THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1998

Thursday, May 14, 1998

(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 10:00 A.M.

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

O Lord God, the Light of those who know You and the Joy of those who serve You, forbid that we should ever pull down the shades of our minds and thus exclude Your impeccable truths. Give us the spirit of open minds, the courage to persist in the face of difficulties, and a steady confidence in the power of truth. Help us to learn something this day that shall make us wiser at the close of it and more ready for every tomorrow of our lives.

Bless us, we pray, in keeping with Your knowledge of our needs. 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. KLAUBER moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Eleanor M. Mundy of Greenwood County, which was agreed to.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.

Columbia, S.C., May 13, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Conference on H. 4799:

H. 4799 -- Reps. Altman, Kelley, Keegan, Lanford, Rhoad, Witherspoon and Meacham: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-17-1010, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COASTAL FISHERIES LAWS, SO AS TO ALLOW SHRIMP BOATS TO DRAG NETS NO CLOSER THAN ONE-FOURTH MILE OF KIAWAH AND SEABROOK ISLAND BEACHES.

Very respectfully,

President

Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.

Columbia, S.C., May 13, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has granted Free Conference Powers and appointed Senators Patterson, Hutto and Ravenel of the Committee of Free Conference on the part of the Senate on H. 4346:

H. 4346 -- Reps. Stuart, Stoddard, Leach, Rodgers, Loftis, Martin, Neal, Mason, Stille, Walker and Woodrum: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 78 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION GUIDELINES FOR SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-3710, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A CHANGE IN A LICENSE PLATE EMBLEM, SEAL, OR SYMBOL.

Very respectfully,

President

Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.

Columbia, S.C., May 13, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Free Conference on H. 4346:

H. 4346 -- Reps. Stuart, Stoddard, Leach, Rodgers, Loftis, Martin, Neal, Mason, Stille, Walker and Woodrum: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 78 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION GUIDELINES FOR SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-3710, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCEDURE TO REQUEST A CHANGE IN A LICENSE PLATE EMBLEM, SEAL, OR SYMBOL.

Very respectfully,

President

Received as information.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Reappointment, Horry County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence July 31, 1997, and to expire July 31, 2003:

The Honorable James Stanton Cross, Jr., Post Office Box 1236, Conway, S.C. 29528

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Initial Appointment, Berkeley County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence November 7, 1996, and to expire November 7, 2002:

The Honorable D. Mark Stokes, 5812 Lakeview Drive, Hanahan, S.C. 29406 VICE Daniel F. Pieper (resigned)

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Initial Appointment, Spartanburg County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence June 30, 1997, and to expire June 30, 2003:

The Honorable Roger L. Couch, 1612 Holly Berry Lane, Spartanburg, S.C. 29301 VICE Thomas J. DeZern (retired)

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Reappointment, Greenville County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence December 31, 1997, and to expire December 31, 2003:

The Honorable Charles B. Simmons, Jr., 11 West Hillcrest Drive, Greenville, S.C. 29609

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Reappointment, Richland County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence April 30, 1997, and to expire April 30, 2003:

The Honorable Joseph M. Strickland, Richland County Master-in-Equity, Post Office Box 192, Columbia, S.C. 29202

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Reappointment, Sumter County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence December 31, 1998, and to expire December 31, 2004:

The Honorable Linwood S. Evans, Jr., Post Office Box 1273, Sumter, S.C. 29150

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Reappointment, Orangeburg County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence August 14, 1997, and to expire August 14, 2003:

The Honorable Olin D. Burgdorf, Post Office Box 9000, Orangeburg, S.C. 29116

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Reappointment, York County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence June 30, 1997, and to expire June 30, 2003:

The Honorable J. Buford Grier, 383 Grady Drive, Rock Hill, S.C. 29732

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Reappointment, Dorchester County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence June 30, 1998, and to expire June 30, 2004:

The Honorable Patrick Robert Watts, 212 Deming Way, Bin 12, Summerville, S.C. 29483

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

May 12, 1998

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:

I am transmitting herewith an appointment for confirmation. This appointment is made with the “advice and consent of the General Assembly,” and is, therefore, submitted for your consideration.

