Bills & Legislation

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO AMEND RULE 5.

House Rules, placement of bills on House Calendar

Josiah MagnusonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 23-47-80, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR 911 CALL ABUSE INCLUDING FALSE REPORTING, SO AS TO INCLUDE 911 CALL ABUSE VIA TEXT MESSAGING.

911 Call Abuse

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 8, TITLE 16 ENTITLED "TERRORISM" SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE OFFENSE OF FURTHERING TERRORISM, DEFINE THE ELEMENTS OF THE OFFENSE, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY; TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF MATERIAL OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF AN ACT OF TERRORISM OR CONCEALMENT OF THE ACTIONS OR PLANS OF ANOTHER TO CARRY OUT AN ACT OF TERRORISM, DEFINE THE ELEMENTS OF THE OFFENSE, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY USED IN CONNECTION WITH AN OFFENSE CONTAINED IN THE ARTICLE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-23-710, RELATING TO OFFENSES INVOLVING HANDGUNS, SO AS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "TERRORISM.

Terrorism

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 15-38-15, 15-38-20, 15-38-40, AND 15-38-50, ALL RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONTRIBUTION AMONG TORTFEASORS ACT, SO AS TO INCLUDE PERSONS OR ENTITIES FOR THE PURPOSES OF ALLOCATION OF FAULT, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Contribution Among Tortfeasors

Marvin "Mark" SmithRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "HELPING ALLEVIATE LAWFUL OBSTRUCTION (HALO) ACT"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-1092 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF IMPEDING, INTERFERING, THREATENING, OR HARASSING A FIRST RESPONDER ENGAGED IN THE LAWFUL PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY.

Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction (HALO) Act

Chris WootenRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HANDS-FREE AND DISTRACTED DRIVING ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 56-5-3995 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES, TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-720, RELATING TO THE POINT SYSTEM ESTABLISHED AND A SCHEDULE OF POINTS FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A TWO-POINT VIOLATION; TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL ERECT SIGNS ADVISING MOTORISTS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; BY REPEALING SECTION 56-5-3890 RELATING TO UNLAWFUL USE OF A WIRELESS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE; TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SHALL ISSUE WARNINGS FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT DURING THE NINETY-DAY PERIOD FOLLOWING ITS EFFECTIVE DATE; AND TO PROVIDE AT THE END OF EACH FISCAL YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SHALL ISSUE A REPORT CONTAINING THE AGE, GENDER, AND RACE OF EVERY DRIVER ISSUED A CITATION.

South Carolina Hands Free Act

Bill TaylorRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PRENATAL EQUAL PROTECTION ACT" BY ADDING SECTIONS 16-3-6, 16-3-105, 16-3-106, 16-3-107, AND 16-3-108 SO AS TO DEFINE "PERSON" TO INCLUDE AN UNBORN CHILD AT ANY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT, AND TO ENSURE THAT AN UNBORN CHILD WHO IS A VICTIM OF HOMICIDE IS AFFORDED EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE HOMICIDE LAWS OF THE STATE, WITH EXCEPTIONS; BY ADDING SECTIONS 16-3-760, 16-3-761, 16-3-762, AND 16-3-763 SO AS TO DEFINE "PERSON" TO INCLUDE AN UNBORN CHILD AT ANY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT AND TO ENSURE THAT AN UNBORN CHILD WHO IS A VICTIM OF ASSAULT IS AFFORDED EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE ASSAULT LAWS OF THE STATE, WITH EXCEPTIONS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act

Robert J. "Rob" HarrisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-160, RELATING TO PROCESSES FOR CHANGING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SCHEDULES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO PERFORM FUNCTIONS TO QUICKLY IDENTIFY NEW SYNTHETIC CHEMICAL FORMULAS FOR SCHEDULING AND TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY TO ISSUE EMERGENCY RULES TO SCHEDULE SYNTHETIC CHEMICAL FORMULAS AS A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.

Controlled Substances

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-55 SO AS TO PROHIBIT HOSPITALS FROM CHARGING FEES TO UNINSURED PATIENTS IN EXCESS OF THE MAXIMUM FEES CHARGED TO INSURED PATIENTS FOR THE SAME SERVICES.

Uninsured Patient Fees

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3690 SO AS TO ALLOW AN INCOME TAX CREDIT TO A TAXPAYER THAT OPERATES A SCHOOL TO WORK PROGRAM WHICH LINKS STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS WITH THE WORKPLACE, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM, AND TO SPECIFY THE AMOUNT OF THE CREDIT.

Income tax credit

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 39-41-255, RELATING TO RETAIL MOTOR FUEL OUTLETS POSTING SELF-SERVICE PUMP GASOLINE PRICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EVERY RETAIL MOTOR FUEL OUTLET SELLING FUEL FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AT RETAIL MUST CHARGE A PRICE PER GALLON NOT STATED OR COMPUTED IN FRACTIONAL CENTS AND MUST ADVERTISE OR DISPLAY THIS PRICE IN LIKE AMOUNTS.

Retail motor fuel outlets

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 39-1-100 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RESTROOM FACILITIES IN ANY PLACE OF BUSINESS IN THIS STATE OF A RETAILER SELLING TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY PURCHASERS OR PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ENTERING THIS PLACE OF BUSINESS UPON THEIR REQUEST.

Public restrooms

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 2-3-240 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY USE ATHLETIC CLUBS OR GYMNASIUMS OWNED BY A STATE OR LOCAL AGENCY, ENTITY, COMMISSION, OR INSTITUTION WITHOUT CHARGE.

General Assembly Members and Governmental Athletic Clubs and Gyms

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 58-15-915 SO AS TO LIMIT THE TIME A TRAIN MAY BLOCK FOUR-LANE STREET INTERSECTIONS IN MUNICIPALITIES DURING CERTAIN PERIODS OF TIME.

Train Operations in a Municipality

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 58-1-70 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PUBLIC UTILITY THAT SUPPLIES ELECTRICITY OR NATURAL GAS PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF TITLE 58 MAY NOT TRANSFER OR APPLY A DELINQUENT, LATE, OVERDUE, OR UNPAID BALANCE FROM ONE ACCOUNT TO ANOTHER ACCOUNT HELD INDIVIDUALLY OR JOINTLY IN THE SAME CUSTOMER'S NAME.

Utilities - Delinquent, Late, and Unpaid Balances

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-235 SO AS TO PROVIDE ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE ONE UNIT OF CIVICS EDUCATION THAT MUST INCLUDE CERTAIN INSTRUCTIONAL AND EXPERIENTIAL COMPONENTS AS PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION, AND TO ESTABLISH THE PALMETTO MIDDLE SCHOOL CIVICS CHALLENGE TO ENABLE ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TO SHOWCASE THEIR STUDENT-LED CIVICS PROJECTS THAT PROMOTE AND DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, CITIZENSHIP, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE, TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT RELATED CURRICULUM BEFORE THE 2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR, AND TO MAKE THESE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO STUDENTS WHO BEGIN MIDDLE SCHOOL IN THE 2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR.

Civics course required for middle schools

Gilda Cobb-HunterDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-600, RELATING TO ASSAULT AND BATTERY OFFENSES, SO AS TO INCLUDE WHEN A PERSON INTENTIONALLY INJURES A VICTIM BASED ON CERTAIN DELINEATED CHARACTERISTICS IN THE PURVIEW OF THE OFFENSE OF ASSAULT AND BATTERY OF A HIGH AND AGGRAVATED NATURE.

Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 17-22-50 AND 17-22-60, BOTH RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY OF PERSONS WHO MAY PARTICIPATE IN PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMS, BOTH SO AS TO REMOVE THE LIMITATION ON PERSONS PREVIOUSLY ACCEPTED INTO AN INTERVENTION PROGRAM SO THAT PERSONS MAY PARTICIPATE MORE THAN ONCE.

Pretrial Intervention, limits removed

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 8-15-65, RELATING TO ANNUAL SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR CERTAIN COUNTY OFFICERS, SO AS TO INCLUDE DIRECTORS OF COUNTY BOARDS OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS AMONG THOSE RECEIVING THE SUPPLEMENT.

County Election Directors State Supplement

Brandon NewtonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 24-3-40, RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF THE WAGES OF PRISONERS ALLOWED TO WORK, SO AS TO PROVIDE PRISONERS WHO ARE PAID LESS THAN THE FEDERALLY ESTABLISHED MINIMUM WAGE SHALL NOT HAVE THE COST FOR ROOM AND BOARD DEDUCTED FROM THEIR WAGES, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISPOSITION OF THIS PORTION OF THEIR WAGES.

Inmate wages

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-170, RELATING TO AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES DEFINED, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINTS OR RADIO COMMUNICATION VEHICLES ARE "AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

Authorized emergency vehicles

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL 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 ADD AIKEN AS A MILITARY COUNTY, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

South Carolina Military Affairs Advisory Council

Sylleste H. DavisRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "FAIR CLAIMS ACCOUNTABILITY ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 37-4-305 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE HEALTHCARE CLAIMS CONSUMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ("H-CAP") AND TO PROVIDE THAT A HEALTH PLAN OR INSURER IN THIS STATE MAY NOT WRONGFULLY DENY OR INSUFFICIENTLY COVER A VALID CONSUMER INSURANCE CLAIM.

Fair Claims Accountability Act

Kambrell H. GarvinDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 31 TO TITLE 37 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; PROVIDE THAT LARGE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM PROVIDERS SHALL CREATE, MAINTAIN, AND MAKE AVAILABLE TO ANY THIRD-PARTY SAFETY SOFTWARE PROVIDER A SET OF THIRD-PARTY ACCESSIBLE REAL TIME APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACES; PROVIDE FOR REGISTRATION; PROVIDE FOR GUIDANCE FOR THIRD-PARTY SAFETY SOFTWARE PROVIDERS; PROVIDE FOR GUIDANCE FOR LARGE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS; PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FROM LIABILITY; PROVIDE FOR THE DISCLOSURE OF DATA; AND PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT.

Safety software

Brandon GuffeyRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA MINORITY HEALTH DISPARITIES STUDY COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE AND REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES AMONG RACIAL AND ETHNIC POPULATIONS.

Health Disparities Study Committee

Rosalyn D. Henderson-Myers, Ph.D.Democrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-680 SO AS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING ARE PROHIBITED FROM USING POLITICAL IDEOLOGY OR STATEMENTS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN MAKING ADMISSIONS OR EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR SUCH PURPOSES, TO PROHIBIT SUCH INSTITUTIONS FROM REQUIRING FACULTY OR EMPLOYEES TO COMPLETE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION TRAINING OR TAKE ADVERSE ACTION AGAINST FACULTY OR EMPLOYEES WHO REFUSE OR FAIL TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH TRAINING, TO PROHIBIT SUCH INSTITUTIONS FROM INFRINGING ON FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS OF FREE SPEECH OF STUDENTS, FACULTY, OR EMPLOYEES, TO PROVIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, TO CLARIFY THE APPLICABILITY OF THESE PROVISIONS, AND TO PROVIDE INSTITUTIONS SHALL PROVIDE ELECTRONIC COPIES OF THESE PROVISIONS TO STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES, AND FACULTY, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education

Shannon S. EricksonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "UNIVERSAL HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 59-152-170 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE GOAL OF OFFERING EVIDENCE-BASED HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS UNIVERSALLY TO ELIGIBLE FAMILIES, TO PROVIDE RELATED IMPLEMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OFFICE OF FIRST STEPS TO SCHOOL READINESS, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND TO PROVIDE PRIVACY MEASURES AND RELATED MEASURES.

Universal Head Start and Early Head Start Act

Kambrell H. GarvinDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-215 SO AS TO PROVIDE SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE OF CERTAIN DISCIPLINARY MATTERS IN THE LANGUAGE SPOKEN BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-32, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLING CHILDREN IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE DISTRICTS SHALL REQUIRE ADULTS SEEKING TO ENROLL CHILDREN TO STATE THEIR WRITTEN PREFERENCE FOR RECEIVING COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING DISCIPLINARY AND OTHER MATTERS FROM THE DISTRICT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-217, RELATING TO BARRING ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS ON CERTAIN GROUNDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE MANDATORY NOTICE OF SUCH ACTIONS MUST BE PROVIDED IN WRITING TO PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.

