Rep. James Teeple

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 57-1-410, RELATING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT THE SECRETARY INSTEAD OF THE COMMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-10, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT AND THEIR GOVERNING BODIES, SO AS TO DELETE THE PROVISION THAT PROVIDES THAT PART OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS A SEVEN-MEMBER COMMISSION; BY AMENDING SECTION 1-30-105, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 11-43-140, RELATING TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE BANK, SO AS TO REMOVE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AS A DIRECTOR, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION IS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 57-1-10, 57-1-40, 57-1-370, AND 57-1-430, ALL RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, AND ITS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AND ITS RESPONSIBILITIES, TO ALLOW THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION AND REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUBMIT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AN ITEMIZED PROJECT LIST TO BE FUNDED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR IN WHICH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD ENACT ITS ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-3-50, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HIGHWAY DISTRICTS, SO AS TO SUBSTITUTE THE TERM "DEPARTMENT" FOR THE TERM "COMMISSION"; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-1-90, RELATING TO MOTORCYCLES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-3-210, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTING WITH PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEMS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-3-700, RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVING AS AN AGENT FOR COUNTIES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-5-50, RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN ROADS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-5-90, RELATING TO BELT LINES AND SPURS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-5-340, RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF REAL ESTATE, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 57-13-10, 57-13-20, 57-13-40, AND 57-13-50, ALL RELATING TO BRIDGES, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-25-120, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 57-25-140, 57-25-150, 57-25-170, 57-25-200, AND 57-25-210, ALL RELATING TO SIGNS ALONG THE HIGHWAYS, SO AS TO MAKE A CONFORMING CHANGE; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 57-1-310 AND 57-1-330, BOTH RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO REMOVE AT-LARGE MEMBERS; BY AMENDING ARTICLE 9, CHAPTER 5, TITLE 57, RELATING TO TURNPIKE PROJECTS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN DESIGNATIONS OF TURNPIKE FACILITIES, TO PROVIDE THAT TURNPIKE BONDS ARE SPECIAL LIMITED OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE AS SPECIFIED IN THE BOND RESOLUTION, AND TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 57-1-25 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY AND TO SET FORTH ITS DUTIES AND MEMBERSHIP; BY ADDING SECTION 57-5-105 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN NONESSENTIAL ROADS, TO ESTABLISH THE SYSTEM REALIGNMENT FUND TO AID IN THE TRANSFER, AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES TO COUNTIES IN WHICH ALL SUCH NONESSENTIAL ROADS HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-1-360, RELATING TO THE CHIEF INTERNAL AUDITOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A CERTIFIED INTERNAL AUDITOR AND A CERTIFIED FRAUD EXAMINER TO HOLD THE POSITION; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-3-20, RELATING TO THE DIVISION DEPUTY DIRECTORS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, SO AS TO DESIGNATE SUCH OFFICIALS AS DEPUTY SECRETARIES AND TO ESTABLISH THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING; BY AMENDING SECTION 11-35-710, RELATING TO CERTAIN TRANSPORTATION EXEMPTIONS TO THE PROCUREMENT CODE, SO AS TO FURTHER DEFINE THE EXEMPTIONS; BY ADDING SECTIONS 57-5-1710 AND 57-5-1720 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR PHASED DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTORS AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER/GENERAL CONTRACTORS; BY ADDING SECTION 57-3-790 SO AS TO SPECIFY THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE STATE WAIVES ITS IMMUNITY UNDER THE ELEVENTH AMENDMENT OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 57-5-820 AND 57-5-830, BOTH RELATING TO MUNICIPALITIES AND ROADWORK, SO AS TO SPECIFY PROCEDURES WHEN A MUNICIPALITY OBJECTS TO CERTAIN ROADWORK; BY AMENDING SECTION 57-3-615, RELATING TO HIGHWAY TOLLS, SO AS TO SPECIFY THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A TOLL MAY BE IMPOSED ON A STATE HIGHWAY; BY ADDING SECTIONS 57-3-240 AND 57-3-250 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ENTER INTO RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, AND TO SPECIFY CONDITIONS OF SUCH AGREEMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-28-2740, RELATING TO "C" FUNDS, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF SUCH FUNDS, TO SPECIFY THE MEMBERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEES, TO PROVIDE FOR BONDING OF "C" FUNDS, TO DELETE PROVISIONS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A CRIME REGARDING UNDUE INFLUENCE ON CERTAIN OFFICIALS; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-28-2920, RELATING TO TOLLS, SO AS TO SPECIFY WHEN TOLL REVENUES MAY BE EXPENDED; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-645, RELATING TO A ROAD USE FEE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE ALTERNATE FUEL FEE AND CREDIT THE REVENUE TO THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND; BY ADDING SECTION 12-28-360 SO AS TO IMPOSE A TAX ON ELECTRICITY CONSUMED WHEN USING CERTAIN PUBLIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 57-11-210, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF STATE HIGHWAY BONDS, SO AS TO DEFINE "ALTERNATIVE FUEL FEES".

