NO. 30
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.
A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:
Ezekiel 36:26a
The prophet Ezekiel writes: "A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you . . ."
Let us pray: As we reflect upon our verse from Ezekiel today, gracious Lord, we pray that You will bless these Senators serving our State, granting each of them a sense of renewed hope and promise. After all, this day and time we are living through is a challenging period, at best. And each of these leaders can surely benefit from all of the strength and determination You can instill in each of them. They and their hard-working aides have an uphill climb toward the goals they have set; help them all, dear Lord, to do what is right and just for the people they serve. And as always, O God, we yet again ask for Your protection and blessing upon our women and men in uniform, wherever they happen to serve. All of this we pray in Your loving name, blessed 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 Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Graham Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Leber Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Walker Williams Young Zell
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
February 25, 2026
Mr. Jeffrey S. Gossett
Clerk of the Senate
P.O. Box 142
Columbia, SC 29201
Re: Confirmation of appointment to Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority
Dear Mr. Gossett:
On January 27, 2026, the Myrtle Beach City Council appointed Rick Hussey as a member of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority. He is fulfilling the unexpired term of Thomas Webb effective immediately and will expire June 30, 2026.
This appointment must be made with the advice and consent of the Senate and therefore, we are submitting for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mark Kruea, Mayor
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster:
Initial Appointment, Charleston County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Charleston County:
William Harold Nixon, Jr., Esquire, 1522 Hurtes Island Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 VICE Ittriss Jermain Jenkins (deceased)
Initial Appointment, Charleston County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Charleston County:
Nicole Lynne Paluzzi, Esquire, 1314 Ptarmigan Street, Charleston, SC 29412 VICE Alvin E. Bligen
Senator DEVINE introduced Dr. Ada Stewart of Columbia, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
On motion of Senator GAMBRELL, at 12:07 P.M., Senator GOLDFINCH was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator DEVINE, at 12:07 P.M., Senator MATTHEWS was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, at 12:07 P.M., Senator KIMBRELL was granted a leave of absence for today.
On motion of Senator WALKER, at 12:13 P.M., Senator GRAHAM was granted a leave of absence for today.
Senator DEVINE rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 330 (Word version) Sen. Hutto
S. 637 (Word version) Sen. Young
S. 863 (Word version) Sen. Sutton
S. 702 (Word version) Sen. Grooms
S. 953 (Word version) -- Senator Johnson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE CENTER FOR EDUCATOR RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND ADVANCEMENT (CERRA) UPON ITS FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY, TO CONGRATULATE THE CENTER FOR ITS DECADES OF DEDICATION TO ADVANCING EDUCATION THROUGH RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS, AND TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 24, 2026, AS "CERRA RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION DAY."
Senator HEMBREE asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Senate Resolution from the Committee on Education.
The Senate Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Education and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 4998 (Word version) -- Reps. C. Mitchell, Yow, 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, 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 and Wooten: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE MONTH OF APRIL 2026 AS "FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Senator HEMBREE asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Education.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Education and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
H. 5054 (Word version) -- Reps. Davis, 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, 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 RECOGNIZE THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) EDUCATION ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO DECLARE MARCH 25, 2026, AS "STEM EDUCATION DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Senator HEMBREE asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Education.
The Concurrent Resolution was recalled from the Committee on Education and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
The following were introduced:
S. 976 (Word version) -- Senator Ott: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND THANK THE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE MARION BURNSIDE CENTRAL CAROLINA CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO CONSERVATION AND EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR A MEMORABLE BANQUET.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 977 (Word version) -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-1-82 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHALL ALLOW APPLICANTS FOR DRIVER'S LICENSES AND PERMITS TO TAKE THE WRITTEN PORTION OF THE DRIVING EXAMINATION IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
S. 978 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 2026 AS "CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
S. 979 (Word version) -- Senator Sutton: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 4-37-30, RELATING TO SALES AND USE TAXES OR TOLLS AS REVENUE FOR TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNING BODY OF A COUNTY MAY VOTE TO IMPOSE A TAX BY ENACTING AN ORDINANCE THAT MUST SPECIFY GREENWAYS, ALL ACCOMPANYING INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES NECESSARY TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THESE FACILITIES, AND DRAINAGE FACILITY MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR FLOODING PREVENTION AND MITIGATION, AMONG OTHER ITEMS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY MAY INCLUDE OPTIONAL BALLOT LANGUAGE FOR EXTENSION OF THE TERM OF THE TAX OR FOR A REPLACEMENT PURPOSE FOR THE TAX.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 980 (Word version) -- Senator Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-20-10, RELATING TO STATE OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS IN THE DEFINITION OF "EMPLOYER".
