A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE WEEK OF MAY 18-24, 2025, AS THE FIFTY-FIRST "EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA, IN RECOGNITION OF THE VITAL CONTRIBUTIONS THAT EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TEAMS MAKE TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-38-15, RELATING TO JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY AND THE APPORTIONMENT OF PERCENTAGES OF FAULT AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OR DRUG EXCEPTIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SO AS TO FURTHER MODIFY PROVISIONS RELATING TO JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY, TO REMOVE THE EXCEPTION TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECTION APPLYING TO THE USE, SALE, OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL, TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL TORTFEASORS IN A CAUSE OF ACTION AND FOR THE TRIER OF FACT TO ALLOCATE FAULT TO ADDITIONAL TORTFEASORS, AND TO PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH ADDITIONAL NONDEFENDANT TORTFEASORS SHALL BE ADDED TO A VERDICT FORM AND CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THEY SHALL NOT BE ADDED; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-2220, RELATING TO ALCOHOL SALES, SO AS TO PROHIBIT A PERSON FROM KNOWINGLY SELLING ALCOHOL TO AN INTOXICATED PERSON; BY ADDING CHAPTER 3 TO TITLE 61 SO AS TO ESTABLISH AN ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING REQUIREMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-60, RELATING TO REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE REGULATIONS FOR THE ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-4-580, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS BY HOLDERS OF PERMITS AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF BEER OR WINE, SO AS TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; BY ADDING SECTION 61-4-523 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE AT COLLEGIATE SPORTING EVENTS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY ADDING SECTION 38-73-550 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE TO MAKE CERTAIN REPORTS REGARDING LIQUOR LIABILITY COVERAGE IN THIS STATE; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-90-20, RELATING TO LICENSING, REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION, FEES, AND RENEWAL, SO AS TO INCLUDE LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-145, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR LIQUOR LIABILITY RISK MITIGATION; AND BY ADDING SECTION 61-2-147 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT TORTFEASORS CHARGED WITH CERTAIN DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OFFENSES SHALL APPEAR ON THE JURY VERDICT FORM UPON MOTION OF THE DEFENDANT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE IF A VERDICT IS RENDERED AGAINST BOTH A LICENSEE AND A DEFENDANT CHARGED WITH CERTAIN DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OFFENSES THAT THE LICENSEE IS JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY LIABLE FOR FIFTY PERCENT OF THE PLAINTIFF'S ACTUAL DAMAGES. - RATIFIED TITLE
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA ENERGY SECURITY ACT" BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-140, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION'S POWERS TO REGULATE PUBLIC UTILITIES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE FOR CERTAIN TESTIMONY AND DISCOVERY IN CONTESTED PROCEEDINGS, TO PERMIT ELECTRICAL UTILITY CUSTOMERS TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION AS PUBLIC WITNESSES, AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY CONSULTANT HIRED BY THE COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-250, RELATING TO SERVICE OF ORDERS AND DECISIONS ON PARTIES, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-4-10, RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF AND ITS REPRESENTATION OF PUBLIC INTEREST BEFORE THE COMMISSION, SO AS TO ESTABLISH ITS CONSIDERATIONS FOR PUBLIC INTEREST; BY ADDING SECTION 58-4-150 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO PREPARE A COMPREHENSIVE STATE ENERGY ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS PLAN; BY ADDING SECTION 58-33-195 SO AS TO ENCOURAGE DOMINION ENERGY, THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY, DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, AND DUKE ENERGY PROGRESS TO EVALUATE CERTAIN ELECTRICAL GENERATION FACILITIES AND PROVIDE FOR CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO THESE FACILITIES; BY ADDING SECTION 58-31-205 SO AS TO PERMIT THE PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY TO JOINTLY OWN ONE OR MORE NATURAL GAS-FIRED GENERATION FACILITIES AND RELATED TRANSMISSION FACILITIES WITH DOMINION ENERGY SOUTH CAROLINA IN COLLETON COUNTY, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINT OWNERSHIP; BY ADDING SECTION 6-29-1220 SO AS TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM PLANS IF A COUNTY DOES NOT HAVE RELATED RURAL ZONING OR ORDINANCES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS REQUIRING MORE THAN THIRTEEN ACRES OF LAND; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 9 OF CHAPTER 7, TITLE 13, RELATING