Senate Journal for Feb. 2, 2006 - South Carolina Legislature Online

Thursday, February 2, 2006

(Statewide Session)

1

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2006

Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 11:00 A.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the PRESIDENT.

A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:

Beloved, we are facing new days of challenge and hope. Hear

St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 12:

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for the good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Let us pray.

Father, we are led to pray this morning for the people of Iraq. Near chaos has come upon them, and we need to do the best we can to help them without neglecting our own people.

We pray for divine guidance upon our President, our Governor and all who govern at home and around the world.

Our people look to us and we look to You who taught us to pray: “Lord, have mercy!”

Amen!

The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.

Doctor of the Day

Senator ALEXANDER introduced Dr. Boyce Tollison of Easley, S.C., Doctor of the Day.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 1113 -- Senator Malloy: A SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE SENATE BANKING AND INSURANCE COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT OVERSIGHT HEARINGS WITH RESPECT TO THE OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND REPORT TO THE SENATE ITS FINDINGS AND ANY RECOMMENDATIONS RESULTING FROM THESE OVERSIGHT HEARINGS.

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The Senate Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

S. 1114 -- Senator Thomas: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 34-1-20 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE STATE BOARD OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT ONE MEMBER OF THE BOARD MUST BE A RESTRICTED OR SUPERVISED LENDER RECOMMENDED BY THE INDEPENDENT CONSUMER FINANCE ASSOCIATION.

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Senator THOMAS spoke on the Bill.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Banking and Insurance.

S. 1115 -- Senators Lourie, Reese, Sheheen, Leventis, Patterson, McGill, Moore, Setzler, Anderson, Matthews, Short and Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 72 SO AS TO ENACT THE “SOUTH CAROLINA TARGETED INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACT”, TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA TARGETED INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AUTHORITY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS GOVERNANCE, POWERS, AND DUTIES; TO AUTHORIZE THE AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE LOANS AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO FINANCE SCHOOL FACILITIES; TO ALLOW STATE APPROPRIATIONS, GRANTS, LOAN REPAYMENTS, AND OTHER AVAILABLE AMOUNTS TO BE CREDITED TO THE FUND OF THE AUTHORITY; TO AUTHORIZE LENDING TO AND BORROWING BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS THROUGH THE AUTHORITY; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS BY THE AUTHORITY TO BE USED FOR ITS STATED PURPOSES.

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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.

S. 1116 -- Senators McConnell, Lourie and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 10, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 23 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT WITHIN THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO INVESTIGATE ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS AND VULNERABLE ADULT FATALITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 43-35-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF TERMS IN THE OMNIBUS ADULT PROTECTION ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF FACILITIES TO INCLUDE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS OPERATED BY, OR CONTRACTED WITH, THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, OR LOCAL DISABILITIES BOARDS AND THE DEFINITION OF "INVESTIGATIVE ENTITY" TO INCLUDE THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT IN THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION; TO AMEND SECTION 43-35-15, RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND PROCEDURES OF INVESTIGATIVE ENTITIES IN CONNECTION WITH ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT SHALL RECEIVE REPORTS OF ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS IN FACILITIES OPERATED BY, OR CONTRACTED WITH, THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, OR LOCAL DISABILITIES BOARDS, TO CLARIFY THE INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN AND THE ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM AT THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THESE INCIDENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 43-35-20, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL POWERS OF INVESTIGATIVE ENTITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THESE ENTITIES HAVE ACCESS TO FACILITIES AS PERMITTED BY LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 43-35-25, RELATING TO PERSONS REQUIRED TO REPORT ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS, SO AS TO FURTHER CLARIFY THESE REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES AND TO REQUIRE INCIDENTS INVOLVING CRIMINAL INTENT TO BE REPORTED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-35-35, RELATING TO REPORTING VULNERABLE ADULT DEATHS BELIEVED TO HAVE RESULTED FROM ABUSE OR NEGLECT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ALL DEATHS OF A VULNERABLE ADULT IN FACILITIES OPERATED BY, OR CONTRACTED WITH, THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, OR A LOCAL DISABILITIES BOARD MUST BE REPORTED TO THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-35-40, RELATING TO INVESTIGATIVE ENTITIES REPORTING INCIDENTS INVOLVING CRIMINAL INTENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, SO AS TO FURTHER CLARIFY THIS REPORTING REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-35-65, RELATING TO NOTICES REQUIRED TO BE PLACED IN FACILITIES CONCERNING DUTIES OF FACILITY PERSONNEL, SO AS TO REQUIRE THESE NOTICES TO CONTAIN E-MAIL ADDRESSES AND FAX NUMBERS OF THE LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM, THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 43-35-80, RELATING TO ACTIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AGAINST A PERSON OR FACILITY FOR FAILING TO EXERCISE REASONABLE CARE IN OPERATING A FACILITY FOR VULNERABLE ADULTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT REFERRALS FOR SUCH ACTIONS MAY ALSO BE MADE BY THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT; TO ADD ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 35, TITLE 43 SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT IN THE INVESTIGATION OF VULNERABLE ADULT FATALITIES AND TO ESTABLISH THE VULNERABLE ADULT FATALITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERS, POWERS, AND DUTIES; TO ADD SECTION 17-5-555 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE CORONER OR MEDICAL EXAMINER TO REPORT THE DEATH OF A VULNERABLE ADULT TO THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-7-2910, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS FOR DIRECT CAREGIVERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THESE RECORDS CHECKS ON DIRECT CAREGIVERS IN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS OPERATED BY, OR CONTRACTED WITH, THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, AND LOCAL DISABILITIES BOARDS.

