THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2006
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 Psalm 51:12: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
Let us pray. Lord, help us to see that we don’t have to overcome the troubles of this world by ourselves. Help us to trust in what You have already done for us. Lead us through the maze of our work that we may accomplish what You desire and what is good for the people of this State. Direct us to do the bidding in this place guided by Your spirit. Bless our Nation, President, State, Governor, these Representatives, staff, our Speaker and all who carry the responsibility of leadership in this State. Keep our defenders of freedom safe in Your care as they protect us. In the name of our Lord, we pray. 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. MARTIN moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Inez Gass, mother of Representative Becky Martin, which was agreed to.
MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
The following was received:
Columbia, S.C., April 5, 2006
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully invites your Honorable Body to attend in the Senate Chamber at 1:10 p.m., on Thursday, April 6, 2006, for the purpose of Ratifying Acts.
Very respectfully,
President
On motion of Rep. LEACH the invitation was accepted.
ACTING SPEAKER MCLEOD IN CHAIR
SPEAKER IN CHAIR
HOUSE RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4955 -- Reps. Harvin, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G.Brown, J.Brown, R.Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J.Hines, M.Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, J.H.Neal, J.M.Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E.H.Pitts, M.A.Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D.C.Smith, F.N.Smith, G.M.Smith, G.R.Smith, J.E.Smith, J.R.Smith, W.D.Smith, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND COMMEND ST. PAUL PRIMARY SCHOOL OF CLARENDON COUNTY FOR BEING RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AS A SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOL COMMITTED TO "CLOSING THE GAP" AMONG STUDENTS OF DIFFERING ECONOMIC, RACIAL, AND ETHNIC GROUPS.
The Resolution was adopted.
HOUSE RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4956 -- Rep. Coleman: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR LUCY WILLIAMS GIBSON FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LOVE FOR HER FAMILY AND COMMUNITY, AND TO WISH HER ALL THE BEST UPON HER ONE-HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY.
The Resolution was adopted.
HOUSE RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4957 -- Rep. Cotty: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MELISSA REYNOLDS SMITH, SECOND GRADE TEACHER AT WATEREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN KERSHAW COUNTY, UPON BEING NAMED THE 2005-2006 KERSHAW COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR, AND TO EXTEND SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR HER OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Resolution was adopted.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4958 -- Reps. R.Brown, Whipper, Hagood, Limehouse, Mack, Merrill, Scarborough and Young: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE THAT CROSSES RANTOWLES CREEK ALONG UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 17 IN CHARLESTON COUNTY THE "HISTORIC ST. PAUL'S PARISH BRIDGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS BRIDGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "HISTORIC ST. PAUL'S PARISH BRIDGE".
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4959 -- Rep. Neilson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE FAITHFUL CLERGY AND CONGREGANTS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DARLINGTON COUNTY FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE GREATER COMMUNITY AND TO RECOGNIZE THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH ON APRIL 23, 2006.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:
H. 4960 -- Reps. Dantzler, Jefferson, Bailey, Harrell, Hinson, Hosey, Merrill and Umphlett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-224, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX ON MOTOR HOMES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN DETERMINING THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF A MOTOR HOME SUBJECT TO PROPERTY TAX AS A PRIMARY OR SECOND RESIDENCE THE MOTOR HOME IS CONSIDERED A MOTOR VEHICLE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4961 -- Reps. Rhoad, Witherspoon, Toole, M.A.Pitts and Vick: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-1705, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CATCH LIMITS FOR CERTAIN SALTWATER FISH, SO AS TO CHANGE THE CATCH LIMIT FOR RED DRUM FROM TWO TO THREE IN ANY ONE DAY.
On motion of Rep. RHOAD, with unanimous consent, the Bill was ordered placed on the Calendar without reference.
