AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 36, TITLE 40 SO AS TO ENACT THE "OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT" WHICH ENTERS SOUTH CAROLINA INTO A MULTISTATE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSURE COMPACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE RECIPROCAL PRACTICE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AMONG THE STATES THAT ARE PARTIES TO THE COMPACT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-36-230, RELATING TO APPLICANTS FOR LICENSURE AS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR APPLICATIONS MADE PURSUANT TO THE COMPACT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-36-250, RELATING TO APPLICANTS FOR LICENSURE WITHOUT EXAMINATION AS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR APPLICATIONS MADE PURSUANT TO THE COMPACT; AND TO DESIGNATE THE EXISTING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 36 AS ARTICLE 1, ENTITLED "GENERAL PROVISIONS". - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND ARTICLE 2 OF CHAPTER 41, TITLE 46, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA GRAIN PRODUCERS GUARANTY FUND, SO AS TO EXPAND THE FUND TO INCLUDE COTTON PRODUCERS, TO DEFINE THE TERMS "AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY" AND "AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY DEALER", TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "FAIR MARKET VALUE" TO INCLUDE VALUE BASED ON THE AVERAGE MARKET PRICE PAID TO PRODUCERS LICENSED BY THREE LICENSED COTTON DEALERS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO DELETE THE TERM "GRAIN DEALER" AND ITS DEFINITION, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "PRODUCER" TO INCLUDE PRODUCERS OF COTTON, TO SUBSTITUTE THE TERM "COMMODITY" FOR THE TERM "GRAIN" IN THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "DATE OF LOSS", TO PROVIDE AN ASSESSMENT AMOUNT FOR A BALE OF COTTON, TO REVISE THE PROVISION RELATING TO WHOM DELIVERY MUST BE MADE FOR THE IMPOSITION OF ASSESSMENTS, TO REVISE THE PLACES WHERE THE ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE COLLECTED, TO REVISE WHERE ASSESSMENTS MUST BE REPORTED AND REMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TO SUBSTITUTE THE TERM "AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY" FOR THE TERM "GRAIN", TO REVISE THE PERSONS FOR WHOM THE FUND IS ESTABLISHED TO BENEFIT, TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT THE FUND MUST ACCUMULATE IN ORDER TO SUSPEND ASSESSMENTS, TO REVISE THE PROCEDURE TO FILE AND SATISFY CLAIMS FOR LOSSES INCURRED FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES, TO REVISE THE DATES WHEN ASSESSMENTS MUST BE REMITTED TO AND CERTAIN REPORTS FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT, TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES COMMISSION ADVISORY COMMISSION TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT IN ADMINISTERING THE GRAIN AND COTTON PRODUCERS GUARANTY FUND, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, AND DUTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 46-41-60, RELATING TO SURETY BONDS OR EQUIVALENT SECURITY REQUIRED OF APPLICANTS FOR DEALER IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR SURETY BONDS OR THEIR EQUIVALENTS BASED ON A TIERED SYSTEM; AND TO AMEND SECTION 46-41-170, RELATING TO PENALTIES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES, TO PROVIDE THE INSURANCE RESERVE FUND OF THE STATE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO LEND CERTAIN AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE USE OF THE GRAIN AND COTTON PRODUCERS GUARANTY FUND FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPAYMENT OF THE LOAN, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF FUNDS NOT DERIVED FROM ASSESSMENTS TO REIMBURSE CLAIMS OR LOSSES. - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 12-20-105, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO STATE LICENSE TAX CREDITS ALLOWED CERTAIN TAXPAYERS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO QUALIFYING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM ANNUAL CREDIT AMOUNT FROM FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND TO SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ANNUAL CREDIT AMOUNTS OF FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, RESPECTIVELY, FOR QUALIFYING PROJECTS LOCATED IN COUNTIES CLASSIFIED FOR THE TARGETED JOBS TAX CREDIT AS TIER II, III, AND IV COUNTIES, AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE INCREASED CREDIT AMOUNTS. - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 4-37-60 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY THAT HAS IMPOSED A TAX PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 37, TITLE 4, ALSO MAY IMPOSE A CAPITAL PROJECTS SALES AND USE TAX; TO AMEND SECTION 4-37-40, RELATING TO THE LIMITATION ON THE SALES TAX RATE, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; TO AMEND SECTION 4-10-310, RELATING TO THE IMPOSITION OF THE CAPITAL PROJECT SALES TAX, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; AND BY ADDING SECTION 4-10-315 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COUNTY THAT HAS IMPOSED ANOTHER SALES AND USE TAX ALSO MAY IMPOSE A TAX PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 37, TITLE 4. - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, SO AS TO ENACT THE "MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT"; TO AMEND CHAPTER 30 OF TITLE 40, RELATING TO MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF MASSAGE THERAPY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPOSITION AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION SHALL PUBLISH A ROSTER OF LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPISTS AND ESTABLISHMENTS, TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSURE FEES, TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT BY THE DEPARTMENT, TO PROVIDE FOR EXEMPTIONS TO THE MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT, TO PROVIDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TEMPORARY PRACTICE OF MASSAGE THERAPY, TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON MAY PRACTICE OR OFFER TO PRACTICE MASSAGE THERAPY WITHOUT A LICENSE, TO PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON OR ENTITY MAY OPEN, OPERATE, MAINTAIN, USE, OR ADVERTISE AS A MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENT OR A SOLE PRACTITIONER ESTABLISHMENT WITHOUT OBTAINING A LICENSE, TO PROVIDE PENALTIES, TO CLARIFY LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE, TO PROVIDE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR A MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENT OR SOLE PRACTITIONER ESTABLISHMENT, TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD MAY GRANT A LICENSE BY ENDORSEMENT TO A MASSAGE THERAPIST WHO HOLDS AN ACTIVE MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE AND IS IN GOOD STANDING IN ANOTHER STATE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, OR ANY OTHER UNITED STATES TERRITORY, TO CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO APPLYING FOR AND OBTAINING A LICENSE, TO PROVIDE FOR PERIODIC INSPECTIONS OF MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENTS AND SOLE PRACTITIONER ESTABLISHMENTS, TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO LICENSES SHALL BE COMPLETED BIENNIALLY, TO PROVIDE THAT RENEWAL OF LICENSES SHALL BE COMPLETED IN A MANNER PROVIDED BY THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT CONTINUING EDUCATION REPORTS ARE SUBJECT TO AUDITS, TO CLARIFY CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO LAPSED LICENSES, TO PROVIDE THAT A LICENSEE MAY PROVIDE A WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE BOARD TO PLACE A LICENSE IN INACTIVE STATUS, TO PROVIDE THAT A LICENSEE MUST BIENNIALLY RENEW ITS LICENSE TO REMAIN IN INACTIVE STATUS, TO PROVIDE THAT A LICENSE MAY BE REACTIVATED IN A MANNER PROVIDED BY THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT INACTIVE STATUS DOES NOT STAY ANY DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS THAT OCCURRED DURING THE COURSE OF AN ACTIVE LICENSE, TO CLARIFY REGULATIONS THAT SHALL BE PROMULGATED BY THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AND VIOLATIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE BOARD MAY ADMINISTER OATHS, TO PROVIDE FOR APPEALS OF THE BOARD'S DECISIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT SERVICE OF A NOTICE OF AN APPEAL DOES NOT STAY THE BOARD'S OR THE DEPARTMENT'S DECISION PENDING COMPLETION OF THE APPELLATE PROCESS, TO CLARIFY GROUNDS FOR DENYING A LICENSE, TO CLARIFY THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS AND CERTAIN DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS, TO PROVIDE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL OR ESTABLISHMENT THAT VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERS A LICENSE MAY NOT PRACTICE AS A MASSAGE THERAPIST OR OPERATE AS A MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENT OR SOLE PRACTITIONER ESTABLISHMENT UNTIL THE BOARD REINSTATES THE LICENSE, TO PROVIDE THAT SERVICE OF NOTICE MAY BE MADE BY LEAVING A COPY OF THE NOTICE WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OR HIS DESIGNEE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT COSTS AND FINES IMPOSED ARE DUE AND PAYABLE AS REQUIRED BY THE BOARD, TO PROVIDE THAT A LICENSEE FOUND IN VIOLATION OF THE MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT OR RELATED REGULATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PAY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INVESTIGATION OF HIS CASE, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS. - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-22-110, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE MORTGAGE LENDING LAWS OF THIS STATE, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN CRITERIA A RETAILER OF MANUFACTURED OR MODULAR HOMES MUST MEET TO QUALIFY AS AN "EXEMPT PERSON"; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-58-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE LICENSING OF MORTGAGE BROKERS ACT, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN CRITERIA A RETAILER OF MANUFACTURED OR MODULAR HOMES MUST MEET TO QUALIFY AS AN "EXEMPT PERSON". - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-11-445 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA MUST PROVIDE A LEGAL DEFENSE FOR AND INDEMNIFICATION TO A STATE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT, OR INSTRUMENTALITY AGAINST A CLAIM OR SUIT THAT ARISES OUT OF OR BY VIRTUE OF THE PERFORMANCE OF OFFICIAL DUTIES ON BEHALF OF A STATE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT, OR INSTRUMENTALITY, AND TO PROVIDE A SIMILAR DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION TO BOARD MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES, AND OFFICERS OF THE ENTITY; TO REPEAL SECTION 1-11-440 RELATING TO LEGAL DEFENSES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS PROVIDED TO MEMBERS OF THE FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AUTHORITY AND ITS DIRECTOR; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 12-4-325 RELATING TO LEGAL DEFENSES AND INDEMNIFICATION PROVIDED TO OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE. - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-10, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF THE OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION AND THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, SO AS TO DELETE CERTAIN OBSOLETE LANGUAGE, MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, AND PROVIDE THE DIVISION OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY SHALL BE REFERRED TO AS STATE FIRE AND ESTABLISH ITS PROGRAM AREAS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-20, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, SO AS TO PROVIDE HE HAS STATEWIDE JURISDICTION AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-25, RELATING TO THE VOLUNTEER STRATEGIC ASSISTANCE AND FIRE EQUIPMENT PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE PEER-REVIEW PANEL SHALL HAVE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH FUNDING PRIORITIES COMMUNICATED THROUGH AN ANNUAL NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, TO ALLOW CERTAIN GRANT RECIPIENTS WHO HAVE GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE AFTER COMPLETING THE APPROVED SCOPE OF WORK PRIOR TO THE END OF THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD TO CONTINUE OR EXPAND CERTAIN ACTIVITIES WITHOUT SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION TO AMEND THEIR GRANT REQUESTS OR SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO AMEND GRANT REQUESTS, TO REDIRECT REMAINING FUNDS TO ANOTHER ELIGIBLE PROJECT, AND TO PROVIDE THREE PERCENT OF THE FUNDS COVERED BY THIS SECTION SHALL BE USED TO FUND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-30, RELATING TO CERTAIN DUTIES THAT MAY BE DELEGATED TO THE CHIEFS OF ORGANIZED FIRE DEPARTMENTS, COUNTY FIRE MARSHALS, OR DEPUTY STATE FIRE MARSHALS BY THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN DUTIES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS, INSPECTIONS, AND ENFORCEMENT MAY BE DELEGATED TO CERTAIN PERSONS BY THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND PROVIDE THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL HAS AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE CERTAIN REGULATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-45, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CLASS D FIRE EQUIPMENT PERMITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL CLASSES OF LICENSES AND PERMITS, PROVIDE APPLICANTS OF THESE LICENSES AND PERMITS MUST MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN REGULATION, AND ARE ABLE TO MEET THE MAINTENANCE AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND CODES ADOPTED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODES COUNCIL, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT ALLOWS THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO ESTABLISH LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-50, RELATING TO THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S AUTHORITY TO INSPECT CERTAIN BUILDINGS OR PREMISES, SO AS TO REVISE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UPON WHICH HE MAY ENTER BUILDINGS AND PREMISES TO INCLUDE WHEN AN EXPLOSION HAS OCCURRED, OR UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN A FATALITY OR SERIOUS INJURY HAS OCCURRED; BY ADDING SECTION 23-9-125 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE BOARD OF PYROTECHNIC OR THE REGULATION OF FIREWORKS ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THESE PROVISIONS; TO AMEND CHAPTER 10, TITLE 26, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIRE ACADEMY, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 23-49-120, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA FORESTRY COMMISSION'S ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS OF FIRE EQUIPMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION DIVISION OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY ALSO MAY ACCEPT DONATIONS OF EQUIPMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 40-80-30, RELATING TO FIREFIGHTERS REGISTERING WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, SO AS TO REVISE THE COSTS AND PROCESS OF OBTAINING FIREFIGHTER RECORDS; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 23-9-35, 23-9-40, 23-9-60, 23-9-110, AND 23-9-130 ALL RELATING TO CERTAIN DUTIES OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL; AND TO AMEND SECTION 23-9-25, RELATING TO THE VOLUNTEER STRATEGIC ASSISTANCE AND FIRE EQUIPMENT PROGRAM, SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS NOW WITHIN THE DIVISION OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, REMOVE THE LIMITATION PLACED ON THE MAXIMUM DOLLAR AMOUNT OF GRANTS IT MAY OFFER, TO DELETE THE TERM "CHARTERED" AS IT IS USED TO IDENTIFY VARIOUS FIRE DEPARTMENTS, TO PROVIDE FIRE DEPARTMENTS MAY BE AWARDED ONE GRANT ANNUALLY, TO REVISE THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH FIRE DEPARTMENTS MAY USE GRANT MONEY, TO PROVIDE THE PEER-REVIEW PANEL SHALL OVERSEE THE ISSUANCE AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE PRESCRIBED INTENT OF THE GRANTS, TO DELETE THE PROVISIONS THAT RELATE TO JUSTIFICATIONS THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN GRANT APPLICATIONS AND CRITERIA TO EVALUATE GRANT APPLICATIONS, TO PROVIDE INSTANCES THAT WOULD MAKE FIRE DEPARTMENTS INELIGIBLE TO BE AWARDED FUTURE GRANTS, TO PROVIDE RECIPIENTS MAY USE A CERTAIN AWARD AMOUNT TO CONTINUE OR EXPAND ACTIVITIES WITHOUT SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS TO AMEND GRANT REQUESTS, TO PROVIDE AWARD RECIPIENTS CAN SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO HAVE GRANT FUNDS REDIRECTED TO ANOTHER ELIGIBLE PROJECT, TO PROVIDE THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL ADDITIONAL DUTIES, TO PROVIDE HE MAY RETAIN CERTAIN FUNDS TO DEFRAY CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS, AND PROVIDE GRANT FUNDS MAY BE CARRIED FORWARD TO THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR AND USED FOR THE SAME PURPOSE. - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 44-63-74, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE MANDATORY ELECTRONIC FILING OF DEATH CERTIFICATES WITH THE BUREAU OF VITAL STATISTICS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, SO AS TO ELIMINATE EXEMPTIONS FOR PHYSICIANS WHO CERTIFY FEWER THAN TWELVE DEATHS ANNUALLY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 44-56-200 CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HAZARDOUS WASTE CLEANUP, SO AS TO PROVIDE STANDARDS FOR CONDUCTING CERTAIN CLEANUP, REMOVAL, REMEDIATION, OR OTHER RESPONSES; TO PROVIDE SITE-SPECIFIC REMEDIATION STANDARDS; AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS. - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-13-25 SO AS TO ESTABLISH EARLY VOTING IN THE STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 7-11-10, RELATING TO METHODS OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES, SO AS TO PROHIBIT CANDIDATES FROM FILING MORE THAN ONE STATEMENT OF INTENTION OF CANDIDACY FOR A SINGLE OFFICE FOR THE SAME ELECTION, AND TO PROHIBIT CANDIDATES FROM BEING NOMINATED BY MORE THAN ONE POLITICAL PARTY FOR A SINGLE OFFICE IN AN ELECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-320, RELATING TO BALLOT STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT CANDIDATES' NAMES FROM APPEARING ON THE BALLOT MORE THAN ONCE; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-220, RELATING TO THE WITNESS REQUIREMENT FOR THE OATH OF AN ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICANT, SO AS TO ADD THAT THE WITNESS MUST BE AT LEAST EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND ALSO REQUIRE THE PRINTED NAME OF THE WITNESS IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIRED SIGNATURE AND ADDRESS ON THE OATH; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-320, RELATING TO PERSONS QUALIFIED TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT, SO AS TO AMEND THE LIST OF REASONS FOR WHICH ABSENTEE VOTING IS ALLOWED FOR PERSONS WHO ARE GOING TO BE ABSENT FROM THE COUNTY FOR THE DURATION OF THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD AND ELECTION DAY; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-330, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE TIME OF APPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS AND APPLICATION IN PERSON, SO AS TO DEFINE THE PARAMETERS BY WHICH A PERSON MAY REQUEST AN APPLICATION TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT FOR HIMSELF OR OTHERS, TO PROVIDE FOR VERIFICATION OF THE INFORMATION REGARDING THE ELECTOR, TO PROVIDE THAT NO MORE THAN FIVE APPLICATIONS MAY BE REQUESTED IN ADDITION TO THE REQUESTOR HIMSELF, AND TO PROVIDE THE TIMEFRAME THAT THE APPLICATIONS MUST BE RETURNED BY; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-380, RELATING TO THE OATH OF AN ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICANT, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-385, RELATING TO THE MARKING AND RETURN OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE AN AUTHORIZED RETURNEE TO PRODUCE A CURRENT AND VALID FORM OF GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PHOTO IDENTIFICATION AND TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO RETURN MORE THAN FIVE ENVELOPES IN AN ELECTION IN ADDITION TO HIS OWN AND PROVIDE A PENALTY; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-420, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE RECEIPT, TABULATION, AND REPORTING OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS, SO AS TO ALLOW THE EXAMINATION OF RETURN-ADDRESSED ENVELOPES TO BEGIN AT 7:00 A.M. ON THE SECOND DAY PRECEDING ELECTION DAY, TO ALLOW THE TABULATION OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS TO BEGIN AT 7:00 A.M. ON ELECTION DAY, AND TO CREATE A PENALTY FOR PUBLIC REPORTING OF THE RESULTS OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS BEFORE THE POLLS ARE CLOSED; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-430, RELATING TO ABSENTEE VOTERS NOTED ON ELECTION LISTS AND VOTING BY PERSONS ISSUED ABSENTEE BALLOTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE CASTING OF PROVISIONAL BALLOTS BY PERSONS WHO HAVE NOT RETURNED THEIR ABSENTEE BALLOTS; TO AMEND SECTION 7-5-170, RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION WRITTEN APPLICATIONS, FORMS, AND OATHS, SO AS TO REQUIRE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THE PERSON REGISTERING TO VOTE IS NEITHER REGISTERED NOR INTENDS TO VOTE IN ANOTHER STATE OR COUNTY AND PROVIDE FOR A DATE STAMP ON APPLICATIONS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 7-13-320 AND 7-13-610, BOTH RELATING TO BALLOT STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS, BOTH SO AS TO REQUIRE BALLOTS TO INCORPORATE FEATURES WHICH CAN BE USED TO AUTHENTICATE THE BALLOT AS OFFICIAL, EXCEPT FOR BALLOTS DELIVERED ELECTRONICALLY UNDER THE FEDERAL UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-1330, RELATING TO VOTE RECORDERS AND OPTICAL SCAN VOTING SYSTEMS, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN STEPS BEFORE A STATEWIDE VOTING SYSTEM IS PROCURED, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN OPTICAL SCAN VOTING SYSTEM, AND TO REQUIRE THE PRESERVATION OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS FOR A STATEWIDE ELECTION FOR NOT LESS THAN TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS FOLLOWING THE ELECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-1340, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTE RECORDERS OR OPTICAL SCAN VOTING DEVICES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THESE DEVICES MAY NOT BE USED UNLESS A DELINEATED LIST OF INTERNET AND OTHER CONNECTIONS ARE DISABLED; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-1620, RELATING TO THE VOTING SYSTEM APPROVAL PROCESS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE FEDERAL VOTING SYSTEM STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN AMENDED WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME PERIOD BEFORE AN ELECTION, THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION MAY APPROVE AND CERTIFY A VOTING SYSTEM IF CERTAIN CRITERIA ARE MET; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-1640, RELATING TO VOTING MACHINE REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; TO REPEAL SECTION 7-13-440 RELATING TO VOTING MACHINE BALLOTS AND ARRANGEMENT OF NOMINATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 7-3-40, RELATING TO REPORTS TO BE FURNISHED BY THE BUREAU OF VITAL STATISTICS TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO INCLUDE IN THE INFORMATION THAT MUST BE PROVIDED ALL INDIVIDUALS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER WHO HAVE DIED OUT-OF-STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 7-5-186, RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE VOTER REGISTRATION DATABASE, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO CONDUCT AN ANNUAL GENERAL REGISTRATION LIST MAINTENANCE PROGRAM AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING DISCREPANCIES IN THE VOTER REGISTRATION DATABASE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 7-5-330 AND 7-5-340, BOTH RELATING TO REMOVAL OF ELECTORS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A TIMEFRAME TO REMOVE AN ELECTOR UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANTING SUCH; BY ADDING SECTION 7-25-30 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC REPORTING MECHANISM FOR POSSIBLE ELECTION LAW VIOLATIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-350 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO REPORT ANNUALLY TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON ACTIONS TAKEN TO MAINTAIN THE ACCURACY OF THE STATEWIDE VOTER REGISTRATION DATABASE; BY ADDING SECTION 7-1-110 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVENE AND HAVE STANDING ON BEHALF OF THEIR RESPECTIVE BODIES IN ACTIONS TO CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OF AN ELECTION LAW, AN ELECTION POLICY, OR THE MANNER IN WHICH AN ELECTION IS CONDUCTED; TO AMEND SECTION 7-3-20, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ESTABLISH METHODS OF AUDITING ELECTION RESULTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 7-25-20, 7-25-110, 7-25-120, 7-25-160, AND 7-25-170, ALL RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST ELECTION LAWS, ALL SO AS TO PROVIDE INCREASED PENALTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 7-3-10, RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO IDENTIFY CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A PERSON IS DEEMED INELIGIBLE TO SERVE ON THE COMMISSION, TO ESTABLISH MECHANISMS FOR REMOVING INELIGIBLE COMMISSION MEMBERS, TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO ESTABLISH STANDARDIZED ELECTION AND VOTER REGISTRATION PROCESSES, AND TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUPERVISION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTION LAWS; TO AMEND SECTION 7-3-20, RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S APPOINTMENT WITH ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, TO ESTABLISH THE TERM, QUALIFICATIONS, AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, METHODS OF REMOVAL AND GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR FILLING OF A VACANCY, AMONG OTHER THINGS; TO AMEND SECTION 7-3-25, RELATING TO COUNTY BOARDS OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMPLIANCE WITH ELECTION LAWS AND POLICY, SO AS TO REQUIRE STANDARDIZED PROCESSES WITH REGARD TO THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-50 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION AND COUNTY BOARDS FROM ACCEPTING GIFTS OR FUNDING FROM PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS OR OTHERS; BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-190 SO AS TO DIRECT THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO ENSURE VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION, THE VOTING SYSTEM, AND ELECTRONIC POLL BOOKS ARE PROTECTED BY SECURITY MEASURES THAT MEET CERTAIN BEST PRACTICES STANDARDS; TO AMEND SECTION 7-3-70, RELATING TO REPORTS FURNISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO FURNISH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION A MONTHLY REPORT OF ALL NON-UNITED STATES CITIZENS ISSUED A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD; TO AMEND SECTION 7-13-35, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO NOTICE OF ELECTIONS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 7-3-45 SO AS TO REQUIRE EACH COUNTY PROBATE COURT TO FURNISH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION A MONTHLY REPORT OF ALL PERSONS EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER DECLARED MENTALLY INCAPACITATED; TO REQUIRE THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION MUST ESTABLISH A TEMPORARY VOTER EDUCATION PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 7-15-310, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF ABSENTEE VOTING, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE"; BY ADDING SECTION 7-15-400 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO BALLOT APPLICATION OR ABSENTEE BALLOT MAY BE PROVIDED BY AN ELECTION OFFICIAL IF THE APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES ARE NOT FOLLOWED; BY ADDING SECTION 7-25-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO PROVIDE OR ACCEPT ANYTHING OF VALUE IN EXCHANGE FOR REQUESTING, COLLECTING, OR DELIVERING AN ABSENTEE BALLOT AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY; TO AMEND SECTION 7-25-180, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL DISTRIBUTION OF CAMPAIGN LITERATURE, SO AS TO EXPAND THE PROHIBITION ON DISTRIBUTION OF CAMPAIGN LITERATURE OUTSIDE OF POLLING PLACES FROM TWO HUNDRED TO FIVE HUNDRED FEET; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 7-15-470 RELATING TO IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING. - ratified title
AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 40-59-265 SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY FROM BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, AND TO EXEMPT PROPERTY OWNERS WHO MAKE SUCH IMPROVEMENTS FROM RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS COMMISSION LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 40-59-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS COMMISSION AND ITS LICENSEES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS. - ratified title