Discpilinary notice langauge requirements

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-292 AND SECTION 38-71-820 BOTH SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS AND OUTLINE THE APPLICABILITY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR COST SHARING FOR INSURERS; BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-2270 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS AND OUTLINE THE APPLICABILITY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR COST SHARING FOR PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 38-71-2200, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Pharmacy insurance benefits cost-sharing

Kevin HardeeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "LUKE BARRETT ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-17-165 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND FOR SCHOOL-SPONSORED ATHLETIC PRACTICES AND EVENTS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONTENTS OF THE PLANS, TO PROVIDE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO THE PROGRAM, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN IMMUNITY FOR ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THIS ACT, AMONG OTHER THINGS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-17-155, RELATING TO AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR PROGRAMS IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS, SO AS TO EXPAND THE PROVISIONS TO COVER ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS INCLUDING CHARTER SCHOOLS, TO PROVIDE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SHALL ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY TO AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS AT SCHOOL AND OFF-SITE ATHLETIC EVENTS, TO PROVIDE TESTING AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.

Luke Barrett Act

M. Brian LawsonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-110-60, RELATING TO SCHOLARSHIPS, STUDENT LOANS, AND GRANTS UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA CRITICAL NEEDS NURSING INITIATIVE ACT, SO AS TO EXPAND THE AVAILABILITY OF LOANS FOR NURSING EDUCATION TO STUDENTS WHO CONTRACTUALLY AGREE TO PRACTICE NURSING IN CERTAIN CRITICAL NEEDS GEOGRAPHIC AREAS, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIRED TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH CONTRACTS.

Nursing loan and scholarship forgiveness

Annie E. McDanielDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-937 SO AS TO PROVIDE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS WHO MEET CERTAIN POSTGRADUATE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICE EXPERIENCE MAY PRACTICE PURSUANT ONLY TO AN ATTESTATION STATEMENT, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUNCTIONS, LOCATIONS, AND COLLABORATION REQUIREMENTS ALLOWED UNDER THESE PRACTICE ARRANGEMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 40-47-939 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS LICENSED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS MAY PROVIDE EMERGENCY CARE IN THIS STATE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO LIMIT THEIR LIABILITY FOR PROVIDING SUCH CARE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-10, RELATING TO THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD TO INCLUDE TWO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR MANNER OF APPOINTMENT AND THE FILLING OF VACANCIES, AND TO LIMIT THEIR TERMS OF SERVICE; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE VARIOUS DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-113, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS AND THE PRESCRIBING OF DRUGS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-195, RELATING TO SUPERVISING PHYSICIANS AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE GUIDELINES, SO AS TO REMOVE CERTAIN LIMITATIONS IMPOSED ON SUPERVISING PHYSICIANS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-196, RELATING TO THE DELEGATION OF TASKS TO CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-910, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-915, RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS PRACTICE ACT, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS STUDENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-935, RELATING TO ACTS AND DUTIES AUTHORIZED TO BE PERFORMED BY PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO CLARIFY AND EXPAND THE AUTHORIZED ACTS AND DUTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-965, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITING PRESCRIPTIONS FOR DRUGS, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, AND MEDICAL DEVICES BY PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-1000, RELATING TO THE UNLAWFUL HOLDING OF ONESELF OUT AS A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE LAWFUL AND UNLAWFUL USE OF CERTAIN ABBREVIATIONS INDICATIVE OF LICENSURE AS A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-1005, RELATING TO MISCONDUCT MANDATING REVOCATION OR DENIAL OF A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT LICENSE, SO AS TO SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO DISCIPLINE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS FOR MISCONDUCT, TO REVISE THE BASES FOR MISCONDUCT, AND TO PROVIDE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO THE BOARD UPON FINDING MISCONDUCT; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-47-1020, RELATING TO THIRD-PARTY REIMBURSEMENT TO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO MAKE SUCH PAYMENTS MANDATORY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE INSURANCE COMPANIES AND THIRD-PARTY PAYERS MAY NOT IMPOSE MORE RESTRICTIVE OR CONTRADICTORY PRACTICE, EDUCATION, OR COLLABORATION REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-80-120, RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS TO CREATE, EXECUTE, AND SIGN POST FORMS, SO AS TO REMOVE OBSOLETE SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND SUPERVISING PHYSICIAN REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-99-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING EMERGENCY ANAPHYLAXIS TREATMENTS, SO AS TO REMOVE OBSOLETE LANGUAGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-75, RELATING TO CONCUSSION PROTOCOL FOR STUDENT ATHLETES, SO AS TO INCLUDE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS AMONG PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO REMOVE STUDENT ATHLETES SUSPECTED OF HAVING SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION FROM COMPETITION, AND TO REMOVE OBSOLETE LANGUAGE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-95, RELATING TO THE PRESCRIPTION OF LIFESAVING MEDICATIONS TO BE MAINTAINED AND USED BY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Physician assistants