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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1117 -- Senator Mescher: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-3-225 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH HOLDOVER APPOINTEES OF THE GOVERNOR WHICH REQUIRE THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE SHALL CONTINUE TO SERVE IN OFFICE, AND FOR PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN MAKING NEW APPOINTMENTS.

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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1118 -- Senators McConnell and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-2-10, AS AMENDED, SECTION 40-2-90, SECTION 40-2-340, AS AMENDED, AND ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 2, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF ACCOUNTANTS, INCLUDING ACCOUNTING PRACTITIONERS, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TERM "ACCOUNTING PRACTITIONER" TO "LICENSED ACCOUNTANT" AND TO REQUIRE A LICENSED ACCOUNTANT TO PASS AN EXAMINATION OFFERED BY THE ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR ACCOUNTANCY, OR AN EQUIVALENT EXAMINATION APPROVED BY THE BOARD.

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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEE

Invitations Accepted

Senator ALEXANDER from the Committee on Invitations has polled the following invitations with a favorable report:

Poll of the Invitations Committee

Polled 11; Ayes 11, Nays 0; Not Voting 0

AYES

AlexanderPattersonMcGill

ReeseKnottsO'Dell

ElliottFordGrooms

VerdinCampsen

Total--11

NAYS

Total--0

Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 1:00-2:30 PM

Members of the Senate, Lunch, Capital City Club, by SC Arts Alliance

Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 6:00-8:00 PM

Members of the Senate, Reception, Capitol City Club, by SC Funeral Director’s Association

Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 8:00-9:00 PM

Members of the Senate, Reception, Clarion Town House, by Probate Judges Association

THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The following Bills were read the third time and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the titles be changed to that of Acts and enrolled for Ratification:

H.4494 -- Reps. Hosey and Rhoad: A BILL TO CREATE THE BARNWELL COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTION AND REGISTRATION AND TO ABOLISH THE BARNWELL COUNTY BOARD OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND THE BARNWELL COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION.

By prior motion of Senator HUTTO

H.4365 -- Rep. Rhoad: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7790, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VOTING PRECINCTS IN BAMBERG COUNTY, SO AS TO DELETE ARCHAIC LANGUAGE, TO DELETE A SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO A VOTING PLACE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE POLLING PLACES FOR THE PRECINCTS MUST BE DETERMINED BY THE BAMBERG COUNTY REGISTRATION AND ELECTION COMMISSION WITH THE APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF THE BAMBERG COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION.

