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Under the Dome – Legislative Report January 24, 2020 | 03 – 2020
Second Week of Session
This week, both the Senate and House of Representatives met in statewide session to consider legislation on
the calendars and focus on committee work. Connie Munn of Sumter was confirmed by the Senate as the new
Director of the South Carolina Department on Aging.
Governor Henry McMaster gave his State of the State address Wednesday evening, which highlighted education
reform and teacher salaries, expanding 4-year-old kindergarten statewide ($53M), income tax reform, returning
twenty-five cents of every $1.8 billion surplus dollar to South Carolina taxpayers through rebates and tax cuts
(about $250M) and a renewed call for exempting from state income tax the retirement pay for veterans, first
responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters and peace officers. “The nation’s economy is booming, and
so is ours. We are roaring into the twenties with a vibrant economy and a growing population,” said the
Governor.
FY 2020-21 State Budget
House Ways and Means Budget Subcommittees continued meeting this week to hear from state agencies with
their FY 2020-21 budget requests. See the meetings section below for next week’s Subcommittee hearings, as
the Senate Finance Budget Subcommittees will begin receiving agency requests as well. Click here to review
House Ways and Means agency budget presentations posted to date.
Education Debate this Week
S.556 – Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Account Act
The Senate Education Subcommittee on S.556 convened Thursday morning to receive testimony regarding
Education Scholarship Account (ESA) programs in other states, including Florida and Arizona. Subcommittee
Chairman Shane Massey (R, Edgefield – Senate Majority Leader) opened the meeting by stating, “I am not
looking for opinions today, I am looking for facts.“ The Subcommittee heard testimony from Florida
administrators, teachers and a parent plus testimony from an Arizona parent and ESA advocate regarding how
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the two states’ programs are formatted, data and statistics regarding students, budget caps and how parents
are either reimbursed for school services and materials or allocated funds to cover school services for their
students.
The Subcommittee on S.556 has met numerous times and heard hours of testimony both for and against the
idea of an Education Scholarship Account program in South Carolina. According to proponents of the bill, special
needs students, those attending underperforming schools and students living in poverty who may not receive
the high-quality public-school education afforded to students in many areas of the state are being left behind.
Opponents of the bill believe this proposed legislation will lead to “cherry picking” some students from public
schools to send to private schools with public education dollars, thereby leaving a majority of students behind.
Their concerns arise not just from the impact the bill would have on public school funding, but also concerns
with transparency, accountability and fair comparison of student academic progress. Transportation is also a
major issue of contention with no clear solutions presented to date. On Wednesday, the Senate Democratic
Caucus held a press conference to announce a “fight to the end” against any “school choice voucher bill” which
could potentially harm public education.
Many Republican members of the Senate support a path forward for some type of ESA program, which could
potentially be a pilot at first and limited to a small number of students to measure the program’s success before
expanding. As the education reform debate continues in the Senate, an effort could be made to amend S.419
with ESA language; however, most agree S.419 would likely not achieve passage should ESA language be added
to the bill. The next Subcommittee hearing on S.556 will be held next Thursday, January 30th at 9:00am.
Education Reform – Senate Begins Debate on S.419
After working through the uncontested calendar on Tuesday, Senate Education Committee Chairman Greg
Hembree (R, Horry) took the podium to open discussion on S.419, the South Carolina Career Opportunity and
Access for All Act. Senate Minority Leader Nikki Setzler (D, Lexington) offered the first question by asking to
make sure alternative certification programs such as Teach for America will be allowed to continue under the
bill as currently drafted. “If we have people already teaching under programs like Teach for America, I do not
want them removed from the classroom because the program may not fall within strict certification guidelines.”
Senator Hembree said the Subcommittee discussion leaned toward “fair is fair,” and that all alternative
certification programs must be reviewed and recertified. Setzler reiterated that as discussion continues on the
floor, he wants this language reviewed to ensure Teach for America teachers will be able to continue working.
“People worked hard to bring that program to South Carolina, and I do not want anything slipping through the
cracks which would do away with a successful, much needed program,” said Senator Setzler.
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Debate continued throughout the week with the Senate receiving about 12 hours of debate on various topics,
such as numerous amendments offered on the Teacher Bill of Rights. Chairman Hembree opposed the idea
saying it opens the door for numerous new causes of action in which would be costly to defend with tax dollars.
Senator Tom Davis (R, Beaufort) initially offered the amendment noting the need for the Senate to do something
“radical” for teachers who simply want to teach and make a difference in the lives of students. Senator Chip
Campsen (R, Charleston) offered compromise language, and after extended debate with Senator Mike Fanning
(D, Fairfield) dominating time at the podium, the Senate adjourned on Thursday with no amendments adopted
this week. Debate on S.419 will resume next Tuesday, January 28th.
