THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
(Statewide Session)
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:
We recall that when God re-established the covenant, he made it clear to Moses and the people, that: “You shall not make cast idols.”
(Exodus 34:17)
Join me as we pray:
Dear God, in spite of Your directive, we all know full well how easy it is to fall into the trap of creating idols and of making much of them. And we know also that idol-making doesn’t need toinvolve some token, some figure placed on a shelf. Rather, we so often have to wrestle with the temptations brought about by modern-day idols like “power,” or “seeking the spotlight,” or always having “to win.” Lord, forgive us for the sultry allure of idol worship. May each Senator -- may every servant of Yours in this place -- strive instead to hold fast to those values which really matter, those which bring about good for our State. In Your name we pray, Lord. Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
Point of Quorum
At 11:07 A.M., Senator PEELER made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.
Call of the Senate
Senator PEELER moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:
AlexanderBrightBryant
CampbellCampsenCleary
CorbinCromerDavis
FairGregoryGrooms
HayesHuttoLourie
Martin, LarryMartin, ShaneMassey
McGillNicholsonO'Dell
PeelerRankinScott
SetzlerThurmondTurner
WilliamsYoung
A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
The following appointments were transmitted by the Honorable Nikki Randhawa Haley:
Local Appointments
Initial Appointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2010, and to expire April 30, 2014
Julian Kirby Wright, 121 Fernwood Dr., Gaffney, SC 29340 VICE Honorable Steven S. Wood
Reappointment, Cherokee County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2014, and to expire April 30, 2018
Julian Kirby Wright, 121 Fernwood Dr., Gaffney, SC 29340
Initial Appointment, Horry County Board of Voter Registration, with the term to commence March 15, 2014, and to expire March 15, 2016
Lanny E. Rose, 300 Flagstone Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 VICE Deborah Vrooman
REGULATION WITHDRAWN
The following was received:
Document No. 4376
Agency: South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Chapter: 37
Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 23-23-10 et seq.
SUBJECT: Assignment of Costs for Agency Level Contested Case Hearings
Received by Lt. Governor May 1, 2013
Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
Legislative Review Expiration: Permanently Withdrawn
120 Day Period Tolled
April 2, 2014 Permanently Withdrawn
Doctor of the Day
Senator GROOMS introduced Dr. Larry Pawlik of Charleston, S.C., Doctor of the Day. Dr. Pawlik specializes in emergency medicine with Medcare Urgent Care.
Leave of Absence
On motion of Senator GROOMS, at 11:05 A.M., Senator VERDIN was granted a leave of absence for today.
Leave of Absence
On motion of Senator THURMOND, at 11:05 A.M., Senator MALLOY was granted a leave of absence for today.
Leave of Absence
On motion of Senator GREGORY, at 11:05 A.M., Senator HEMBREE was granted a leave of absence for today.
Leave of Absence
On motion of Senator LOURIE, at 11:05 A.M., Senator BENNETT was granted a leave of absence for today.
Leave of Absence
At 1:45 P.M., Senator DAVIS requested a leave of absence for the balance of the day.
Expression of Personal Interest
Senator COURSON rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Expression of Personal Interest
Senator HAYES rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Senator SCOTT raised a point of order that under Rule 13, the time limitation for an Expression of Personal Interest had expired.
Senator SCOTT asked unanimous consent to allow Senator HAYES time to conclude his remarks.
There was no objection.
