WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2000

Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 2:00 p.m.

Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark, as follows:

O God, our Maker and our Sustainer, so many voices scream for our attention and cry out for our support. Enable us to judge between that which is good, and which is not. Make of us builders of bridges, not of barriers. Teach us to know that it is more important where we are going than where we have been; it is most important to stand blameless before God than to seek the applause of our fellowmen. Hear us, Lord, in our prayer made in praise and thanksgiving. 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. STUART moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Tim Hutto of Neeses, which was agreed to.

INVITATIONS

On motion of Rep. FLEMING, with unanimous consent, the following were taken up for immediate consideration and accepted:

February 4, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The Construction Industry Association, Carolinas AGC, respectfully requests the date of Tuesday, February 1, 2000, to host a reception for

the Members of the General Assembly and their staffs, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia.

Sincerely,

Stephen P. Gennett

Executive Vice President

December 17, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

On Wednesday, February 2, 2000, the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools will host its 20th Columbia Conference and Legislators' Breakfast. We would like to invite the members of the South Carolina House to attend. Last year, because of scheduling problems, we had a luncheon meeting. That time of day also conflicted with other schedules. We are happy to once again be back on the breakfast time for our meeting. We have appreciated the support of the House Members in the past and we look forward to having them with us again. The breakfast will be at the Holiday Inn City Center on Assembly Street and will begin at 7:45 a.m. We promise to be through no later than 8:45 a.m.

Individual invitations will be sent from our office. In addition, many of our member schools will be contacting their Representatives personally to invite them.

Thank you for your consideration in getting this request on the calendar.

Sincerely in Christ,

Reece Yandle

Executive Director

December 22, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

Pursuant to my telephone conversation with Doris, I want to inform you of the arrangements that have been made for Wednesday, February 2, 2000. On this date our new Bishop for the Diocese of Charleston, Robert Baker, plans to visit Columbia to tour the State Capitol. The Most Reverend Robert Baker has bestowed upon me the honor of formulating his agenda.

As an employee of the Secretary of State, Jim Miles, and an auxiliary member of the Legion of Mary at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, I have reserved Room 208 at the Blatt Building for a Legislative drop-in to be held from 12:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m., serving hors d’oeuvres on Wednesday, February 2. All Constitutional Officers and Legislators are invited to attend. A two-hour span has been reserved to accommodate the schedules of all that wish to attend and facilitate a steady flow of visitation.

The purpose of the drop-in is to provide the Bishop and his legislative liaison with the opportunity to meet the extraordinary leaders of our State. Corpus Christi Legion of Mary will be hosting this event.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at work or home. I am home after 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Sincerely,

Patricia Hamby, Administrative Assistant

The Office of the Secretary of State

Auxiliary Member, Corpus Christi Legion of Mary

April 20, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The Municipal Association of South Carolina would like to extend an invitation to members of the South Carolina House of Representatives to attend a reception on Wednesday evening, February 2, 2000, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., location to be announced later.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. If you have any questions, please call Nancy Walborn, Conference Manager for MASC, at 933-1205.

Sincerely,

Avery B. Wilkerson, Jr.

President

October 22, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The South Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Associate (SCAPA) would like to confirm the date of February 3, 2000, for a legislative breakfast. The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Room 221 of the Solomon Blatt Building.

We look forward to meeting with you and your colleagues. If you have any questions about our request, please contact us at the numbers below. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Michael P. Criss, AICP

President

(803)734-9494

Sharon Richardson

Chair, Legislative Committee

(864)942-8709

October 22, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

Please be advised that the Members of the South Carolina Supreme Court, the South Carolina Court of Appeals, the Circuit Court of South Carolina and the Family Court of South Carolina, plan to invite the Constitutional Officers of the State of South Carolina, the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina and their staff to "An Old Fashioned Pig Pickin and Barbecue" to meet with the Judges of this State, informally and personally on Tuesday evening, February 8, 2000, at the National Guard Armory, 924 Stadium Road, Columbia, South Carolina from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

If you should need any additional information, please advise. Thanking you in advance for your assistance, I am

Sincerely,

Judge Paul M. Burch

December 20, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The South Carolina Association of Council on Aging Directors (SCACAD) would like to invite the members of the Senate and House of Representatives to the annual Legislative Breakfast on February 9, 2000. The breakfast will be a buffet from 8:00 a.m. - 8:45a.m. at the Clarion Town House, 1615 Gervais Street in Columbia.