Of note, Speaker of the House Jay Lucas (R, Darlington) and House Education and Public Works Committee
Chairlady Rita Allison (R, Spartanburg) prefiled H.4753, which would enact the Teacher Bill of Rights. H.4753
will be considered by the House Education K-12 Subcommittee next Tuesday, January 28th an hour and a half
after the House adjourns, and if the bill receives a favorable report it will be considered by the full House
Education and Public Works Committee next Wednesday, January 29th at 1:00pm.
SC Compassionate Care Act – House Version – H.3660
The House 3M Health and Environmental Affairs Subcommittee met Tuesday afternoon to consider H.3660, the
House version of the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act. The Subcommittee received more than three
hours of testimony from both advocates and those opposed to the bill (SC Medical Association [SCMA] and the
State Law Enforcement Division [SLED]). Mark Keel, Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division, became almost
emotional speaking about what he has seen through the years regarding the devastating impact of marijuana
on people’s lives and highlighted the addiction of kids/teenagers. “I don’t understand why we are trying to
legislate medical science,” said Chief Keel. “We don’t need more challenges for our young people.” Megan
Shank with Ananda Medical gave compelling testimony regarding the history of how marijuana was scheduled
in the 1970s, that it was intended to be a temporary scheduling and how it being a Schedule I drug prohibits
medical studies and the research needed to satisfy the “no proven medical benefit” arguments given by the
SCMA and SLED. The Subcommittee ran out of time to hear from all who attended to testify, and at least one
additional hearing will be scheduled to receive additional testimony.
SC Hands-Free Act – S.723
On Wednesday, the Senate Transportation Subcommittee on S.723 met to revise some of the proposed
amendments and receive testimony from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regarding point violations
and the need for delayed implementation to allow the DMV time to update their system. The Subcommittee
adopted an amendment to “add teeth” for law enforcement by revising the “probable cause” language to
“probable suspicion.” This revision allows law enforcement to enforce the bill without having to prove a person
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was using their phone. S.723 as amended received a favorable report and will be considered by the full Senate
Transportation Committee next Wednesday, January 29th at 11:00am.
Summary of S.723 as amended: Prohibited:
• Holding a device while driving
• Composing, reading, or sending any text-based communication, including text, email, internet data or video Allowed:
• Voice-based communication automatically converted by the device to text
• Use while lawfully parked or stopped
• Use by law enforcement and first responders
• Reporting emergency or traffic incident Penalties:
• Offense: Violation of the Hands-Free Act (previously Distracted Driving)
• Officer must have reasonable suspicion of a violation
• 1st offense: not more than $150 (no points)
• 2nd and subsequent offense: not more than $300 and 2 points
• Violation does not constitute a criminal offense Miscellaneous:
• Separate provisions for commercial motor vehicle operators have been removed
• Provisions relating to utility services/providers have been removed
• DMV maintains and provides to DPS citation data. DPS maintains statistical information
• Only warning citations may be issued for the first sixty days after effective date
Major Legislative Initiatives – January 24th Update
K-12 Education Reform
- As noted above, debate on S.419 began this week in the Senate and could continue for the next several
weeks. The House passed its version of the Act (H.3759) last March after numerous hearings and countless
hours of testimony.
Future of Santee Cooper
- The Department of Administration (DOA) is expected to issue its report of recommendations regarding the
purchase, management and reform of Santee Cooper over the coming weeks. Originally due to the General
Assembly by January 15th, the DOA requested a one-time extension but is not expected to extend out to the
maximum of 60 days.
FY 2020-21 State Budget: Appropriations Bill / Capital Reserve Fund Bill
- House Ways and Means Budget Subcommittee hearings have been posted for next week – click here to
review all budget hearings scheduled for next week or see below in the meetings section.
- State Agency Budget Requests for FY 2020-21
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Tax Reform
- Many in the General Assembly have said tax reform is the key to properly and responsibly funding public
education, infrastructure, quality healthcare and the state’s core needs. Discussions are expected to
continue this session.
Committee Action this week
Tuesday, January 21st Senate Finance Property Tax Subcommittee S.0497 Stormwater Fees (Rice) CARRIED OVER S.0545 Property Assessment of Merchants and Other Businesses CARRIED OVER H.3596 Rollback Taxes (Long) FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT Senate Finance Full Committee S.0461 Income Tax Deductions for Volunteer Firefighters FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT
H.3998 Workforce & Senior Affordable Housing FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT H.3485 Tax Credit/Rehab Expenditures for Historic Structures CARRIED OVER H.3596 Rollback Taxes FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT House W&M Constitutional Subcommittee Budget Hearing Office of the Comptroller General RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Office of the State Treasurer RECEIVED AS INFORMATION State Fiscal Accountability Authority RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Alcohol Issues S.0290 Curbside Retail Sales of Beer and Wine (Talley et al) FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT
S.1007 Alcohol Sales at Airport Businesses/Hours of Operation (Talley) FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT House 3M Health and Environmental Affairs Subcommittee H.3660 SC Compassionate Care Act (McCoy, et al) CARRIED OVER House Education and Public Works K-12 Subcommittee H.4760 Statewide Assessment Program (Lucas, Allison) FAVORABLE REPORT House W&M Economic Development & Natural Resources Subcommittee Budget Hearings Department of Agriculture RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Commerce RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Rural Infrastructure Authority RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Public Education and Special Schools Subcommittee Budget Hearings State Museum RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Governor’s School for Science and Math RECEIVED AS INFORMATION
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House W&M Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Subcommittee Budget Hearings Department of Natural Resources RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Public Safety RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Criminal Justice Academy RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Health Care Subcommittee Budget Hearings MUSC Hospital Authority RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Social Services RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Children’s Advocacy RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Higher Education Subcommittee Budget Hearings The Citadel RECEIVED AS INFORMATION USC System RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Wednesday, January 22nd Senate Judiciary (Malloy) Subcommittee S.1018 Raise the Age (Malloy, Hutto, Gregory, Shealy, Talley) CARRIED OVER Senate Family and Veterans’ Services Early Childhood Subcommittee S.0680 Childcare Safety (Stakeholder Amendment) FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT Senate Transportation Subcommittee on Texting and Driving S.0723 SC Hands-Free Act (Young, Davis, Sabb, Turner) FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT Senate Education Full Committee S.0754 John De La Howe School (Hembree) FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT Senate Banking and Insurance Subcommittee on Insurance S.0881 Credit for Reinsurance (Cromer) FAVORABLE S.0882 Private Flood Insurance (Cromer) FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT R.4878 Named Storms/Deductibles (DOI) WITHDRAWN/RESUBMIT R.4929 Corporate Governance Disclosure (DOI) APPROVED R.4931 Insurance Policy Readability (DOI) APPROVED R.4932 Pharmacy Benefits Managers (DOI) APPROVED
S.0880 Travel Insurance Model Legislation (Cromer) CARRIED OVER Conversation with Conservationists Bill Strangler, Congaree Riverkeeper, Coalition Steering Com RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Clean Energy Reform – John Tynan, Conservation Voters of SC RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Plastic Bags – Andrew Wunderly, Charleston Waterkeeper RECEIVED AS INFORMATION
Bad Actors in the Solid Waste Industry - Rikki Parker RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Offshore Drilling – Mayor Hatley, City of North Myrtle Beach RECEIVED AS INFORMATION
House LCI Business License Fees Ad Hoc Subcommittee H.4431 Business License Tax Reform (Jordan, Fry, et al) RECEIVED TESTIMONY
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House Agriculture and Natural Resources Wildlife Subcommittee H.4936 Possession of NonGame Devices/Game Fish Device (Ott) FAVORABLE H.4737 Personal Watercraft & Boating Safety/Wake Limits FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT H.4831 Native Reptile and Amphibian FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT House Education and Public Works Full Committee H.4760 Statewide Assessment Program (Lucas, Allison, et al) FAVORABLE W/AMENDMENT S.0035 “REACH” Act RECOMMITTED TO SUBCOM House W&M Public Education and Special Schools Subcommittee State Library RECEIVED AS INFORMATION School for the Deaf and Blind RECEIVED AS INFORMATION ETV RECEIVED AS INFORMATION John De La Howe RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Transportation and Regulatory Subcommittee Budget Hearings Department of Motor Vehicles RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Transportation RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Transportation Infrastructure Bank RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Subcommittee Budget Hearings SC Department of Corrections RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Juvenile Justice RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Probation, Pardons, and Parole