Bills & Legislation

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "EDUCATOR ASSISTANCE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-145 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF DATA BEING COLLECTED UNDER CURRENT PROCEDURES TO REPORT ON CERTAIN POSTSECONDARY MATTERS CONCERNING GRADUATES OF SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND TO REQUIRE THE STREAMLINING OF DATA COLLECTION TIMELINES AND PROCESSES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-25-47, RELATING TO POLICIES AUTHORIZING PAYMENTS FOR UNUSED TEACHER LEAVE, SO AS TO REQUIRE ADDITIONAL POLICIES THAT ALLOW TEACHERS TO DONATE SUCH UNUSED LEAVE TO A LEAVE BANK FOR OTHER EMPLOYEES, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POLICIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-25-410, RELATING TO ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF SCHOOL TEACHER EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE NOTIFICATION MUST INCLUDE CERTAIN SALARY INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS IN THE REQUIRED NOTICE, TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF TENTATIVE TEACHER ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE PROVIDED NO LATER THAN FOURTEEN CALENDAR DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, AND TO PROHIBIT LIMITATIONS ON TEACHER REASSIGNMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-1-425, RELATING TO REQUIRED DAYS FOR COLLEGIAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE ANNUAL SCHOOL CALENDAR, SO AS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DAYS TO FOUR, TO PROVIDE DISTRICTS MUST VERIFY COMPLETING OF THE REQUIRED COLLEGIAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN A CERTAIN MANNER, TO PROVIDE TEACHERS AND INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS MUST BE PROVIDED SELF-DIRECTED FREE TIME TO EVALUATE STUDENT ACADEMIC DATA, INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING, AND CLASSROOM PREPARATION, AND TO REMOVE A TWO-DAY MAXIMUM LIMITATION ON USE OF THESE COLLEGIAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS FOR THE PREPARATION AND OPENING OF SCHOOLS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-25-160, RELATING TO ACTIONS CONSTITUTING JUST CAUSE GROUNDS FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATE REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION PURPOSES, SO AS TO INCLUDE BREACH OF CONTRACT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-25-530, RELATING TO UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND BREACH OF CONTRACT BY TEACHERS, SO AS TO RECHARACTERIZE CERTAIN ACTIONS AS BEING BREACH OF CONTRACT INSTEAD OF UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, TO REVISE THE PENALTIES AND CONSEQUENCES FOR SUCH BREACHES OF CONTRACT, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXEMPTION FROM BREACH OF CONTRACT FINDINGS FOR TEACHERS WHO MOVE TO BONA FIDE RESIDENCES IN NONCONTIGUOUS COUNTIES DURING THE CONTRACT TERM, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-26-40, RELATING TO CONTINUING CONTRACT STATUS FOR TEACHERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE COMPLETION OF COLLEGIAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND TO PROVIDE EMPLOYING DISTRICTS SHALL AWARD CREDITS FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING CERTIFICATE RENEWAL TO CONTINUING CONTRACT TEACHERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE SUCH COLLEGIAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-26-45, RELATING TO RETIRED EDUCATOR TEACHING CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO MAKE SUCH CERTIFICATES LIFETIME IN DURATION INSTEAD OF RENEWABLE, TO PROVIDE SUCH TEACHERS MAY TEACH ON A FULL-TIME BASIS OR PART-TIME BASIS, AND TO EXEMPT SUCH TEACHERS FROM CERTIFICATE RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS; BY REPEALING SECTION 59-101-130 RELATING TO HIGH SCHOOLS REPORTING TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION, AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING REPORTING TO HIGH SCHOOLS; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 59-101-140 RELATING TO TABULATION OF REPORTS.

Educator Assistance Act

Shannon S. EricksonRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-128 SO AS TO PROHIBIT INSURERS OR AGENTS FROM CONSIDERING THE WORK-RELATED DRIVING RECORD OF A FIRST RESPONDER IN DETERMINING THE PREMIUM RATE FOR THE FIRST RESPONDER'S PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICY.

First responder automobile insurance premiums

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 23, TITLE 50, SECTION 50-23-345, AND SECTION 50-23-375, ALL RELATING TO THE TITLING OF WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATIONS ON WATERCRAFT AND OUTBOARD MOTORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-3210, RELATING TO TAX NOTICES FOR BOATS AND BOAT MOTORS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 50-23-370, RELATING TO WATERCRAFT CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-37-220, RELATING TO PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR 42.