Respectfully,

David M. Beasley

Governor

LOCAL APPOINTMENT

Reappointment, Beaufort County Master-in-Equity, with term to commence June 6, 1997, and to expire June 6, 2003:

The Honorable Thomas Kemmerlin, Jr., Post Office Drawer 1228, Beaufort, S.C. 29901

The appointment was confirmed and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Rep. HARVIN, from the Clarendon Delegation, submitted a favorable report, with amendments, on:

S. 1219 -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 375 OF 1947, RELATING TO THE CLARENDON HOSPITAL DISTRICT, SO AS TO REVISE THE POWERS OF THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

S. 1219--AMENDED AND ORDERED TO THIRD READING

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

S. 1219 -- Senator Land: A BILL TO AMEND ACT 375 OF 1947, RELATING TO THE CLARENDON HOSPITAL DISTRICT, SO AS TO REVISE THE POWERS OF THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

Rep. HARVIN proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\PT\1964DW.98), which was adopted.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

/SECTION . Section 2 of Act 375 of 1947, as last amended by Act 719 of 1990, is further amended to read:

“Section 2. The Clarendon Hospital District is governed by a board of nine members to be known as the Clarendon Hospital District Board of Trustees. The members of the board must be residents of the county, eight of whom must be appointed by the governing body of the county Governor upon recommendation of a majority of the Clarendon County Legislative Delegation. One of the appointed members must be a licensed physician. The chief of the medical staff of the Clarendon Memorial Hospital is a member, ex officio. The terms of appointed members are for five years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term only. The board shall elect a chairman, a vice-chairman, a secretary, and those other officers as it considers necessary. The board may appoint a treasurer who shall give bond in that amount as the board may require and he shall receive and pay out all monies as directed by the board. The board shall adopt an official seal and shall keep minutes of all meetings and records of all transactions."/

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The Bill, as amended, was read the second time and ordered to third reading.

S. 1219--ORDERED TO BE READ THIRD TIME TOMORROW

On motion of Rep. HARVIN, with unanimous consent, it was ordered that S. 1219 be read the third time tomorrow.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5144 -- Reps. Cotty, Sheheen, Boan and Baxley: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE LUGOFF-ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM, AND ITS COACHES, TRAINERS, AND STAFF, FOR WINNING THE 1998 STATE CLASS AAA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5145 -- Reps. Klauber, Carnell and McAbee: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS OF THE LATE MRS. ELEANOR METTS MUNDY OF GREENWOOD COUNTY, PUBLISHER AND BOARD CHAIRMAN OF THE INDEX-JOURNAL.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5146 -- Rep. McMahand: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE REVEREND SAMUEL NILES MADDEN, PASTOR OF MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH IN FOUNTAIN INN, FOR HIS THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OF DEVOTED PASTORAL SERVICE AND HIS DEDICATION TO CHRISTIAN EDUCATION THROUGH HIS LEADERSHIP IN THE CONGRESS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND THE TUMBLING SHOALS ASSOCIATION.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5147 -- Rep. McKay: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO DAVE THOMAS OF “WENDY’S” FAME FOR THE EXTRAORDINARILY GOOD WORKS HE DOES FOR LOCAL CHARITIES THROUGH THE DAVE THOMAS INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AT THE WOODLANDS COUNTRY CLUB IN COLUMBIA.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 5148 -- Rep. Quinn: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE MONTH OF AUGUST, 1998, AS “GANG VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH” IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN ORDER TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THIS INCREASING PROBLEM IN OUR STATE, AND TO REQUEST THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE STATUS OF GANG VIOLENCE IN SOUTH CAROLINA TO INFORM PARENTS AND OTHERS OF THE PROBLEM OF CRIMINAL GANGS.