Thursday, May 21, 2009
(Statewide Session)
1
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
The Senate assembled at 10:09A.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:
The prophet, Isaiah, declares:
“For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst forth into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)
Join me as we pray:
O Lord, in spite of some tensions and pressures, we do thank You for the blessings of this 118th General Assembly. And there truly have been many blessings over the past months. Now, dear God, allow each of these leaders to “go out in joy” at five o’clock today, savoring a bit of a break from debates, discussions, and decisions. May each Senator experience release and relief at least for a time, and then lead them back to this Senate Chamber for further service to the people of South Carolina. We give You our heartfelt thanks and praise, O loving Lord.
Amen.
The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
The following appointment was transmitted by the Honorable Mark C. Sanford:
Local Appointment
Reappointment, Dorchester County Magistrate, with the term to commence April 30, 2007, and to expire April 30, 2011
Tera S. Richardson, 214 Eagle Ridge Road, Summerville, SC 29485
Doctor of the Day
Senator RYBERG introduced Dr. Anthony Harris of Aiken, S.C., Doctor of the Day.
Leave of Absence
At 11:25 A.M., Senator COURSON requested a leave of absence beginning at 11:30 A.M.
Leave of Absence
At 12:36 P.M., Senator SHEHEEN requested a leave of absence beginning at 4:30 P.M.
Expression of Personal Interest
Senator CROMER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.
Privilege of the Chamber
On motion of Senator DAVIS, with unanimous consent, the Privilege of the Chamber, to that area behind the rail, was extended to the Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone upon his installation as the thirteenth Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston.
Privilege of the Chamber
On motion of Senator BRYANT, with unanimous consent, the Privilege of the Chamber, to that area behind the rail, was extended to Mr. Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives.
RECALLED AND ADOPTED
H.3475 -- Rep. Hayes: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME BLACK BRANCH ROAD IN DILLON COUNTY “HOYT JACKSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY” AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS ROAD THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS “HOYT JACKSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY”.
Senator WILLIAMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to recall the Concurrent Resolution from the Committee on Transportation.
There was no objection.
Senator WILLIAMS asked unanimous consent to make a motion to take the Concurrent Resolution up for immediate consideration.
There was no objection.
The Senate proceeded to a consideration of the Concurrent Resolution. The question then was the adoption of the Concurrent Resolution.
The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The following were introduced:
S. 872 -- Senator Bright: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 46 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BY ADDING SECTION 46-3-250 TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DIVISION OF AGRICULTURAL PUBLIC SERVICES ACTIVITIES; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-119-165, RELATING TO TRANSFER OF CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL FUNDS TO CLEMSON UNIVERSITY PUBLIC SERVICE ACTIVITIES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
S. 873 -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 29 OF TITLE 59 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING SUBJECTS OF INSTRUCTION IN THE STATE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-15, TO PROVIDE THAT CURRICULUM USED TO TEACH STUDENTS ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF MANKIND MUST MAINTAIN NEUTRALITY BETWEEN RELIGIOUS FAITHS AND BETWEEN RELIGION AND NON-RELIGION, AND TO PROVIDE THAT CURRICULUM THAT DOES NOT MAINTAIN THE REQUIRED NEUTRALITY MUST BE REVISED OR REPLACED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 874 -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 59 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO EDUCATION, TO ENACT THE "SCHOOL CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 155 RELATING TO STUDENT EXPRESSION OF RELIGIOUS VIEWPOINTS, TO PROVIDE THAT A SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL TREAT RELIGIOUS VIEWPOINTS EXPRESSED BY STUDENTS CONCERNING AN OTHERWISE PERMISSIBLE SUBJECT IN THE SAME MANNER AS NON-RELIGIOUS VIEWPOINTS EXPRESSED BY STUDENTS ON THE SAME SUBJECT, TO PROVIDE THAT EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE STATE MUST ADOPT A POLICY ESTABLISHING A LIMITED PUBLIC FORUM FOR STUDENT SPEAKERS AT SCHOOL EVENTS, TO PROVIDE THE PARAMETERS OF THE POLICY, TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENTS MAY EXPRESS THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS IN CLASS ASSIGNMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENTS MUST BE PERMITTED TO ORGANIZE RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE SAME MANNER THAT STUDENTS MAY ORGANIZE NON-RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 875 -- Senator Fair: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND DISTRICT AND SCHOOL GOVERNING AUTHORITIES, SHALL FACILITATE SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION, INCLUDING CONTROVERSIAL SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION, IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THIS STATE, TO PROHIBIT THESE AUTHORITIES FROM IMPEDING THIS EDUCATION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLICATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT TO SCHOOL GOVERNING AUTHORITIES.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Education.
S. 876 -- Senator Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 12-45-17 SO AS TO PROVIDE MINIMUM CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR COUNTY TAX COLLECTORS AND PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 12-59-85 SO AS TO ALLOW A COUNTY FORFEITED LAND COMMISSION TO REFUSE TO ACCEPT TITLE TO PROPERTY WHEN REFUSAL IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-2725, RELATING TO CANCELLATION OF A LICENSE PLATE AND REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE WHEN A VEHICLE OWNER MOVES OUT OF STATE AND THE PRORATED PROPERTY TAX REFUND DUE ON THAT CANCELLATION, SO AS TO ALLOW THE APPROPRIATE RECEIPT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ACTUAL LICENSE PLATE AND CERTIFICATE; TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-3150, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO ASSESSABLE TRANSFERS OF INTEREST FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING THE VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR PROPERTY TAXATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE A CIVIL PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE NOTICE TO THE ASSESSOR OF OWNERSHIP TRANSFERS OF CERTAIN BUSINESS REAL PROPERTY; TO AMEND SECTION 12-39-220, RELATING TO THE DISCOVERY OF UNTAXED PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF PROPERTY TAXES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DUTIES OF THE ASSESSOR WITH RESPECT TO THIS PROPERTY; TO AMEND SECTIONS 12-51-50, AS AMENDED, AND 12-51-70, RELATING TO DELINQUENT TAX SALES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SALES DATE AND TO INCREASE FROM THREE HUNDRED TO ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS THE DAMAGES FOR WHICH A DEFAULTING BIDDER IS LIABLE; AND TO AMEND SECTION 12-54-85, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE TIME LIMITS APPLICABLE FOR ASSESSING DELINQUENT TAXES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING AMENDMENT.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 877 -- Senator Bryant: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 40 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CONTRACTORS, BY ADDING SECTION 40-11-580 TO PROVIDE A PROCESS FOR SUBCONTRACTORS TO PERFECT LABORER'S LIENS.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
S. 878 -- Senator Courson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE MR. ALAN B. DAVIS OF IRMO, SOUTH CAROLINA, UPON BEING CHOSEN THE 2009 ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 879 -- Senator Campsen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-3150, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ASSESSABLE TRANSFERS OF INTEREST FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING THE VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR PROPERTY TAXATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INSTANCES OF PROPERTY TRANSFERS NOT CONSIDERED ASSESSABLE TRANSFERS OF INTEREST, INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FRACTIONAL INTERESTS CONSTITUTING NOT MORE THAN FIFTY PERCENT OF FEE SIMPLE TITLE, TRANSFERS INTO AND OUT OF A SINGLE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NOT TAXED AS A CORPORATION WHEN THE SINGLE MEMBER IS THE TRANSFEREE AND TRANSFEROR, TRANSFERS RELATING TO EASEMENTS, TRANSFERS TO QUIET TITLE OR ESTABLISH A BOUNDARY LINE, AND TRANSFERS CREATING OR TERMINATING A JOINT TENANCY WITH RIGHTS OF SURVIVORSHIP IF THE GRANTORS AND GRANTEES ARE THE SAME.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 880 -- Senator Jackson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE LOWER RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING SEASON, AND TO CONGRATULATE THE SQUAD MEMBERS AND COACHES FOR CAPTURING THE 2009 CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
S. 881 -- Senators Elliott, Rankin and Cleary: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO PROVIDE THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SCIENCE BUILDING AT COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
S.453 -- Senators Verdin and Ford: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 4, TITLE 47 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ANIMALS, LIVESTOCK, AND POULTRY, BY ADDING SECTION 474160 TO PROVIDE THAT POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS MAY NOT ENACT ORDINANCES, ORDER, OR OTHER REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE CARE AND HANDLING OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY, TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO OCCUPY THE FIELD CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF CARE AND HANDLING OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT LOCAL LAWS, ORDINANCES, ORDERS, OR OTHER REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE CARE AND HANDLING OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY ARE PREEMPTED AND SUPERSEDED.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 21, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it concurs in the amendments proposed by the Senate to:
H.3651 -- Reps. Duncan, Umphlett, Anthony, Knight, Forrester and Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 4823205 SO AS TO LIMIT THE AUTHORITY OF COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO RESTRICT OR REGULATE CERTAIN FORESTRY ACTIVITIES, AND TO PROVIDE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CERTAIN PERMITTED REGULATIONS.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has receded from its amendments to the following Bill:
S.593 -- Senator S.Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 1623430 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE CARRYING OF WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO A PERSON WHO IS AUTHORIZED TO CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON WHEN THE WEAPON IS INSIDE A MOTOR VEHICLE.
and has ordered the Bill enrolled for Ratification.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 11 to104:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 4Part IB; Section 21.13; Page 342; Department of Health and Human Services; Medically Fragile Children's Programs.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 4 to112:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 15Part IB; Section 40.38; Page 379-380; Department of Commerce; Railway Transfer.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 9 to102:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 18Part IB; Section 48.11; Page 389; State Law Enforcement Division; Detective/Security Fee.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 10 to102:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 19Part IB; Section 49A.1; Page 391-392; Capitol Police Force; Retention of Private Detective Fees.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 9 to103:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 20Part IB; Section 49A.2; Page 392; Capitol Police Force; Commissioned Officers’ Physicals.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 9 to106:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 21Part IB; Section 49A.3; Page 392; Capitol Police Force; Meals in Emergency Operations.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 11 to104:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 22Part IB; Section 49A.4; Page 392; Capitol Police Force; Carry Forward Authority.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 10 to105:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 23Part IB; Section 49A.5(D); Page 393; Capitol Police Force; Dispositions if Agency Not Established.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 11 to102:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 25Part IB; Section 89.131; Page 474; General Provisions; Capitol Police Force Training.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 7 to101:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 26Part IB; Section 89.132; Page 474; General Provisions; Capitol Police Force Storage and Maintenance.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 8 to100:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 30Part IB; Section 67.1; Page 407; Employment Security Commission; Salary Level.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 5 to101:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 31Part IB; Section 72.23; Page 418-419; Governor’s Office; OEPP Administration of Cabinet Agencies.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 2 to110:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 34Part IB; Section 80A.27; Page 430; Budget and Control Board; Competitive Grants.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 7 to99:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 35Part IB; Section 22.39; Page 354; Department of Health and Environmental Control; Competitive Grants.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 4 to100:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 36Part IB; Section 39.3; Page 373; Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Competitive Grants.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 5 to99:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 37Part IB; Section 40.20; Page 377; Department of Commerce; Competitive Grants.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
Message from the House
Columbia, S.C., May 20, 2009
Mr. President and Senators:
The House respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has sustainedthe veto by the Governor on R.49, H.3560 by a vote of 3 to107:
R. 49, H. 3560--GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
Veto 42Part IB; Section 89.137; Page 474-475; General Provisions; South Carolina Research Authority Officers.
Very respectfully,
Speaker of the House
Received as information.
HOUSE CONCURRENCE
S.815 -- Senator Bryant: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO JOIN THE SOUTH CAROLINA FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE IN RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF MAY 11-15, 2009, AS “NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEK”.
Returned with concurrence.
Received as information.
THE SENATE PROCEEDED TO A CALL OF THE UNCONTESTED LOCAL AND STATEWIDE CALENDAR.