WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2005

Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 a.m.

Deliberations were opened with prayer by Rev. Charles E. Seastrunk, Jr. as follows:

Our thought for today is from Job 22:21: “Submit to God and be at peace with him.”

Let us pray. Alpha and Omega, Yahweh, the Great I Am, put Your name upon us and bless us. Challenge and excite us to do the work assigned us. Raise us above impatience and pride. Lift us out of self-pity and conceit to generous, outgoing service. Look in favor upon our Nation, President, State and her leaders. Bless and keep our defenders of freedom in Your safe embrace. O Lord, hear our prayer. 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.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of yesterday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. FUNDERBURK moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Bobby Pullum of Camden, which was agreed to.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 3996 -- Reps. Cato, Chellis, Tripp, Scarborough and Clemmons: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-485 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CREATION OF A PROTECTED CELL DOES NOT CREATE A LEGAL PERSON SEPARATE FROM A SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE (SPFC); BY ADDING SECTION 38-90-515 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT SECURITIES ISSUED BY A SPFC PURSUANT TO INSURANCE SECURITIZATION MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE INSURANCE OR INSURANCE CONTRACTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-400, RELATING TO THE REPORT REQUIRED TO BE FILED DISCLOSING MATERIAL ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS OR MATERIAL NONRENEWALS, CANCELLATIONS, OR REVISIONS OF CEDED REINSURANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-410, RELATING TO REPORTING AN INSURER'S ACQUISITIONS OR DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS, SO AS TO ADD HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS TO THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-13-420, RELATING TO REPORTING NONRENEWALS, CANCELLATIONS, OR REVISIONS OF CEDED REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS, SO AS TO ADD HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS TO THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-880, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO MEDICAL AND SURGICAL BENEFITS AND MENTAL BENEFITS COVERAGE, SO AS TO CHANGE THE DATE FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF BENEFITS FOR SERVICES FURNISHED; TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-1410, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SMALL EMPLOYER INSURER REINSURANCE PROGRAM, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CODE REFERENCES FOR SELECTING A LICENSED ADMINISTRATOR INSTEAD OF AN ADMINISTERING INSURER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-220, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR INSURANCE RATE LEVEL CHANGES, SO AS TO CHANGE CODE REFERENCES FROM THE ARTICLE TO THE CHAPTER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-240, RELATING TO RATE FILINGS WHERE THE LINE OF INSURANCE IS DECLARED COMPETITIVE, SO AS TO CHANGE CODE REFERENCES FROM ARTICLE TO CHAPTER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-260, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR INSURANCE RATE LEVEL CHANGES, SO AS TO CHANGE CODE REFERENCES FROM ARTICLE TO CHAPTER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-270, RELATING TO THE CONSUMER INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF INSURANCE COVERAGE, SO AS TO CHANGE CODE REFERENCES FROM ARTICLE TO CHAPTER; TO AMEND SECTION 38-74-30, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR COVERAGE UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA HEALTH INSURANCE POOL, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE COVERAGE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER THE AGE OF SIXTY-FIVE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-74-60, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO COVERAGE UNDER THE POOL'S MAJOR EXPENSE PROVISIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE TO AN INDIVIDUAL FOR REASONS OTHER THAN AGE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-530, RELATING TO THE PLAN OF OPERATION OF THE REINSURANCE FACILITY, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE FACILITY TO DECLARE AN ASSESSMENT ON INSURERS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-77-580, RELATING TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE REINSURANCE FACILITY, SO AS TO CHANGE THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-40, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CAPITALIZATION AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE TO ISSUE A LICENSE TO A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY IF THE COMPANY PROVIDES THE DIRECTOR WITH EVIDENCE OF MINIMUM REQUIRED UNIMPAIRED PAID-IN CAPITAL; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-50, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO FREE SURPLUS REQUIREMENTS FOR A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE TO ISSUE A LICENSE TO A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY CONDITIONED ON EVIDENCE OF MINIMUM REQUIRED FREE SURPLUS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-100, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPLICABILITY OF INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ASSOCIATION CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY AND AN INDUSTRIAL INSURED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO CHANGE A REFERENCE FROM AN INDUSTRIAL INSURED CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY TO A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY AND ADD A REFERENCE TO A SPECIAL PURPOSE CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-140, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE TAX REQUIRED TO BE PAID TO THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE BY A CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, SO AS TO CLARIFY ON WHAT THE TAX IS PAYABLE AND ESTABLISH A MAXIMUM TAX; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-175, RELATING TO THE CAPTIVE INSURANCE REGULATORY AND SUPERVISION FUND, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM TEN TO TWENTY PERCENT THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE SHALL TRANSFER INTO THE FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-420, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS USED REGARDING SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANIES, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITIONS OF "ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT", "CONTESTED CASE", AND "THIRD PARTY", AND CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF "INSOLVENCY"; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-430, RELATING TO THE RELATIONSHIP OF ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 90, TITLE 38 (SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL CAPTIVES) TO OTHER TITLE 38 PROVISIONS, SO AS TO ADD A REFERENCE TO A SPFC'S PROTECTED CELL; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-440, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF A SPFC TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO CHANGE AND ADD CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-450, RELATING TO ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF A SPFC, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT CAPITAL STOCK OF A SPFC MUST BE ISSUED AT NOT LESS THAN PAR VALUE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-480, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PROTECTED CELLS BY A SPFC, SO AS TO CHANGE THE PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING PROTECTED CELLS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-550, RELATING TO A MATERIAL CHANGE OF A SPFC'S PLAN OF OPERATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE A STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS BE FILED IF APPROVED OR REQUIRED RATHER THAN REQUESTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-570, RELATING TO THE EXPIRATION OF AUTHORITY GRANTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE ON CESSATION OF BUSINESS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THAT THE DIRECTOR SUSPEND OR REVOKE THE LICENSE OF A SPFC FOR FAILURE TO MEET THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 38-90-480(D); TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-600, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE TO PETITION THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR AN ORDER TO CONSERVE, REHABILITATE, OR LIQUIDATE A SPFC DOMICILED IN THIS STATE FOR CERTAIN GROUNDS, SO AS TO ADD ADDITIONAL GROUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-90-620, RELATING TO STANDARDS AND CRITERIA APPLICABLE IN A CONTESTED CASE BROUGHT BY A THIRD PARTY BASED ON THE DECISION OF THE DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE INVOLVING A SPFC, SO AS TO MODIFY THE STANDARDS AND CRITERIA; TO AMEND ACT 154 OF 1997, RELATING TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT, SO AS TO DELAY THE REPEAL OF ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 77, TITLE 38, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, FROM JANUARY 1, 2006 TO JANUARY 1, 2010; AND TO AMEND ACT 291 OF 2004, RELATING TO VARIOUS AMENDMENTS TO THE INSURANCE LAW, SO AS TO DELAY THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF SECTION 38-43-106(H) OF THE 1976 CODE FROM MAY 1, 2006 TO MAY 1, 2010.