By prior motion of Senator HUTTO

THIRD READING BILLS

The following Bills were read the third time and ordered sent to the House of Representatives:

S.1101 -- Senator Bryant: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT, IN ANDERSON COUNTY, ANY REFERENDUM HELD BY A LOCAL TAXING AUTHORITY TO SEEK APPROVAL FOR AN INCREASE IN MILLAGE RATES, TO ISSUE BONDS, OR FOR ANY OTHER REVENUE RAISING MEASURE MUST BE HELD IN EVEN NUMBERED YEARS AT THE TIME OF THE GENERAL ELECTION.

By prior motion of Senator BRYANT

S.1088 -- Senators Moore, Ryberg and Setzler: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7740, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN AIKEN COUNTY, SO AS TO REVISE AND RENAME CERTAIN PRECINCTS AND REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER ON WHICH LINES OF THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

S.1098 -- Senator McGill: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 77520, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, SO AS TO ADD THE PERGAMOS VOTING PRECINCT IN WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, AND TO REDESIGNATE A MAP NUMBER FOR THE MAP ON WHICH LINES OF THE AFFECTED PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS OF THE STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD.

By prior motion of Senator McGILL, with unanimous consent

SECOND READING BILLS

The following Bills and Joint Resolution, having been read the second time, were ordered placed on the Third Reading Calendar:

S.766 -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 582340, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS OR PROPERTY FOR COMPENSATION ON ANY IMPROVED PUBLIC HIGHWAY OF THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROHIBIT ANY MOTOR VEHICLE CARRIER FROM ADVERTISING OR HOLDING HIMSELF OUT AS AN OPERATOR FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS OR PROPERTY WITHOUT FIRST HAVING OBTAINED A CERTIFICATE FROM THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF; TO AMEND SECTION 582380, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN ARTICLES 1 THROUGH 12 OF CHAPTER 23 IN TITLE 58, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON VIOLATING THOSE PROVISIONS MAY BE IMPRISONED FOR A TERM NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY DAYS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 5823590, RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND HAZARDOUS WASTE CARRIERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CARRIER OPERATING IN VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN ARTICLES 1 THROUGH 12 OF CHAPTER 23 IN TITLE 58 MAY BE IMPRISONED FOR A TERM NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY DAYS.

Senator VERDIN explained the Bill.

S.1061 -- Senators Gregory, Grooms, Courson, Drummond, Richardson, Campsen, Ryberg, Land, Hutto, Setzler, Hayes, Sheheen, Lourie and Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY REDESIGNATING SECTIONS 511710 THROUGH 5117150 AS ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 17, TITLE 51, ENTITLED “HERITAGE TRUST PROGRAM”, AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 17, TITLE 51 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR BONDING AUTHORITY IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR LAND ACQUISITION, RESTORATION, IMPROVEMENT, AND MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTIES FOR INCLUSION IN THE HERITAGE TRUST PROGRAM.

Senator GREGORY explained the Bill.

S.1061--Ordered to a Third Reading

On motion of Senator GREGORY, with unanimous consent, S.1061 was ordered to receive a third reading on Friday, February 3, 2006.

S.1064 -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY REDESIGNATING SECTION 503180, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE MITIGATION TRUST FUND, AS ARTICLE 12 OF CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 50, TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE AUTHORITY OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE FUND, THE PURPOSES OF THE FUND, AND USES FOR WHICH THE FUND MAY BE EXPENDED; TO REPEAL SECTION 501310, RELATING TO THE MITIGATION TRUST FUND.

