TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2006
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The House assembled at 12:00 noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr. as follows:
Our thought for today is from Jeremiah 31:21a: “Set up road markers for yourself, make yourself guideposts.”
Let us pray. Stir up within us an excitement of a new beginning in the year. Be present with each Representative, clerk, staff, security, assistants, pages, and for our Speaker, that what we do here may be to Your honor and glory. Bless our nation, President, State, and her leaders. Keep our defenders of freedom safe and in Your care.
Hear our prayer, O God of all. Amen.
Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.
MOTION ADOPTED
Rep. VAUGHN moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of former Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr., which was agreed to.
SILENT PRAYER
The House stood in silent prayer for former Representative Marion "Son" Kinon who has health problems.
SPEAKER ADDRESSES HOUSE
Pursuant to House Rule 1.6, the SPEAKER addresses the body concerning a matter of importance to the House.
RESIGNATION
The following was received:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 14, 2005
The Honorable David H. Wilkins
Speaker, South Carolina House of Representatives
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, SC 29211
Dear Speaker Wilkins:
Please accept this letter as my resignation as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, effective June 21, 2005, at noon.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chairman. I am looking forward to assuming my new duties on that date and time.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Chairman
Received as information.
COMMITTEE OFFICERS
The following was received:
June 14, 2005
The Honorable Charles F. Reid
Clerk, South Carolina House of Representatives
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, SC 29211
The Ways and Means Committee elected the following officers on Tuesday, June 14, 2005.
Chairman - Daniel T. Cooper
First Vice Chairman - Annette Young
Second Vice Chairman - Rex F. Rice
Third Vice Chairman - Lanny F. Littlejohn
Secretary/Treasurer - Herb Kirsh
Sincerely,
Jeannie R. Potter
Executive Secretary
Received as information.
RESIGNATION
The following was received:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 27, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker, South Carolina House of Representatives
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, SC 29211
Dear Speaker Harrell:
I was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in a special election on November 7, 1995, and have served this body since that time. I especially enjoyed serving on the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee and several of its subcommittees. The greatest honor was being elected by the committee as the first African-American to serve as an officer of the committee.
I have worked diligently to earn the trust afforded me by all those folks in Spartanburg County who elected me. My overall service to the Legislature has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life, and I feel as though I have served my State with honor and dignity.
However, it is now time for me to seek other avenues of service, and I respectfully request that you accept my resignation from the South Carolina House of Representatives, effective July 29, 2005.
Please know that I look forward to a bright future for South Carolina under your leadership, and I will continue to keep a close watch on legislative matters. I feel confident that, as Speaker, you will set the course for continued progress for our great State.
With warmest personal regards, I am
Sincerely,
Brenda Lee
Received as information.
COMMUNICATION
The following was received:
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
October 13, 2005
Mr. Charles F. Reid
Clerk of the House
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, SC 29211
Dear Mr. Reid:
The State Election Commission has certified to this office that the Honorable Bruce W. Bannister, received the greatest number of votes cast for the House of Representatives, House District #24, in a special election held in Greenville County on October 4, 2005.
Honorable Bruce W. Bannister is hereby certified as the duly and properly elected member of the House of Representatives, House District #24.
Sincerely,
/s/Mark Hammond
Secretary of State
Received as information.
COMMUNICATION
The following was received:
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
December 16, 2005
Mr. Charles F. Reid
Clerk of the House
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, SC 29211
Dear Mr. Reid:
The State Election Commission has certified to this office that the Honorable Kenneth F. Hodges, received the greatest number of votes cast for the House of Representatives, House District #121, in a special election held in Beaufort County on August 16, 2005.
Honorable Kenneth F. Hodges is hereby certified as the duly and properly elected member of the House of Representatives, House District #121.
Sincerely,
/s/Mark Hammond
Secretary of State
Received as information.
COMMUNICATION
The following was received:
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
December 16, 2005
Mr. Charles F. Reid
Clerk of the House
Post Office Box 11867
Columbia, SC 29211
Dear Mr. Reid:
The State Election Commission has certified to this office that the Honorable Harold Mitchell, Jr., received the greatest number of votes cast for the House of Representatives, House District #31, in a special election held in Spartanburg County on November 29, 2005.
Honorable Harold Mitchell, Jr. is hereby certified as the duly and properly elected member of the House of Representatives, House District #31.
Sincerely,
/s/Mark Hammond
Secretary of State
Received as information.
MEMBER-ELECT SWORN IN
Bruce W. Bannister, Member-elect from District No. 24 presented his credentials and the oath of office was administered to him by the SPEAKER.
MEMBER-ELECT SWORN IN
Kenneth F. Hodges, Member-elect from District No. 121 presented his credentials and the oath of office was administered to him by the SPEAKER.