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

S. 47 -- Senators Cromer, Elliott, Fair, Ford and Ritchie: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-652, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE FIRST DEGREE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CONVICTION OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE FIRST DEGREE CARRIES A MINIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF TEN YEARS, NO PART OF WHICH MAY BE SUSPENDED OR PROBATION GRANTED; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-653, RELATING TO CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE SECOND DEGREE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CONVICTION OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE SECOND DEGREE CARRIES A MINIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF FIVE YEARS, NO PART OF WHICH MAY BE SUSPENDED OR PROBATION GRANTED; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-655, RELATING TO CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A MINOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ACTOR WHO HAS AT LEAST ONE PRIOR CONVICTION FOR A CRIME FOR WHICH THE ACTOR MUST REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-3-430 AND WHO ENGAGES IN SEXUAL BATTERY WITH A VICTIM WHO IS LESS THAN SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE IS GUILTY OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE FIRST DEGREE.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 100 -- Senator Richardson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS Of SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-25-280 SO AS TO PROVIDE DIFFERENT SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR TEACHERS CERTIFIED BY THE NATIONAL BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS, PROVIDE FOR LOANS TO TEACHERS FOR THE NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION APPLICATION FEE, PROVIDE FOR FORGIVENESS OF THE LOANS PURSUANT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AND PROVIDE FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS; BY ADDING SECTION 59-25-290 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF A COMMISSION TO DETERMINE NECESSARY CHANGES TO THE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR TEACHERS AND PROVIDE ITS COMPOSITION; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-1530, RELATING TO TEACHER SPECIALISTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE IN THE CALCULATION OF COMPENSATION FOR TEACHER SPECIALISTS.

Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 114 -- Senators Ritchie, Richardson and Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-18-700, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CRITERIA FOR THE ADOPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SO AS TO REVISE THIS CRITERIA BY PROVIDING THAT ALL INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS PLACED ON THE APPROVED LIST OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND TEXTBOOKS FOR USE IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THIS STATE SHALL CONTAIN THE SUBSTANCE AND LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE OUTLINED IN THE GRADE AND SUBJECT SPECIFIC ACADEMIC STANDARDS ADOPTED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION; BY ADDING SECTION 59-18-705 SO AS TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA SCIENCE COMMITTEE AND PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-31-45, RELATING TO THE SELECTION OF TEXTBOOKS.

Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 128 -- Senators Malloy, Knotts, Elliott, Richardson and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-150-210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE EDUCATION LOTTERY ACT, SO AS TO PERMIT THE SALE OF LOTTERY TICKETS ON GENERAL OR PRIMARY ELECTION DAYS.

Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

S. 137 -- Senators Hayes and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 20-7-420 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE FAMILY COURT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE FAMILY COURT MAY ORDER THAT CUSTODY OF A MINOR CHILD BE AWARDED TO THE CHILD'S DE FACTO CUSTODIAN UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND TO ADD SECTION 20-7-1540, TO DEFINE "DE FACTO CUSTODIAN" AND TO SPECIFY THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH CUSTODY OF A MINOR CHILD MAY BE AWARDED TO A DE FACTO CUSTODIAN.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary

S. 415 -- Senators Fair, Thomas, Verdin, Campsen, Grooms and Bryant: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-104-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP IS AVAILABLE TO AN ELIGIBLE RESIDENT STUDENT WHO ATTENDS OR WILL ATTEND A PUBLIC OR INDEPENDENT INSTITUTION, AND TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS.

Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 613 -- Senators Fair and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-8000, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE FEES FOR THESE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES MUST BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE ORGANIZATION THAT SPONSORS THE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE, AND TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF PREPAID APPLICATIONS FOR A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE AND THE DEPOSIT THAT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES FROM A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION BEFORE A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE MAY BE PRODUCED.

Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 736 -- Senators Ryberg and Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-7780, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF "VIETNAM WAR VETERANS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES" SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY VIETNAM WAR VETERANS WHO SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY AT ANYTIME DURING THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY 28, 1961, TO MAY 7, 1975, MAY BE ISSUED THIS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE.

Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

S. 778 -- Senators Drummond and O'Dell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-290, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN GREENWOOD COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND ADD CERTAIN VOTING PRECINCTS OF GREENWOOD COUNTY AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

Referred to Greenwood Delegation

ROLL CALL

The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows:

Agnew / Allen / Altman
Anderson / Anthony / Bailey
Bales / Ballentine / Barfield
Battle / Bingham / Brady
Branham / Breeland / G.Brown
J.Brown / R.Brown / Cato
Ceips / Chalk / Chellis
Clark / Clemmons / Clyburn
Cobb-Hunter / Coleman / Cooper
Cotty / Dantzler / Delleney
Duncan / Emory / Frye
Funderburk / Hagood / Haley
Hamilton / Hardwick / Harrell
Harrison / Haskins / Hayes
Herbkersman / J.Hines / M.Hines
Hinson / Hiott / Howard
Huggins / Jefferson / Jennings
Kennedy / Kirsh / Leach
Lee / Limehouse / Littlejohn
Loftis / Lucas / Mack
Mahaffey / Martin / McCraw
McGee / McLeod / Merrill
Miller / J.H.Neal / J.M.Neal
Norman / Owens / Parks
Perry / Phillips / Pinson
E.H.Pitts / M.A.Pitts / Rhoad
Rice / Rivers / Sandifer
Scarborough / Scott / Simrill
Sinclair / Skelton / D.C.Smith
G.R.Smith / J.E.Smith / J.R.Smith
Stewart / Talley / Taylor
Thompson / Toole / Tripp
Umphlett / Vaughn / Vick
Walker / Weeks / White
Whitmire / Wilkins / Witherspoon

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Wednesday, April 27.