RECEIVED AS INFORMATION State Law Enforcement Division RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Higher Education Subcommittee Budget Hearings Clemson RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Commission on Higher Education RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Health Care Subcommittee Budget Hearings Department of Health and Environmental Control RECEIVED AS INFORMATION USC School of Medicine Rural Health Initiative RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Mental Health RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Economic Development & Natural Resources Subcommittee Arts Commission RECEIVED AS INFORMATION SC Research Authority RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Clemson PSA RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Constitutional Subcommittee Budget Hearing Retirement System Investment Commission RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Public Employee Benefit Authority – Retirement RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Election Commission RECEIVED AS INFORMATION
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House W&M Transportation and Regulatory Subcommittee Budget Hearings Human Affairs Commission RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Commission for Minority Affairs RECEIVED AS INFORMATION State Accident Fund RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Thursday, January 23rd Senate Labor Commerce and Insurance Full Committee S.0909 Professional Employer Organizations/Tax Credits FAVORABLE H.4327 Farm Structures/Building Codes (Williams et al) FAVORABLE w/AMENDMENT H.3200 SC Lactation Support Act (Henderson-Myers, Allison) FAVORABLE Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee S.0648 Tests/Research from Abortions (Cash, Shealy, et al) FAVORABLE REPORT
S.0563 Nurse Practice Act/Nurse Anesthetists/Supervision of CRNAs (Davis) CARRIED OVER S.0980 Regional Tertiary Level Development Evaluation Centers (Alexander) NO ACTION Senate Education (Rice) Subcommittee S.0954 Disposal of Surplus Property/Midlands TEC Enterprise Authority FAVORABLE REPORT Senate Education Subcommittee on Education Funding S.0556 SC Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Account (Massey) RECEIVED TESTIMONY House W&M Transportation and Regulatory Subcommittee Budget Hearings Aeronautics Commission RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Department of Employment and Workforce RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House W&M Economic Development & Natural Resources Subcommittee Arts Commission RECEIVED AS INFORMATION SC Research Authority RECEIVED AS INFORMATION Clemson PSA RECEIVED AS INFORMATION House RAP Business, Commerce, and Administration Subcommittee R.4902 Imitation Milk, Milk Products, Alternatives, and Frozen Desserts APPROVED R.4903 Soft Drink and Water Bottling Plants/Ice Manufacturing (DHEC) APPROVED R.4891 Landscape Architectural Examiners/Continuing Education (DLLR) APPROVED R.4893 Office of Occupational Safety & Health/Injuries & Illness Reports APPROVED
R.4905 Board of Funeral Services/Inspection Guidelines (DLLR) APPROVED
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2020 – Legislative Meetings and Events
Latest Senate meeting posts Latest House meeting posts
Tuesday, January 28th
House Convenes at 12:00 noon
Live Broadcast
Senate Convenes at 2:00pm
Live Broadcast
Senate Finance Constitutional Budget Subcommittee - AGENDA - Elections Commission - Additional Agencies
10:00am 407 Gressette
House W&M Constitutional Budget Subcommittee – AGENDA - Emergency Management Division - Additional Agencies
10:00am 511 Blatt
Full Senate Judiciary – AGENDA - S.866 and S.867 re: General, Municipal, Special and Primary Elections - Additional Bills
11:00am 105 Gressette – Live Broadcast
House 3M Occupational, Regulation and Licensing Boards Subcommittee - H.4663, Pharmacists to administer Influenza Vaccine to any age - H.4661, Optometry volunteer licenses
1 hour after House adjourns 427 Blatt
House Education & PW K-12 Subcommittee – H.4753, Teacher Bill of Rights
1.5 hours after House adjourns 433 Blatt – Live Broadcast
House W&M Public Education and Special Schools Budget Subcommittee - Education Oversight Committee and Educational Improvement Act (EIA)
Funding - Confederate Relic Room
1.5 hours after House adjourns 521 Blatt
House W&M Economic Development & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee - Santee Cooper - Additional Agencies
1.5 hours after House adjourns 317 Blatt
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Wednesday, January 29th
Senate Convenes at 12:00 noon
Live Broadcast
House Convenes at 2:00pm
Live Broadcast
House LCI Public Utilities Subcommittee – AGENDA - H.4940, Establish the Electricity Market Reform Measures Study
Committee - H.4830, Authorize municipalities to contract with public utility contractors
to bury or underground existing overhead electrical power transmission lines within boundaries of the municipality
9:00am 403 Blatt
Full Senate Family & Veterans’ Services Committee - Confirmation hearing – Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Mr. Bobby Cox
9:00am 209 Gressette
House Agriculture Subcommittee - H.4501, Authorize the distribution of low THC hemp extract in SC
9:30am 410 Blatt – Live Broadcast
Senate Finance K-12 Education Budget Subcommittee – AGENDA - Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities - Additional Agencies
10:00am 407 Gressette
House W&M Public Education and Special Schools Budget Subcommittee - Department of Education - Patriot’s Point
10:00am 521 Blatt
Full Senate Transportation Committee – AGENDA - S.723, SC Hands-Free Act - Additional Bills
11:00am 207 Gressette
Full Senate Banking and Insurance Committee – AGENDA
11:00am 308 Gressette
Full House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee (pending Subcommittee action) - H.4501, Authorize the distribution of low THC hemp extract in SC - Plus: H.4209, H.4737, H.4740, H.4831, H.4936, H.4945, H.5015 and H.5018
12:30pm 410 Blatt – Live Broadcast
Full House Education and Public Works Committee - H.4753, Teacher Bill of Rights
1:00pm 433 Blatt
House 3M Health and Environmental Affairs Subcommittee – AGENDA - H.4713, Health care facilities and practices to conduct an annual risk
assessment to identify potential threats to the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors and to implement plans to provide appropriate security
1:00pm 427 Blatt
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- H.4802, Require hospital emergency departments to install and maintain exterior video recording devices at the patient drop-off location
Thursday, January 30th
House Convenes at 10:00am
Live Broadcast
Senate Convenes at 11:00am
Live Broadcast
House Regulations and Administrative Procedures Business, Commerce and Administration Subcommittee – AGENDA - Consideration of multiple proposed regulations impacting the Building
Codes Council - Additional proposed regulations
9:00am 410 Blatt – Live Broadcast
Senate Education Subcommittee – S.556, Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Account Act
9:00am 105 Gressette – Live Broadcast
Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee – AGENDA - H.3807, Teen Skin Cancer Prevention Act - S.1023, Direct DHEC to conduct research into Microplastic Contanimation
10:00am 308 Gressette
Full House Education and Public Works Committee – Presentation by Dr. Carey M. Wright, Ed.D. – Superintendent of Education of Mississippi
1.5 hours after House adjourns 110 Blatt – Live Broadcast
Future Meetings
Wednesday, February 5th Senate Legislative Oversight Committee – State Law Enforcement Division, Mark Keel, Chief of SLED presenting
11:00am 407 Gressette
January, February and March – House Ways and Means 2020 Budget Schedule
January 28 – 30 Budget subcommittee meetings February 4 – 6 Budget subcommittee meetings February 11 – 13 PROVISO Subcommittee meeting February 17 – 20 FULL COMMITTEE budget deliberations February 25 – 27 Appropriation bill printed March 2 – 6 Appropriations bills placed on member desks March 9 – 13 HOUSE FLOOR budget deliberations
*Subject to change at the discretion of the Chairman January 31st – Deadline for proviso submittals February 15th – Board of Economic Advisors estimate due
February
Tuesday, February 29th – Democratic Presidential Primary
Polls open 7:00am – 7:00pm
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March
Monday, March 6th – Filing opens for all candidates seeking a political party nomination for the following offices in the 2020 General Election: - State Senate, State House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of
Representatives, other offices
Election Calendar
Monday, March 30th – Candidate filing closes
April
Thursday, April 9th – Crossover deadline for legislation to pass from one chamber to the other
After this date, a 2/3 vote of the receiving chamber is required to consider a bill (especially important in the second year of session)
May
Thursday, May 14th – Statutory Sine Die Date
Legislation not enacted by 5:00pm will be null and void unless contained in the Sine Die Resolution
June
Tuesday, June 9th – Statewide Primaries
Polls open 7:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday, June 23rd – Primary Runoffs
Polls open 7:00am – 7:00pm
2020 – State Agency Meetings of Interest
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control DHEC Board Meetings
• Thursday, February 13th • Thursday, March 12th • Thursday, April 9th • Thursday, May 7th • Thursday, June 11th • Thursday, July 9th • Thursday, August 13th • Thursday, September 10th • Thursday, October 8th • Thursday, November 12th • Thursday, December 10th
10:00am unless otherwise noted DHEC – 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201 - Meeting Agendas - Meeting Live Stream
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC)
• Tuesday, February 11th
10:00am unless otherwise noted DHHS – 1801 Main Street Columbia, SC 29201
January 24, 2020 Page 13 of 19
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Newly Introduced Legislation
Week of January 21 – 23
RPL reviews all legislation introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives each week. The list below
includes bills of interest to our clients which will be tracked throughout the session. Please let us know if there
are specific bills you would like receive updates on as they move through the legislative process.
Feel free to call Ted, Hobart or Tara anytime at (803) 799-9993 or email [email protected] with questions or comments.
*All Legislation Introduced in the Senate *All Legislation introduced in the House of Representatives
Animal Cruelty – Ill Treatment and Abandonment – Remove exceptions for the training of hunting dogs
S. 1042 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
1976, RELATING TO THE ILL-TREATMENT OF ANIMALS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE EXCEPTION FOR THE TRAINING OF HUNTING
DOGS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 47-1-70, RELATING TO THE ABANDONMENT OF ANIMALS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE
EXCEPTION FOR HUNTING DOGS.
Conservation / Environmental Impact Package of Bills – introduced by Senator Sheheen
S. 1021 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-1-90 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO
HUNTING, FISHING, OR TRAPPING WITHOUT CONSENT ON THE LANDS OF OTHERS AND RELATED PENALTIES, TO PROVIDE
A PENALTY FOR ILLEGALLY DUMPING LITTER OR SOLID WASTE IN EXCESS OF FIFTEEN POUNDS ON ANOTHER PERSON'S
PRIVATE PROPERTY.