Taxation on boats

Gary S. Brewer, Jr.Republican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "HUNTING HERITAGE PROTECTION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-2250 SO AS TO PROHIBIT DECISIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT THAT WOULD RESULT IN ANY NET LOSS OF DEPARTMENT-MANAGED LAND FOR HUNTING.

Hunting Heritage Protect Act

B.J. Cox

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-614 SO AS TO DESIGNATE "DUM SPIRO SPERO" TRANSLATED AS "WHILE I BREATHE, I HOPE" AS THE OFFICIAL CHORAL ANTHEM OF THE STATE.

State anthem

John Richard C. KingDemocrat

AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 571 OF 1965, RELATING TO THE DARLINGTON COUNTY MILLAGE LEVY FOR THE FLORENCE-DARLINGTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE BUDGET TO BE APPROVED BY THE DARLINGTON COUNTY COUNCIL INSTEAD OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Cody T. MitchellRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 48-23-185 SO AS TO DEFINE "BIOMASS" AND OTHER RELEVANT TERMS; TO REQUIRE THAT ENERGY PRODUCED FROM CERTAIN SOURCES BE CONSIDERED CARBON NEUTRAL AND FROM OTHER SOURCES CARBON NEGATIVE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Bioenergy; Forest Products

Patrick B. HaddonRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 432 OF 1947, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE GREENVILLE HEALTH SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SO AS TO REVISE THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES' DISTRICTS CONSTITUTING THE DISTRICTS WHICH COMPRISE HOUSE DISTRICT RESIDENCY SEATS ON THE BOARD.

Greenville Hospital Authority, Board of Trustees

Bruce W. BannisterRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES TAX, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN UNPREPARED FOODS, THAT MAY BE PURCHASED WITH FOOD COUPONS WHICH ARE EXEMPT FROM TAXES, ARE NOT LIMITED TO CERTAIN FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

Sales Tax Exemption

Brandon NewtonRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 15 TO CHAPTER 19, TITLE 50 SO AS TO PROHIBIT FISHING ON THE J.

Fishing

Phillip D. LoweRepublican

AN ACT TO REPEAL ACT 989 OF 1948 RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE FLORENCE MEMORIAL STADIUM COMMISSION.

Florence Memorial Stadium Commission

Wallace H. "Jay" Jordan, Jr.Republican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 8-11-150 AND 8-11-155, BOTH RELATING TO PAID PARENTAL LEAVE, SO AS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "ELIGIBLE STATE EMPLOYEE" AND TO INCREASE CERTAIN PAID PARENTAL LEAVE.

Paid Family Leave Eligible State Employee

Darrell JacksonDemocrat

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-80-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIREFIGHTERS EMPLOYMENT AND REGISTRATION ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "FIRE DEPARTMENT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-80-40, RELATING TO FIREFIGHTER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CLARIFICATION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-80-50, RELATING TO FIREFIGHTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIRED FOR DOCUMENTATION MUST BE ISSUED BY THIS STATE.

Firefighter registration requirements

Michael W. GambrellRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS, TO PROHIBIT AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE, AND TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH PERSONS SHALL NOT BE PROSECUTED UNDER THIS SECTION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO A LIST OF EXCEPTIONS FOR FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO ADD FENTANYL-INDUCED HOMICIDE.

Fentanyl Induced Homicide

Thomas C. AlexanderRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 75, TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR WASTE TIRE MANIFESTS AND RELATED PROVISIONS; BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 75, TITLE 39 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE INSTALLATION OF UNSAFE USED TIRES, AND RELATED PROVISIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-96-170, RELATING TO WASTE TIRES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY MAY CHARGE UP TO FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS AS A TIPPING FEE; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-96-170, RELATING TO WASTE TIRES, SO AS TO AMEND THE COLLECTION OF THE FEE TO INCLUDE USED TIRES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE WASTE TIRE FEE AND RELATED WASTE TIRE FUNDS, TO REMOVE THE REBATE PROVISIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STATEWIDE MARKET INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TIRE-DERIVED PRODUCTS; AND TO DIRECT THE CODE COMMISSIONER TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Regrooved and Regroovable Tires

Michael W. GambrellRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 1-31-10, RELATING TO THE COMMISSION FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS, SO AS TO RENAME THE COMMISSION AND TO REMOVE COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-31-20, RELATING TO SUBJECTS OF STUDY FOR THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO STUDY SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION OF COMMUNITIES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 1-31-40, RELATING TO DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN DUTIES.

State Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND THE PROVISION IN SECTION 58-3-20(C) THAT PROHIBITS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM HOLDING AN ELECTION UNTIL A FINAL DETERMINATION IS MADE BY THE COURTS REGARDING ITS REVIEW OF CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025; AND TO SUSPEND SECTION 2-20-15 FOR ELECTIONS BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DURING CALENDAR YEARS 2025 AND 2026.

PSC Elections

Thomas C. AlexanderRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-128 SO AS TO PROHIBIT SWIMMING WITHIN FIFTY FEET OF A PUBLIC BOAT LANDING OR RAMP MAINTAINED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY IF APPROPRIATELY MARKED.

Public Boat Landings

Lawrence K. "Larry" GroomsRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 63-1-40 AND 63-19-20, BOTH RELATING TO STATUS OFFENSES, SO AS TO ELIMINATE PLAYING A PINBALL MACHINE AS A STATUS OFFENSE; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 63-19-2430 RELATING TO THE PLAYING OF PINBALL MACHINES BY A MINOR.

Status Offenses

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-11-430, RELATING TO BEAR HUNTING, SO AS TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO A REGISTERED PARTY DOG HUNT IN GAME ZONE 1.

Bear hunting

William M. "Bill" HixonRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE SURFACE WATER STUDY COMMITTEE MAY STUDY THE CURRENT STATE OF GROUNDWATER IN THIS STATE AND TO POSTPONE THE DUE DATE OF THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

Surface Water Study Committee

William M. "Bill" HixonRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-43-220, RELATING TO ASSESSMENT RATIOS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, PROPERTY RECEIVING THE FOUR PERCENT ASSESSMENT RATIO SHALL CONTINUE AT FOUR PERCENT WHEN THE OWNER DIES; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-37-460 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS SHALL CONTINUE TO APPLY WHEN THE OWNER DIES.

Property tax

Lee HewittRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO FIVE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT AND PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY FOR REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS WHO VIOLATE THE STATUTE; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM PENALTY TO THREE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT AND PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY FOR REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS WHO VIOLATE THE STATUTE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR, SO AS TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES BASED ON THE NUMBER OF IMAGES POSSESSED, INCLUDING A PENALTY OF UP TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE ONE TO TWENTY-FIVE IMAGES, ONE TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE TWENTY-SIX TO TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES, AND A PENALTY OF TWO TO TEN YEARS IF THERE ARE MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY IMAGES; AND TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM PENALTY OF FIVE YEARS FOR A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER WHO VIOLATES THE STATUTE - RATIFIED TITLEView full text View Vote History View Fiscal Impact12/16/25House Prefiled12/16/25House Referred to Committee on Judiciary01/13/26House Introduced and read first time (House Journal-page 95)01/13/26House Referred to Committee on Judiciary (House Journal-page 95)01/20/26House Member(s) request name added as sponsor: White01/28/26House Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Cromer, Edgerton, Burns, Beach, Morgan, Terribile, Pace, Kilmartin, Gilreath, Magnuson, Frank, McCravy, Hartz, D.

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, penalties

Travis A. MooreRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND ACT 369 OF 1959, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE ST.

St. John's Fire District

Leonidas E. "Leon" StavrinakisDemocrat

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 61 TO TITLE 48 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PROTECTED LANDS AND CONSERVATION COORDINATION ACT"; TO RECOGNIZE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AS AN IMPORTANT STATE INTEREST; AND TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE PROTECTED LAND BENCHMARK.

SC Protected Lands and Conservation Coordination Act

Travis A. MooreRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-110, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN BEAUFORT COUNTY, SO AS TO REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THESE PRECINCTS ARE DELINEATED.

Beaufort County voting precincts

Wm. Weston J. NewtonRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 6-1-200 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS AND PROHIBIT A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION FROM UNREASONABLY RESTRICTING PRIVATE WELLS ON AGRICULTURAL OR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AND FROM REQUIRING CONNECTION TO A WATER SYSTEM IF THE SYSTEM IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE SERVICES, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Public Water System Connections

Cally R. "Cal" Forrest, Jr.Republican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-390 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, DEFINE TERMS, AND ESTABLISH PENALTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO ADD THE OFFENSE OF OBSCENE VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-462, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

AI Child Abuse

Brad HuttoDemocrat

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-375, RELATING TO THE DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO THE DISSEMINATION OF HARMFUL MATERIAL TO MINORS, SO AS TO DEFINE "IDENTIFIABLE MINOR" AND "MORPHED IMAGE"; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-395, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF FIRST DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-405, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF SECOND DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-15-410, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-412 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR ARREST WARRANTS WHEN THE OFFENSE INCLUDES MORPHED IMAGES OF IDENTIFIABLE MINORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-430, RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY, SO AS TO INCLUDE THOSE GUILTY OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS IN THE FIRST, SECOND, OR THIRD DEGREE ON THE APPROPRIATE TIERS OF THE REGISTRY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-3-462, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

MPIC

Brad HuttoDemocrat

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "PREGNANCY RESOURCE ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3383 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A TAX CREDIT FOR VOLUNTARY CASH CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO CERTAIN PREGNANCY RESOURCE ORGANIZATIONS AND TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE CREDIT.

Pregnancy Care Tax Credit

Lawrence K. "Larry" GroomsRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-110, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND, SO AS TO REVISE DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-115, RELATING TO SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES, SO AS PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING PRIORITY AND GENERAL APPLICATIONS, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EXEMPTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR NONPUBLIC EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-120, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND, SO AS TO RECHARACTERIZE ITS CORPUS AND REVISE ITS USAGES, TO ESTABLISH A TRUSTEE APPOINTMENT FOR THE FUND AND TO PROVIDE THE QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF THE TRUSTEE, AND TO ESTABLISH SCHOLARSHIP ALLOCATION AMOUNTS AND ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-125, RELATING TO SCHOLARSHIP FUND PAYMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE IN MAKING SUCH PAYMENTS, TO PROVIDE FOR TRUSTEE PAYMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE TERMS FOR A CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIP FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE TRUSTEE'S DUTIES, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-130, RELATING TO SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY TERMINATION NOTICE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO RESTATE THE SECTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-135, RELATING TO SCHOLARSHIP PARTICIPANT NUMBER LIMITATIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE LIMITATIONS, ENABLE INCREASES, AND REMOVE A PERIODIC PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND USE REVIEW REQUIREMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-140, RELATING TO EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDER PROGRAM PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO INCLUDE ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS, AND TO REMOVE CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-8-145, RELATING TO MISCELLANEOUS DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REMOVE A PROVISION ALLOWING THE DEPARTMENT TO CONTRACT WITH QUALIFIED ORGANIZATIONS FOR RELATED ASSISTANCE; BY ADDING SECTION 59-8-147 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT SHALL POST CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM ON ITS INTERNET WEBSITE, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNING THE APPLICATION PROCESS, AND TO PROVIDE A GRACE PERIOD FOR APPLICANTS TO CORRECT MINOR ERRORS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-150, RELATING TO EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO EXPAND EMPLOYEE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS, TO REVISE EMPLOYEE SURETY BOND REQUIREMENTS, TO REVISE ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS, AND TO REMOVE A PROVISION AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMULGATE RELATED REGULATIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-160, RELATING TO THE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND REVIEW PANEL, SO AS TO RESTATE THE SECTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-165, RELATING TO DISTRICT-LEVEL STUDENT TRANSFER POLICIES, SO AS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING LANGUAGE WITH PROVISIONS CONCERNING INTERDISTRICT TRANSFERS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-8-170, RELATING TO AN EXEMPTION FROM HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY RULES FOR INTERDISTRICT TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS, SO AS TO MAKE THE PROVISION APPLICABLE TO SCHOLARSHIP AND NONSCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS, AND TO PROVIDE SUBSEQUENT TRANSFERS ARE SUBJECT TO HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE ELIGIBILITY RULES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-150-350, RELATING TO SCHOLARSHIPS DESIGNATED TO RECEIVE LOTTERY FUNDING, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND.

Education Scholarship Trust Fund

Greg HembreeRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 17-13-142 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ISSUE ORDERS AND WARRANTS FOR CERTAIN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ISSUE A SUBPOENA FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN STORED SUBSCRIBER OR CUSTOMER INFORMATION RELEVANT AND MATERIAL TO AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION BY THE INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN TASK FORCE.

Electronic Records

Greg HembreeRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-18-1115 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A FIVE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM TO PERMIT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO HIRE NONCERTIFIED TEACHERS IN A RATIO UP TO TEN PERCENT OF THE ENTIRE TEACHING STAFF OF THE DISTRICT, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED PARTICIPATION AND IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-90 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE AGENCY REQUESTS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECKS.