H. 4962 -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, RELATING TO SECURITIES, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 3045, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Without Reference
H. 4963 -- Rep. Stewart: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-53-70, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BENCH WARRANT, SO AS TO INCREASE FROM THIRTY TO ONE HUNDRED TWENTY THE NUMBER OF DAYS WITHIN WHICH A DEFENDANT'S BOND MUST BE FORFEITED IF THE SURETY FAILS TO SURRENDER THE DEFENDANT OR PLACE A HOLD ON HIS RELEASE FROM INCARCERATION, COMMITMENT, OR INSTITUTIONALIZATION.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4964 -- Rep. Stewart: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-53-270, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO A PROFESSIONAL BONDSMAN'S MAINTENANCE OF SECURITY DEPOSITS WITH THE CLERK OF COURT, SO AS TO REVISE THE AMOUNT A PROFESSIONAL BONDSMAN SHALL MAINTAIN AS A DEPOSIT WITH A CLERK OF COURT, AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF THIS COLLATERAL MUST BE TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4965 -- Reps. Loftis, Pinson, Hardwick, Barfield, Bannister, Ceips, Clark, Clemmons, Coates, Davenport, Duncan, Edge, Frye, Hamilton, Harrison, Haskins, Hiott, Mahaffey, Merrill, Norman, Owens, Perry, M.A.Pitts, Sandifer, Scarborough, F.N.Smith, Stewart, Talley, Walker, Witherspoon and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-525 SO AS TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO WILFULLY OR MALICIOUSLY DISTURB OR INTERRUPT A FUNERAL SERVICE AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
H. 4966 -- Reps. Hinson, Merrill, Hodges, Jefferson, Thompson, McGee, Bailey, Cooper, Dantzler, Hagood, Harrell, Limehouse, Scarborough, J.R.Smith and Umphlett: A BILL TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-62-50 AND 12-62-60, BOTH AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, AND BOTH RELATING TO TAX REBATES TO MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION COMPANIES DOING BUSINESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PERCENTAGES OF THE TAX REBATES FROM FIFTEEN TO THIRTY PERCENT AND TO PROVIDE FOR PRE-EXISTING REBATE APPROVALS.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4970 -- Reps. Herbkersman, Rivers, Barfield, Kennedy, McLeod, J.H.Neal, Rutherford, Hosey, Rhoad, Jefferson, Mitchell, Mack, Agnew, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Battle, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G.Brown, J.Brown, R.Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Frye, Funderburk, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrison, Haskins, Hayes, J.Hines, M.Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Kirsh, Leach, Littlejohn, Loftis, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Pinson, E.H.Pitts, M.A.Pitts, Rice, Sandifer, Scott, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, F.N.Smith, J.E.Smith, J.R.Smith, Stewart, Taylor, Thompson, Townsend, Tripp, Viers, Walker, White, Witherspoon and Young: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 54-3-280 SO AS TO REQUIRE APPROVAL BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE THE STATE PORTS AUTHORITY TAKES ANY ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SHIPPING TERMINAL IN JASPER COUNTY.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4971 -- Rep. White: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 9 OF CHAPTER 49, TITLE 12, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF REAL PROPERTY MORTGAGEES, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROCEDURES, PROCESSES, AND REQUIREMENTS TO BE FOLLOWED IN REGARD TO THESE RIGHTS, AND TO INCLUDE LIENHOLDERS OF MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOMES WITHIN THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROCEDURES, PROCESSES, AND REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO THESE LIENHOLDERS; TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX CLASSIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN A LEGAL RESIDENCE QUALIFIES FOR A FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO; TO AMEND SECTION 12-51-55, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO REQUIRED BIDS FROM THE FORFEITED LAND COMMISSION WHEN REAL PROPERTY IS SOLD FOR NONPAYMENT OF TAXES, SO AS TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH FUNDS AVAILABLE TO PAY TAXES BECOMING DUE DURING THE REDEMPTION PERIOD ARE COMPUTED; TO AMEND SECTION 12-51-130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF TAX TITLES, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE AMOUNT OF CERTAIN COSTS, THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR CERTAIN COSTS, AND THE USE OF OVERAGES FROM A TAX SALE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-51-150, RELATING TO THE VOIDING OF TAX SALES, SO AS TO INCLUDE INTEREST AS A COMPONENT OF WHAT SUMS MUST BE REFUNDED UPON VOIDANCE.
Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
H. 4972 -- Rep. Cato: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 8 TO TITLE 41 SO AS TO ENACT THE "WORKER'S RIGHT TO KNOW ACT", TO PROVIDE MEMBERS OF LABOR ORGANIZATIONS EMPLOYED BY PUBLIC AGENCIES WITH INFORMATION CONCERNING MEMBERSHIP IN LABOR ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE DISCLOSURE OF LABOR ORGANIZATION FINANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROTECTION OF A WORKER'S FREEDOM OF SPEECH, ASSEMBLY, AND OTHER RIGHTS, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
S. 862 -- Senators Cleary, Ford, Hutto, Knotts, Malloy, Cromer, Drummond, Setzler, Land, Short, Scott, Bryant, Anderson, Elliott and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 15-41-30 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM ATTACHMENT, LEVY, AND SALE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXEMPTION GRANTED TO A DEBTOR'S INTEREST IN PROPERTY USED AS A DEBTOR'S RESIDENCE DOES NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXCEPTION FOR THE AGGREGATE VALUE OF MULTIPLE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS NOT EXCEED THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
S. 1038 -- Senators Martin, Gregory, Cleary, Knotts, Richardson, Ryberg, Mescher, Scott, Grooms, Elliott, Verdin and Williams: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44 OF THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING CHAPTER 135, TO ENACT THE “ASBESTOS AND SILICA VICTIMS PROTECTION ACT OF 2006”, TO PROVIDE THAT, EXCEPT FOR CLAIMS BASED ON MESOTHELIOMA, NO PERSON MAY BRING OR MAINTAIN AN ASBESTOS OR SILICA CLAIM WITHOUT FIRST MAKING A PRIMA FACIE SHOWING THAT A QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN HAS DIAGNOSED THE PERSON WITH AN ASBESTOS-RELATED OR SILICA-RELATED DISEASE BASED ON THE PHYSICIAN'S ANALYSIS OF A DETAILED OCCUPATIONAL AND EXPOSURE HISTORY OF THE PERSON AND AN ANALYSIS OF THE PERSON'S MEDICAL HISTORY, TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR THE REQUIRED MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION OF THE EXPOSED PERSON'S PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT, TO ESTABLISH THAT THE LIMITATIONS PERIOD FOR AN EXPOSED PERSON TO BRING AN ACTION DOES NOT BEGIN TO RUN UNTIL THE EXPOSED PERSON DISCOVERS, OR SHOULD HAVE DISCOVERED, HIS OR HER PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT, TO LIMIT THE LIABILITY OF THE SELLER OF A PRODUCT THAT CONTAINS ASBESTOS OR SILICA WHERE THE SELLER IS NOT THE MANUFACTURER OF THE PRODUCT, TO CLARIFY THAT THIS ACT DOES NOT AFFECT THE SCOPE OR OPERATION OF ANY WORKER'S COMPENSATION LAW OR VETERANS' BENEFIT PROGRAM, AND TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN OTHER REQUIREMENTS TO FILE AND MAINTAIN AN ASBESTOS OR SILICA CLAIM.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
S. 1147 -- Senators O'Dell, McGill and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-79-230, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE TO ENGAGE IN AN ALARM SYSTEM BUSINESS, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE NATIONAL TRAINING COURSE REQUIREMENTS TO BE LICENSED TO ENGAGE IN THE BURGLAR ALARM BUSINESS OR THE FIRE ALARM BUSINESS.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
S. 1297 -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE SOUTH CAROLINA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, RELATING TO OFFER OF JUDGMENT, AUTHORIZED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
S. 1298 -- Judiciary Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE SOUTH CAROLINA RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE, RELATING TO COURT-ANNEXED ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION RULES, AUTHORIZED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE V OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