S. 1022 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO DEVELOP A FIVE-YEAR PLAN TO REDUCE THE STATE'S PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC WASTE.
• Tuesday, May 12th • Tuesday, August 18th • Tuesday, November 17th
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S. 1023 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO CONDUCT RESEARCH INTO MICROPLASTIC
CONTAMINATION.
S. 1024 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 48 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION, BY ADDING CHAPTER 61, TO ESTABLISH THE GOAL OF PROTECTING THIRTY PERCENT
OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA BY NOT LATER THAN 2030, TO ESTABLISH THE THIRTY-BY-THIRTY INTERAGENCY
TASKFORCE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PLANS BY STATE AGENCIES TO ACHIEVE
THIS GOAL, AND TO PROVIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
S. 1025 (Word version) -- Senator Sheheen: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE STATE ENERGY OFFICE TO DEVELOP AND
PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPLEMENT A PLAN TO MAKE ALL STATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS CARBON FREE
BY 2050.
Education (K-12) – Abolish the Education Oversight Committee AND the Commission on Higher Education to create the
South Carolina Commission for Comprehensive Education
H. 4998 (Word version) -- Rep. White: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ABOLISH THE
EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION ON JULY 1, 2020, AND DEVOLVE
THEIR DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS UPON THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR COMPREHENSIVE
EDUCATION HEREAFTER CREATED; BY ADDING CHAPTER 75 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA
COMMISSION FOR COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION AND PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, ORGANIZATION, AND FUNCTIONS
INCLUDING BEING THE LEAD AGENCY TO COORDINATE AND IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 76, TITLE 59
RELATING TO THE INITIATIVES FOR LIFELONG LEARNING; AND BY ADDING CHAPTER 76 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE
FOR A SEAMLESS SYSTEM OF EDUCATION INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO INCLUDE EVERY LEVEL OF EDUCATION FROM EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION THROUGH GRADUATE STUDIES KNOWN AS THE "P-20 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM FOR PRESCHOOL
THROUGH AGE 20".
Education (K-12) – Annual allocations to school districts; pupil classification weighting for career and technology must
apply to grades 6 - 8
S. 1037 (Word version) -- Senator Fanning: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 59-20-40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
1976, RELATING TO THE DETERMINATION OF ANNUAL ALLOCATIONS TO EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT
THE PUPIL CLASSIFICATION WEIGHTING FOR CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY MUST APPLY TO GRADES SIX THROUGH EIGHT.
Education (K-12) – Each school district must attain certain average pupil-teacher ratios and may not allow a teacher to
teach more than 150 students in one semester
S. 1038 (Word version) -- Senator Fanning: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING
SECTION 59-20-42 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT MUST ATTAIN CERTAIN AVERAGE PUPIL-TEACHER
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RATIOS AND MAY NOT ALLOW A TEACHER TO TEACH MORE THAN ONE-HUNDRED FIFTY STUDENTS IN ONE SEMESTER TO
QUALIFY FOR FUNDING.
Education (K-12) – Add Title I Public Schools to locations where Optometry Mobile Units may visit and provide vision
services
S. 1044 (Word version) -- Senators Hutto, Williams and Campbell: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 40-37-320, CODE OF LAWS
OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO LOCATIONS WHERE OPTOMETRY MOBILE UNITS MAY VISIT AND PROVIDE
VISION SERVICES, SO AS TO INCLUDE TITLE I PUBLIC SCHOOLS AMONG THOSE PLACES IF THE SERVICES ARE RENDERED AS
PART OF NOT-FOR-PROFIT PROGRAMS.
Firearms – Unlawful possession by someone convicted of a violent offense; expand to term of imprisonment of one
year or more
S. 1039 (Word version) -- Senator Gregory: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-500 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A PERSON CONVICTED OF A VIOLENT OFFENSE, TO EXPAND THE PARAMETERS
OF THE OFFENSE TO INCLUDE PERSONS CONVICTED OF A CRIME PUNISHABLE BY A TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF ONE
YEAR OR MORE AND TO PROVIDE INCREASED, GRADUATED PENALTIES FOR A VIOLATION.
Healthcare – Surprise Billing; Prohibit insurers and health care providers from engaging in surprise billing; Unfair Trade
Practice
H. 5013 (Word version) -- Reps. Garvin, S. Williams, Thigpen, Henegan, Jefferson, Brawley, Henderson-Myers, McDaniel,
Hosey, Robinson and Davis: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-
71-292 SO AS TO PROHIBIT INSURERS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FROM ENGAGING IN SURPRISE BILLING; AND BY
ADDING SECTION 39-5-45 SO AS TO MAKE IT AN UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE FOR AN INSURER OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
TO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF SURPRISE BILLING.
Health Insurance – Require the coverage of Hearing Aids and Replacement Hearing Aids
H. 4995 (Word version) -- Reps. Garvin, S. Williams, Ridgeway, Norrell, Brawley, Henderson-Myers, Gilliard, Daning, Mack,
Bamberg, Clyburn, Hosey and Brown: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING
SECTION 38-71-48 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO REQUIRE ALL HEALTH INSURANCE AND GROUP HEALTH BENEFIT
PLANS TO COVER HEARING AIDS AND REPLACEMENT HEARING AIDS FOR INSUREDS WITH IMPAIRED HEARING, AND TO
PROVIDE FOR THE SCOPE OF COVERAGE, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Law Enforcement – Authority to seize Firearms and Ammunition
H. 4991 (Word version) -- Reps. Govan, Hosey, McKnight, Rivers, Jefferson and Anderson: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF
LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 12 TO CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE
AUTHORITY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO SEIZE A PERSON'S FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION IF THE PERSON POSES
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A RISK OF IMMINENT PERSONAL INJURY TO HIMSELF OR OTHER INDIVIDUALS; TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA ADDRESSING
APPLICATION FOR AND ISSUANCE OF A WARRANT; TO REQUIRE THE PROBATE COURT TO HOLD A HEARING WITHIN SEVEN
DAYS OF EXECUTION OF THE WARRANT TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION MAY BE RETURNED
TO THE PERSON; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Local Government – Authorize and regulate local government-owned broadband internet access service providers
H. 4993 (Word version) -- Rep. Bamberg: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING
ARTICLE 25 TO CHAPTER 9, TITLE 58 ENTITLED "LOCAL GOVERNMENT-OWNED BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE"
SO AS TO AUTHORIZE AND REGULATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT-OWNED BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE PROVIDERS.
Local Government – Prohibit municipalities and other local governments from approving a plan allowing Offshore Crude
Oil or Natural Gas exploration; Prohibit DHEC from approving similar plans
H. 5012 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Newton, McCoy, Cogswell, Herbkersman, Stavrinakis, Norrell and Bradley: A BILL TO
AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-190 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A CITY, COUNTY,
MUNICIPALITY, OR OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION FROM APPROVING A PLAN, PERMIT, OR
LICENSE APPLICATION TO CERTAIN ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT, OR PRODUCTION OF
OFFSHORE CRUDE OIL OR NATURAL GAS; BY ADDING SECTION 48-43-300 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FROM APPROVING A PLAN, PERMIT, OR LICENSE APPLICATION TO CERTAIN
ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT, OR PRODUCTION OF OFFSHORE CRUDE OIL OR NATURAL
GAS; AND BY AMENDING SECTIONS 48-43-310 AND 48-43-390, BOTH RELATING TO EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF
OIL OR GAS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SO AS TO ADD REFERENCES TO SECTION 48-43-300.
Local Government – Municipal Election Commissions; issue a report detailing voting-related issues, complaints, etc.
H. 5019 (Word version) -- Reps. W. Cox, Elliott, Thayer, Rose and Collins: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH
CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-1-110 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DIRECTORS OF COUNTY BOARDS OF VOTER
REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS AND MUNICIPAL ELECTION COMMISSIONS TO ISSUE A REPORT DETAILING CERTAIN
VOTING-RELATED ISSUES, COMPLAINTS, PROBLEMS, OR DIFFICULTIES WITHIN NINETY DAYS FOLLOWING EACH GENERAL,
MUNICIPAL, SPECIAL, PRIMARY, OR PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION.
State Government – Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation --- Authority of the Department to enforce certain
Occupational Health and Safety Standards in the state
H. 4990 (Word version) -- Rep. Sandifer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 41-15-210, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION TO
PROMULGATE, MODIFY, OR REVOKE RULES AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN
THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE WHEN THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOPT CERTAIN ABATEMENT OR COMPLIANCE PLANS
WHEN ADOPTING UNALTERED HEALTH AND OR SAFETY STANDARDS PROMULGATED BY THE UNITED STATES
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, TO PROVIDE THESE PROVISIONS DO NOT ALTER THE AUTHORITY
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OF THE DEPARTMENT TO ENFORCE CERTAIN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS IN THIS STATE, AND TO
EXEMPT THE ACCEPTANCE AND ENFORCEMENT OF ABATEMENT PLANS OR OTHER RELATED WRITTEN AGREEMENTS
FROM REGULATION PROMULGATION REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 15, TITLE 41, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
ACT.