Tracy Edge / Ronald Townsend
Lonnie Hosey / William Bowers
Denny Neilson / G. Murrell Smith
Harry Ott / Doug Smith
Marty Coates / Ralph Davenport
Jerry Govan / Jackson "Seth" Whipper
Bessie Moody-Lawrence / Todd Rutherford
Thad Viers

Total Present--120

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. Jim C. Chow of Columbia is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:

"5.2Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. After a bill or resolution has been presented and given first reading, no further names of cosponsors may be added. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a cosponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or cosponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member’s or cosponsor’s written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee.”

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3714
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / FUNDERBURK

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3827
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / MILLER

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3883
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / THOMPSON

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3588
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / CLEMMONS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3829
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / CLEMMONS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3613
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / CLEMMONS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3984
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / UMPHLETT

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3622
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / UMPHLETT

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3613
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / DUNCAN

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3604
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / SIMRILL

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3227
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / BOWERS

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3227
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / WHIPPER

CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number: / H.3984
Date: / ADD:
04/27/05 / HAMILTON

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bills were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:

S. 764 -- Senator Short: A BILL TO ESTABLISH THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION OF CHESTER COUNTY, TO ABOLISH THE ELECTION COMMISSION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD FOR CHESTER COUNTY AND DEVOLVE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD UPON THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE CHESTER COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION AND THE CHESTER COUNTY REGISTRATION BOARD SHALL ACT AS THE GOVERNING COMMISSION OF THE NEW CHESTER COUNTY REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION UNTIL THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW COMMISSION ARE APPOINTED, AT WHICH TIME THE TERMS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION AND REGISTRATION BOARD SHALL EXPIRE.

H. 3906 -- Reps. Harrell, Bales and Neilson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-104-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE ALTERNATE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP.

Rep. LITTLEJOHN explained the Bill.

H. 3963 -- Reps. Bowers and R.Brown: A BILL TO DESIGNATE THE PORTION OF UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 17 LOCATED IN COLLETON COUNTY AS ACE BASIN SCENIC PARKWAY.

H. 3479 -- Rep. Davenport: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 87, TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CRITERIA FOR ISSUANCE OF ASBESTOS ABATEMENT LICENSES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "ASBESTOS ABATEMENT ENTITY" AND "ASBESTOS PROJECT"; TO DELETE PROVISIONS ESTABLISHING LICENSURE FEES AND TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH SUCH FEES IN REGULATION SUFFICIENT TO COVER REASONABLE COSTS OF ADMINISTERING THE ASBESTOS PROGRAM AND TO DEFINE "COSTS"; AND TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM CIVIL PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS FROM ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.

Rep. HUGGINS explained the Bill.

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bills and Joint Resolution were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate:

H. 3240 -- Rep. Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 46-40-100 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CHAPTER 40 OF TITLE 46 RELATING TO THE GRAIN DEALERS GUARANTY FUND IS REPEALED UPON CERTIFICATION BY THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE THAT ALL LOANS RECEIVED BY THE GUARANTY FUND FROM THE STATE INSURANCE RESERVE FUND HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL.

H. 3318 -- Reps. Young, Chellis, Bailey and G.Brown: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-13-255 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES TAKEN OUT OF STATE BY A COSMETOLOGIST LICENSED IN THIS STATE MUST COUNT TOWARD THE COSMETOLOGIST'S ANNUAL SOUTH CAROLINA CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS IN A MANNER PROVIDED BY THE BOARD.

H. 3513 -- Reps. Brady, Pinson, Emory, Bales, Barfield, Chellis, Dantzler, Kennedy, Leach, Lucas, Martin, J.M.Neal, M.A.Pitts, G.R.Smith and Mahaffey: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 4-11-65 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING BODY OF A COUNTY TO PURCHASE A FIDELITY BOND ON ALL COUNTY OFFICIALS OR A PORTION OF THEM INSTEAD OF THE AMOUNT REQUIRED BY LAW AND REQUIRE A RESOLUTION TO BE ADOPTED BY THE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY WHEN A FIDELITY BOND IS USED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING BOND REQUIRED BY LAW, WHICH MUST MEET OR EXCEED THAT REQUIREMENT.