The program is always very brief with a focus on the legislative agenda of the association. As you know, the association consists of the aging service providers who lead the focal point in each county and the agenda represents the basic needs of seniors across our State.

I would like to thank Doris Corley who has been so helpful in arranging this event on the House schedule.

Please contact me if there is further information required. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Lynn Stockman

President, SCACAD

October 1, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

On behalf of the American Heart Association, I would like to invite all the members of the Legislature and their staff members to help us celebrate American Heart Month. In honor of this occasion, we will be hosting a breakfast event on Thursday, February 10, 2000, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon in Rooms 221 and 215 of the Blatt Building. In addition to enjoying a heart-healthy breakfast, attendees can participate in health screenings and meet American Heart Association volunteers from their local communities.

We encourage the members of the General Assembly to join us for this special event. Thank you for your consideration of this invitation.

Sincerely,

Sabra C. Slaughter, Ph.D.

Chair, Heart Disease and Stroke Legislative Sub-Committee

August 17, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

I am writing on behalf of the S.C. Dental Association to extend to you, the members of the House and their spouses/guests an invitation to be our honored guests on Wednesday, February 9, 2000, at the Capitol City Club for a mid-day heavy hors d'oeuvres reception.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

James H. (Hal) Zorn, Jr.

Executive Director

December 21, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The Directors and Members of the South Carolina Transportation Council invite the General Assembly to a luncheon on Tuesday, February 15, 2000.

The luncheon will be held at The Summit Club at the Bank of America Tower, 1301 Gervais Street. Please join us from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. or at time of adjournment.

We look forward to visiting with you.

Sincerely,

Norma U. Hamer

Executive Director

January 4, 2000

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

On behalf of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, we would like to take this occasion to cordially extend an invitation to all members of the General Assembly and their senior staff for our Annual Legislative Reception. This reception is scheduled for 6:00-8:00 p.m. for Tuesday, February 15, 2000, at the Capital City Club in Columbia.

Please advise of any further requirements.

Very truly yours,

Mike McDaniel, President

November 22, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

On July 21, 1999, I called and sent a letter to Representative Quinn requesting that the Annual South Carolina Nursery Association Legislative Breakfast be placed on the House of Representatives calendar of events for February 16, 2000. The breakfast will be held at The Capital City Club in Columbia from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. When I called earlier today to confirm the date, I learned that you are now Chairman of the House Invitations Committee. I hope that you will consider and approve this request.

The members of the SC House of Representatives, the SC Senate and the Constitutional Officers will be invited.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Tom Shirley

President, SC Nursery Association

June 25, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The South Carolina Baptist Convention would like to host the members of the House of Representatives to a noon luncheon on Wednesday, February 16, 2000. Seawell's Restaurant will cater the event at the State Fairgrounds.

We respectfully ask that this event be placed on the House calendar for the upcoming legislative season.

Sincerely,

B. Carlisle DriggersJoseph A. Mack, Director

DirectorChristian Life Concerns

May 12, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The South Carolina Credit Union League would like to invite the members of the South Carolina House and Senate to a reception on Wednesday, February 16, 2000, at Seawell's. The reception would begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m.

We thank you for your kind assistance in this matter. Please contact Lisa Keeter or me should you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

John R. Franklin

President

January 21, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The South Carolina Optometric Association wishes to host a Legislative Appreciation Reception, February 9, 2000, at a location yet to be determined in Columbia, South Carolina beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. The reception will feature food, beverages and live entertainment for the members of the South Carolina General Assembly and other officers of State Government.

Should there be a conflict with this date, do not hesitate to contact me at 799-6721. I will notify the committee office once a location for the reception has been confirmed.

Sincerely,

Claire H. Holley

Executive Director

November 4, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy at the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School cordially invites members of the House of Representatives to attend a Breakfast Drop-in on February 17, 2000, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in Room 221 of the Blatt Building.