Expression of Personal Interest
Senator HUTTO rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
CO-SPONSORS ADDED
The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 1189Sen. Larry Martin
S. 894Sen. Alexander
S. 888Sen. Gregory
S. 1100Sen. Young
RECALLED
S.1145 -- Senators Hayes and Fair: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 591490 SO AS TO PROHIBIT SPECIFIED AGENCIES AND ENTITIES FROM PROVIDING ANY INDIVIDUAL STUDENT DATA OR ANY DATA THAT MAY BE USED TO IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, ANY OTHER AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, OR ANY THIRD PARTY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY A JOINT RESOLUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 5918355 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REQUIRED CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES TO REVISE CERTAIN STATE CONTENT STANDARDS OR FOR A NEW STANDARD OR A CHANGE IN A CURRENT STANDARD; TO AMEND SECTION 5918310, RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OR ADOPTION OF A STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE STUDENT LEARNING AND MEASURE STUDENT PERFORMANCE, SO AS TO DELETE EXIT EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS BEGINNING WITH THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2015, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH A STUDENT WHO DID NOT RECEIVE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA BECAUSE OF A FAILURE TO MEET THE EXIT EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT MAY RECEIVE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA; BY ADDING SECTION 5918325 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ADMINISTER CERTAIN NEW ASSESSMENTS TO STUDENTS IN SPECIFIED GRADES IN THE 20142015 SCHOOL YEAR AND IN FUTURE SCHOOL YEARS FOR PARTICULAR ASSESSMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 5918350, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CYCLICAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF STATE STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE TIMELINE FOR A REVIEW OF STATE STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIED SUBJECTS, AND TO REVISE THE DURATION OF PREVIOUS CONTENT STANDARDS; TO AMEND SECTION 5918950, RELATING TO CRITERIA FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND HIGH SCHOOL RATINGS, SO AS TO REVISE THIS CRITERIA; TO AMEND SECTION 594835, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR A DIPLOMA FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE SPECIAL SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXIT EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT; TO REPEAL SECTION 5913960 RELATING TO VARIOUS ASSESSMENTS OF STUDENTS, SCHOOLS, AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT SOUTH CAROLINA SHALL NO LONGER BE A GOVERNING OR ADVISORY STATE IN THE SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENT CONSORTIUM, AND FURTHER THAT SOUTH CAROLINA MAY NOT ADOPT OR ADMINISTER THE SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENT.
Senator COURSON asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Bill from the Committee on Education.
There was no objection.
The Bill was recalled from the Committee on Education and ordered placed on the Calendar for consideration tomorrow.
Expression of Personal Interest
Senator CORBIN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The following were introduced:
S. 1196 -- Senators Davis, Alexander, Allen, Bennett, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Corbin, Courson, Cromer, Fair, Gregory, Grooms, Hayes, Hembree, Hutto, Jackson, Johnson, Kimpson, Leatherman, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McElveen, McGill, Nicholson, O'Dell, Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Scott, Setzler, Shealy, Sheheen, Thurmond, Turner, Verdin, Williams and Young: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO PROCLAIM THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014, "NURSE PRACTITIONER AND CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE NURSE PRACTITIONERS AND CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIVES FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1197 -- Senators Alexander, L. Martin, Bryant and O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-53-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE BOARD FOR TECHNICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE CERTAIN POST-SECONDARY VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND OCCUPATIONAL DIPLOMA AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS, SO AS TO GIVE EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THESE PROGRAMS TO THE BOARD AND TO EXPAND ITS JURISDICTION TO INCLUDE CERTAIN CERTIFICATES AND CERTAIN APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAMS; TO AMEND SECTION 59-103-15, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION GOALS AND MISSIONS, AND SECTION 59-103-35, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS THAT A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION MAY NOT UNDERTAKE A NEW PROGRAM WITHOUT APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, BOTH SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-101-150 RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT A STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING MUST RECEIVE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSION OR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS A CONDITION TO UNDERTAKING A NEW PROGRAM.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 1198 -- Medical Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PERMITS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4444, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
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Read the first time and ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
S. 1199 -- Senator Courson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE MAY 2014 AS "HOMESCHOOL RECOGNITION MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO RECOGNIZE THE DILIGENT EFFORTS OF HOMESCHOOLING PARENTS AND THE ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF THEIR STUDENTS, AND TO EXPRESS SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR THEIR FOCUS ON THE WELL-BEING AND OVERALL ACHIEVEMENTS OF THEIR CHILDREN.
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 1200 -- Senator Coleman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-3535 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO TAX CREDITS FOR MAKING QUALIFIED REHABILITATION EXPENDITURES FOR CERTIFIED HISTORIC STRUCTURES, TO CLARIFY THE TAXES AND LICENSE FEES AGAINST WHICH THE TAX CREDIT MAY BE TAKEN, TO PROVIDE FOR A NEW TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT TAX CREDIT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND LIMITATIONS OF THE NEW TAX CREDIT, TO DEFINE STATE OWNED ABANDONED BUILDING FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE SECTION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TIME PERIOD DURING WHICH A TAX CREDIT MAY BE CLAIMED FOR WORK PERFORMED IN CONNECTION WITH A STATE OWNED ABANDONED BUILDING, TO PROVIDE THAT THE TAX CREDIT MAY BE ASSIGNED; TO AMEND SECTION 12-67-120 TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR STATE OWNED ABANDONED BUILDING FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHAPTER 67, TITLE 12; TO AMEND SECTION 12-67-140, TO INCLUDE INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES AS ONE OF THE TAXES AGAINST WHICH A CREDIT CAN BE CLAIMED, TO PROVIDE FOR THE TIME PERIOD IN WHICH A TAX CREDIT MAY BE TAKEN, TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXEMPTION TO THE VALUE LIMITATIONS OF THE TAX CREDIT FOR WORK DONE IN CONNECTION WITH A STATE OWNED ABANDONED BUILDING, AND TO REMOVE A LIMITATION RELATED TO THE AMOUNT A TAXPAYER'S TAX LIABILITY MAY BE REDUCED.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 1201 -- Senators O'Dell and Nicholson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE DR. BEN H. DAVIS, JR., PRESIDENT AND CEO OF GREENWOOD'S CONNIE MAXWELL CHILDREN'S HOME, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 1202 -- Senator Pinckney: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR G. THOMAS "TOM" UPSHAW, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF PALMETTO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-THREE YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
H. 4371 -- Rep. Finlay: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 15-75-70 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON IN THIS STATE, IN REGARD TO PATENT OWNERSHIP AND POTENTIAL PATENT INFRINGEMENT, MAY INTENTIONALLY INTERFERE WITH THE EXISTING CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS OF ANOTHER PERSON OR INTENTIONALLY INTERFERE WITH THE PROSPECTIVE CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS OF ANOTHER PERSON, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON AGGRIEVED BY ANOTHER PERSON'S INTENTIONAL INTERFERENCE WITH HIS EXISTING CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS OR WITH HIS PROSPECTIVE CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS HAS A CAUSE OF ACTION IN BOTH INSTANCES AGAINST THAT PERSON, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ELEMENTS OF EACH CAUSE OF ACTION AND THE DAMAGES WHICH MAY ENSUE.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
H. 4527 -- Reps. Felder, D. C. Moss, Brannon, Allison, Daning, Crosby, V. S. Moss, Hosey, Sottile, Clyburn, Kennedy, Spires, Quinn, R. L. Brown, Cole, Forrester, Pope, Rivers, Wood and Gilliard: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-195 SO AS TO ESTABLISH "A DAY OF RECOGNITION FOR VETERANS' SPOUSES AND FAMILIES" ON THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING DAY EACH YEAR.
Read the first time and referred to the General Committee.
H. 4803 -- Reps. Horne, Erickson, Gilliard, Whipper, D. C. Moss, McCoy, K. R. Crawford, Weeks, Cobb-Hunter and Knight: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 4, CHAPTER 53, TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH ACT OF 1980, SO AS TO ENACT THE "MEDICAL CANNABIS THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT RESEARCH ACT", TO ESTABLISH THE MEDICAL CANNABIS THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT RESEARCH PROGRAM AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, TO PROVIDE FOR PATIENTS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE WHO AND UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES MEDICAL CANNABIS CAN BE ADMINISTERED TO A PATIENT, TO PROVIDE FOR NOTICE TO A PARTICIPATING PATIENT THAT THE PATIENT WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN A RESEARCH STUDY AND OF THE EXPERIMENTAL NATURE OF THE MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROTECTION OF A PARTICIPATING PATIENT'S PERSONAL INFORMATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, TO PROVIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS BY ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS THAT SUPERVISE OR ADMINISTER MEDICAL CANNABIS TREATMENTS, TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL IMMUNITY FROM STATE ACTIONS OR SUITS ARISING FROM THE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE SHALL DEFEND STATE EMPLOYEES WHO, IN GOOD FAITH, CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO COLLABORATE WITH ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS TO ASSIST INTERESTED PATIENTS WITH THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO PARTICIPATE IN EXISTING UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION-APPROVED INVESTIGATIONAL NEW DRUG STUDIES CONCERNING MEDICAL CANNABIS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
H. 4864 -- Rep. Gambrell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 46-21-215, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO REQUIRED LABELS AND TAGS FOR CONTAINERS OF AGRICULTURAL, VEGETABLE, AND FLOWER SEEDS, SO AS TO REVISE CERTAIN OF THESE LABELING AND TAGGING REQUIREMENTS.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
H. 4993 -- Rep. Barfield: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-125 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE THIRD SATURDAY IN SEPTEMBER AS "AYNOR HARVEST HOE-DOWN FESTIVAL WEEKEND".
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Invitations.
H. 4994 -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO CRITICAL CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS SCREENING ON NEWBORNS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4429, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
H. 4995 -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF NURSING, RELATING TO CODE OF ETHICS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4447, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs.
H. 4998 -- Rep. Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF 24TH AVENUE BETWEEN CALHOUN AND DARGAN STREETS IN THE CITY OF DILLON "RUBY WOODS CARTER ROAD" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF ROADWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "RUBY WOODS CARTER ROAD".
The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 5001 -- Reps. Erickson, Newton, Herbkersman, McCoy, Patrick, Stavrinakis and Hodges: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT A POINT 0.34 MILES WEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF THE JUNCTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAYS 17 AND 21 AND OLD SHELDON CHURCH ROAD IN BEAUFORT COUNTY ALONG UNITED STATES HIGHWAYS 17 AND 21, AND AT A POINT THREE MILES SOUTH OF THE INTERSECTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 17 AND SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 165 IN CHARLESTON COUNTY ALONG UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 17 THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS: "ACE BASIN YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE ACE BASIN. ONE OF THE LAST GREAT PLACES. PLEASE HELP PROTECT YOUR NATURAL RESOURCES".
The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
H. 5024 -- Rep. Sellers: A BILL TO ALLOW THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF DENMARK-OLAR SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2 TO IMPOSE A CAPITAL MILLAGE TO PROVIDE SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING ANY ASSOCIATED LEASE PAYMENTS, AND TO MAKE FINDINGS THAT ILLUSTRATE THE UNIQUE ISSUES FACING THE DISTRICT.
Read the first time and ordered placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable with amendment report on:
S.919 -- Senator L.Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 43760, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FALSE CLAIMS, STATEMENTS, AND REPRESENTATIONS FOR PURPOSES OF QUALIFYING FOR AND RECEIVING PAYMENT FOR AND REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAID CLAIMS AND BENEFITS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT ANY PERSON FROM ENGAGING IN THE PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND TO EXPAND OFFENSES AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF THE ARTICLE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 43790, RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF THE ARTICLE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, OR A DESIGNEE, ADDITIONAL POWERS.
Ordered for consideration tomorrow.
Senator PEELER from the Committee on Medical Affairs submitted a favorable report on:
S.1056 -- Senators Turner, Campbell and Reese: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 402560 OF THE 1976 CODE RELATING TO THE LICENSE REQUIRED TO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF SPECIALIZING IN HEARING AIDS, TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON MAY ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF SPECIALIZING IN HEARING AIDS OR DISPLAY A SIGN OR IN ANOTHER WAY ADVERTISE OR REPRESENT HIMSELF AS A PERSON WHO ENGAGES IN THE PRACTICE OF SPECIALIZING IN HEARING AIDS OR OFFER FOR THE SALE OF HEARING AIDS THROUGH THE MAIL, INTERNET, OR OTHER MEANS, UNLESS HE HOLDS AN UNSUSPENDED, UNREVOKED LICENSE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND PROVIDES FOR THE DIRECT FITTING, SALE, AND DELIVERY OF THE PRODUCTS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT NOTHING IN THIS CHAPTER PROHIBITS A PERSON FROM ENGAGING IN THE BUSINESS OF SELLING OR OFFERING FOR SALE HEARING AIDS THROUGH THE MAIL, INTERNET, OR OTHER MEANS TO DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS, OR SPECIALISTS LICENSED IN THIS STATE.