Thursday, January 25, 2007

(Statewide Session)

1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2007

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:

In Ecclesiastes we read these unsettling declarations: “ ‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless’!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

Please pray with me, friends:

How empty a meaningless life must be, dear God. Thank goodness in this Chamber the focus is ever upon meaning, and upon substance and upon matters of great import. We know in our hearts that virtually all which this body debates and acts upon has value and worth in your eyes. Bestow your blessing on the work of this Senate, upon the Senators themselves, and upon all the staff members who support them. Give great meaning to all that is said and done in this place. This we ask in your name, O Lord.

Amen.

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

Doctor of the Day

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

Motion to Ratify Adopted

At 11:09 A.M., Senator MARTIN asked unanimous consent to make a motion to invite the House of Representatives to attend the Senate Chamber for the purpose of ratifying Acts on Tuesday, January 30, 2007, at 12:30 P.M.

There was no objection and a message was sent to the House accordingly.

S. 236--CO-SPONSORS ADDED

S.236 -- Senators Lourie, Williams and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 39531 SO AS TO MAKE IT AN UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE GLASS REPAIR BUSINESS THAT ADMINISTERS INSURANCE CLAIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE GLASS REPAIRS TO HAVE AN INSURED’S GLASS REPAIR BUSINESS REFERRED TO ITSELF OR TO USE INFORMATION TO SOLICIT BUSINESS.

On motion of Senator SCOTT, with unanimous consent, the names of Senators SCOTT and HAWKINS were added as co-sponsors of S.236.

S. 14--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.14 -- Senators Hayes, Campsen, Vaughn, Mescher, Knotts, Verdin and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 713770, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON NOT ALLOWED WITHIN THE GUARD RAIL OF A VOTING BOOTH, TO AUTHORIZE A DEPENDENT CHILD OF A QUALIFIED ELECTOR TO ACCOMPANY THE QUALIFIED ELECTOR IN THE VOTING BOOTH WHILE HE IS CASTING HIS BALLOT.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 14.

S. 20--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.20 -- Senators Elliott, Mescher and Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 3871280 SO AS TO REQUIRE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR TREATMENT OF PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS AND TO DEFINE “PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER” AS A NEUROLOGICAL CONDITION, INCLUDING AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S SYNDROME.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 20.

S. 81--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.81 -- Senators Knotts, Cromer, Bryant, Martin, Leventis, Sheheen, Alexander, Reese, Elliott, Richardson, McGill, Cleary and Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1617725, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR A MEMBER OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OR RESCUE SQUAD, SO AS TO ADD THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO GIVE FALSE INFORMATION OR IDENTIFICATION TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING ARREST OR CRIMINAL CHARGES.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 81.

S. 114--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.114 -- Senator Leventis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 162595 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON CONVICTED OF A MISDEMEANOR CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSE TO SHIP, TRANSPORT, POSSESS, OR RECEIVE A FIREARM OR AMMUNITION IF THE CONVICTION MEETS CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 204150 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON SUBJECT TO A PROTECTION ORDER, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, TO SHIP, TRANSPORT, POSSESS, OR RECEIVE A FIREARM OR AMMUNITION AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 114.

S. 123--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.123 -- Senators Sheheen, Campsen, McConnell, Courson, Richardson, Vaughn, Mescher, Cleary and Setzler: A BILL To amend SECTION 13240, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, RELATING TO REMOVAL OF OFFICERS BY THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE INSPECTOR GENERAL MAY BE REMOVED BY THE GOVERNOR FOR MALFEASANCE, MISFEASANCE, INCOMPETENCY, ABSENTEEISM, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, MISCONDUCT, PERSISTENT NEGLECT OF DUTY IN OFFICE, OR INCAPACITY; AND TO AMEND TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING Chapter 6 so as to create the Office of the State Inspector General, TO providE that the State Inspector General IS appointed by the Governor with THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE INSPECTOR GENERAL to address fraud, waste, abuse, and wrongdoing within THE South Carolina eXECUTIVE government agencies.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 123.