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 981 (Word version) -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN UNPREPARED FOODS THAT MAY BE PURCHASED WITH FOOD COUPONS WHICH ARE EXEMPT FROM TAXES ARE NOT LIMITED TO CERTAIN FEDERAL REGULATIONS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 982 (Word version) -- Senators Gambrell and Cash: A SENATE Resolution TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE BOB CATHEY FOR HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS AND YEARS OF SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 983 (Word version) -- Senators Elliott, Ott, Devine, Zell and Sutton: 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.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
S. 984 (Word version) -- Senator Tedder: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-440 SO AS TO REQUIRE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO MAKE AVAILABLE OPIOID AND FENTANYL PREVENTION EDUCATION, REQUIRE TRAINING FOR RESIDENCE HALL STAFF ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF NALOXONE, AND AUTHORIZE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSAL MEDICATION.
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Senator TEDDER spoke on the Bill.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 985 (Word version) -- Senator Gambrell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 61, TITLE 44 SO AS TO ADDRESS CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED BY PREHOSPITAL CLINICIANS, INCLUDING CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE OF DATA AND REPORTS; TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN PENALTIES FOR UNAUTHORIZED USE OF INFORMATION; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
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."
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 5060 (Word version) -- Rep. Stavrinakis: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 369 OF 1959, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ST. JOHN'S FIRE DISTRICT, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION AND TO REVISE THE PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE DISTRICT AND TO REPEAL SECTION 2 OF ACT 727 OF 1978.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
H. 5089 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton and Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-110, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN BEAUFORT COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator VERDIN from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:
Initial Appointment, South Carolina Board of Long Term Health Care Administrators, with the term to commence June 9, 2025, and to expire June 9, 2028
Hospital Administrator:
Raymond Tiller, 9151 Highway 9, Nichols, SC 29581 VICE Elizabeth A. Schaper
Received as information.
Reappointment, South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy, with the term to commence September 30, 2024, and to expire September 30, 2027
Occupational Therapist:
Ricardo Holmes, 2 Bradford Ridge Court, Columbia, SC 29223
Received as information.
Reappointment, South Carolina State Board of Nursing, with the term to commence December 31, 2025, and to expire December 31, 2029
General Public:
Lindsey K. Mitcham, 332 Clay Road, Camden, SC 29020-1622
Received as information.
Columbia, S.C., March 5, 2026
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has receded from its amendments on:
S. 405 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, Martin and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-85, RELATING TO HOMICIDE BY CHILD ABUSE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AGE OF A CHILD UNDER THIS SECTION FROM UNDER THE AGE OF ELEVEN TO UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN.
The Bill was enrolled for Ratification.
S. 655 (Word version) -- Senator Williams: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME GAPWAY DRAINAGE BRIDGE ON US 76 IN HORRY COUNTY "ZACHARY KYLE STRICKLAND BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.
S. 183 (Word version) -- Senators Adams, Fernandez, Alexander, Garrett, Leber, Kimbrell, Matthews, Walker and Stubbs: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DRUG-INDUCED HOMICIDE AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO THE EXEMPTION FROM THE CATEGORIZATION OF FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE DRUG-INDUCED HOMICIDE.
On motion of Senator ADAMS, the Bill was carried
The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House:
S. 832 (Word version) -- Senators Sutton, Graham, Goldfinch and Zell: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 53-1-20, RELATING TO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES EXEMPT FROM THE PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY PUBLIC SPORTS, SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO CAMPUS EVENTS AND LAND USE APPROVAL, TO PROVIDE THAT NO COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY MAY PROHIBIT, RESTRICT, CONDITION, DELAY, OR REQUIRE LAND USE APPROVAL FOR EVENTS HELD ON THE CAMPUS OF A STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING BASED ON ZONING ORDINANCES OR LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS, AND TO CLARIFY THE APPLICATION OF GENERALLY APPLICABLE SAFETY LAWS.