HOUSE RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4967 -- Reps. Weeks, G.M.Smith, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G.Brown, J.Brown, R.Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J.Hines, M.Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, J.H.Neal, J.M.Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E.H.Pitts, M.A.Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D.C.Smith, F.N.Smith, G.R.Smith, J.E.Smith, J.R.Smith, W.D.Smith, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE DEATH OF MARVIN SCARBOROUGH OF SUMTER COUNTY ON MARCH 23, 2006, AND TO CONVEY THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4968 -- Reps. Edge, Hardwick and Witherspoon: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST APPROPRIATE FEDERAL AND STATE HIGHWAY OFFICIALS TO DESIGNATE CERTAIN HIGHWAYS IN HORRY COUNTY AS PART OF THE NEW INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS WHICH CONGRESS HAS AUTHORIZED AND WHICH ARE SCHEDULED TO COME WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF HORRY COUNTY.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
HOUSE RESOLUTION
The following was introduced:
H. 4969 -- Reps. Weeks, G.M.Smith, Agnew, Allen, Altman, Anderson, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Brady, Branham, Breeland, G.Brown, J.Brown, R.Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chalk, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, Frye, Funderburk, Govan, Hagood, Haley, Hamilton, Hardwick, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J.Hines, M.Hines, Hinson, Hiott, Hodges, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Jennings, Kennedy, Kirsh, Leach, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, Merrill, Miller, Mitchell, Moody-Lawrence, J.H.Neal, J.M.Neal, Neilson, Norman, Ott, Owens, Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E.H.Pitts, M.A.Pitts, Rhoad, Rice, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Simrill, Sinclair, Skelton, D.C.Smith, F.N.Smith, G.R.Smith, J.E.Smith, J.R.Smith, W.D.Smith, Stewart, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, Tripp, Umphlett, Vaughn, Vick, Viers, Walker, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Witherspoon and Young: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE DEATH OF MARY ETHEL WITHERSPOON WEEKS OF SUMTER COUNTY ON MARCH 25, 2006, AND TO CONVEY THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
The Resolution was adopted.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
The Senate sent to the House the following:
S. 1309 -- Senators Sheheen, Martin, Lourie, Setzler, Alexander, Short and Hawkins: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY TO ADOPT A VIGOROUS AND STRONG TRADE POLICY REGARDING CURRENCY MANIPULATION AND TO TAKE SWIFT AND RESPONSIVE ACTIONS IN THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION TO HALT CURRENCY MANIPULATION AND OTHER UNLAWFUL BARRIERS TO FAIR AND FREE TRADE.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
The Senate sent to the House the following:
S. 1310 -- Senator Courson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM ON THEIR SECOND NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP, RECOGNIZING THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, AND WISHING THEM MUCH SUCCESS IN FUTURE SEASONS.
Whereas, the Gamecocks became the first team to win back-to-back NIT titles since 1944, beating Michigan 76-64 Thursday, March 30, 2006, in Madison Square Garden; and
Whereas, USC was able to overcome a difficult regular season to upset Tennessee and Kentucky on their way to the SEC tournament final, and then continue on to win two NIT road games to reach the semifinals in New York; and
Whereas, from the start of the Championship game, the USC Gamecocks appeared unstoppable. Making fifty-three percent of their shots in the first half, and continuing a tough defense throughout the game, the team quickly commandeered a double digit lead against the Wolverines; and
Whereas, team leaders Tarence Kinsey and Tré Kelley scored twenty-one and twenty points, respectively, and Renaldo Balkman, the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, assisted with ten points, eleven rebounds, and a career-high six blocks; and
Whereas, under the leadership of Head Coach Dave Odom, the Gamecocks have reached the NIT semifinal round in three of his five seasons; and
Whereas, the team continues to be a source of pride for the entire state of South Carolina and we look forward to cheering them on in future tournaments. Now, therefore,