S. 129--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.129 -- Senators Campsen, Courson, Elliott, Hayes, Gregory, Setzler, Grooms and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1263515, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE STATE INCOME TAX CREDIT ALLOWED FOR DONATIONS OF A GIFT OF LAND FOR CONSERVATION OR A QUALIFIED CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CREDIT EQUALS TWENTYFIVE PERCENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE GIFT RATHER THAN TWENTYFIVE PERCENT OF THE CHARITABLE DEDUCTION FOR THE GIFT ALLOWED ON THE TAXPAYER’S FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURN, TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM ANNUAL CREDIT ALLOWED A TAXPAYER FROM $52,500 TO $150,000, AND TO ADJUST THE MAXIMUM ANNUAL CREDIT FOR INCREASES IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, AND TO DELETE OBSOLETE PROVISIONS.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 129.

S. 151--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.151 -- Senators McConnell, Hayes, Ford, Knotts, Ritchie, Campsen, Richardson, McGill, Elliott, Cleary, Leatherman, Fair and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 34 TO CHAPTER 7, TITLE 20 SO AS TO ENACT THE “SOUTH CAROLINA CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM ACT”, SO AS TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM, A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE COORDINATION AND MEDICAL RESOURCES STATEWIDE TO AGENCIES AND ENTITIES THAT RESPOND TO VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, TO PROVIDE THAT THIS PROGRAM MUST BE ADMINISTERED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROGRAM, AND TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT SERVICES FUND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM; AND TO AMEND SECTION 207495, RELATING TO CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THESE CENTERS TO ENTER INTO MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE FORENSIC MEDICAL SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED BY THE SYSTEM AND TO REQUIRE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTERS AND CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS TO RELEASE THE MEDICAL RECORDS OF CHILDREN SERVED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT TO THE SYSTEM FOR RESEARCH, QUALITY ASSURANCE, AND OTHER SPECIFIED PURPOSES.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 151.

S. 185--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.185 -- Senators Gregory, Knotts and Elliott: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 449520, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT, INCLUDING EXCEPTIONS TO PLACES WHERE SMOKING IS PROHIBITED, SO AS TO DELETE PROVISIONS ALLOWING SMOKING IN CERTAIN PRIVATE OFFICES AND TEACHER LOUNGES AT SCHOOLS AND IN PRIVATE OFFICES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EMPLOYEE BREAK AREAS IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 449550, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF SMOKING RESTRICTIONS UNDER THE CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT, SO AS TO DELETE THE MINIMUM FINE OF TEN DOLLARS, RETAINING THE MAXIMUM FINE OF TWENTYFIVE DOLLARS.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 185.

S. 186--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.186 -- Senators Gregory and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1617504, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF LAWS RELATING TO SUPPLYING MINORS WITH TOBACCO, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT LAWS, ORDINANCES, OR RULES PERTAINING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS MAY NOT SUPERSEDE STATE LAW, TO DELETE THE EXCEPTION PROVIDED FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY, AND TO DELETE THE EXEMPTION FOR SMOKING ORDINANCES IN EFFECT BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE SECTION.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 186.

S. 187--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.187 -- Senators Gregory, Vaughn and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41185, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF USING TOBACCO PRODUCTS OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE AS THE BASIS FOR TAKING A PERSONNEL ACTION AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE AN EMPLOYER TO ADVERTISE FOR NONSMOKER EMPLOYEES AND DESIGNATE IN HIS ADVERTISEMENT THAT THE WORKPLACE IS A NONSMOKING ENVIRONMENT.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 187.

S. 198--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.198 -- Senators Ritchie, Richardson, Mescher, Knotts and Fair: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1617420, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF DISTURBING SCHOOLS, TO PROVIDE GREATER SPECIFICITY FOR THE TYPES OF CONDUCT WHICH CONSTITUTE THE OFFENSE AND TO PROVIDE FOR INTERVENTION BY SCHOOL OFFICIALS PRIOR TO REFERRING SOME CASES TO COURT.

On motion of Senator LOURIE, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator LOURIE was added as a co-sponsor of S. 198.