S. 751 (Word version) -- Senators Sutton, Ott, Zell, Garrett and Walker: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-2510 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS TO INCLUDE NITROUS OXIDE AND NITROUS OXIDE PRODUCTS; BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-2520 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF SELLING OR PROVIDING NITROUS OXIDE TO MINORS, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES, AND TO CREATE A CIVIL PENALTY FOR A MINOR THAT MISREPRESENTS HIS AGE TO ATTEMPT TO OR TO PURCHASE NITROUS OXIDE; BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-2530 SO AS TO CREATE A CIVIL PENALTY FOR RETAILERS THAT DISPLAY OR STORE NITROUS OXIDE IN A RETAIL LOCATION WHERE MINORS CAN ACCESS NITROUS OXIDE OR NITROUS OXIDE PRODUCTS; BY ADDING SECTION 44-53-2540 SO AS TO ESTABLISH EXCEPTIONS TO THIS ARTICLE FOR COMMERCIAL USE.
The following Resolution was read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act and enrolled for Ratification:
H. 5261 (Word version) -- Rep. W. Newton: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING AS PROVIDED FOR IN CHAPTER 3, TITLE 61 TO MAY 1, 2026.
S. 76 (Word version) -- Senators Hembree, Grooms, Young, Goldfinch, Sabb, Alexander, Kennedy, Cromer, Zell, Williams and Garrett: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-230, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-240, RELATING TO USE OF OR THREAT OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE BY CRIMINAL GANG MEMBERS AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH UNLAWFUL CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-245 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY OF CRIMINAL GANG AND CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY EVIDENCE DURING A TRIAL OR PROCEEDING; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-8-250, RELATING TO PREVENTING WITNESSES OR VICTIMS FROM TESTIFYING AND PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM TO ABATE A PUBLIC NUISANCE OF REAL PROPERTY USED BY A CRIMINAL GANG; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-275 SO AS TO PROVIDE ADMISSIBILITY IN A CRIMINAL PROCEEDING OF THE ACCUSED'S COMMISSION OF CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-520 SO AS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONS FOR THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-530 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO ENGAGE IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-540 SO AS TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ENGAGING IN RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-550 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CIRCUIT COURT MAY ENJOIN VIOLATIONS OF THE ANTI-RACKETEERING ACT BY ISSUING APPROPRIATE ORDERS; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-560 SO AS TO ESTABLISH JURISDICTION FOR RACKETEERING ACTIVITY; BY ADDING SECTION 16-8-570 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM DISCLOSURE OF INFORMANTS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 14-7-1630, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF JURIES, NOTIFICATION TO IMPANEL JURIES, POWERS AND DUTIES OF IMPANELING AND PRESIDING JUDGES, THE TRANSFER OF INCOMPLETE INVESTIGATIONS, EFFECTIVE DATES AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO ORDERS OF JUDGE, AND APPEALS, SO AS TO ADD THE CRIME OF RACKETEERING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE GRAND JURY.
On motion of Senator HUTTO, the Bill was carried over.
H. 3974 (Word version) -- Reps. Calhoon, Bernstein, Erickson, Schuessler, Bauer, Guffey and McGinnis: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 10, TITLE 59 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE EVALUATORS TO EVALUATE PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR HEALTH, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, OR THERAPEUTIC NEEDS, TO AUTHORIZE PRIVATE PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE RELATED SERVICES AT SCHOOLS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, TO SPECIFY THESE EVALUATIONS AND SERVICES ONLY MAY OCCUR UPON REQUEST OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF THE STUDENT, TO PROVIDE SCHOOL DISTRICTS MAY NOT PROHIBIT SUCH EVALUATIONS OR SERVICES IN SCHOOLS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, TO PROVIDE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ADOPT A RELATED MODEL POLICY, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MODEL POLICY, TO PROVIDE SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL ADOPT RELATED POLICIES, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.
On motion of Senator BRIGHT, the Bill was carried over.
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.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of the Bill.