TO THE GOVERNOR'S NUCLEAR ADVISORY COUNCIL, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE COUNCIL IN THE SC NEXUS FOR ADVANCED RESILIENT ENERGY AT THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS DUTIES AND MEMBERSHIP, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COUNCIL'S DIRECTOR; BY ADDING ARTICLE 24 TO CHAPTER 27, TITLE 58 SO AS TO ALLOW ELECTRIC UTILITIES TO REQUEST THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ADJUST THEIR RATES ANNUALLY, ADJUST UTILITY RATES, ESTABLISH THE BASELINE RATE ORDER AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ADJUSTMENTS IN RATES, TO PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FOR CUSTOMERS, AND TO AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL POSITIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF; BY ADDING SECTION 58-33-196 SO AS TO ENCOURAGE CONSIDERATION OF DEPLOYMENT OF FUSION ENERGY AND ADVANCED NUCLEAR FACILITIES AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-70 SO AS TO PERMIT THE EVALUATION OF SMALL MODULAR NUCLEAR FACILITIES IN THIS STATE AND TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 37, TITLE 58 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR STATE AGENCY REVIEW OF ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT APPLICATIONS, TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE A SUNSET PROVISION, AND TO DESIGNATE ALL SECTIONS CURRENTLY IN CHAPTER 37 AS ARTICLE 1, ENTITLED "PLANNING FOR ENERGY SUPPLY"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-40-10, RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF "CUSTOMER-GENERATOR," SO AS TO ESTABLISH CHARACTERISTICS FOR A "CUSTOMER-GENERATOR"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-41-30, RELATING TO VOLUNTARY RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR THESE PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-41-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITION OF "ENERGY STORAGE FACILITIES"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-41-20, RELATING TO THE REVIEW OF AND APPROVAL PROCEEDINGS FOR ELECTRICAL UTILITIES' AVOIDED COST METHODOLOGIES, STANDARD OFFERS, FORM CONTRACTS, AND COMMITMENT TO SELL FORMS, SO AS TO REITERATE THE SECTION; BY ADDING CHAPTER 42 TO TITLE 58 SO AS TO ESTABLISH COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM STANDARDS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY STORAGE, AND TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO OPEN A DOCKET TO ESTABLISH A COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM FOR ENERGY STORAGE FACILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-33-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD THE DEFINITION "LIKE FACILITY" AND AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "MAJOR UTILITY FACILITY," SO AS TO REITERATE THE DEFINITION; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 3 OF CHAPTER 33, TITLE 58, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF MAJOR UTILITY FACILITIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A LIKE FACILITY, TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROPOSED FACILITIES, TO PROVIDE WHAT ACTIONS MAY BE TAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE COMMISSION, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-40, RELATING TO INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLANS, SO AS TO ADD CONSIDERATION OF A UTILITY'S TRANSMISSION REPORT, TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION BY THE COMMISSION, AND REQUIRE PARTIES TO BEAR THEIR OWN COSTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-260, RELATING TO COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE COMMISSION AND PARTIES, SO AS TO MODIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALLOWABLE EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS AND BRIEFINGS, AND TO PERMIT COMMISSION TOURS OF UTILITY PLANTS OR OTHER FACILITIES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-270, RELATING TO EX PARTE COMMUNICATION COMPLAINT PROCEEDINGS AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SO AS TO PERMIT AN ORDER TOLLING ANY DEADLINES ON A PROCEEDING SUBJECT TO A COMPLAINT IF TRUE TO THE EXTENT THE PROCEEDING WAS PREJUDICED SO THAT THE COMMISSION COULD NOT CONSIDER THE MATTER IMPARTIALLY; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-33-310, RELATING TO AN APPEAL FROM A FINAL ORDER OR DECISION OF THE COMMISSION ISSUED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 33, TITLE 58, SO AS TO ESTABLISH A TIMELINE FOR A PETITION FOR REHEARING OR RECONSIDERATION, AND TO REQUIRE A FINAL ORDER BE IMMEDIATELY APPEALABLE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-33-320, RELATING TO JUDICIAL JURISDICTION, SO AS TO REITERATE THE SECTION; BY ADDING SECTION 58-4-160 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO EVALUATE VARIOUS THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR MODELS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO ADD A REFERENCE TO "DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM" AND PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR "COST-EFFECTIVE" AND "DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAM"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-20, RELATING TO COMMISSION PROCEDURES ENCOURAGING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS, SO AS TO EXPAND COMMISSION CONSIDERATIONS FOR COST-EFFECTIVE, DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS, REQUIRE EACH INVESTOR-OWNED ELECTRICAL UTILITY TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMISSION REGARDING ITS DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS, AND TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO REVIEW THESE PORTFOLIOS ON AT LEAST A TRIENNIAL BASIS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-30, RELATING TO REPORTS ON DEMAND-SIDE ACTIVITIES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-35 SO AS TO PERMIT PROGRAMS AND CUSTOMER INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE OR PROMOTE DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR CUSTOMER-SITED DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES, AND TO PROVIDE CONSIDERATIONS FOR THESE PROGRAMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-50, RELATING TO AGREEMENTS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION MEASURES, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN TERMS AND RATE RECOVERY FOR AGREEMENTS FOR FINANCING AND INSTALLING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION MEASURES, AND FOR APPLICATION TO A RESIDENCE OCCUPIED BEFORE THE MEASURES ARE TAKEN; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-70, RELATING TO COMPENSATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION MEMBERS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH SALARIES IN AMOUNTS EQUAL TO NINETY PERCENT OF SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICES; BY ADDING SECTION 58-41-50 SO AS TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATION FOR CO-LOCATED RESOURCES BETWEEN AN ELECTRICAL UTILITY AND ITS CUSTOMER UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF A DIVERSE MIX OF LONG-LEAD, CLEAN GENERATION RESOURCES, AND TO PERMIT THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO FIND CERTAIN ACTIONS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO PERMIT AN ELECTRICAL UTILITY TO CAPTURE AVAILABLE INCENTIVES FOR RATEPAYERS; TO PERMIT DEFERRAL OF CERTAIN REASONABLE AND PRUDENT COSTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-40-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCE"; BY ADDING CHAPTER 43 TO TITLE 58, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CONSIDERATIONS FOR ELECTRICITY RATE AND CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS; BY ADDING SECTION 58-37-135 SO AS TO TRANSFER A PENDING APPEAL REGARDING ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PERMITS TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-3-530, RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE'S DUTIES, SO AS TO REQUIRE AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER ADVOCACY RELATED TO ITS REPRESENTATION OF CONSUMERS IN UTILITY MATTERS; BY ADDING SECTION 58-3-65 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION'S CHIEF CLERK'S SALARY BE BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE AGENCY HEAD SALARY COMMISSION; BY ADDING SECTION 58-33-200 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO RETAIN AN INDEPENDENT CONSTRUCTION ANALYST FOR ANY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BUDGET OF AT LEAST FIVE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS; TO REQUIRE A REPORT BY THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 24, CHAPTER 27, TITLE 58; TO REQUIRE DOMINION ENERGY TO EVALUATE CONVERTING THE WATEREE GENERATION STATION TO BIOMASS-FIRED GENERATION, AND TO PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 58-4-50, RELATING TO OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF DUTIES, SO AS TO INCLUDE CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS. - RATIFIED TITLE
A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MARY LOUISE "MARY LOU" REYNOLDS LEE, BELOVED SECOND GRADE TEACHER AT WILSON HALL, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER FIFTY-SIX YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE, AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND TIFFANYJ FOR HER EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO CELEBRATE THE TWELFTH AND FINAL BEAUTY, YOU ARE BOOT CAMP, WHICH HAS SHAPED THE LIVES OF SO MANY YOUNG GIRLS ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST.
A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF FRANK LADSON OF SUMTER COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.
A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR PAMELA D. SCOTT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND TO EXTEND TO HER THE BEST WISHES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AS SHE ENTERS A WELL-DESERVED RETIREMENT.
A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE HEATHWOOD HALL EPISCOPAL SCHOOL BOYS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION DIVISION 1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE WILSON HALL GIRLS TRACK TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (SCISA) DIVISION I STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR KING GEORGE, A RISING FORCE IN BLUES MUSIC AND TO WELCOME HIM TO MYRTLE BEACH TO PERFORM IN LIVE CONCERT WITH MONEY TRAIN.
