TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2015
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by Dr. Bradley D. Smith, Senior Pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, as follows:
Lord, I do not know these people’s names or hurts or hearts. But You do. You know their dreams and fears, their joys and worries. Thank You. Thank You
Today I pray, O Master of all people and all history, that You will grant these, Your created ones, the humility to listen for Your voice among all voices, the character to follow Your leading, and the grace to do Your will.
The words of this prayer will soon be forgotten, O God, but the decisions of this Body and the spirit in which they deliberate them will be greatly noticed and long remembered.
Shepherd this flock, fill each man and woman with Your kingdom vision, give them a spirit of statesmanship that is bigger than themselves, big enough, O Lord, even to be Your will.
This we pray, giving thanks that You are our rock and redeemer. 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 PRO TEMPORE.
After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ordered it confirmed.
MOTION ADOPTED
Rep. HORNE moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Herman Elroy Muckenfuss of Jedburg, which was agreed to.
SILENT PRAYER
The House stood in silent prayer for the families of those affected by the F-16 and Cessna crash in Berkeley County.
HOUSE RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4367 -- Reps. J.E.Smith, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowers, Bradley, Brannon, G.A.Brown, R.L.Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Collins, Corley, H.A.Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hicks, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, Kennedy, King, Kirby, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, McKnight, M.S.McLeod, W.J.McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D.C.Moss, V.S.Moss, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sandifer, Simrill, G.M.Smith, G.R.Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Tinkler, Toole, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR DR. MARY ANNE FITZPATRICK, DEAN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, FOR HER TEN YEARS OF OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE AND TO CONGRATULATE HER ON HER APPOINTMENT AS VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SYSTEM.
The Resolution was adopted.
HOUSE RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4368 -- Reps. G.R.Smith, Burns, Bedingfield, Hamilton, Nanney, Dillard, Robinson-Simpson, Henderson, Bannister, Loftis, Stringer, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowers, Bradley, Brannon, G.A.Brown, R.L.Brown, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Collins, Corley, H.A.Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Douglas, Duckworth, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hicks, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, Kennedy, King, Kirby, Knight, Limehouse, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, McKnight, M.S.McLeod, W.J.McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D.C.Moss, V.S.Moss, Murphy, Neal, Newton, Norman, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sandifer, Simrill, G.M.Smith, J.E.Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Tinkler, Toole, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE ANNA CRUTCHFIELD OF TRAVELERS REST ON CAPTURING THE TITLE OF 2015 INTERNATIONAL KICKBOXING FEDERATION WOMEN'S LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION AND TO WISH HER WELL AS SHE CONTINUES TO PURSUE AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETIC CAREER.
The Resolution was adopted.
HOUSE RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4369 -- Reps. Johnson, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowers, Bradley, Brannon, G.A.Brown, R.L.Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Collins, Corley, H.A.Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hicks, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jordan, Kennedy, King, Kirby, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, McKnight, M.S.McLeod, W.J.McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D.C.Moss, V.S.Moss, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sandifer, Simrill, G.M.Smith, G.R.Smith, J.E.Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Tinkler, Toole, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Yow: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE DEATH OF MARY E. RABON ALLSBROOK OF HORRY COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4370 -- Reps. King, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bamberg, Bannister, Bedingfield, Bernstein, Bingham, Bowers, Bradley, Brannon, G.A.Brown, R.L.Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clary, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, Collins, Corley, H.A.Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Duckworth, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Henegan, Herbkersman, Hicks, Hill, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Johnson, Jordan, Kennedy, Kirby, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, McKnight, M.S.McLeod, W.J.McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D.C.Moss, V.S.Moss, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Norrell, Ott, Parks, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sandifer, Simrill, G.M.Smith, G.R.Smith, J.E.Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Tinkler, Toole, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Yow: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE PASSING OF THE NINE MEMBERS OF MOTHER EMANUEL AME CHURCH IN CHARLESTON WHOSE LIVES WERE TRAGICALLY CUT SHORT, TO CELEBRATE THEIR LIVES, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THEIR FAMILIES AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is deeply saddened by the untimely deaths of the nine members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston who on June 17, 2015, were attacked and slain by a gunman during a Wednesday night prayer meeting and Bible study at the church; and
Whereas, the General Assembly realizes that words are inadequate to express fully the grief of this State and nation concerning the tragedy that took place that night at Mother Emanuel. Nor can mere words bring full comfort to those most affected by this horrific loss. However, the families and friends of the victims may take comfort in the Word of God as recorded in Psalm 116:15 (KJV), “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,” as well as in knowing that the nine who were taken from us were prepared to meet the Lord at any time, all of them being believers in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. We remember them today, utilizing the words of United States Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, spoken before his colleagues on the Senate floor on June 24, 2015:
We honor the Reverend Sharonda ColemanSingleton, a beloved teacher and coach at Goose Creek High School. Her son, Chris, has shown us all what an amazing mother she was through his strength over the past six days.
We honor Cynthia Hurd, whose love for education has been shared with so many over her thirtyone years as a librarian in the public library system.
We honor Susie Jackson, who at eightyseven years young still offered her beautiful voice to the choir and had recently returned from visiting her family in Ohio.
We honor Ethel Lee Lance, who served her church with pride and whose daughter calls her the “strong woman who just tried to keep her family together.”
We honor Depayne MiddletonDoctor, who dedicated her life to serving the poor and helping her students as an enrollment counselor at Southern Wesleyan University.
We honor [our] good friend, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, an amazing man of faith…, a wonderful father and husband, and a respected South Carolina state senator.
We honor Tywanza Sanders, beloved son of Tyrone and Felicia, whose warmth and heartfelt spirit have kept us moving.
We honor the Reverend Daniel Simmons, Sr., whose granddaughter said, “My granddaddy was an amazing man. It seemed like every time he spoke, it was pure wisdom.”
We honor Pastor Myra Thompson, who served the Lord with grace and dignity. She loved her children, her grandchildren, and her greatgrandchildren; and
Whereas, we do not limit our thoughts on this unspeakable calamity to the event itself; rather, we rejoice in the wonderfully astonishing, even miraculous, outpouring of reconciliation, forgiveness, love, and generous giving that have followed an action meant to cause racial division. A few examples of this marvelous deluge of grace must suffice to show the whole; and
Whereas, uncounted prayer meetings for the church, the families of the victims, and the City of Charleston have been held throughout this nation, and compassionate expressions of sympathy, encouragement, and admiration have poured in from people across America and beyond; and
Whereas, to show their support for Mother Emanuel AME Church, thousands of Charleston residents of all faiths, races, and ages formed a “Bridge to Peace” unity chain that extended all the way across the Arthur Ravenel Bridge; and
Whereas, about twenty members of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Environmental Services Department, who are trained in cleaning up operating rooms and trauma units, volunteered to clean Mother Emanuel’s fellowship hall, the site of the tragedy, and MUSC donated the supplies; and
Whereas, numerous groups and individuals have contributed, as of June 29, 2015, nearly a million dollars to the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund, set up by the City of Charleston to help defray funeral costs for the families of the victims and other expenses; and
Whereas, most inspiring of all, the immediate forgiveness extended to the gunman by the victims’ families, even in the face of great pain and loss, has loosed a mighty wind of reconciliation in this land like nothing we have witnessed in living memory. It has brought forth a nationwide desire to take action that proves this reconciliation is heartdeep commitment, not merely words. For these blessings, we give thanks to Almighty God, and we pray He will increase this new spirit within us in the days ahead as we continue our earnest prayers for the families of the victims and Mother Emanuel AME Church; and
Whereas, these responses to the tragedy of nine families and Mother Emanuel AME Church showed South Carolina at its very best and, again, in the words of Senator Tim Scott, “was absolutely the best of who we are as Americans.” Mother Emanuel AME and the families of the Mother Emanuel Nine have led us to this place, and we bless them for it. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the nine members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston whose lives were tragically cut short, celebrate their lives, and extend the deepest sympathy to their families and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the families of the Reverend Sharonda ColemanSingleton, Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, Depayne MiddletonDoctor, the Reverend Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, the Reverend Daniel Simmons, Sr., and Pastor Myra Thompson.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
ROLL CALL
The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:
Alexander / Allison / AndersonAnthony / Atwater / Bales
Ballentine / Bamberg / Bannister
Bedingfield / Bernstein / Bingham
Bowers / Bradley / Brannon
G.A.Brown / R.L.Brown / Burns
Chumley / Clary / Clemmons
Cole / Collins / Corley
Crosby / Delleney / Dillard
Douglas / Duckworth / Erickson
Felder / Finlay / Forrester
Funderburk / Gagnon / Gambrell
George / Gilliard / Goldfinch
Govan / Hamilton / Hardee
Hart / Hayes / Henderson
Henegan / Herbkersman / Hicks
Hill / Hosey / Howard
Huggins / Jefferson / Johnson
Jordan / Kennedy / King
Kirby / Knight / Limehouse
Lowe / Lucas / Mack
McCoy / McEachern / M.S.McLeod
W.J.McLeod / Mitchell / D.C.Moss
V.S.Moss / Murphy / Nanney
Newton / Norman / Ott
Parks / Pitts / Pope
Quinn / Ridgeway / Riley
Rivers / Robinson-Simpson / Sandifer
Simrill / G.M.Smith / G.R.Smith
J.E.Smith / Sottile / Southard
Spires / Stavrinakis / Tallon
Taylor / Thayer / Tinkler
Toole / Weeks / Wells
White / Whitmire / Williams
Willis
STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE
I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Tuesday, July 7.
William Clyburn / Gilda Cobb-HunterHeather Crawford / Joe Daning
Kenneth F. Hodges / Jenny A. Horne
Dwight Loftis / Cezar McKnight
Joseph Neal / Mandy Powers Norrell
Todd Rutherford / Tommy Stringer
Jackson "Seth" Whipper / Richie Yow
Mike Ryhal
Total Present--118
SPEAKER IN CHAIR
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The SPEAKER granted Rep. HIXON a leave of absence for the day due to a long-scheduled prior commitment.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The SPEAKER granted Rep. MERRILL a leave of absence for the day.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The SPEAKER granted Rep. HIOTT a leave of absence for the day due to a previously scheduled church mission trip.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The SPEAKER granted Rep. PUTNAM a leave of absence for the day due to a prior family commitment.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The SPEAKER granted Rep. LONG a leave of absence for the day.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The SPEAKER granted Rep. RYHAL a temporary leave of absence due to medical reasons.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The SPEAKER granted Rep. CLARY a temporary leave of absence.
SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE IN CHAIR
R. 127, H. 3701--THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Debate was resumed on the following Act, the pending question being the consideration of Veto items:
(R. 127) H. 3701 -- 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, 2015, 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.
VETO NO. 49-- SUSTAINED
Veto 49Part IB, Page 526, Section 118, Statewide Revenue; Proviso 118.14(B), Nonrecurring Revenue – Item (46)(b), Department of Transportation, Highway 17 Corridor Study, $25,000
Rep. WHITE explained the Veto.
Rep. HILL spoke in favor of the Veto.
The question was put, shall the Item become a part of the law, the Veto of her Excellency, the Governor, to the contrary notwithstanding, the yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:
Yeas 31; Nays 61
Those who voted in the affirmative are:
Anderson / Anthony / BalesBamberg / Bowers / G.A.Brown
R.L.Brown / Dillard / Douglas
Duckworth / George / Gilliard
Goldfinch / Govan / Hardee
Hayes / Hosey / King
Limehouse / Lucas / Mack
McEachern / W.J.McLeod / Mitchell
Ott / Parks / Ridgeway
Robinson-Simpson / Sottile / Tinkler
Weeks
Total--31
Those who voted in the negative are:
Allison / Atwater / BallentineBernstein / Bingham / Bradley
Brannon / Burns / Chumley
Clemmons / Cole / Collins
H.A.Crawford / Delleney / Erickson
Felder / Finlay / Forrester
Gagnon / Hamilton / Henderson
Herbkersman / Hicks / Hill
Huggins / Jefferson / Johnson
Jordan / Kennedy / Knight
Loftis / Lowe / McCoy
D.C.Moss / V.S.Moss / Murphy
Nanney / Newton / Norman
Pope / Quinn / Riley
Rivers / Sandifer / Simrill
G.M.Smith / G.R.Smith / J.E.Smith
Southard / Spires / Stavrinakis
Tallon / Taylor / Thayer
Toole / Wells / White
Whitmire / Williams / Willis
Yow
Total--61
So, the Veto of the Governor was sustained and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.
STATEMENT FOR HOUSE JOURNAL
ABSTENTION FROM VOTING
BASED ON POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST
In accordance with Section 8-13-700(B) of the S.C. Code, I abstained from voting on the below referenced election because of a potential conflict of interest and wish to have my recusal noted for the record in the House Journal of this date:
Veto No. 49
The reason for abstaining on the above referenced legislation is:
A potential conflict of interest may exist in that an economic interest of myself, an immediate family member, or an individual or business with which I am associated may be affected in violation of S.C. Code Section 8-13-700(B).
Rep. Roger K. Kirby
VETO NO. 49--MOTION TO RECONSIDER TABLED
Rep. G.R.SMITH moved to reconsider the vote whereby Veto No. 49 was sustained.
Rep. G.R.SMITH moved to table the motion to reconsider, which was agreed to.
VETO NO. 50-- OVERRIDDEN