MEMBER-ELECT SWORN IN
Harold Mitchell, Jr., Member-elect from District No. 31 presented his credentials and the oath of office was administered to him by the SPEAKER.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
The following was received:
OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 29, 2005
The Honorable David J. Mack III
South Carolina House of Representatives
Post Office Box 70337
North Charleston, S.C. 29415
Dear David:
It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, effective August 1, 2005. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
The following was received:
OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 29, 2005
The Honorable W. Brian White
South Carolina House of Representatives
2500 Edgewood Avenue
Anderson, S.C. 29625
Dear Brian:
It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Ways and Means Committee, effective August 1, 2005. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
The following was received:
OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 7, 2005
The Honorable Harry L. Ott, Jr.
South Carolina House of Representatives
461 Bull Swamp Road
St. Matthews, S.C. 29135
Dear Harry:
It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Ways and Means Committee, effective December 7, 2005. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
The following was received:
OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Bruce W. Bannister
South Carolina House of Representatives
Post Office Box 10007
Greenville, S.C. 29603
Dear Bruce:
It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee, effective December 12, 2005. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
The following was received:
OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Harold Mitchell, Jr.
South Carolina House of Representatives
505 North Street
Spartanburg, S.C. 29306
Dear Harold:
It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee, effective December 12, 2005. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT
The following was received:
OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Kenneth F. Hodges
South Carolina House of Representatives
Post Office Drawer 355
Green Pond, S.C. 29446
Dear Kenneth:
It is with pleasure that I appoint you to serve on the Agriculture, National Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, effective December 12, 2005. I know that you will serve this committee with honor and distinction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to working with you in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
INVITATIONS
On motion of Rep. LEACH, with unanimous consent, the following were taken up for immediate consideration and accepted:
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the SC House Republican Caucus, the Members and staff of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Capital City Club.
Sincerely,
Jim Merrill
Majority Leader
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the American Cancer Society the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Reely
Staff Assistant
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the SC Association of Community Development Corporations, Inc. the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a luncheon. This event will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Bernie Mazyck
President & CEO
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the SC Chamber of Commerce the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Sincerely,
S. Hunter Howard, Jr.
President and CEO
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the Mayor of Columbia and Members of Columbia City Council, the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the EdVenture Children’s Museum.
Sincerely,
Charles P. Austin, Sr.
City Manager
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the SC Broadcasters Assoc. the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Shani White
Executive Director
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the American Council of Engineering Companies of SC and the SC Society of Professional Engineers, the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Clarion Town House.
Sincerely,
Ginger Booker
Account Executive
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the SC Assoc. of Nurse Anesthetists, the Members and staff of the House of Representatives are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Wanda Walker
President
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the National Federation of the Blind of SC, the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a luncheon. This event will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2006, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Donald C. Capps
President Emeritus
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of Reach Out and Read - SC, the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Callee K. Boulware, State Coordinator
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the SC Department of Natural Resources, the Members and staff of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception sponsored by the Harry R. E. Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund and the SC Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. This event will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in the Cantey Building at the State Fairgrounds.
Sincerely,
Cary D. Chamblee
Associate Director
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the SC Baptist Convention, the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a luncheon. This event will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, beginning at 12:00 noon or upon adjournment on the State House grounds.
Sincerely,
B. Carlisle Driggers, Director
Joseph A. Mack, Director, Christian Life Concerns
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the Clarion Town House Hotel, the Members and staff of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Clarion Town House Hotel.
Sincerely,
Dee Simons
Director of Sales
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the National Cosmetology Assoc. of SC, the Members of the House of Representatives are invited to a breakfast. This event will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.
Sincerely,
Diane Cook
State President
December 12, 2005
The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Sr.
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Chairman Leach:
On behalf of the Electric Cooperatives of SC, the Members and staff of the House of Representatives are invited to a reception. This event will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Columbia Marriott Hotel.
Sincerely,
Michael N. Couick
REGULATIONS RECEIVED
The following were received and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration:
Document No. 3014
Agency: Commission on Higher Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 59-150-370
South Carolina HOPE Scholarship
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 10, 2006
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 10, 2006
Document No. 3015
Agency: Commission on Higher Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 59-149-10
Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship Program
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 10, 2006
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 10, 2006
Document No. 3016
Agency: Commission on Higher Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 59-150-360
Lottery Tuition Assistance Program for Two-Year Public and Independent Institutions
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 10, 2006
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 10, 2006
Document No. 3017
Agency: Commission on Higher Education
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Section 59-104-20
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 10, 2006
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 10, 2006
Document No. 3018
Agency: Commission on Higher Eduation
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-149-10, 59-104-20, 59-150-370
LIFE Scholarship, SC HOPE Scholarship and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Appeals Regulations
Received by Speaker of the House of Representatives
January 10, 2006
Referred to Education and Public Works Committee
Legislative Review Expiration May 10, 2006
Document No. 2976
Agency: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, South Carolina Occupational Health and Safety Review Board