S.1097 -- Senator McConnell: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ADOPT REVISED CODE VOLUMES 11 AND 18 OF THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO THE EXTENT OF THEIR CONTENTS, AS THE ONLY GENERAL PERMANENT STATUTORY LAW OF THE STATE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2006.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED

READ THE SECOND TIME

S.70 -- Senators Thomas, Campsen, Bryant, Verdin, Gregory, Fair and Grooms: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 5725145 SO AS TO PROHIBIT OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGNS FOR AN ADULT OR SEXUALLYORIENTED BUSINESS FROM BEING LOCATED WITHIN ONE MILE OF A PUBLIC HIGHWAY, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 5725120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS OF THE HIGHWAY ADVERTISING CONTROL ACT, SO AS TO INCLUDE “ADULT BUSINESS”, “SEMINUDITY”, “SEXUALLYORIENTED BUSINESS”, AND “SEXUALLYORIENTED MATERIALS”; AND TO AMEND SECTION 5725130, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DECLARATIONS OF PURPOSE REGARDING THE HIGHWAY ADVERTISING CONTROL ACT, SO AS TO INCLUDE MITIGATING THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SEXUALLYORIENTED BUSINESSES AND LIMITING HARM TO MINORS.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Transportation.

The Committee on Transportation proposed the following amendment (SWB\6686CM06), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Section 5725145 as contained in SECTION 1, by adding after the / . / on line 15, page 2:

/ (D)Nothing in this section prevents a local government from adopting different or more stringent local ordinances that govern advertising signs for adult or sexuallyoriented businesses. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The committee amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED

READ THE SECOND TIME

S.776 -- Senator Verdin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1237220, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO ALLOW A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSED AND REGISTERED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES AS AN ANTIQUE MOTOR VEHICLE.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Finance.

The Committee on Finance proposed the following amendment (776R001.TCA), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, in SECTION 2, by striking line 30 and inserting:

/after June 30, 2006./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

The committee amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED

READ THE SECOND TIME

S.961 -- Senators McConnell, Ford and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 5130, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PREREQUISITES TO ISSUANCE OF A CORPORATE CERTIFICATE TO A PROPOSED MUNICIPALITY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE AREA SEEKING TO BE INCORPORATED MEETS THE REQUIREMENT OF PROPOSING A MINIMUM LEVEL OF LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES IF THE PROPOSAL DESCRIBES HOW THE AREA SHALL PROVIDE SERVICES IN EQUAL OR GREATER LEVELS TO THE AREA’S EXISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT COVERAGE PRIOR TO SEEKING INCORPORATION.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Judiciary.

The Committee on Judiciary proposed the following amendment (JUD0961.002), which was adopted:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking the bill in its entirety and inserting therein the following:

/A BILL

TO AMEND SECTION 5130, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PREREQUISITES TO ISSUANCE OF A CORPORATE CERTIFICATE TO A PROPOSED MUNICIPALITY, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE AREA SEEKING TO BE INCORPORATED FILE A PROPOSAL FOR PROVIDING EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY A SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR LEVEL OF LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES TO THE AREA’S EXISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT COVERAGE PRIOR TO SEEKING INCORPORATION.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION1.Section 5130(A)(5) of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 77 of 2005, is amended to read:

“(5)the area seeking to be incorporated has filed a proposal for providing either directly or by contract a minimum level of law enforcement services as required in regulations promulgated by the State Law Enforcement Division. If law enforcement services are by contract, the proposal must indicate which governmental entity provides the service and the estimated compensation for the serviceindirectly a substantially similar level of law enforcement services to the area’s existing law enforcement coverage prior to seeking incorporation; and”

SECTION2.By passing this act, the General Assembly intends and declares that any regulations passed by the State Law Enforcement Division to comply with the requirements of Act 77 of 2005 do not for any past, present, or future time represent or establish any minimum level of law enforcement service requirements for existing municipalities or towns or areas seeking to incorporate as municipalities or towns.

SECTION3.This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

Senator RITCHIE explained the committee amendment.

The committee amendment was adopted.

There being no further amendments, the Bill was read the second time, passed and ordered to a third reading.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ADOPTED

READ THE SECOND TIME

S.1017 -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 10 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY ALLOW YEAR OF MANUFACTURE LICENSE PLATES TO SERVE AS THE OFFICIAL LICENSE PLATES FOR CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES.

The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Bill, the question being the adoption of the amendment proposed by the Committee on Transportation.