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "EQUAL PARENTING ACT"; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 63-3-810, 63-3-820, 63-3-830, 63-3-850, AND 63-3-870, ALL RELATING TO GUARDIANS AD LITEM APPOINTED IN PRIVATE FAMILY COURT ACTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PROTECTIONS AGAINST GUARDIAN AD LITEM BIAS OR OTHER MISCONDUCT, TO CLARIFY THAT EQUAL PARENTING TIME FOR BOTH PARENTS IS PRESUMED TO BE IN A CHILD'S BEST INTEREST, AND TO ADDRESS THE APPORTIONMENT OF FEES AND COSTS; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 63-15-210, 63-15-220, 63-15-230, AND 63-15-240, ALL RELATING TO CHILD CUSTODY HEARINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT EQUAL PARENTING TIME IS PRESUMED TO BE IN A CHILD'S BEST INTEREST IN CHILD CUSTODY ACTIONS, THAT PARENTAL INTERFERENCE WITH THE PARENTING TIME OF THE OTHER PARENT IS GROUNDS FOR MODIFICATION OF A CHILD CUSTODY ORDER; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM UNLESS THE PERSON HAS REGISTERED AS BEING A MEMBER OF THAT PARTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-110, RELATING TO REGISTRATION IN ORDER TO VOTE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM UNLESS THE PERSON HAS REGISTERED AS BEING A MEMBER OF THAT POLITICAL PARTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-170, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENT OF STATING POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION, IF ANY, ON THE FORM AND INCLUDING IT IN THE OATH, AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO ASSIST IN CAPTURING THIS DATA; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-9-20, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE, AS A REQUIREMENT, REGISTERING AS A MEMBER OF THE PARTY AND TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION OR NONAFFILIATION AFTER A SELECTION HAS BEEN MADE.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-38-15, RELATING TO THE APPORTIONMENT OF PERCENTAGES OF FAULT AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OR DRUG EXCEPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A JURY OR THE COURT SHALL DETERMINE THE PERCENTAGE OF FAULT OF THE CLAIMANT, THE DEFENDANT, AND OF ANY NONPARTY WHOSE ACT OR OMISSION WAS A PROXIMATE CAUSE OF THE CLAIMANT'S ALLEGED DAMAGES; BY REPEALING SECTION 15-38-20 RELATING TO RIGHT OF CONTRIBUTION; BY REPEALING SECTION 15-38-30 RELATING TO FACTORS DETERMINING PRO RATA LIABILITY OF TORTFEASORS; BY REPEALING SECTION 15-38-40 RELATING TO ACTIONS FOR CONTRIBUTION; BY ADDING SECTION 15-3-710 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS; BY ADDING SECTION 15-3-720 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL IS PROHIBITED FROM RECOVERING DAMAGES IF THE INDIVIDUAL KNOWINGLY RIDES AS A PASSENGER IN A VEHICLE OPERATED BY A DRIVER WHO IS VISIBLY INTOXICATED OR WHOM THE INDIVIDUAL KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN WOULD BECOME INTOXICATED; BY ADDING SECTION 15-3-730 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE CLERK OF COURT SHALL FORWARD A COPY OF THE COMPLAINT AND JUDGMENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE UPON ENTERING JUDGMENT AGAINST A LICENSEE; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-4-580, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CIVIL LIABILITY; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-4-590, RELATING TO REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF PERMITS AND DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATIONS AND DETERMINATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY REVOKE OR SUSPEND A PERMIT ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE UPON RECEIPT OF A COMPLAINT AND JUDGMENT; BY ADDING CHAPTER 3 TO TITLE 61 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS; TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVER AND MANAGER TRAINING; TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF AND APPROVAL OF TRAINING PROGRAMS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ALCOHOL SERVER CERTIFICATES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE RENEWAL OF A PERMIT OR LICENSE; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF RELEVANT PROVISIONS; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-60, RELATING