Noncertified Teacher Pilot Program

Greg HembreeRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 25-11-100, RELATING TO SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY BASE TASK FORCE, SO AS TO RENAME THE TASK FORCE THE SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY AFFAIRS ADVISORY COUNCIL, TO REVISE THE COUNCIL'S MISSON, TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP ON THE COUNCIL, TO MANDATE THAT THE COUNCIL MEETS AT LEAST ONE TIME EACH CALENDAR YEAR, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Military Affairs Advisory Council

Tom Young, Jr.Republican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-11-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE CATAWBA NATION WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF EMPLOYER; AND BY ADDING SECTION 9-11-43 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CATAWBA NATION IS ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION TO THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROCESS FOR ADMISSION.

Catawba Nation

Michael JohnsonRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOCIAL WORK INTERSTATE COMPACT ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 63, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSE, FUNCTIONS, OPERATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE COMPACT, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY ADDING SECTION 40-63-32 SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS FOR SOCIAL WORKER LICENSURE APPLICANTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONFIDENTIALITY AND PERMITTED USES OF THE RESULTS OF THESE CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS; TO DESIGNATE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 63, TITLE 40 AS ARTICLE 1, ENTITLED "GENERAL PROVISIONS"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 23-23-60, RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE ISSUED BY THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING COUNCIL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, SO AS TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALS SEEKING SUCH CERTIFICATION SHALL UNDERGO CERTAIN FINGERPRINT-BASED STATE AND FEDERAL CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS, TO AUTHORIZE THE RETENTION AND SPECIFIC USES OF SUCH FINGERPRINTS, AND TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATION CLASSIFICATIONS.

Social Work Interstate Compact Act

Leon D. "Doug" GilliamRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 25-1-180 SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN CRITERIA FOR MILITARY CHAPLAINS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT MILITARY CHAPLAINS HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO REFUSE TO DISCLOSE CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS.

Military chaplains

Murphy

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-80, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSES OR PERMITS, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "BLOOD TYPE" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "INFORMATION"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-3350, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS AND VETERAN DESIGNATIONS ON DRIVERS' LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED ON APPLICATIONS FOR A PERSON'S BLOOD TYPE TO APPEAR ON A SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD, AND TO PROVIDE A CAUSE OF ACTION BASED ON INACCURATE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON IDENTIFICATION CARDS OR DRIVERS' RECORDS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "RENTAL TRAILER"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-785, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF PERMANENT LICENSE PLATES TO CERTAIN OWNERS OF TRAILERS AND SEMITRAILERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSE PLATES TO OWNERS OF RENTAL TRAILERS, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-2320, RELATING TO DEALER AND WHOLESALER LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLE SALES THAT MUST BE MADE BEFORE DEALER PLATES MAY BE ISSUED; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-15-560, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR WHOLESALE MOTOR VEHICLE AUCTION LICENSES AND FEES, SO AS TO REVISE EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE LICENSES AND INCREASE THE LICENSE FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "BUS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-23-85, RELATING TO DRIVER INSTRUCTOR PERMITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE PERMITS AND PROVIDE A SCHEDULE OF FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-37-30, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POINTS SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING PERFORMANCE RECORDS OF DEALERS, SO AS TO ELIMINATE CERTAIN CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN POINT VIOLATIONS AND ADD ADDITIONAL CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN POINT VIOLATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-37-70, RELATING TO SUSPENSIONS OF LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY NOTIFY CERTAIN PERSONS BY CERTIFIED MAIL OR ELECTRONIC TRACKING; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-1010, RELATING TO TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CORPORATE-OWNED FLEET MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "FLEET"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-40, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO MAY NOT BE LICENSED OR HAVE THEIR LICENSES RENEWED, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, TO PROVIDE THIS PROVISION APPLIES TO THE ISSUANCE OF IDENTIFICATION CARDS, TO ESTABLISH THE MAXIMUM PERIOD DRIVERS' LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS ARE VALID, TO PROVIDE A FEE FOR IDENTIFICATION CARDS, AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES CERTAIN DISCRETION WHEN GRANTING EXTENSIONS TO DRIVERS' LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-210, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PERIOD THE LICENSE PLATES ARE VALID; BY REPEALING SECTION 56-5-2585 RELATING TO EXEMPTING PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS FROM PAYING PARKING METER FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-10, RELATING TO PROTECTION OF TITLES TO AND INTERESTS IN MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-265, RELATING TO LIENS OR ENCUMBRANCES RECORDED ON MOTOR VEHICLES OR MOBILE HOMES, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN ENTITIES TO UTILIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC TITLE SYSTEM, AND TO REVISE THE PROVISIONS THAT ESTABLISH THE PROCEDURES TO TRANSFER VEHICLE OWNERSHIP, APPLY FOR AND THE RELEASE OF LIENS, AND PERFORM OTHER ACTIVITIES NECESSARY TO TITLE CERTAIN VEHICLES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-19-370, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR THE VOLUNTARY TRANSFER OF CERTAIN VEHICLES BY DEALERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE CONDITIONS THAT ALLOW THE PROSECUTION OF DEALERS FOR IMPROPERLY TITLING OR REGISTERING VEHICLES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-680, RELATING TO THE SATISFACTION OF SECURITY INTERESTS IN VEHICLES FOR WHICH CERTIFICATES OF TITLES ARE IN THE POSSESSION OF LIENHOLDERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCEDURES WHEREBY LIENHOLDERS' INTERESTS ARE RELEASED, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR THE FAILURE OF LIENHOLDERS TO FORWARD CERTAIN CERTIFICATES OF TITLE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Shannon S. EricksonRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 3-1-150 AND 63-3-510, RELATING TO JURISDICTION OVER CERTAIN LANDS RELINQUISHED BY THE UNITED STATES AND THE EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF THE FAMILY COURT, RESPECTIVELY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CONCURRENT JURISDICTION WITH THE UNITED STATES IN CERTAIN MATTERS INVOLVING JUVENILES WITHIN A MILITARY INSTALLATION AND EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL JURISDICTION THEREAFTER FOR CERTAIN MATTERS.