S. 243--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.243 -- Senators Setzler and Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 46 TO TITLE 11 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE “SOUTH CAROLINA HYDROGEN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND”, TO AUTHORIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESEARCH AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER SUBGRANTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION, TO ALLOW THE FUND TO RECEIVE DONATIONS, GRANTS, AND OTHER FUNDING AS PROVIDED BY LAW, TO ALLOW A TAXPAYER WHO MAKES A CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUND TO RECEIVE A TAX CREDIT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS, TO REQUIRE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO APPROPRIATE A SPECIFIC AMOUNT FROM THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE TO THE FUND, AND TO REQUIRE STATE AGENCIES TO CONSIDER PURCHASING EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY OPERATED BY HYDROGEN OR FUEL CELLS OR BOTH OF THEM; BY ADDING SECTION 1263630 SO AS TO ALLOW A CREDIT AGAINST THE INCOME TAX, LICENSE FEES, OR INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES FOR QUALIFIED CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THE FUND; BY AMENDING SECTION 12362120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO ALLOW A SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR EQUIPMENT OR MACHINERY OPERATED BY HYDROGEN OR FUEL CELLS OR USED TO DISTRIBUTE HYDROGEN AND FOR EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY USED PREDOMINATELY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INVOLVING HYDROGEN OR FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES, AND TO ALLOW A SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR BUILDING MATERIALS, MACHINERY, OR EQUIPMENT USED TO CONSTRUCT A NEW OR RENOVATED BUILDING LOCATED IN A RESEARCH DISTRICT.

On motion of Senator FAIR, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator FAIR was added as a co-sponsor of S. 243.

S. 68--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

S.68 -- Senators Rankin, Elliott, Knotts and Cleary: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1-30-10 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE SHALL BE ELECTED BY THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE STATE TO A FOUR-YEAR TERM COTERMINOUS WITH THAT OF THE GOVERNOR; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-1-20(16), RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, TO REFLECT THAT THE DIRECTOR IS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL.

On motion of Senator HAWKINS, with unanimous consent, the name of Senator HAWKINS was added as a co-sponsor of S. 68.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 341 -- Senators Setzler and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-111-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FREE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, OR TECHNICAL COLLEGE TUITION FOR CERTAIN VETERANS' CHILDREN, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CHILD OF CERTAIN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED SERVICES ALSO QUALIFY FOR FREE TUITION UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS.

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

S. 342 -- Senator Reese: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 11, TITLE 1 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENT INSURANCE PLAN" TO ESTABLISH A STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FOR NONSTATE EMPLOYEE INDIVIDUALS; TO REQUIRE THE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD TO ADMINISTER THE PLAN; TO PROVIDE THAT PREMIUMS PAID INTO THIS PLAN MUST NOT BE COMMINGLED WITH STATE EMPLOYEES' HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS, AND TO REQUIRE BOTH PLANS TO OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY OF EACH OTHER; TO REQUIRE PARTICIPANTS TO BE SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS; TO AUTHORIZE PARTICIPANTS TO OPT IN OR OUT OF THE PLAN AT ANY TIME; TO REQUIRE PARTICIPANTS TO PAY INTO THE PLAN ONE YEAR BEFORE RECEIVING BENEFITS; TO EXCLUDE PREEXISTING CONDITIONS FROM COVERAGE FOR TWO YEARS; TO PROVIDE FOR A TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR DEDUCTIBLE AND THEREAFTER PAYMENT OF EIGHTY PERCENT OF OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES; TO AUTHORIZE PAYROLL DEDUCTION FOR PREMIUMS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT TWO PERCENT OF THE PREMIUMS WITHHELD MAY BE RETAINED BY THE EMPLOYER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

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

S. 343 -- Senator Leatherman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 56-3-910 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE FEES, TO PROVIDE THAT FEES BE PLACED IN THE STATE HIGHWAY ACCOUNT OF THE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK INSTEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

