-TWO TO SEVENTY-FOUR.
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(R276, H. 5126 (Word version)) -- Ways and Means Committee: AN ACT TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS AND TO PROVIDE REVENUES TO MEET THE ORDINARY EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2026, TO REGULATE THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF STATE GOVERNMENT DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
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On motion of Senator CLIMER, the Senate agreed that if and when the Senate stands adjourned today, it will adjourn to meet subject to the call of the PRESIDENT and further, the Senate would meet in perfunctory session each Wednesday for the exclusive purpose of the receipt and confirmation of any magistrate appointments which have the approval of the Senators required in Rule 51 and, in accordance with Rule 22, to authorize the Clerk to endorse any Senate Resolution expressing congratulatory messages or sympathy without a reading finally and unless the extraordinary session is otherwise adjourned at an earlier date, the extraordinary session shall stand adjourned no later than Sunday, November 8, 2026.
On motion of Senator WALKER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Reverend Dr. Simon P. Bouie of Columbia, S.C. Rev. Bouie served for more than fifty-six years at the African Methodist Episcopal Church and he dedicated his life to advancing civil rights, educational opportunity, affordable housing, social services and the spiritual development of countless individuals across the state and nation. He was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Allen University and Interdenominational Theological Center. Rev. Bouie was recognized as one of the first African American licensed social workers in the south. He was a member of NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and 100 Black Men of America. Rev. Bouie was a loving father and devoted grandfather who will be dearly missed.
On motion of Senator GROOMS, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Robert M. Ryan of Charleston, S.C. Robert graduated from Thomas Heyward Academy and the University of South Carolina. He served as Director of Disaster Preparedness and as the County Administrator for Jasper County. He later worked as an aide to Congressman Arthur Ravenel before joining the Charleston Naval Complex Redevelopment Authority where he later became the Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority. His work over the years with preservation and redevelopment left a lasting impact on the Charleston area. Robert loved South Carolina history and enjoyed searching for relics from the past. Robert was a loving husband and devoted father who will be dearly missed.
On motion of Senator DEVINE, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Ms. LaTrell Harts of Columbia, S.C. LaTrell served on Columbia's planning commission and Urban Design Review Commission and was a faithful trustee at Saint John Baptist Church. LaTrell was a compassionate, kind and dedicated community member who will be dearly missed.
On motion of Senator PEELER, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Brandon Luke Shiflett of Gaffney, S.C. Brandon was an honor graduate of Gaffney High School and a rising senior at the University of South Carolina where he was studying aerospace and mechanical engineering. He enjoyed snowboarding, skateboarding, fishing and playing video games and his guitar. Brandon was an avid Carolina Gamecock fan and Atlanta Falcons fan. He was employed by High Voltage Harley-Davidson and was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Brandon was a loving son, brother and friend who will be dearly missed.
On motion of Senator BENNETT, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Converse Chellis III of Summerville, S.C. Converse was a graduate of The Citadel and University of Georgia. He was a former captain in the U.S. Air Force, South Carolina State Treasurer and member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Converse was a certified public accountant, chairman of the State Board of Accountancy, President of the Summerville Chamber of Commerce, past treasurer of the low country Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association and an active member of the Summerville Rotary and Sertoma Clubs. He enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing and watching the Summerville Green Wave and The Citadel football teams. Converse was a faithful member of Summerville Methodist Church. Converse was a loving father and doting grandfather who will be dearly missed.
At 5:14 P.M., on motion of Senator CLIMER, the Senate adjourned to meet subject to the call of the PRESIDENT.
This web page was last updated on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 5:51 P.M.