Marvin "Mark" SmithRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 40-33-31 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE BOARD OF NURSING MAY GRANT FULL PRACTICE AUTHORITY TO ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES WHO MEET CERTAIN CRITERIA, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BOARD, AND TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-33-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE PRACTICE OF NURSING, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES AND OTHER REVISIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-33-34, RELATING TO ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, PRACTICE AGREEMENTS, ALLOWED MEDICAL ACTS, AND PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES AND OTHER CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-33-42, RELATING TO DELEGATION OF TASKS TO UNLICENSED ASSISTIVE PERSONNEL, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-33-110, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE OF LICENSEES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse practice authority

Marvin "Mark" SmithRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-101-290, RELATING TO THE REQUIRED NOTIFICATION OF INCOMING STUDENTS AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING ABOUT MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE A AND B AND HEPATITIS B CONTRACTION RISKS, SO AS TO PROVIDE EVERY STUDENT WHO ATTENDS A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE MUST BE VACCINATED FOR THOSE DISEASES AND DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT AND THEREAFTER AS NEEDED TO DEMONSTRATE ONGOING COMPLIANCE, TO IMPOSE RELATED REQUIREMENTS ON PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS WHEN MEDICALLY NECESSARY, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMINOLOGY.

College immunizations

Tiffany R. Spann-WilderDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "FORMING OPEN AND ROBUST UNIVERSITY MINDS (FORUM) ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 148 TO TITLE 59 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO PROVIDE MEASURES TO PROTECT EXPRESSIONS BY STUDENTS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS IN CERTAIN PLACES ON THE CAMPUSES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THIS STATE, TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, AND TO PROVIDE MEANS OF REDRESS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Forming Open and Robust Minds (FORUM) Act

Bill TaylorRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, OR ITS SUCCESSOR STATE AGENCY, TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF DARGAN'S POND IN DARLINGTON COUNTY FROM CLEMSON UNIVERSITY TO FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY.

Local (Darlington County)

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-660 SO AS TO REQUIRE ISSUERS OF INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE IN THIS STATE TO ISSUE INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MINOR CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE CHILD IS A DEPENDENT OF AN INSURED OF THE ISSUER; AND TO AMEND SECTION 38-71-145, RELATING TO REQUIRED COVERAGE IN INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES AND HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION POLICES, SO AS TO REQUIRE COVERAGE FOR MATERNITY CARE, AND TO DEFINE "MATERNITY CARE.

Health insurance coverage

Robert Q. WilliamsDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-23-540 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT STORAGE OF A FIREARM, DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Criminally negligent storage of firearms

Beth E. BernsteinDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 5-15-112 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON SEEKING ELECTION FOR CERTAIN MUNICIPAL OFFICES BY WRITE-IN VOTES MUST TIMELY FILE A DECLARATION OF WRITE-IN CANDIDACY IN ORDER FOR WRITE-IN VOTES TO BE COUNTED IN HIS FAVOR; AND BY ADDING SECTION 5-15-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN UNCONTESTED CANDIDATE FOR A MUNICIPAL OFFICE IS DEEMED ELECTED, AND SUCH OFFICE IS NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR ON THE GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT, AS APPLICABLE.

Uncontested municipal primary elections

Phillip BowersRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-200 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE INSTANT RUNOFF METHOD OF CONDUCTING CERTAIN LOCAL ELECTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-20, RELATING TO METHODS OF ELECTION FOR MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, SO AS TO ALLOW FOR MULTIPLE MEMBER ELECTION DISTRICTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 5-15-60, RELATING TO METHODS FOR NOMINATING CANDIDATES FOR AND DETERMINING RESULTS OF NONPARTISAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE INSTANT RUNOFF METHOD; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-17-610, RELATING TO THE METHOD FOR DETERMINING WHICH CANDIDATES HAVE RECEIVED A MAJORITY VOTE FOR A PARTICULAR OFFICE, SO AS TO CLARIFY ITS APPLICATION TO ELECTIONS UNDER THE INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING METHOD.

Ranked choice voting

Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.Democrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-11-17 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR ANY ELECTED OFFICE IN THIS STATE DO NOT INCLUDE ANY HIGHER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 14-23-1040, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF PROBATE JUDGES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 23-11-110, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF SHERIFFS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 59-3-10 RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT, COMPENSATION, AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION.