The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (SJ-631.SW0002S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 23-3-535(C)(4), (5), (6), and (7) and inserting:
(4) resides in a jail, prison, detention facility, group home for persons under the age of twenty-one licensed by the Department of Social Services, residential treatment facility for persons under the age of twenty-one licensed by the Department of Health and Environmental Control Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, or other holding facility, including a mental health facility;
(5) resides in a homeless shelter for no more than one year, a group home for persons under the age of twenty-one licensed by the Department of Social Services, or a residential treatment facility for persons under the age of twenty-one licensed by the Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the site was purchased by the organization prior to the effective date of this act;
(6)(5) resides in a community residential care facility, as defined in Section 44-7-130(6); or
(7) (6) resides in a nursing home, as defined in Section 44-7-130(13).
Amend the bill further, SECTION 1, by striking Section 23-3-535(F)(1) and inserting:
(F)(1) At the beginning of each school year, each school district must provide local law enforcement agencies with a list of school bus stops within the school district and:
(a) local law enforcement agencies with a list of school bus stops within the school district;
(a)(b) the names and addresses in writing and on the district website of every sex offender who resides within one thousand feet of a school bus stop within the school district to the parents or guardians of a student who boards or disembarks a school bus at a stop covered by this subsection; or
(b)(c) the hyperlink to the sex offender registry web site on the school district's web site for the purpose of gathering this information.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator ADAMS explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Senator MATTHEWS objected to further consideration of the Bill.
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.
Senator MASSEY objected to consideration of the Bill.
H. 3557 (Word version) -- Reps. B. Newton, Pedalino, Taylor, Guest, Crawford, Schuessler and Hixon: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-15, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS TO RUN AS A CANDIDATE IN GENERAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO SHORTEN THE CANDIDATE FILING PERIOD, TO REQUIRE ALL CANDIDATES FROM EACH POLITICAL PARTY IN THIS STATE TO PAY A FILING FEE, AND TO AUTHORIZE POLITICAL PARTIES TO CHARGE A CERTIFICATION FEE TO ALL CANDIDATES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-11-210, RELATING TO THE FILING OF PARTY PLEDGES BY CANDIDATES, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE BY WHICH A PARTY PLEDGE MUST BE FILED.
Senator MASSEY objected to consideration of the Bill.
S. 962 (Word version) -- Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, RELATING TO HONEY BEES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5370, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.
On motion of Senator HEMBREE, the Resolution was carried over.
S. 821 (Word version) -- Senators Bennett and Turner: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 39-5-39, RELATING TO AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISING IN A FALSE, DECEPTIVE, OR MISLEADING MANNER, SO AS TO DEFINE FALSE ADVERTISING; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY ADVERTISING FOR LEGAL SERVICES THAT REFERENCES A SETTLEMENT OBTAINED ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT MUST DISCLOSE THE AMOUNT OF ATTORNEY'S FEES AND LITIGATION COSTS DEDUCTED FROM THE RECOVERY; TO REQUIRE THE LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT TO CLARIFY THAT ANY REFERENCED RESULTS ARE NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL CASES AND THAT OUTCOMES DEPEND ON THE SPECIFIC FACTS OF EACH CASE; AND TO PROVIDE THAT ANY ADVERTISING FOR LEGAL SERVICES THAT STATES THAT THE FILING OF A LAWSUIT IS AGAINST AN INSURANCE COMPANY OR OTHER THIRD PARTY MUST DISCLOSE THE FACT THAT ANY LAWSUIT WOULD BE FILED AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS THAT WOULD BE NAMED AS THE DEFENDANT AND THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS ONLY PROVIDING THE COVERAGE ON BEHALF OF THE NAMED INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS BASED ON A POLICY PURCHASED BY THE INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS.
Senator ALLEN objected to consideration of the Bill.
S. 222 (Word version) -- Senator Ott: 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.
On motion of Senator OTT, the Bill was carried over.
S. 831--Senators Grooms and Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LONG-RANGE STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN SO AS TO MANDATE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING THE PLAN; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND PARTNERS IN CARRYING OUT THE LONG-RANGE STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. (Abbreviated Title)
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.
THE CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED CALENDAR HAVING BEEN COMPLETED, THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE MOTION PERIOD.
At 11:58 A.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to dispense with the balance of the Motion Period.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO THE SPECIAL ORDERS.
H. 3858 (Word version) -- Reps. Brewer, Pedalino, Lowe, C. Mitchell, M.M. Smith, B.J. Cox, Chapman, Davis, Sessions, Erickson, Guffey, B.L. Cox, Hewitt, Teeple, Hartnett, Pope, Rutherford, Brittain, Wooten, Guest, Hager, J.L. Johnson, B. Newton, Bailey, Bustos, Gagnon, Gilliam, Herbkersman, Holman, Jordan, Lawson, Martin, Murphy, Robbins, Ballentine, T. Moore, Montgomery, Sanders, Atkinson, Ligon, Gibson, J. Moore, Caskey, Moss, Huff, Beach, Terribile, Kilmartin, Hardee, Taylor, Yow, J.E. Johnson, Landing, Frank, Forrest, Oremus, Kirby, Hixon, Cromer and Gilreath: A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 23, TITLE 50, SECTION 50-23-345, AND SECTION 50-23-375, ALL RELATING TO THE TITLING OF WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTORS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT OUTBOARD MOTORS BE TITLED; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-3210, RELATING TO TAX NOTICES FOR BOATS AND BOAT MOTORS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-3210, RELATING TO TAX NOTICES FOR BOATS, BOAT MOTORS, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ALLOW THE AUDITOR TO CONSOLIDATE THE TAX NOTICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 50-23-370, RELATING TO WATERCRAFT CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR FIFTY PERCENT OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF WATERCRAFT.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the third reading of the Bill.
On motion of Senator CAMPSEN, under Rule 26B, the Senate agreed to take up a further amendment on third reading.
Senator CAMPSEN proposed the following amendment (SFGF-3858.BC0005S), which was adopted:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 8, by striking Section 50-23-430 and inserting:
Section 50-23-430. Any outboard motor of at least five horsepower, or its equivalent, held or principally used on the waters of in this State must be registered with the department. An owner of an outboard motor registered in this State must notify the department within thirty days if ownership is transferred to another person, entity, or transferred out of state or otherwise disposed.
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
Senator CAMPSEN explained the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
The question then was third reading of the Bill.
The "ayes" and "nays" were demanded and taken, resulting as follows:
Adams Alexander Allen Bennett Blackmon Bright Campsen Cash Chaplin Climer Corbin Cromer Devine Elliott Fernandez Gambrell Garrett Grooms Hembree Hutto Jackson Johnson Kennedy Leber Massey Ott Peeler Rankin Reichenbach Rice Sabb Stubbs Sutton Tedder Turner Verdin Williams Young Zell
Walker
There being no further amendments, the Bill, as amended, was read the third time, passed and ordered returned to the House of Representatives with amendments.
Having received a favorable report from the Senate, the following appointments were confirmed in open session:
Initial Appointment, Charleston County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Charleston County:
William Harold Nixon, Jr., Esquire, 1522 Hurtes Island Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 VICE Ittriss Jermain Jenkins (deceased)
Initial Appointment, Charleston County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2023, and to expire April 30, 2027
Charleston County:
Nicole Lynne Paluzzi, Esquire, 1314 Ptarmigan Street, Charleston, SC 29412 VICE Alvin E. Bligen
Having received a favorable report from the Horry County Delegation, the following appointment was confirmed in open session:
Initial Appointment, Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority, with the term to commence June 30, 2022, and to expire June 30, 2026
Myrtle Beach City Council:
Rick Hussey, 1410 St. Thomas Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 VICE Thomas Webb
Pursuant to an invitation the Honorable Speaker and House of Representatives appeared in the Senate Chamber on March 5, 2026, at 12:00 Noon and the following Acts and Joint Resolution were ratified:
(R106, S. 405 (Word version)) -- Senators Alexander, Martin and Young: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-85, RELATING TO HOMICIDE BY CHILD ABUSE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AGE OF A CHILD UNDER THIS SECTION FROM UNDER THE AGE OF ELEVEN TO UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN.