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

S. 344 -- Senators McConnell, Rankin, Elliott, Knotts, Malloy and Hawkins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-520, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO RATE FILINGS REQUIRED, SO AS TO REQUIRE WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURERS TO FILE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE THEIR LOSS COSTS MULTIPLIERS; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 28-73-525 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE TIME FRAME IN WHICH WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURERS MUST FILE THEIR LOSS COSTS MULTIPLIERS AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE THE MINIMUM INFORMATION THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN THEIR FILINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-960, RELATING TO EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROPERTY AND CASUALTY RATE FILINGS, SO AS TO EXCLUDE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LOSS COSTS MULTIPLIERS FROM THOSE PROVISIONS; TO AMEND THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-965 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF FILINGS FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION LOSS COSTS MULTIPLIERS ARE GOVERNED BY SECTION 38-73-525; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-73-990, RELATING TO THE DISAPPROVAL OF FILINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DISAPPROVE ANY WORKERS' COMPENSATION RATES AT ANY TIME AFTER THEY BECOME EFFECTIVE IF HE OR SHE DETERMINES THE RATES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 73 OF TITLE 38.

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

S. 345 -- Senators Cleary, Bryant and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-75-330 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE WIND AND HAIL UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE ASSOCIATION IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS STATE AND NEEDS THE MAXIMUM FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO PAY CLAIMS FOLLOWING A CATASTROPHIC HURRICANE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE SHALL PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS SO THAT THE INCOME OF THE ASSOCIATION MAY BE EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL TAXATION.

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Senator CLEARY spoke on the Bill.

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

S. 346 -- Senators Cleary, Bryant and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 75, TITLE 38 OF THE 1976 CODE BY ADDING ARTICLE 15 TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA HURRICANE DAMAGE MITIGATION PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, TO ENCOURAGE HOME IMPROVEMENT THAT MITIGATES THE HOME'S HURRICANE VULNERABILITY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROGRAM MUST MAKE AVAILABLE A FREE HOME INSPECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING WHAT IMPROVEMENT SHOULD BE MADE, TO PROVIDE THAT A HOMEOWNER WHO MAKES A QUALIFIED IMPROVEMENT MAY RECEIVE A GRANT MATCHED ON A DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR BASIS NOT TO EXCEED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

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Senator CLEARY spoke on the Bill.

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

S. 347 -- Senators Cleary, Bryant and Knotts: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 38-75-310 OF THE 1976 CODE RELATING TO WIND AND HAIL INSURANCE, TO EXPAND THE AREA THAT MAY APPLY TO THE WIND AND HAIL UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION FOR INSURANCE TO ALL AREAS IN THIS
STATE THAT ARE EAST OF THE WEST BANK OF THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY.

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Senator CLEARY spoke on the Bill.

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

S. 348 -- Senators Hutto and Land: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FISH, GAME, AND WATERCRAFT, SO AS TO ENACT "CHANDLER'S LAW" BY ADDING CHAPTER 26 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON AT LEAST SIX AND NOT OVER SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE MUST COMPLETE A SAFETY COURSE BEFORE HE MAY OPERATE AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE AND MUST ALSO MEET AGE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO THE VEHICLE, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES ARE EXEMPT FROM AD VALOREM TAXES BEGINNING WITH CALENDAR YEAR 2007, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS; AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 56, RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, BY ADDING ARTICLE 10 SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR THE TITLING OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES.

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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry.

S. 349 -- Senator Hutto: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 62-1-302, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OF THE PROBATE COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE MOVING PARTY MUST SHOW, AND THE PROBATE COURT MUST FIND, GOOD CAUSE FOR REMOVAL OF A PROBATE PROCEEDING TO THE CIRCUIT COURT; TO AMEND SECTION 62-1-308, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO APPEALS FROM THE PROBATE COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURT OF APPEALS MUST HEAR APPEALS DIRECTLY FROM THE PROBATE COURT; AND TO AMEND SECTION 62-5-433, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS OF MINORS OR INCAPACITATED PERSONS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE JURISDICTIONAL AMOUNT FOR CONCURRENT JURISDICTION OF THE PROBATE COURT FROM TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.

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