Jurisdiction

Sylleste H. DavisRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-7-190, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF VOTING PRECINCTS IN CLARENDON COUNTY, SO AS TO SPLIT AN EXISTING PRECINCT AND REDESIGNATE THE MAP NUMBER ON WHICH THE OFFICIAL PRECINCT MAP IS FOUND ON FILE WITH THE REVENUE AND FISCAL AFFAIRS OFFICE.

Clarendon County precincts

Fawn M. PedalinoRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-687 SO AS TO DESIGNATE "CAROLINA WHEN I DIE" BY PATRICK DAVIS AS AN OFFICIAL STATE SONG.

Official State Song

Cody T. MitchellRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 10-1-165, RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF CERTAIN MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE TYPE OF MONUMENTS OR MEMORIALS THAT MAY NOT BE RELOCATED, REMOVED, OR DISTURBED, TO AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY JOINT RESOLUTION, TO TAKE ACTIONS REGARDING CERTAIN MONUMENTS, TO ALLOW FOR CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE THE MANNER IN WHICH AN AFFINITY ORGANIZATION MAY BRING A CIVIL ACTION TO PREVENT CERTAIN ACTIONS REGARDING CERTAIN MONUMENTS.

Monument and Memorial Protection

Daniel B. "Danny" Verdin IIIRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 38-27-610, RELATING TO PRIORITY OF DISTRIBUTION FOR CLAIMS, SO AS TO ADD FUNDING AGREEMENTS.

Insurer liquidation

Michael W. GambrellRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-1-200, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SALARIES OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICES AND COURT OF APPEALS, CIRCUIT COURT, AND FAMILY COURT JUDGES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A REVISED SALARY SCHEDULE FOR JUDGES.

Judicial Salaries

Jason ElliottRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, THE STATE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AUTHORITY, OR THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY, TO TRANSFER THE NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY IN THE CITY OF BARNWELL, SOUTH CAROLINA, TO BARNWELL COUNTY.

Barnwell National Guard Armory

Brad HuttoDemocrat

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-340 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE FIRST DAY OF MARCH OF EACH YEAR AS "RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Religious Liberty Day

A. Shane MasseyRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-36-2120, RELATING TO THE SALES TAX EXEMPTION ON DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO DELETE AN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT THAT THE SELLER HAVE A PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IN THIS STATE.

Sales tax exemption

Wm. Weston J. NewtonRepublican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 12-21-620, RELATING TO TAX RATES ON PRODUCTS CONTAINING TOBACCO, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A TAX ON CIGARETTES FOR HEATING AND CERTAIN VAPOR PRODUCTS AND ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES.

Cigarettes for heating

Gil GatchRepublican