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(R107, H. 3223 (Word version)) -- Rep. Bailey: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 69, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE USE OF TELEHEALTH FOR VETERINARY SERVICES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-69-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REMOVE AN OBSOLETE DEFINITION AND TO DEFINE "VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP."
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(R108, H. 3254 (Word version)) -- Reps. W. Newton, Erickson and Bradley: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-32, RELATING TO SPECIAL EXAMINATIONS AND RELATED CRITERIA REQUIRED OF APPLICANTS FOR PERMANENT MEDICAL LICENSURE BY THE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE BOARD MAY WAIVE CERTAIN EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS FOUND TO POSSESS THE GENERAL MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED TO COMPETENTLY PRACTICE MEDICINE.
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(R109, H. 3798 (Word version)) -- Reps. Murphy, G.M. Smith, Brewer, T. Moore, Guest, Hager, Yow, C. Mitchell, W. Newton, Lawson, Stavrinakis, Govan, Erickson, Bradley, Weeks, Hart, Williams, Rivers and Gilliard: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 25-1-180 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN CRITERIA FOR MILITARY CHAPLAINS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT MILITARY CHAPLAINS HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO REFUSE TO DISCLOSE CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS.
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(R110, H. 4342 (Word version)) -- Rep. M.M. Smith: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-15-175, RELATING TO RESTRICTED INSTRUCTORS' LICENSES ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF DENTISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE WAIVERS FROM CERTAIN LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN DENTAL SCHOOL FACULTY; AND BY ADDING SECTION 40-69-245 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS TO ISSUE RESTRICTED LICENSES TO VETERINARY SCHOOL FACULTY, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE LICENSES, AND TO PROVIDE WAIVERS FROM CERTAIN LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN VETERINARY SCHOOL FACULTY.
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(R111, H. 4343 (Word version)) -- Reps. Wetmore, Erickson, Edgerton, Terribile, Cromer, Schuessler, Crawford, Davis, Calhoon, Oremus, Holman, Pedalino, Bernstein, Cobb-Hunter, Dillard, Bauer, Henderson-Myers, Landing, McDaniel, Waters, Alexander and Spann-Wilder: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-33-31 SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION TRAINING FOR LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES, REGISTERED NURSES, AND ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES; BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-39 SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION TRAINING FOR PHYSICIANS WHO PRACTICE IN CERTAIN FIELDS AND CERTAIN SETTINGS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-953 SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION TRAINING FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS.
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(R112, H. 4902 (Word version)) -- Reps. Hiott, G.M. Smith, Bannister, Rutherford, Brittain, Guest, Stavrinakis, Erickson, Caskey, Pope, Collins, B. Newton, Davis, Herbkersman, Hixon, Willis, Reese and Gilliard: AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-158-50, RELATING TO AN EXEMPTION OF AN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETE'S NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS COMPENSATION CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION MAINTAINED BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, SO AS TO REMOVE AN EXCEPTION TO THE EXEMPTION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT RECORDS OF AGGREGATE REVENUE FUNDS EXPENDED FOR INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS REVENUE-SHARING PROGRAMS BY A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING EACH FISCAL YEAR ARE SUBJECT TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT SUBJECT TO EXCEPTIONS FROM SUCH DISCLOSURE FOR INDIVIDUAL ATHLETE PAYMENTS, SPORT-SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS, AND NEGOTIATION RECORDS.
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(R113, H. 5261 (Word version)) -- Rep. W. Newton: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING AS PROVIDED FOR IN CHAPTER 3, TITLE 61 TO MAY 1, 2026.
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On motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate agreed to stand adjourned.
On motion of Senator SUTTON, with unanimous consent, the Senate stood adjourned out of respect to the memory of Mr. Christopher Charles Milhous Hollings of Columbia, S.C. Christopher was a graduate of Heathwood Hall where he excelled in academics and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. He enjoyed playing tennis and chess, biking, hunting and spending time at the beach. Chris had a great passion for music and was a talented guitar player. Chris was a loving son and friend who will be dearly missed.
At 12:18 P.M., on motion of Senator MASSEY, the Senate adjourned to meet tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. under the provisions of Rule 1 for the purpose of taking up local matters and uncontested matters which have previously received unanimous consent to be taken up.
This web page was last updated on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 2:45 P.M.