Qualifications for elected office

John Gregory "Jay" KilmartinRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-80 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF DRUG-INDUCED HOMICIDE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR A VIOLATION, AND TO PROHIBIT AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-10, RELATING TO THE CATEGORIZATION OF FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, SO AS TO ADD DRUG-INDUCED HOMICIDE.

Drug-induced homicide

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 24-13-40, RELATING TO COMPUTATION OF TIME SERVED BY PRISONERS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROHIBITION ON PERSONS ON BOND UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES FROM RECEIVING CREDIT FOR TIME SERVED.

Bond, credit for time served

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-30-30, RELATING TO THE INTERCEPTION OF WIRE, ORAL, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS BY EMPLOYEES OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND BY PERSONS ACTING UNDER COLOR OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, SO AS TO PROVIDE INTERCEPTION OF WIRE, ORAL, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS BY PERSONS IS LAWFUL IF ALL PARTIES CONSENT PRIOR TO THE INTERCEPTION.

Wiretapping, all parties

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 25 TO CHAPTER 19, TITLE 63 SO AS TO ESTABLISH JUVENILE PRETRIAL DIVERSION COURTS FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN WHO COMMIT FIRST-TIME, NONVIOLENT STATUS OFFENSES OR DELINQUENT ACTS, TO ESTABLISH PARAMETERS FOR ELIGIBILITY, AND TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE TO ESTABLISH PREDETENTION DIVERSION PROGRAMS FOR PARTICIPANTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Juvenile Diversion Court

Rosalyn D. Henderson-Myers, Ph.D.Democrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING "THE KINGSTON ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO CHAPTER 23, TITLE 16 SO AS TO TITLE THE ARTICLE "ACCESS TO FIREARMS BY CHILDREN," DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSES OF UNSECURED FIREARM AND UNSUPERVISED CHILD FIREARM USE AND PROVIDE GRADUATED PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

Access to firearms by children

Wendell K. JonesDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-25-65, RELATING TO THE REDUCTION OF A SENTENCE FOR SUBSTANTIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE, SO AS TO REQUIRE NOTICE TO THE ARRESTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AND ANY VICTIMS, TO REQUIRE A HEARING WITH FINDINGS OF FACT IN A WRITTEN ORDER, TO REQUIRE VERIFICATION OF SUBSTANTIAL ASSISTANCE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OR THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, AND TO ALLOW REDUCTION OF MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES IN THE DISCRETION OF THE JUDGE.

Reduction of sentences for substantial assistance

Robby RobbinsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-17-325, RELATING TO REQUIRING CLERKS OF COURT TO REPORT THE DISPOSITION OF EACH CASE IN GENERAL SESSIONS COURT, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT CLERKS OF COURT REPORT THE DISPOSITION OF CASES TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS OF THE ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN ORDERS; BY AMENDING SECTION 22-1-200, RELATING TO REQUIRING MAGISTRATES TO REPORT THE DISPOSITION OF EACH CASE TO STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT MAGISTRATES REPORT THE DISPOSITION OF CASES TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS OF THE ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN ORDERS; BY AMENDING SECTION 14-25-250, RELATING TO REQUIRING MUNICIPAL JUDGES TO REPORT THE DISPOSITION OF EACH CRIMINAL CASE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT MUNICIPAL JUDGES REPORT THE DISPOSITION OF CASES TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS OF THE ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN ORDERS; BY ADDING SECTION 23-1-260 SO AS TO REQUIRE EACH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TO REPORT TO THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS OF THE FILINGS OF CERTAIN INCIDENT REPORTS; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 23, TITLE 16 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO REQUIRE THAT NO GUN TRANSFER PRECEDED BY A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK MAY PROCEED, UNLESS THE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK HAS CONCLUDED THAT THE SALE MAY PROCEED, OR UNTIL AT LEAST FIVE DAYS HAVE PASSED FROM THE INITIATION OF THE BACKGROUND CHECK AND THE NATIONAL INSTANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM HAS NOT REPORTED THAT THE SALE WOULD VIOLATE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW, AND TO PROVIDE FOR CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.

Reporting information to SLED, firearms background checks

Leonidas E. "Leon" StavrinakisDemocrat