State Government – Adopt the South Carolina Act Concerning Interpretation of Insurance Laws
S. 1036 (Word version) -- Senators Cromer and Alexander: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-1-40 SO AS TO ADOPT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ACT CONCERNING INTERPRETATION OF
INSURANCE LAWS".
State Government – DNR to transmit certain documents electronically for a Certificate of Title; Electronic Lien System
for Watercraft and Outboard Motors
H. 5018 (Word version) -- Rep. Hiott: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING
SECTION 50-23-125, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO TRANSMIT CERTAIN
DOCUMENTS ELECTRONICALLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF TITLE, TO ALLOW FOR THE COLLECTION OF AN ELECTRONIC
TRANSMISSION FEE, AND TO REQUIRE THE USE OF AN ELECTRONIC LIEN SYSTEM FOR BUSINESSES AND LENDERS ENGAGED
IN THE SALE OF WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTORS OR THE FINANCING OF WATERCRAFT OR OUTBOARD MOTORS;
AND TO AMEND SECTION 50-23-140, RELATING TO THE PRIORITY AND VALIDITY OF LIENS UPON A CERTIFICATE OF TITLE
FOR A WATERCRAFT OR OUTBOARD MOTOR, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR THE RETENTION OR DISCHARGE OF A LIEN
ELECTRONICALLY.
Taxation – Income Tax Rates – Reduce rate by one percent over a five-year period
S. 1034 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Campbell, Loftis and Climer: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-6-510, CODE OF
LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO INCOME TAX RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS, ESTATES, AND TRUSTS, SO AS TO
REDUCE EACH TAX RATE BY ONE PERCENT OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND TO REPEAL
SECTION 12-6-515 RELATING TO A BRACKET REDUCTION.
Taxation – Property Tax Exemptions – Renewable Energy Resource property having a nameplate capacity no greater
than 20 Kilowatts
H. 4992 (Word version) -- Reps. Ballentine, W. Newton and Herbkersman: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-220, CODE
OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT A RENEWABLE
ENERGY RESOURCE PROPERTY HAVING A NAMEPLATE CAPACITY OF AND OPERATING AT NO GREATER THAN TWENTY
KILOWATTS.
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Taxation – Property Tax Exemptions – Homestead Property Tax Exemption, increase amount from the first $50K to the
first $100K
H. 4994 (Word version) -- Reps. Long, Daning, Yow, Morgan, Burns, Chumley, Haddon, Stringer, Trantham, Magnuson,
Henegan, Clyburn, Hosey, Bennett, Jones, Toole, McCravy, Forrest, Forrester, Gilliam, Hayes, Hiott, Kimmons, Lowe, Mace,
D. C. Moss, Oremus and Spires: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-37-250, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976,
RELATING TO THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION ALLOWED FOR PERSONS WHO ARE OVER THE AGE OF SIXTY-
FIVE YEARS, DISABLED, OR LEGALLY BLIND, SO AS TO INCREASE THE EXEMPTION AMOUNT FROM THE FIRST FIFTY
THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE
HOMESTEAD; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 12-37-245 RELATING TO AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE TO THE HOMESTEAD
EXEMPTION.
Taxation – Property Classifications and Assessment Ratios – 4% Assessment for persons in the U.S. on certain Visas
S. 1035 (Word version) -- Senator Jackson: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-43-220, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
1976, RELATING TO PROPERTY CLASSIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT RATIOS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT FOR PURPOSES OF
OBTAINING THE SPECIAL FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATE, A PERSON WHO OWNS AND OCCUPIES A RESIDENCE AS HIS
LEGAL RESIDENCE IS DEEMED TO BE DOMICILED AT THAT RESIDENCE IF THE PERSON IS IN THE UNITED STATES ON CERTAIN
VISAS.
Wildlife and Conservation – Conditions for the humane taking and disposition of Alligators
S. 1043 (Word version) -- Senator Hembree: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 50-15-500, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
1976, RELATING TO THE ALLIGATOR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES MUST SET CONDITIONS FOR THE HUMANE TAKING AND DISPOSITION OF ALLIGATORS; TO PROHIBIT
THE TAKING OF ALLIGATORS FROM A SANCTUARY UNLESS THE ALLIGATOR HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE A NUISANCE;
TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH SPECIFIC METHODS OF HUMANE CAPTURE, REMOVAL, AND DISPOSAL OF
ALLIGATOR PARTS; AND TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF ACTIONS VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION TO INCLUDE
THE INHUMANE TAKING, REMOVING, AND DISPOSITION OF AN ALLIGATOR OR ALLIGATOR PARTS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT
THE OFFICIAL CITATION ISSUED BY ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MAY BE USED TO CITE VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION.
January 24, 2020 Page 19 of 19
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