South Carolina House records quorum, introduces bills and resolutions, then adjourns to 10 a.m.

The South Carolina House of Representatives convened at the State House, recorded a quorum and conducted a series of ceremonial recognitions and procedural items before adjourning to 10 a.m.

The presiding officer called roll and confirmed a quorum, then recognized guests in the gallery, including veterans from the Tigakee Veterans Association; students, faculty and staff from USC Lancaster and USC Aiken; members of the University of South Carolina board of trustees and chancellors; and representatives of CSG South. Representative Terabiel introduced the Tigakee Veterans Association to the chamber. Representative Gatch announced the birth of a child to colleague Micah Kaske. The presiding officer also recognized Doctor of the Day Jerry Harmon of the USC School of Medicine.

Members used unanimous-consent procedures to place multiple resolutions on the roll without recorded roll-call votes. Among the items introduced or moved onto the calendar were a house resolution honoring Ainsliebick (sponsored by Representatives Mitchell and Brandon Newton), a resolution expressing sorrow for the passing of Otto Wayne Corley (sponsored by Representative Rutherford), congratulations to the South Carolina School Boards Association (Miss Erickson), and other local recognitions. Representative Cobb Hunter’s resolution declaring April 28 as Workers Memorial Day was adopted. The House also received a communication from Governor Henry Dargan McMaster transmitting the appointment of Jay Camden West to the Berkeley County Master in Equity; the message was received by the chamber.

Lawmakers introduced several new bills and referred others to committee. Examples recorded in the session included: a bill by Representative B. L. Cox providing for an income tax credit; a measure by Representative Mark Smith pertaining to the personal needs allowance for nursing home residents; a proposal by Representative Hixson addressing continuing education requirements for the Real Estate Commission; and a Senate amendment to House Bill 3727 (Weston Newton) that was placed on the record. Where committee referrals were given on the floor, the clerk announced them (for example, agriculture referral for proposed feral-hog measures and education/public-works referral for vehicle-weighing language). Specific bill texts and committee report schedules were not read into the transcript and are therefore not specified here.

Other floor business included invitations and announcements: the Greer Chamber of Commerce was recognized and a resolution was offered making “Leadership Greer Day” in the State House; Representative Robert Williams reminded members about the annual legislative softball game to be played at Founders Park in March at 6 p.m. (exact March date not specified). The House scheduled several committee and caucus meetings to occur after adjournment.

The final order came when Representative Morgan moved to adjourn. The body approved the motion by voice vote and the House was adjourned until 10 a.m. the next scheduled day.