We look forward to hosting the General Assembly again this year and await your favorable reply.

Sincerely,

Pat G. Smith

Director

January 15, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

Please allow this letter to serve as a confirmation of the conversation with Ms. Doris Corley of your office. The South Carolina Association of Counties has issued an invitation to the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives and attaches to attend a Legislative Reception on Tuesday, February 22, 2000, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at The Embassy Suites Hotel in conjunction with the Association’s Thirteenth Annual Mid-Year Conference for County Officials.

We would request that this event be placed on the House of Representatives Calendar for 2000. We look forward to having the members of the House with us on the evening of February 22, 2000.

Thanking you for your assistance and with best wishes, I am

Very truly yours,

Robert R. Nash

President

March 26, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

This letter will confirm telephone conversations held recently with each of you concerning subject date.

SCANPHA requests placement on the Senate and House calendars for a drop-in coffee-biscuit breakfast in Room 221 of the Blatt Building from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2000.

It is my understanding from said conversations that subject date is available and that our request has been entered thereon. If there is other information to be furnished or procedure to be followed, please respond by correspondence, telephone or e-mail at your convenience.

I appreciate the helpfulness each of you have shown in making these arrangements and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely yours,

Arlis C. Hinson, Jr.

Executive Secretary

June 22, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

On behalf of the South Carolina Pharmacy Association, I would like to extend an invitation to the South Carolina House of Representatives, their spouses and staff upon adjournment on February 23, 2000, to join us at the Holiday Inn Coliseum for a reception to express our appreciation for your work in the South Carolina General Assembly.

Last year, the Governor and over 75 legislators as well as two hundred and eighty five pharmacists, technicians and pharmacy students from across South Carolina attended this event. Based on last year's participation we expect even more pharmacists to use this occasion to visits with their state legislators.

Thank you for your consideration of this invitation. We look forward to your favorable reply.

Sincerely,

Herb Hames

President

March 29, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

This will confirm a telephone conversation between Doris Corley of your office and Jan Gerhart of our office reserving Wednesday, February 23, 2000, for the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Legislative Appreciation Reception. All members and staff of the House of Representatives are invited to attend. The reception is scheduled to be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Columbia from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Our completed House Information Report for Legislative Functions is enclosed.

As always, we appreciate Doris' able assistance in reserving dates needed for co-op functions.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please advise.

Sincerely

Fred A. Cole

President and Chief Executive Officer

August 19, 1999

The Honorable Ron Fleming

Chairman, House Invitations Committee

503-A Blatt Building

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Fleming:

The State Farm Insurance Companies cordially invites all members of the House of Representatives to join us for lunch on Tuesday, February 29, 2000, during our 2000 Legislative Day at the State House. We expect State Farm agents and employees from around the State to join us in Columbia to discuss timely insurance-related issues and legislation and to visit with their legislators from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. or upon adjournment.

Members are invited to join us upon adjournment of the House for an informal lunch on the State House Grounds.

Thank you for your assistance, and please let us know if additional information is needed.

Sincerely,

Mike Hargis

Vice President - South Carolina

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Rep. LIMEHOUSE, from the Charleston Delegation, submitted a favorable report on:

S. 143 -- Senators Passailaigue, Mescher and Ravenel: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 340 OF 1967, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CHARLESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT SO AS TO DEVOLVE THE BUDGETARY POWERS UPON THE CHARLESTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Ordered for consideration tomorrow.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4455 -- Rep. Harvin: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND PRESTON B. FITZGERALD, SR., D.C., OF MANNING, FOR HIS VISION AND LEADERSHIP THAT LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF FORENSIC CHIROPRACTORS AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF THE GRADUATION OF THE FIRST CLASS OF CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT FORENSIC CHIROPRACTIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF FORENSIC CHIROPRACTORS.

The Resolution was adopted.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

On motion of Rep. FLEMING, with unanimous consent, the following was taken up for immediate consideration:

H. 4461 -- Rep. Fleming: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO WELCOME THE HONORABLE ALAN G. LANCE, NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS VISIT TO THE PALMETTO STATE, AND TO EXTEND TO HIM THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2000, AT 12:00 NOON, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDRESSING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.