TO THE PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, EDUCATION, AND ENFORCEMENT OF RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL SERVER TRAINING PROVISIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-6-2220, RELATING TO SALES TO INTOXICATED PERSONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON OR ESTABLISHMENT LICENSED TO SELL ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS OR LIQUOR BY THE DRINK PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE MAY NOT KNOWINGLY PROVIDE THESE BEVERAGES TO AN INTOXICATED PERSON; 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 LIMITS; BY AMENDING SECTION 61-2-145, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN INSURER SHALL NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT IF A PERSON LICENSED TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION EXCEEDS ITS AGGREGATE LIMIT PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE POLICY; BY AMENDING SECTION 15-3-670, RELATING TO CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH LIMITATIONS PROVIDED BY SECTIONS 15-3-640 THROUGH 15-3-660 ARE NOT AVAILABLE AS A DEFENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION IS CONSIDERED MATERIAL ONLY IF IT EXISTS WITHIN A COMPLETED BUILDING, STRUCTURE, OR FACILITY WHICH HAS RESULTED IN PHYSICAL HARM TO A PERSON OR SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE PERFORMANCE OF A BUILDING OR ITS SYSTEMS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-5-6540, RELATING TO PENALTIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A VIOLATION IS ADMISSIBLE AS EVIDENCE OF COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE; BY ADDING SECTION 15-7-65 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CIVIL ACTION TRIED AGAINST AN UNKNOWN DEFENDANT MUST BE TRIED IN THE COUNTY WHERE THE CAUSE OF ACTION AROSE; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-77-150, RELATING TO UNINSURED MOTORIST PROVISIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE UNINSURED MOTORIST PROVISION IS NOT REQUIRED TO INCLUDE COVERAGE FOR PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 38-77-160, RELATING TO ADDITIONAL UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CARRIERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO INCLUDE COVERAGE FOR PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES IN THE MANDATORY OFFER OF UNDERINSURED MOTORISTS COVERAGE; BY AMENDING SECTION 15-78-30, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE "OCCURRENCE"; BY AMENDING SECTION 15-32-220, RELATING TO NONECONOMIC DAMAGE LIMITS AND EXCEPTIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR INTENT TO HARM, FELONY CONVICTIONS, AND INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 38-59-23 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ACTIONS FOR BAD FAITH INVOLVING A LIABILITY.

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE LEE COUNTY FIRST STEPS ON ITS 2026 ANNUAL EARLY LEARNING SUMMIT AND LITERACY PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP GALA, TO BE HELD ON MAY 7, 2026.

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE PEE DEE MATH, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY OF BISHOPVILLE ON ITS RECENT CERTIFICATION AS A WORKFORCE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE AND TO COMMEND THE SCHOOL AT THIS CELEBRATION OF THE WORK, THE PROGRESS, AND THE PROMISE OF ITS STUDENTS.

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE THE CONGREGATION OF HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH, THE CHURCH STAFF, AND REVEREND RICHARD ADDISON UPON THE CHURCH'S ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MILDRED HUDSON WOOD FOR HER MANY YEARS OF MEANINGFUL SERVICE TO HER COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE HER ON A LIFE WELL LIVED.

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE UPSTATE YOUNG MARINES UNIT FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF COMMITMENT AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON BEING NAMED THE NATIONAL UNIT OF THE YEAR.

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF WILLIAM RHETT PERRY JR., TO HONOR HIS REMARKABLE COMMITMENT TO HIS COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY.