Comparing H 3001 → HR 2 — A RESOLUTION adopting the Rules of Procedure for the 2025 Re...

Struck = only in H 3001 · added = only in HR 2.

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2025-2026 Bill 3001 Text of Previous Version (Jan.
UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 A RESOLUTION adopting the Rules of Procedure for the 2025 Regular Session of the House of Representatives.
29, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online South Carolina General Assembly126th Session, 2025-2026Bill 3001Indicates Matter StrickenIndicates New Matter(Text matches printed bills.
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.) Indicates Matter Stricken Indicates New Matter   Amended - Not Printed Bill for the House Amended by H.
Section 1.
5012 (LC-0215AHB-AHB26.docx) January 22, 2026   H.
The following Rules of Procedure are adopted to govern the 2025 Regular Session of the House of Representatives.
3001   Introduced by Rep.
Rule 1.
G.
Hours of Meeting.
M.
The House shall meet at times set by the Committee on Committees.
Smith   S.
Rule 2.
Printed 1/22/26--H.                                                                           [SEC 1/29/2026 2:06 PM] Read the first time December 3, 2024   ________                 A house RESOLUTION   to adopt the rules of the house of representatives for the 2025 and 2026 sessions of the general assembly.
Quorum.
    Amend Title To Conform   Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
A majority of the members elected to the House shall constitute a quorum.
  That the following rules are adopted as the Rules of the House of Representatives for the 2025 and Sessions of the General Assembly:
If a quorum is not present at the time fixed for a meeting of the House, five members may adjourn or recess from day to day or from time to time and fifteen members may order a call of the House and send for absent members.
  "Rule 1   The Speaker   Speaker Pro Tempore               1.1       The Speaker shall take the chair on every legislative day precisely at the hour to which the House adjourned at the last sitting, immediately call the members to order, cause prayer to be said, the Journal of the previous proceedings to be corrected, and if a quorum be present, proceed to other business.
On any session day during which remote voting is authorized under House Rule 67A or alternative voting is authorized under House Rule 68A, the determination of a quorum shall include those members physically present in the House Chamber, as well as those members physically present in their Capitol Annex office or in their automobile on the Capitol Campus, as applicable, and whose presence has been verified by the Speaker or other presiding officer under Rule 26 through appropriate means, including but not limited to a video call in which the member’s face can be seen.
              1.2       The Speaker shall preserve order and decorum pursuant to the rules of the House of Representatives, and, in case of disturbance or disorderly conduct in the galleries, or in the lobby, may cause the same to be cleared.
Rule 3.
The Speaker shall take measures to strictly enforce the provisions of House Rule 3.6 and will ensure that every member takes his seat, acts with decorum at all times, refrains from disrespect to the institution of the House or the Senate and to all personalities, observes decency of speech, and confines himself to the question under consideration when the House is in session.
Call of the House.
 Any person guilty of contempt of the House may be ordered into custody by the House and dealt with as it deems proper.
Upon a call of the House, the Clerk shall call the roll.
              1.3       If any member, in speaking or otherwise, transgresses the Rules of the House, the Speaker shall call him to order, or any member may call such transgressions to the attention of the Speaker who shall call the transgressor to order.  If repeated cries of order are ineffective, the Speaker may call a member by name, and if the Speaker deems it necessary, he shall state the offense committed.  The member may be heard in his exculpation and shall withdraw, and the House shall consider his punishment or any further proceedings to be had.
Absentees are then only noted, but no excuses shall be made until the full roll is called.
              1.4       The Speaker shall sign all acts, joint resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants, and authorizations for payment or other papers authorized by the House.
The Clerk shall then call the absentees again.
              1.5       The Speaker shall decide all points of order, subject to an appeal by any member, and he may require the member raising a point of order to cite the rule or other authority in support of the question.  A member may withdraw a point of order the member has raised.  Upon appeal, no member shall speak more than once and for no longer than twenty minutes each, except by permission of the House.
Excuses will be heard at this time.
              1.6       The Speaker may vote in all cases (except when he may be personally or pecuniarily interested).  If the House be equally divided, the question shall be decided in the negative.  The presiding officer may give information or explain any matter before the House;
The doors of the House Chamber shall then be closed and the absentees not excused by the House may be sent for and arrested by the Sergeant-at-Arms and the House shall determine upon what conditions they shall be discharged from arrest.
he may speak on points of order in preference to other members, and as often as he may deem necessary, but he shall not enter into any debate or endeavor to influence any question before the House while presiding.  Provided, the Speaker, in his discretion, may address the body concerning matters of importance to the House.
Members who voluntarily appear shall be immediately admitted to the floor of the House and names returned upon the Journal as present unless the House otherwise directs.
              1.7       The Speaker shall be elected on the opening day of the organizational session by the membership of the House.
Excuses for Page 1 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 leaves of absence must receive a consent approval of two-thirds of the members elected.
 Pursuant to this rule a person elected Speaker may not serve more than five consecutive terms in that office.
On any session day during which remote voting is authorized under House Rule 67A or alternative voting is authorized under House Rule 68A, any member physically present in the House Chamber or any member physically present in their Capitol Annex office or in their automobile on the Capitol Campus, as applicable, and whose presence has been verified by the Speaker or other presiding officer under Rule 26 through appropriate means, including but not limited to a video call in which the member’s face can be seen, shall be permitted to answer the convening roll call.
              1.8       The Speaker Pro Tempore shall be elected on the opening day of the organizational session and shall preside in the absence of the Speaker.  If a conflict of interest arises involving the Speaker and the performance of his duties the Speaker Pro Tempore shall perform the duties of the Speaker to the extent that the conflict of interest exists.  Provided, the Speaker or the Speaker Pro Tempore, whoever may be presiding at the time, may name a member to preside, but such substitution shall not extend beyond an adjournment.  In the absence of the Speaker and the Speaker Pro Tempore for more than one day, the House may elect a Speaker Pro Tempore to serve until the return of the Speaker or Speaker Pro Tempore.  When the Speaker Pro Tempore is absent for more than three consecutive statewide legislative days, the House of Representatives may elect an acting Speaker Pro Tempore who shall serve until the return of the Speaker Pro Tempore.  The acting Speaker Pro Tempore may continue to serve on any committee to which he has been appointed.
ORDER OF BUSINESS Rule 4.
              1.9       All committees shall be appointed by the Speaker, unless otherwise provided for by rule or by law, except Senatorial and Gubernatorial appointees and ex officio members of the House.  The Speaker shall name the members constituting each committee in alphabetical order.  The Chairman shall be elected by the respective committees during the organizational session.  If any subsequent vacancy shall occur in a committee's chairmanship, the election of a new committee chairman shall take place at the time and date to be set by the presiding officer of the respective committee.  The committees may at their discretion elect a Vice-Chairman and such other officers as they may choose.
Order of Business.
            Provided, when appointing members to a Committee on Conference or Free Conference, the Speaker shall consult with the majority and minority political party leaders and appoint at least one member of the minority political party represented in the House.
The order of business shall be as follows:
              1.10     The Speaker is responsible that all amendments ordered by the House be correctly made and that the attention of the House be called to all amendments made by the Senate since the matter was before the House.  All Senate amendments to matters previously considered by the House and all House amendments to matters previously considered by the Senate shall, after adoption, be printed by use of distinctive type interlineation in such a manner as to reflect in one text the original version and the language of the amendment.
1.
              1.11     If the Speaker or Speaker Pro Tempore resigns from such position, he shall submit his resignation to the Clerk of the House in writing.  This procedure shall be followed in the case of the resignation of any elected officer of the House.
Invocation.
              1.12     In case of emergency, the Speaker has the authority, when, in his opinion, it is impractical or dangerous to hold a regularly scheduled session(s) of the House of Representatives, to declare the body adjourned to some other time.  Such actions are to be taken only in times of great emergency including, but not limited to, natural disasters, severe weather, and Acts of God.
2.
            When, due to great emergency or through inadvertence, the House is adjourned without provision for the next meeting, the Speaker may issue a call specifying the time for the next meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance.
              1.13     Section 2-3-110 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, designates the Speaker of the House as the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, and as such, the Speaker is authorized to initiate or otherwise participate in litigation on behalf of the House.  The Speaker shall comply with the applicable rules of civil procedure in the relevant jurisdiction when taking action on behalf of the House.
3.
  Rule 2   Elected Officials   Clerk, Reading Clerk, Chaplain, and Sergeant At Arms               2.1       The Clerk shall be elected by the membership of the House for a term of two years.  This election will take place on the opening day of the organizational session.
Roll Call.
              2.2       The Clerk of the preceding session shall, at the beginning of the organizational session of the House, call the members to order, proceed to call the roll of members in alphabetical order, and pending election of a Speaker, Speaker Pro Tempore, or temporary officers, preserve order and decorum, and decide all questions of order subject to appeal by any member.  The duties of this section may be delegated by the Clerk to any member of the House.
4.
              2.3       The Clerk shall cause to be kept a correct Journal of the proceedings of the House, and this Journal shall be numbered serially from the first day of each session of the Legislature.  He shall not permit any books or papers belonging to the House to be taken out of his custody other than in the regular course of business and then upon receipt when he deems necessary.  He shall report any missing papers to the Speaker.
Reading and Approval of the Journal.
              2.4       The Clerk of the House shall cause to be prepared and laid on the desks of the members every morning an itinerary of the day's business to be called the Calendar.  This Calendar shall include the orders of the preceding day and all continued matters arranged according to priority, and numbered from the commencement of the session, every matter being introduced and newly numbered after every new order upon it.
5.
              2.5       The Clerk shall assist, under the direction of the Speaker, in taking roll call or division votes.
Introduction of Guests.
              2.6       The Clerk shall issue all pay certificates for per diem and mileage and incidental expenses upon the order of the Speaker, the signature of the Speaker being attested by the Clerk.  The Clerk shall also attest to all writs and warrants and to the passage of all bills, resolutions, and memorials.
6.
              2.7       The Clerk shall prepare in writing and send all messages to the Senate and elsewhere as ordered by the House.
Second Reading of Bills.
              2.8       The Clerk shall also be charged with the duty of having executed, in a prompt and accurate manner, all the printing required by the Rules or orders of the House.
7.
              2.9       The Reading Clerk shall be elected by the membership of the House for a term of two years.  This election will take place on the opening day of the organizational session.
Report of Committees and First Reading of Bills.
              2.10     The Reading Clerk shall read all papers to be read at the desk, which the Speaker may direct him to read and shall assist in taking any roll call votes at the Speaker's direction.  Upon ordering of a roll call vote, or upon a quorum call, the electronic roll call system is to be used following the procedure of Rule 7.3.  When the electronic roll call system is not operating in any manner, the Reading Clerk shall call the roll and take the names of all who vote 'aye' and all who vote 'nay' which shall be entered in the Journal and the provisions of Rule 7.3 shall not apply.  If, during the course of an ordered electronic roll call, the electronic roll system malfunctions, in such a manner that the number of aye votes and the number of nay votes are recorded but the names of the members so voting are not recorded, the vote shall stand, and any member desiring to publish a record of his individual vote may submit a statement which shall be printed in the House Journal.  If, during the course of an ordered electronic roll call, the electronic roll call system malfunctions in such a manner as to record no accurate information as to the vote totals, the question shall be resubmitted and the Reading Clerk shall call the roll of the members as hereinabove specified.
8.
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            Provided, however, in the case of a malfunction in the electronic roll call where the roll call to be taken is mandated by the Constitution or Statutes, any malfunction will void the roll call and it will be retaken.
Orders of the Day.
            Provided, that whether the ayes and nays are taken by electronic roll or otherwise, they shall be recorded by the Clerk in the Journal.
9.
              2.11     The Chaplain shall be elected by the membership of the House for a term of two years.  This election will take place on the opening day of the organizational session.
Motions, Petitions, Communications, and Announcements.
              2.12     The Chaplain shall provide spiritual guidance for the membership of the House.
10.
              2.13     The Sergeant at Arms shall be elected by the membership of the House for a term of two years and shall be under the direct supervision of the Speaker of the House.  This election will take place on the opening day of the organizational session.
Introduction of Bills and Resolutions.
              2.14     The Sergeant at Arms shall assist the Speaker in maintaining order and decorum.
11.
              2.15     The duties of the Sergeant at Arms, shall be as provided for in Chapter 3 of Title 2, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, as amended.
Meeting and Report of the Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee.
              2.16     The Sergeant at Arms may designate, subject to the approval of the Speaker, other staff members of the House to assist the Speaker and the Sergeant in performing such duties as they may direct, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Title 2, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976.
12.
  2.17     The Clerk, Reading Clerk, Chaplain, and Sergeant at Arms must perform the duties and responsibilities of their offices in a fair and professional manner that does not openly reflect their personal political beliefs or opinions concerning issues, campaigns, or other matters before the General Assembly.
Introduction of Floor Amendments.
  Rule 3   Members and Membership               3.1       Every member shall be within the House Chamber during its sittings unless excused or necessarily prevented, and may vote on each question put, except that no member shall be permitted to vote on any question immediately concerning his private rights as distinct from the public interest.
13.
              3.2       The Speaker may excuse any member from attendance on the House and its committees for any stated period upon reason shown, and such excused absence shall be noted in the Journal.
Adjournment.
              3.3       Any member absenting himself from attendance on the House or its committees and having in his possession any original papers relating to the business before the House, shall leave such original papers with the Clerk before departing from the Capitol.
Under the order of business Introduction of Guests, the Majority Caucus Chair and the Minority Caucus Chair shall be recognized to read a cumulative list of the guests for the day.
              3.4       Any member who enters after the roll call at the opening of the daily session and notifies the Clerk in writing shall thereafter be shown as present for such day.  Provided, that no person except those recorded present shall be eligible for subsistence for that day.
No more than 30 minutes shall be allotted to Motions, Petitions, Page 2 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 Communications, and Announcements.
              3.5       In cases of contest for a seat in the House, notice setting forth the grounds of such contest shall be given by the contestant to the House within three calendar days after the House first convenes, and in such case, the contest shall be determined by majority vote as speedily as reasonably possible.
Rule 4A.
              3.6       When the House is called to order, every member shall take his seat and shall act with decorum at all times when the House is in session.  Every member, when about to speak, shall rise from his seat and respectfully address himself to 'Mr.
Order of Business on the First Day of the 2025 Regular Session.
Speaker' and shall avoid disrespect to the House or the Senate and all personalities, observe decency of speech, and shall confine himself to the question under consideration.
The order of business on the first day of the 2025 Regular Session shall be as follows:
            The Speaker, when duly addressed by a member, shall hear from the member who, in the Speaker's opinion, shall arise first, by identifying the member.  The Reading Clerk shall not turn on any member's microphone until the Speaker has recognized that person.
1.
              3.7       (Reserved)               3.8       No member shall speak more than twice on the same question without leave of the House, except merely to explain his meaning, even if the debate on the question should be continued for many days.  In the case of a matter requiring more than one reading, this limitation applies separately to each reading, provided, however, notwithstanding that a matter may move from the uncontested to contested Calendar or vice versa within the same reading, the limitation applies to the entire reading.  If a member has the floor and is addressing the body, he shall not lose the floor by asking a question of any member of the body.
Invocation.
              3.9       If any member shall be absent without leave and a quorum is not present, the Speaker shall instruct the Sergeant at Arms or appoint other authorized persons to send for such member or members and take them into custody.  The outer doors to the Chamber shall be closed.  The Speaker shall order that security personnel shall be posted at the outer doors of the Chamber and no member shall be permitted to leave the second floor of the State House without written leave of the Speaker.  The Speaker may also order that security personnel be posted at all entrances to the State House to prevent members from leaving without authorization.  An absent member who is taken into custody after the invocation of this rule shall pay for all reasonable expenses incurred which shall include mileage at the prevailing rate for state employees.  In addition, such absent member who is taken into custody shall forfeit his entitlement to subsistence and mileage for that legislative day and shall be subject to any additional penalties the Speaker deems necessary.  Should a quorum be present and ten members request, such absent member or members shall be sent for as herein provided and subjected to the same penalties.  The Speaker shall strictly enforce the pro­visions of this rule.  Provided, however, in the case of a member not being present when Rule 3.9 is invoked and such member voluntarily returns without being taken into custody, he shall not be subject to the penalties of this section.  The invocation of this rule may be rescinded by a majority vote of those present and voting.
2.
              3.10     As soon as practicable, after the House has been organized, the seats of the members shall be allotted as follows:
Pledge of Allegiance.
            The Clerk shall prepare a ballot for each county with only its name printed on it.  These shall be put in a closed box.  The Speaker shall then direct a person or persons to draw them out, one by one.  As each ballot is drawn, the delegation from that county shall select their seats, in accordance with the county in which the member resides.  In the event a member's district consists of more than one county, the member may elect to be seated with the delegation the member desires, provided the member indicates the preference to the Clerk of the House prior to balloting.  No delegation may select more than one seat on the main aisle.
3.
              3.11     As soon as practicable, after the House has been organized, office space of members must be allotted as follows:
Certificates of Election.
            Each member shall be assigned an office in the Blatt Building on the basis of their seniority in the House.  A member who has served in the immediately preceding session shall have first preference on retention of his previously assigned office.  The House Operations and Management Committee is authorized to make necessary adjustments in the assignment of office space with the consent of the Speaker when necessary.
4.
            The provisions of this rule do not apply to office space for the Speaker, Speaker Pro Tempore, Chairman of the Rules Committee, Chairman of the Invitations and Memorial Resolutions Committee, Chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee and Chairmen of any other standing committees or any other caucus having assigned space in the Blatt Building.
Administration of Oath to Members.
Provided, further, each member shall be assigned a parking space in the parking facility on the basis of their seniority in the House.
5.
A member who has served in the immediately preceding session shall have first preference on retention of his previously assigned parking space.
Roll Call.
              3.12     (Reserved)               3.13     Each legislative caucus occupying office space in the Blatt Office Building may pay to the Clerk of the House of Representatives an amount, determined by the Clerk, for the use of office space by each caucus.  Each caucus may also pay an amount for use of state-owned office related equipment including, but not limited to, copying services, computer equipment, and software and related connection charges for internet access and telephone equipment and service.  Each legislative caucus may make payment for equipment and services in the manner to be determined by the Clerk.
6.
  Rule 4   Committees               4.1       Committee appointments:
Election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
see Rule 1.9.
7.
              4.2       As soon as practicable after the members have been sworn in and have taken their seats, the following Standing Committees, except the House of Representatives Legislative Ethics Committee, and the House of Representatives Committee on Operations and Management, shall be appointed with the indicated number of members appointed thereto:
Election of Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives.
                           1.        Committee on Ways and Means - 25.
8.
                           2.        Committee on the Judiciary (Privileges and Elections) - 25.
Election of Constitutional Officers.
                           3.        Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs (Fish, Game, Forestry, State Parks, Rural Development, Environmental Affairs) - 18.
9.
                           4.        Committee on Education and Public Works (Education, Highways, State House and Grounds, Railroads, Aviation) - 18.
Approval of the Journal.
                           5.        Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs (Medical Affairs, Social Security, Penitentiary, State Hospital, Police Regulations, Military Affairs, Veteran's Affairs) - 18.
10.
                           6.        Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry (Labor, Commerce and Manufacturing, Banking and Insurance, Merchants and Mercantile Affairs) - 18.
Special First Day Introduction of Guests.
                           7.        Committee on Rules - 15.
11.
                           8.        Committee on Interstate Cooperation (membership limited to 5, under 1976 Code, Sec.
Report of Party Leadership Elections.
1-17-30) - 5.
12.
                           9.        Committee on Regulations, Administrative Procedures, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity - 13.
Motions, Petitions, Communications, and Announcements.
                          10.       Committee on Government Efficiency and Legislative Oversight (Oversight and Review of Government Operations and Accountability, SC Code of Laws Section 2-2-5 et seq.) - 20.
13.
                          11.       House of Representatives Legislative Ethics Committee - 10.
Introduction of Bills and Resolutions.
                          12.       Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions (Invitations, Resolutions memorializing the Federal or State Government or any official or agency thereof, sympathy, and congratulatory Resolutions) - 5.
14.
                          13.       Committee on Operations and Management of the House of Representatives (Advisory to the Speaker on personnel, administration and management of facilities, including management of the Blatt Building) - 8.
Meeting and Report of the Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee.
              Each member shall serve on one and only one of the first six Standing Committees listed above.  However, a member of these Committees may also serve on any one of the following Committees:
15.
Committee on Regulations, Administrative Procedures, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, Committee on Legislative Oversight, Committee on Rules, Committee on Interstate Cooperation, Committee on Ethics, Committee on Invitations, or Committee on Operations and Management of the House of Representatives.  The Speaker, Speaker Pro Tempore, and Clerk shall serve as ex officio members of the Committee on Operations and Management of the House of Representatives but no chairman of any other standing committee shall serve as a member of such committee.
Introduction of Floor Amendments.
            Provided, that a minimum of two members from each of the first six Standing Committees listed above shall be appointed to the Committee on Regulations, Administrative Procedures, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
16.
            Provided, that the members of the Committee on Operations and Management of the House of Representatives (advisory to the Speaker on personnel, administration and management of facilities), and the members of the House of Representatives Legislative Ethics Committee, shall be elected by the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, their terms to be coterminous with their respective term of office.  The Committee on Operations and Management of the House of Representatives shall consist of eight members.  Four members of the committee shall be members of the majority party represented in the House of Representatives and four members shall be members of the minority party represented in the House of Representatives or be nonaffiliated with any party or another party not in the majority.  The Chairman of the Committee on Operations and Management of the House shall be one of the four members of the committee from the majority party represented in the House to be elected by the members of the committee.  Other officers of the committee are not required to be affiliated with a particular party.
Adjournment.
            Provided, that the Committee on Education and Public Works shall be deemed to be the Committee on Education, and the Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs shall be deemed to be the Committee on Military Affairs and the Committee on Medical Affairs, in all cases where the statutes provide for the Chairman of these committees to perform ex officio duties.
Rule 5.
            Provided, that the Committee on Operations and Management of the House of Representatives with the consent of the Speaker may formulate such policies as it deems advisable relating to House personnel.  Such policies shall be distributed to the members and must be adopted by majority vote of the House by House Resolution.
Unfinished Business.
            Provided, that except as herein provided neither the Speaker nor Speaker Pro Tempore shall be a member of any of the foregoing Standing Committees.
Unfinished business which was being considered upon adjournment shall have precedence in the class of business to which it properly belongs upon the next succeeding legislative day.
            No member shall be appointed on a committee before he has been sworn in and has taken his seat.  Any member who is sworn in after the general announcement of the committee shall, within a few days afterward, be placed by the Speaker on a Standing Committee whose number of members will not thereby be extended beyond the number provided in these rules.
MOTIONS Rule 6.
            After a committee has been appointed, no addition to it or change shall be made, except to fill a vacancy or to remove a member for conduct unbecoming a member.
Reading of Motions.
            Provided, that in filling a vacancy, the assignment of any member may be changed from another committee to fill such vacancy.
When a motion has been made and seconded, it shall be stated by the Speaker, or, being in written form, it shall be read by the Clerk before debate, amendment or motion concerning it shall be in order.
              4.3       Unless otherwise ordered, committees shall have jurisdiction only over matters pertaining to the subjects indicated by the names of the respective committees, and to the subject matter indicated in parenthesis following the names.
Page 3 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 Rule 7.
              4.4       Committees shall meet regularly to consider pending legislation in the room assigned for their use by the Speaker or as otherwise authorized by this rule.  Notice of date, time, and place of such meetings shall be posted on the legislative website and displayed in the lobby on each floor of the Solomon Blatt Building.  A committee should give a minimum of twenty-four hour advance notice for all committee meetings.  Provided, however, in case of necessity due to exigent circumstances, the Speaker, in his sole discretion, may waive the twenty-four hour advance notice requirements herein.  Committee chairmen must notify the committee members of all meetings.
Withdrawal of Motions.
Failure of notice of any meeting shall not invalidate committee action unless bad faith is shown.
Every oral motion after it has been stated by the Speaker, and every written motion, bill, resolution or other paper, after it has been read by the Clerk, shall be the property and in the possession of the House and shall not be withdrawn without consent of the House.
Committee and subcommittee meetings shall be streamed online whenever feasible;
Every written motion, report or measure may be committed or recommitted at the pleasure of the House.
however, the inability to broadcast a meeting online shall not invalidate any action taken at a meeting.
Rule 8.
No committee shall meet while the House is in session without special leave by the Speaker.  Provided, however, that the Committee on Rules and any committee of conference or free conference, may sit at any time and may report its message to the House at any time.
Order of Questions.
            A Committee may provide, pursuant to its own rules, for the Chairmen to designate alternative meeting arrangements and procedures.
All questions, whether in Committee of the Whole or in the House, when not privileged questions, shall be propounded in the order in which they were moved, except that in filling blanks the smallest sum and the most remote date shall be put first.
Provided, however, the Chairman may only implement  alternative meeting arrangements and procedures in the event that extraordinary circumstances including, but not limited to, natural disasters, severe weather, and Acts of God, render them necessary.  The alternative meeting arrangements and procedures must:
Rule 9.
            (1)        provide for public observation or participation as required by House Rules and the provisions of Title 30, Chapter 4 of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended;
Precedence of Motions.
            (2)        provide both a video and audio component that is publicly accessible;
When a question is under consideration, no motion shall be in order except:
and             (3)        record the meeting, in its entirety, and make the recording available on the General Assembly website, as soon as practicable following the meeting.              No committee shall sit unless a quorum be present and all bills introduced by committees must carry the statement of the Chairman that the bill has the approval of two-thirds of the membership of the committee, except that the State Appropriations Bill, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill, a Rescission Bill, and the Deficiency Appropriations Bill may be introduced by a majority vote of the Ways and Means Committee.
1.
            No committee shall introduce a bill pertaining to subject matter over which it has no jurisdiction.
To call the House when there is no quorum present.
            Notice in writing of all committee action taken on a bill or resolution shall be given to the principal author thereof.
2.
            No statewide bill directly appropriating money shall be considered by the House until after such bill has been referred to the Ways and Means Committee, provided, however, a statewide bill which directly or by implication provides for per diem, subsistence or mileage in connection with the subject matter of the bill, but does not otherwise directly appropriate money, shall not be required to be referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
To fix the time to which the House shall adjourn.
            After the House sets a bill for Special Order pursuant to Rule 6.3, no point of order may be raised regarding its reference to committee, however, the House by majority vote may commit or recommit a bill or other matter under debate.
3.
            No committee action shall be taken on a bill or resolution except at a regular or called meeting, but this shall not apply to resolutions referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.
To adjourn.
            When any standing committee or subcommittee schedules a public hearing on a bill or resolution, the principal sponsor of such bill or resolution shall be notified of the time and place of such hearing not less than five calendar days prior to the hearing date.
4.
              4.5       All meetings of all committees shall be open to the public at all times, subject always to the power and authority of the Chairman to maintain order and decorum with the right to go into Executive Session as provided for in the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, Title 30, Chapter 4 of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended.  Provided, a legislative caucus as defined by Section 2-17-10 of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended, and its meetings are not subject to the provisions of Title 30, Chapter 4 of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended.
To take recess.
            No committee shall file a report unless the committee has met formally at an authorized time and place with a quorum present.  All standing committees of the House shall prepare and make available for public inspection, in compliance with Section 30-4-90 of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended, the minutes of full committee meetings.  Such minutes need not be verbatim accounts of such meetings but shall include those matters required by the above mentioned Freedom of Information Act.
5.
              4.6       After twenty days from the date of reference, the Chairman of the Committee in possession of a measure shall, upon written request of a sponsor or, in the case of a Senate measure, a House member, set a time for consideration of the measure by the full committee or subcommittee which shall be no later than seven legislative working days thereafter.  Provided, however, that a member may request consideration of a bill or resolution pursuant to this rule only one time per bill or resolution during a legislative session.
To lay on the table.
              4.7       a.         Each report of a committee shall contain the action of the committee on the bill or other measure being transmitted.  Such report shall certify the action by the committee and shall be signed by an officer of the committee.
6.
                        b.         When reporting a Senate bill as favorable, the committee may include in its report an amendment identical to the final version of any House bill that has been referred to that committee and passed by the House during the current two-year session.  If the amendment is identical to a previously passed House bill, the amendment must be considered germane to the bill.
For the previous question.
              4.8       Any bill, report, petition, or other paper except an amendment which may come before the House, may be committed or recommitted before a final decision thereon.  Provided, further that the Speaker shall commit to a committee any bill, joint resolution, or concurrent resolution returned from the Senate with an amendment that has so materially changed the bill that the bill's contents, as amended by the Senate, are no longer substantially germane to the bill, joint resolution, or concurrent resolution as it passed the House.  Such bill, joint resolution, or concurrent resolution may be reported out of the committee with its recommendation and shall be placed on the Calendar under the heading of Senate Amendments.  If not amended, it shall be enrolled as an act and ratified.  If said bill, joint resolution, or concurrent resolution shall be amended, it shall be returned to the Senate at the conclusion of the process as a House amendment.  Provided, the provisions of this rule may be dispensed with by a two-thirds vote of the membership present and voting of the House, a quorum being present.
7.
              4.9       In all cases the House may resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole.  The motion to resolve the House into a Committee of the Whole shall specify the subject(s) to be considered in the Committee of the Whole.
To limit or extend limits of debate.
In the event the House resolves itself into a Committee of the Whole, the Committee of the Whole shall limit discussion to the subject(s) specified in the motion.  The Speaker shall leave the Chair after appointing a Chairman to preside, who shall, in case of disturbance or disorderly conduct, have the power to cause same to be cleared.  No bill or resolution may be considered by the Committee of the Whole House, except by a two-thirds vote, unless same has first been considered by the appropriate Standing Committee of the House.(Reserved.)               4.10     The Committee of the Whole shall consist of the entire body of members in attendance at the particular meeting of the House.  Such committee is a real committee in the parliamentary sense.  During the time that a meeting of the Committee of the Whole is held, it is technically not 'the assembly'.(Reserved.)               4.11     The Rules of the House so far as they are applicable shall be observed in a Committee of the Whole, the Chairman being substituted for the Speaker.(Reserved.)               4.12     No Committee of the Whole or other committee shall deface or interline a bill or other paper, referred to it, but shall report any amendments recommended on a separate paper, noting the page and line.(Reserved.)               4.13     No person shall be permitted to address the House or the Joint Assembly except by written resolution, and such resolution shall be referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions before being considered by the House.
8.
The Committee shall not extend an invitation to any individual or group to address the House or the Joint Assembly unless such person or group is of significant national or state prominence at the time the invitation is extended and will bring a message of major importance to the State or such individual or group will present an artistic performance during the established hours of meeting.
To postpone to a fixed time.
            Any invitations extended to the House as a whole to attend any functions shall be submitted to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions at least 10 days in advance in order that it may determine what legislation or other pertinent matters may be pending before the House and its Committees before the invitation is accepted.  The House shall accept no invitations to any functions other than a breakfast or luncheon prior to 6:005:00 p.m.
9.
Pages are not permitted to attend such functions.  No invitations to functions for the House as a whole will be accepted during the week anticipated for the debate of the State Appropriations Bill.
To lay on the Clerk’s desk.
              4.14     No member of a committee shall be allowed under any circumstances to vote by proxy.
10.
              4.15     None of the House Rules shall be rescinded, suspended, or altered, except by written resolution which has been referred to the Rules Committee, or originates therein, and agreed to by two-thirds of the members of the House present after the committee has made its report.  Provided, that any rule may be amended by a simple majority of the House during the month of January of each year.
To refer or commit.
              4.16     A.
11.
        The House of Representatives Legislative Ethics Committee (Committee) consists of ten (10) members.
To amend.
The ten members of the House of Representatives Legislative Ethics Committee shall be elected by the members of the House.
12.
Five members of the committee shall be members of the majority party represented in the House of Representatives and five members shall be members of the minority party represented in the House of Representatives or be nonaffiliated with any party or another party not in the majority.
To postpone indefinitely.
The Chairman of the Ethics Committee shall be one of the five members of the committee from the majority party represented in the House to be elected by the members of the committee.
The above several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are arranged and the first seven of them shall not be debatable.
Other officers of the committee are not required to be affiliated with a particular party and shall be elected by members of the committee as well.
A second motion to adjourn, to take a recess, to lay on the table, for the previous question, to limit or extend limits of debate, to postpone to a time certain, to lay on the Page 4 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 Clerk’s desk, to refer or commit or to postpone indefinitely shall not be in order on the same day, upon the same question, and at the same status unless other business intervenes;
            B.
provided, however, that amendments may be made to the time to which it is proposed to adjourn, to take a recess or to postpone to a fixed time.
Jurisdiction                         (1)        The committee shall have jurisdiction over individuals and entities pursuant to Chapter 13, Title 8.                                 (2)        No matter shall be considered later than four years after the violation allegedly occurred.
Rule 10.
                        (3)        No complaint may be accepted by the Ethics Committee concerning a member of or candidate for the House during the fifty-day period before an election in which the member or candidate is participating.
Motion to Adjourn.
            C.
A motion to adjourn, to take a recess, or a motion to adjourn to a time certain, shall always be in order, except when a member is speaking, while a vote is being taken or when the Committee on Committees is reporting;
Duties             The committee shall:
subject, however, to the limitations set out in Rule 9.
                        (1)        ascertain whether a person has failed to comply fully and accurately with the disclosure requirements of this Chapter 13, Title 8, which may include, but are not limited to, an audit of filed reports and applicable campaign bank statements, and to promptly notify the person to file the necessary notices and reports to satisfy the requirements of this Chapter 13, Title 8;
A motion to adjourn or a motion to adjourn to a time certain shall be taken by roll call vote, unless the motion is made after the House has reached adjournment in the order of business under Rule 4, in which case adjournment shall be by voice vote unless a roll call is ordered by a majority of the members.
                        (2)        receive complaints or allegations concerning any person under the jurisdiction of the committee alleging a violation of Chapter 13, Title 8 or Chapter 17, Title 2 and refer any complaint except for a complaint regarding a violation of the rules of the House of Representatives to the State Ethics Commission (commission) for investigation in compliance with Sections 8-13-530 through 8-13-550;
Rule 11.
                        (3)        upon a majority vote of the members of the committee initiate a complaint concerning any person under the jurisdiction of the committee alleging a violation of Chapter 13, Title 8 or Chapter 17, Title and refer the complaint for investigation to the commission except for a complaint concerning a violation of the rules of the House of Representatives;
Motion to Table.
                        (4)        cause to be investigated any complaints or allegations regarding a violation of the rules of the House of Representatives or technical violation;
The adoption of the motion to table, under these rules, defeats the subject matter under consideration.
                        (5)        upon request of any member, officer, or employee of the House render committee advisory opinions with regard to legislative ethics when, in its judgment, these opinions would serve the public interest.
The reconsideration of the motion to table shall require approval of a majority of the members elected.
Such advisory opinions shall serve as binding precedent for the committee until specifically altered or withdrawn;
Rule 12.
                        (6)        act as an advisory body to the House and to individual members of or candidates for the House on questions pertaining to Chapter 13, Title 8 or Chapter 17, Title 2;
Previous Question.
                        (7)        issue through its staff a written informal advisory opinion, based on real or hypothetical sets of circumstances, to a person or entity within the committee's jurisdiction upon that person's or entity's request.
The previous question may be ordered by a three- fifths majority of the members elected.
If an informal advisory opinion is raised as a defense in response to a complaint, the committee shall consider whether the respondent is the person who requested the informal advisory opinion or is a member of the entity that requested the informal opinion.
[On the call of the roll, and subject to any motion to limit debate, no member shall be allowed to speak more than two minutes to explain a vote, and no more than one minute if the member has already spoken on the measure, and shall not speak at all if the question is not a debatable question.
The committee also shall consider the accuracy of the facts presented in the informal advisory opinion and determine whether the respondent relied in good faith upon the written informal advisory opinion.
]The effect of the previous question shall be to put an end to debate on any pending amendment;
The committee shall consider this information prior to making a probable cause determination;
to prevent the offering of additional amendments and to bring the House to an immediate vote upon any amendment that has been called and is in order.
                        (8)        administer or recommend appropriate sanctions or dismiss charges as the result of a properly filed complaint including a complaint which has been investigated by the commission;
Once the previous question has been ordered, and any pending amendment has been voted upon, all debate shall cease and the House shall immediately vote on the main question.
                        (9)        ascertain whether a person has failed to comply fully and accurately with the disclosure requirements of Chapter 13, Title 8 and promptly notify the person to file the necessary disclosures to satisfy the requirements and assess and collect any fines or fees authorized by state law for the failure to timely file a disclosure statement;
In any case when the previous question is ordered, no member shall be permitted to debate or explain their vote.
and                         (10)      recommend a rule or statutory change relating to ethics as the committee deems appropriate.
Rule 13.
            D.
Motion to Set the Limits on Debate.
        Complaints and Investigations                         (1)        Complaints must be verified in writing and state the name of the person alleged to have committed the violation and the particulars of the violation.
A motion to set a time limit for Page 5 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 debate on a measure, which may include a time limit for explanation of votes, in excess of that permitted under Rule 12, shall be in order unless the previous question shall have been ordered on the measure.
                        (2)        When a complaint is filed with or by the committee, a copy must be sent to the person alleged to have committed the violation, the respondent, and to the commission for investigation, except for a complaint alleging a violation of the rules of the House of Representatives, within thirty days from the date the complaint was filed.
The time limit set for debate and explanation of votes under this rule shall be allotted by the Speaker evenly between the opponents of the measure and the proponents of the measure.
                        (3)        If the committee determines that the complaint regarding a violation of the rules of the House of Representatives alleges facts sufficient to constitute a violation, an investigation shall be conducted into the alleged violation.
Adoption of a motion under this rule does not prevent the offering of additional amendments.
                        (4)        Upon the initiation of an investigation by the committee, pursuant to Rule 4.16D.(3) the committee shall notify the respondent of what matters it intends to investigate and the respondent shall have the opportunity to submit a written response to any complaint or allegations being investigated within thirty days of being notified by the committee.  Any complaint referred to the commission by the committee will be handled in accordance with Sections 8-13-530 through 8-13-550.
Rule 14.
                        (5)        After the investigation of a complaint referred to the commission and the commission subsequently provides a report to the committee with a recommendation that there is probable cause to believe a violation of Chapter 13, Title 8 or of Chapter 17, Title 2 has occurred, the committee may then concur or nonconcur with the commission's recommendation, or within forty-five days from the committee's receipt of the report, submit a request to the commission to continue the investigation in order to review information previously received or consider additional matters not considered by the commission.
Motion to Reconsider.
                        (6)        If, after reviewing the commission's recommendation and relevant evidence, the committee determines that there is not competent and substantial evidence of a violation of Chapter 13, Title 8 or of Chapter 17, Title 2 has occurred, the committee shall dismiss the complaint and send a written decision to the respondent and the complainant.
A motion to reconsider a vote shall not be in order unless made by a member who voted upon the prevailing side of the question, nor shall that motion be in order unless made within two legislative days in which the House is in session next after the date the vote was taken and the bill or resolution is in the possession of the House;
The notice of dismissal must be made public if the commission made a recommendation that probable cause existed.
however, the motion to reconsider when coupled with the additional motion to lay that motion upon the table may be made by any member.
                        (7)        If, after reviewing the commission's recommendation and relevant evidence, the committee determines that the respondent has committed only a technical violation pursuant to Section 8-13-1170 or 8-13-1372, then the provisions of the appropriate section apply.
For purposes of this rule, a member who is recorded as "not voting" on a proposition which failed is considered to have voted on the prevailing side.
                        (8)        If, after reviewing the commission's recommendation and relevant evidence, the committee determines that there is competent and substantial evidence that a violation of Chapter 13, Title 8 or of Chapter 17, Title 2 has occurred, except for a technical violation of Section 8-13-1170 or 8-13-1372, the committee shall, as appropriate:
Procedural motions, such as a motion to lay on the table or lay on the clerk’s desk, shall not be subject to a motion to reconsider.
                                    (a)        render an advisory opinion to the respondent and require the respondent's compliance within a reasonable time;
Rule 15.
or                                     (b)        convene a formal public hearing on the matter.
Motion to Lay on Clerk’s Desk.
                        (9)        The committee may obtain its own information, or request additional investigation by the commission, if it needs additional information to make a determination as to whether or not competent and substantial evidence of a violation exists.
The effect of the adoption of a motion to lay on the Clerk’s desk under these rules is to place in charge of the Clerk the pending question and everything adhering to it.
                        (10)      The committee may compel testimony and issue subpoenas for the procurement of witnesses and materials including books, papers, records, documents, or other tangible objects relevant to its investigation by approval of the chairman or a majority of the committee membership, subject to judicial enforcement as provided by law.
A motion laid on the Clerk’s desk may be taken from the desk and proceeded with at any time in the same order as when laid on the Clerk’s desk.
The committee may administer oaths and affirmation for the testimony.
Rule 16.
A person to whom a subpoena has been issued may move before the committee for an order quashing a subpoena issued pursuant to this rule.
Motion to Strike Out Enacting Clause.
                        (11)      If the committee determines that assistance is needed in conducting an investigation, the committee shall request the assistance of appropriate agencies.
A motion to amend by striking out the enacting words of a bill or resolution shall have precedence over a motion to amend;
                        (12)      If the committee determines that there is no probable cause it shall dismiss the complaint.
and, if adopted, shall have the same effect as though the bill or resolution were regularly voted upon and rejected.
                        (13)      The committee shall refer any matters, regardless of a finding of probable cause, that are violations of law not under its jurisdiction to the appropriate law enforcement or regulatory agency.
Rule 17.
            E.
Motion to Separate Part of a Measure.
Formal Public Hearings                         (1)        All formal public hearings of the committee must be open to the public subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (Chapter 4, Title 30).
A motion to commit, recommit, or postpone a part of a measure so as to separate that part of the measure from Page 6 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 the remainder shall not be in order.
                        (2)        The investigator or attorney handling the investigation concerning a violation of the rules of the House of Representatives or a technical violation for the committee shall present the evidence related to the complaint at any public hearing and shall not serve as counsel to the committee during the hearing.
A motion to divide a measure shall refer to and be accompanied by an introduced House floor amendment.
                        (3)        The investigator or attorney handling the investigation for the commission shall present the evidence related to the complaint to the committee.
Rule 18.
                        (4)        It is the duty of the investigator or attorney to further investigate the subject of the complaint and any related matters under the jurisdiction and at the direction of the committee, to request assistance from appropriate state agencies as needed, to request authorization from the committee for funds for the hiring of auditors, investigators, or other assistance as necessary, to prepare subpoenas, and to present evidence to the committee at any public hearing.
Postponement of Measure.
                        (5)        The respondent must be allowed to examine and make copies of all evidence in the committee's possession relating to the charges.
When a measure shall have been postponed indefinitely it shall not be in order again during the session.
At the hearing the respondent must be afforded appropriate due process protections, including the right to be represented by counsel, the right to call and examine witnesses, the right to introduce exhibits, and the right to cross-examine opposing witnesses.
Rule 19.
The committee shall issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses requested by the respondent pursuant to these rules.
Reading of Pending Papers.
                        (6)        The committee may deliberate in executive session but must render its findings of fact and issue any sanctions in a public hearing.
Any pending bill, resolution, motion or report shall be read upon the request of any member, with the concurrence of a majority of the members elected to the House, but it shall not again be read on the same day unless so ordered by the House.
            F.
Rule 20.
Sanctions                                     (a)        If the committee finds the respondent has committed a violation within the committee's jurisdiction it shall:
Nominations.
                                                (1)        administer a public reprimand;
In all elections a previous nomination shall be made.
                                                (2)        determine that a technical violation as provided for in Section 8-13-1170 or 8-13-1372 has occurred;
MEMBERS Rule 21.
                                                (3)        require the respondent to pay a civil penalty not to exceed two thousand dollars for each nontechnical violation that is unrelated to the late filing of a required statement or report or failure to file a required statement or report;
Attendance of Members.
                                                (4)        require the forfeiture of gifts, receipts, or profits, or the value of each, obtained in violation of Chapter 13, Title 8 or Chapter 17, Title 2;
No member shall be absent from a session of the House without leave from the House.
                                                (5)        recommend expulsion of the member;
For the purposes of this rule, a member shall be considered present if the member is in his or her Capitol Annex office during any session when remote voting is authorized pursuant to House Rule 67A or if the member is in his or her automobile on the Capitol Campus during any session when alternative voting is authorized pursuant to House Rule 68A.
                                                (6)        provide a copy of the complaint and accompanying materials to the Attorney General if the committee finds that there is probable cause to support the existence of criminal intent on the part of the respondent when the violation occurred;                                                  (7)        require a combination of items (1) though (6) as necessary and appropriate.
Rule 22.
                                    (b)        The committee may levy an enforcement or administrative fee on a person found in violation or who admits to a violation, pursuant to Title 2 or Title 8, to reimburse the committee for costs associated with the investigation and hearing of a violation as provided in Section 8-13-130.
Decorum of Members.
                                    (c)        The committee shall report its findings in writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
No member shall designate another member by name.
The report must be accompanied by an order of punishment and supported and signed by a majority of the Ethics Committee members.
All members shall treat fellow members with the utmost courtesy and respect.
If the committee finds the respondent has not violated a code or statutory provision, it shall dismiss the charges.
All members’ remarks in debate shall be confined to the subject under debate, avoiding personality.
                                    (d)        The complainant or respondent has ten days from the date of the notification of the committee's action to appeal the action to the full legislative body by written notice to the Speaker of the House.
A sign, poster, or any other object, the purpose of which can be reasonably construed to indicate support or opposition to any measure before the House, and which is large enough to be generally visible from the chair, shall not be displayed in the House Chamber, or in a member’s Capitol Annex office during any session when remote voting is authorized pursuant to House Rule 67A, by any member while the House is in session.
            G.
Rule 22A.
        Confidentiality                         (1)        Complaints are not considered a public record until there is a recommendation of probable cause by the commission unless the Respondent, in writing, waives the right to confidentiality.
Point of Personal Privilege.
                        (2)        Upon a recommendation of probable cause by the commission for a violation, other than a technical violation pursuant to Section 8-13-1170 or 8-13-1372, the following documents become public record:
To be in order, a point of personal privilege must relate to allegations regarding the rights, reputation, or conduct of a member personally, in the member’s capacity as a representative, that, if true, would Page 7 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 incapacitate them for membership.
the complaint, the response by the respondent, and the commission's recommendation of probable cause.
Members who have the floor after claiming a point of personal privilege shall confine themselves to defending their own rights, reputations, or conduct, and not those of other members.
                        (3)        If the appropriate committee requests further investigation after receipt of the commission's report, documents only may be released if the commission's second report to the committee recommends a finding of probable cause.
Members wishing to make general comments about pending legislation, media coverage, or other matters that would be out of order if raised as a point of personal privilege shall use Motions, Petitions, Communications, and Announcements.
                        (4)        Upon the issuance of the final order after a public hearing, the following documents become public record:
Rule 22B.
exhibits introduced at the hearing, the committee's findings, and the final order.
Required Training.
Exhibits introduced must be redacted prior to release to exclude personal information when the public disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy.
Each member of the House shall complete workplace harassment prevention training at the beginning of each session of the General Assembly.
                        (5)        This Rule does not affect the release of confidential information pursuant to Section 8-13-725 of the Ethics Act.
Rule 23.
            H.
Call to Order.
        General Provisions                         (1)        Unless otherwise indicated by rule or statute, all meetings, deliberations, actions, issuance of advisory opinions, debates, recommendations, and other activities of the committee are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (Chapter 4, Title 30).
If any member, in speech or otherwise, transgresses the rules of order or decorum, the member shall immediately be called to order by the chair and shall be seated.
                        (2)        In an instance when the statutory process of amending a required disclosure form cannot adequately correct an error or omission contained in the form, persons subject to the jurisdiction of the committee may request that the committee correct the original filing electronically.
After hearing a short explanation from the member called to order, or upon the withdrawal of the objectionable language, the Speaker may permit the member to proceed, or may compel silence upon the member until the matter is disposed of.
All requests must be made to the committee in writing, containing the specific error or omission to be corrected and an explanation as to why the statutory amendment process is not adequate.
The ruling of the chair shall be subject to an appeal to the House.
The request is considered public and must be supported by a vote of a majority of the committee to be carried out.
A member offending the House shall be liable to censure.
The committee will maintain a record of requests made and changes made for no less than five years.
Rule 24.
                        (3)        Notwithstanding Section 8-13-1340, a member of the House shall not, directly or indirectly, establish, finance, maintain, or control any entity including, but not limited to, a noncandidate committee that receives or makes contributions as defined in Section 8-13-1300.
Debate.
This rule does not apply to a candidate committee or a legislative caucus committee.
No member may speak more than once to the same subject until all members desiring to be heard have spoken, but nothing in this rule shall do away with the previous question if then in effect, nor permit debate on an undebatable motion.
                        (4)        The Clerk of the House shall, in consultation with the Chairman of the Ethics Committee, cause to be employed by the House of Representatives, counsel exclusively for the purpose of providing legal advice and counsel to the Ethics Committee.
No member shall speak more than thirty minutes in the aggregate on any question or measure, at the end of which period, or any portion thereof, the floor shall be returned to the Speaker.
Counsel employed for this purpose shall not be employed by or with any office within the House of Representatives other than the office of the Clerk of the House.
Rule 25.
              4.17     The Standing Committees may order to be printed for their use such papers as shall be referred to them.
Members Shall Vote at Seats.
              4.18     The House shall not resolve itself into Executive Session except under those circumstances permitted by the laws of this State, and then only upon a vote of two-thirds of the membership present and voting, a quorum being present.  Upon resolving itself into Executive Session, the Halls of the House shall be cleared of all persons except the members of the House, the Clerk of the House and the Sergeant at Arms.
Except when remote voting is authorized pursuant to House Rule 67A or alternative voting is authorized pursuant to House Rule 68A, a member shall vote only when at the member’s seat or visibly approaching it.
            No action shall be taken which violates the Statutory Law of this State and when such action is permissible it shall only be taken upon a two-thirds vote of the membership present and voting, a quorum being present.
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES Page 8 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 Rule 26.
              4.19     When a bill or resolution is reported out of a standing committee of the House of Representatives, a summary of the bill or resolution prepared by the staff of that committee, if such summary is available, may be made available to the members electronically.  Each summary prepared by staff shall have the following language printed in bold capital letters at the top of the summary:
Duties of Speaker.
'THE BELOW CONSTITUTED SUMMARY IS PREPARED BY THE STAFF OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND IS NOT THE EXPRESSION OF THE LEGISLATION'S SPONSOR(S) OR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.  IT IS STRICTLY FOR THE INTERNAL USE AND BENEFIT OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED BY A COURT OF LAW AS AN EXPRESSION OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT.'               4.20     All Committees and subcommittees shall order a roll call vote, with the yeas and nays recorded in the minutes, on the questions of adopting a bill or joint resolution with a favorable report.
The Speaker shall take the chair every day precisely at the hour fixed for the meeting of the House and on the appearance of a quorum, shall cause the Journal of the preceding day to be read, unless the reading of the same is dispensed with by the House.
              4.21     A special Ad Hoc committee not otherwise referenced in these rules may be created by resolution or upon order of the Speaker.
The Speaker shall preserve decorum and order and, in the event of any disorder in the gallery or in the House Chamber, may cause the same to be cleared of any persons creating disturbances or disorders.
The resolution or Speaker's order creating the Ad Hoc committee shall specify the subject matter of the committee, the number of members to be appointed thereto, the mode in which the committee shall be appointed, and the time of its appointment.
All writs, warrants, subpoenas or other processes shall be signed by the officer who may be presiding over the House when the paper is issued;
The resolution or order may specify a reporting date for the committee, dictate the contents and subject matter of the report, and may set a termination date for the committee's duties and operations.
and the presiding officer’s signature shall be attested by the Clerk, when ordered by a majority of the members.
The procedure in an Ad Hoc committee is the same in all important particulars as procedure in standing committees as set forth in these rules.
Any reference made to the Speaker in these rules shall refer to the Speaker of the House or, in the proper context, any member, including the Speaker Pro Tempore, who is acting as the presiding officer.
Provided, further, standing committee chairmen may, upon the order of the chairman or motion of the standing committee create a special Ad Hoc committee concerning subject matter within the standing committee's jurisdiction.
Rule 27.
Such Ad Hoc committee is restricted to the membership of the standing committee.
Appeal from Decision of Chair.
  Rule 5   Bills, Resolutions, and Reports                5.1      No notice shall be required of a member of his intention to introduce a bill or resolution.  Bills and resolutions shall be referred by the Speaker of the House to the appropriate committee or committees which may then consider them at such times as the committee meets.  Provided, however, the Speaker may delay referral of a bill or resolution for one statewide legislative day in order to review the legislation's subject matter content.  Any matter acted upon favorably by any committee may be reported out by the committee when the House reconvenes and need not thereafter be sent to any committee but shall then be ready, upon compliance with other Rules of the House, for second reading consideration;
The Speaker while presiding may speak to points of order in preference to members.
provided, however, that bills appropriating revenue shall be referred to the Ways and Means Committee.  Provided, further, that bills and resolutions creating study committees shall first be referred to the appropriate standing committee having jurisdiction of the subject matter of the bill or resolution.              The Speaker may establish procedures and dates for prefiling legislation prior to the first day of the convening or reconvening of the General Assembly.  All bills received prior to the first day of the convening or reconvening of the General Assembly shall receive first reading on the first day of the session.
The Speaker shall decide points of order and manner of procedure.
            In those years in which all seats of the House are up for election, no bill shall be received for prefiling between the dates of adjournment sine die and the date of completion of the Organizational Session of the House.
If two or more members arise from their respective seats and address the chair, the Speaker shall determine who was first and recognize that member.
            When the House of Representatives is not in session and bills are being prefiled and assigned to committees, any member who wishes to have their name added as a sponsor of a bill may do so by notifying the Clerk of the House in writing.  The Clerk shall then notify the Chairman of the committee to which the bill has been assigned and their name shall be added.  If a member wishes to sponsor a bill individually then they shall so indicate on the face of the bill and no additional sponsors shall be allowed.
Any decision made by the Speaker shall be subject to appeal to the House.
               5.2      Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed;
Every appeal shall be in writing and signed by at least two members.
every report, its title at length;
During the pendency of an appeal to the House from a decision of the chair, the Speaker shall vacate the chair and call the Speaker Pro Tempore to preside.
every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance;
When the Speaker Pro Tempore is presiding on an appeal to the House from a decision of the Chair, no motion or business shall be in order except the motion on appeal from the decision of the Chair, and that motion shall not be debatable.
and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and the papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk.  A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading.  The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution.  The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal.  The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee.
The ruling of the Speaker shall be sustained unless a majority of the members elected to the House oppose the ruling.
            And every bill or joint resolution which shall propose the amendment or repeal of any Section, Chapter, or Title of the General Statutes or of any Act of Assembly or joint resolution, shall, in its title express the subject matter of such section, chapter, title, act, or joint resolution so sought to be amended or repealed.  If this is not complied with, the paper shall not be received by the Speaker and objection may be raised by any member to such improper introduction at any time prior to third reading that the bill or resolution is being considered by the House.
For purposes of an appeal, the Chair includes the Speaker, Speaker Pro Tempore, or Page 9 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 other designee of the Speaker or Speaker Pro Tempore, or other member serving as Chair in the absence of the Speaker or Speaker Pro Tempore.
            Every bill or joint resolution proposing to amend any section or clearly identifiable subdivision or portion of a section of any chapter of the General Statutes or of any Act of Assembly or joint resolution shall give the full text of the Section or clearly identifiable subdivision or portion of a Section as it would read with such amendment inserted therein.  And if this latter clause of this rule is not complied with, the bill or joint resolution shall be amended so as to conform to this rule before it be considered by the House.  Any member may require such amendment at any time a bill or resolution not in conformance herewith is being considered by the House.
Rule 28.
               5.3      General Appropriations Bill and Supplemental Appropriations Bill               A.        Certificate:
Speaker Pro Tempore.
Every General Appropriations Bill and Supplemental Appropriations Bill for the ordinary expenses of State Government before presentation shall have attached thereto a certificate from the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office stating that the total of the appropriations therein provided for is not in excess of the estimated total revenue of the State for such purposes, including that revenue which may be provided for in the bill, or in any other bill previously passed by the House for the fiscal year to which the bill is applicable, and an Appropriations Bill without such certificate shall not be read the first time in the House, but shall be returned to the Committee on Ways and Means by the Speaker.  After passage on second reading and before its consideration on third reading, every General Appropriations Bill, and every Supplemental Appropriations Bill shall have attached thereto a certificate from the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office that the total of the appropriations therein provided is not in excess of the estimated total revenue of the State for such purposes, including that revenue which may be provided in the bill, or in any other bill previously passed by the House for the fiscal year to which the bill is applicable, and if the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office cannot give such certificate, the Speaker shall order the bill recommitted to the Ways and Means Committee.
The House shall elect a Speaker Pro Tempore.
  B.         Germaneness and Amendments:
The Speaker Pro Tempore shall perform the duties of the Speaker in the absence of the Speaker or when empowered by the Speaker to perform the duties of the Chair.
The General Appropriations Bill and Supplemental Appropriations Bills may include both temporary and permanent provisions of law.
Rule 29.
                          1.         The principal effect of all temporary provisions of law and amendments thereto must be directly germane to the appropriation of funds, affecting revenue, or be rules, regulations, directives, or procedures relative to the appropriation of funds or affecting revenue for the fiscal year referred to in the bill.
Duties of the Clerk.
                          2.         The principal effect of all permanent provisions of law and amendments thereto must be directly related to and expressly germane to the purpose of an appropriation being made or revenue provided and require a vote of three fifths of the House members present and voting.
The Clerk shall have charge of all clerical, technical and procedural matters which relate to legislation including but not limited to:
                          3.         An amendment which has the effect of appropriating or reducing funds in excess of one million dollars during the fiscal year stated within the bill shall include within the amendment the corresponding appropriation reduction(s) and/or revenue increase(s) within the same section that shall fully fund the amendment's proposed appropriation(s) or revenue reductions(s) or have attached to it in writing an explanation of the specific appropriation reduction(s) and/or revenue increase(s) from the different section(s) that shall fully fund the amendment's proposed appropriation(s) or revenue reductions.  Provided, if an amendment identifies unspent projected revenue or balance as the funding source, the Speaker must consult with the Office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and confirm the existence of sufficient unspent revenue or balance before the House may consider the amendment.
notification of committees of their appointment and business referred to them;
                          4.         No amendments thereto may temporarily or permanently add, amend, repeal, or alter a portion of the general permanent tax laws of South Carolina.
keeping a calendar showing such bills as are entitled to their second reading each day, distinguishing between House and Senate bills;
                          5.         Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the temporary suspension of any permanent law.
supervising the engrossing and enrolling of bills;
            The provisions of this paragraph shall be narrowly and strictly construed with regard to all provisions of and amendments to the General Appropriations Bill and Supplemental Appropriations Bills.
and such other matters as are assigned by the Committee on Committees.
              C.         Report of Conference of Committee:
The Clerk shall read to the House papers ordered to be read;
  1.         The following requirement applies to the report of the Conference Committee on the Annual Appropriations Bill:
call the roll and note the answers of members when a question is taken by yeas and nays;
Any provision offered for inclusion in the Annual Appropriations Bill which increases or decreases the most recent official projection of general fund revenues of the Board of Economic Advisors may not be included in the bill or recommendation unless the revenue impact is certified by the Board of Economic Advisors.  Changes to the official general fund revenue estimate as a result of such provisions may not exceed amounts certified by the Board of Economic Advisors.  This requirement is in addition to other provisions of law regarding fiscal impact statements.
assist the Speaker in taking the count when any vote of the House is taken;
                          2.         Any part, section, or division of a conference report concerning the General Appropriations Bill or Supplemental Appropriations Bills must comply with the germaneness requirements of this rule.
attest all writs, warrants, and subpoenas issued by order of the House;
Provided, further, any part, section, or division of a conference report concerning the General Appropriations Bill or Supplemental Appropriations Bills which amends, adds, or repeals a portion of the general permanent laws of South Carolina may only be included in any conference report or concurred in as a Senate amendment by a vote of three-fifths of the House members present and voting.
certify to the passage of all bills and to the adoption of all joint and concurrent resolutions by the General Assembly;
              D.        Format of Appropriations Bill:
and make all reports to the Senate.
All State Appropriations Bills must be printed at the following stages in their passage so that:
The Clerk shall perform such other duties as are assigned by the Committee on Committees.
                          1.         The House Ways and Means Committee version of the Appropriations Bill must include the amounts recommended by the Ways and Means Committee.
Rule 29A.
                          2.         The House version of the Appropriations Bill must include the amounts recommended by the Ways and Means Committee and the amounts passed by the House.
Duties of the Legislative Research Commission.
                          3.         The Report of Conference or Free Conference Committee must include the amounts passed by the House, the amounts passed by the Senate, and the amounts agreed upon by the Conference Committee.
The Legislative Research Commission staff shall have charge of clerical and administrative functions as assigned by the Clerk and shall cooperate with the Clerk to facilitate the work of the House.
                          4.         The Appropriations Act must include total funds approved for the next fiscal year and a listing of appropriations from the General Fund.
Rule 30.
                          5.         Provided, further, that:
Journal of Proceedings.
                                    a.         the full salary of the principal officer of each department, agency, or institution shall be set forth as an item distinct and apart;
The Clerk shall cause to be kept the Journal of the proceedings of the House.
                                    b.         minor budget classifications or other descriptive terminology may be used when necessary to better express the purpose of the appropriation;
The Clerk shall note upon the Journal all questions of order, together with the disposition of same, and the dates upon which all bills and resolutions were sent to committee and returned to the House.
                                    c.         where the major portion of the operating funds to any department, institution, or principal operational division thereof is derived from Federal or other nonappropriated funds, the total appropriation for each major budget classification may be shown, and the relative contributions of State and nonappropriated funds therefor shall be shown as completely as possible;
The House may correct errors in the Journal the day the Journal containing errors is presented to the House.
and                                     d.         the appropriations must be in conformity with the program budget format as adopted by the Ways and Means Committee.
No Page 10 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 record which is in the hands of the Clerk and is required by law to be entered upon the Journal of the House shall be copied by any person until same shall have been entered upon the Journal and that Journal shall have been approved.
              E.         Any bill or resolution considered by the House of Representatives, upon second reading, that raises revenue must conform to the provisions of Article III, Section 15 of the South Carolina Constitution.
Half an hour before the time fixed for the meeting of the House each day, the Clerk or an assistant shall be present at the Clerk’s desk with the Journal of the preceding session for inspection of any member of the House.
              F.         Earmark Projects and Programs:
The Clerk or an assistant shall transmit the Journal for each day, as soon as it has been approved by the House, to the Legislative Research Commission, which shall deliver it to the public printer.
For purposes of this section:
The Commission staff shall proofread and index the Journal upon return from the printer and make necessary typographical corrections.
                          1.         'Appropriations bill' means the annual general appropriations bill, a supplemental appropriations bill, the joint resolution appropriating revenues of the capital reserve fund, a bill appropriating contingency reserve fund revenues, bond bills, or any other bill appropriating state revenues while under consideration by the House Ways and Means Committee or Senate Finance Committee or any subcommittee of it and any free conference committee on an appropriations bill.  For purposes of this definition, a bill includes a joint resolution.
Rule 31.
                          2.         'Earmark project or program' means an appropriation for a specific program or project not originating with a written agency budget request, executive budget recommendation, or not included in an appropriations act from the prior fiscal year.
Custody of Papers.
                          3.         Each request for an earmark project or program included in an appropriations bill must be memorialized in writing on a form designed by the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.  The form must include the member's name who requested the earmark project or program, an explanation of the earmark project or program requested, and such other information as the form may require.  The form must be filed with the House Ways and Means Committee.                            4.         Each request for an earmark project or program included in the House Ways and Means Committee version of an appropriations bill must be listed on a separate document prepared by the appropriate committee and placed on the members' desks before beginning debate of the appropriations bill on second reading.
The Clerk shall have custody of all records, minutes, reports, and documents pertaining to legislation, and shall not allow them to be taken from his or her possession without the leave of the House, unless to be delivered to the chair of a committee to which they have been referred or to the Legislative Research Commission.
The document must include the members' name requesting the earmark project or program, a brief description of the earmark project or program request, and such other information as the form may require and must be posted on the General Assembly's website.
The Clerk shall cause to be enclosed on bills and papers brief notes of proceedings had thereon by the House and preserve the same in convenient files for reference.
                          5.         An earmark project or program request made while an appropriations bill is in the Senate and is included in the report of a committee of conference must be listed on a separate document, similar to the form described in item 4., and placed on the members' desks before beginning debate of the report of the committee of conference.  The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee is charged with providing this form to the House membership.
The Director of the Legislative Research Commission shall implement a policy to provide for the maintenance and distribution of the records, papers, and bills of the legislative branch.
                          6.         An earmark project or program request made while an appropriations bill is in a committee of free conference must be listed on a separate document, similar to the form described in item 4., and placed on the members' desks before beginning debate of the report of the committee of free conference.  The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee is charged with providing this form to the House membership.                            7.         If the provisions of this subsection are not followed in reference to an individual earmark project or program, a two thirds vote of the membership present and voting is required to include the earmark project or program in the appropriations bill or the report of the committee of conference or free conference.
Rule 32.
              G.        The Annual General Appropriations Bill must be considered section by section on second reading, and when the pending question is the adoption of an individual section, the yeas and nays must be taken by roll call and the votes on it must be recorded by name in the Journal except when the House agrees to a section by unanimous consent.
Accounts of Expenditures.
               5.4      No bill or amendment providing an appropriation to pay a private claim against this State or a department thereof shall be introduced or considered.
The Legislative Research Commission shall keep the accounts for pay and mileage of members, officers and attaches, and for printing and other contingent expenses of the House and Senate.
               5.5      No bill or joint resolution shall be introduced as a delegation bill or resolution unless such bill or resolution relates only to local matters concerning the county which such delegation represents.
Rule 33.
               5.6      Except as provided in subsection 5.1, the first reading of the bill shall be by title only.  No amendments shall then be in order and the bill shall be referred to some committee, unless the House unanimously agrees, without debate, to dispense with reference.  Provided, a request to dispense with reference to committee shall not be in order unless the call of the roll of the House has been taken that day and the Speaker has determined a quorum to be present.
Printing of House Papers.
               5.7      Upon the second reading of a bill, after all amendments and motions have been disposed of, the question shall be the passage of the bill.  Upon a decision in the affirmative, the order shall be made accordingly and the bill shall take its place on the Calendar for third reading.
The Legislative Research Commission shall have supervision and charge of all printing done for the House as certified by the Clerk and the public printer shall print only such documents and other matter as the Legislative Research Commission authorizes.
               5.8      At the third reading of a bill, the bill shall be read by its title only.
The Clerk shall report to the Speaker every failure to execute printing work correctly and promptly.
            If the bill originated in the House, the question then shall be the passage of the bill.  On a bill which originated in the Senate, if no amendment has been made by the House, the question shall be the passage of the bill and in the case of an affirmative vote, the title 'Bill' shall be changed to an 'Act' and the act shall be enrolled for ratification.
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            If the bill has been amended in the House, the question shall be the passage of the bill, as amended, and in the event of an affirmative vote, the bill, as amended, shall be returned to the Senate.
Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
               5.9      All bills and resolutions reported by a committee shall, as a matter of course, be printed, together with the report of a committee.  A bill or joint resolution shall be reprinted following its second reading, if amended by the House, reflecting the substance of the bill in its amended form.  Every committee report which amends the provisions of legislation referred to such committee shall give the full text of the section or clearly identifiable subdivision or portion of a section as it would read with such amendment inserted therein.  If this rule is not complied with, the committee report shall be amended so as to conform to this rule before the bill or joint resolution is considered by the House.  This shall be the responsibility of the committee chairman.
It shall be the duty of the Sergeant-at- Arms and the Doorkeeper to exclude or remove all persons not entitled to the floor of the House.
              5.10     No local bill or joint resolution shall receive a second reading unless its number and title shall have been printed in the House Calendar at least one day prior to such reading.  Provided, that no statewide bill or joint resolution shall receive a second reading unless its number and title shall have been printed in the House Calendar at least one statewide legislative day prior to such reading unless said bill or resolution has been set for Special Order consideration as provided for by Rule 6.3(15)(b).  Provided, further, no General Appropriations Bill or Supplemental Appropriations Bill for the ordinary expenses of the State Government shall receive a second reading unless printed copies of such Appropriations Bill shall have been laid on the desks of members at least three legislative days prior to second reading.
One hour before convening of the House each day the Sergeant-at-Arms shall announce in a loud, distinct voice:
              5.11     Any bill, resolution, report, or other paper which has been under consideration, may, at the Speaker's discretion, be ordered to be printed for distribution to the members.
"All persons not entitled to the floor of the House under the rules thereof will now vacate the House Chamber." The Sergeant-at-Arms shall then compel all persons who are not entitled to remain therein to leave the House Chambers and shall prohibit their entry until one hour after the House has adjourned.
              5.12     No bill or joint resolution from the Senate shall be considered unless received by April tenth in the House.
Rule 35.
Provided, such bill or joint resolution shall be placed on the Calendar for further consideration if two-thirds of those members present and voting agree to waive the rule.  Any bill or joint resolution failing to receive the required vote shall be returned to the appropriate committee.  Once voted on and rejected, no further vote shall be allowed to waive this rule.
Appointment and Conduct of Constitutional Employees.
            The motion to waive this rule shall not be debatable, except that the mover shall have the right to make a three-minute explanation of his motion.
The constitutional employees of the House shall be appointed by election during the regular sessions of the General Assembly and shall serve one year terms or until the election of their successors.
            The provisions of this rule shall apply only to regular sessions of the General Assembly as opposed to special sessions of the General Assembly.
All the constitutional employees of the House, shall, one hour before the meeting of the House each day, report to the Clerk, who shall report to the Committee on Committees whether or not all of the employees are on duty.
            The Speaker shall enforce the deadlines provided by this rule and shall not allow consideration without putting the question of waiver before the House.(Reserved.)               5.13     Each bill effecting the expenditures of money by the State or directly affecting state revenues shall, prior to receiving second reading, have attached to it in writing such comment of the appropriate state official or office as may appear appropriate regarding the bill's effect on the finances of the State.  Each committee amendment that substantially changes a bill effecting expenditures of money by the State or directly affecting state revenues, prior to the bill receiving second reading, shall have attached to the committee amendment such comment of the appropriate state official or office as may appear appropriate regarding the committee amendment's effect on the finances of the State.  Provided, however, this rule shall not be invoked where the amount is shown in the bill.
The Committee on Committees, whenever it deems it necessary, shall report to the House any dereliction of duty.
            Committee chairmen shall satisfy these requirements of a fiscal impact statement prior to the bill receiving second reading.
Rule 36.
              5.14     No report of a Committee on Conference or Free Conference, except on a Sine Die Resolution or local matters, shall be considered until such report has been printed in the House Journal and explained by the conferees on the floor of the House.
Other Employees.
            Provided, no report of a Committee on Conference or Free Conference concerning the General Appropriations Bills, Supplemental Appropriations Bills for the ordinary expenses of State Government, or legislation appropriating the Capital Reserve Fund, shall be considered until such report has been made available online to the public for at least twenty-four hours.
All other professional, clerical and other services required by the House or its committees shall be furnished by the Legislative Research Commission, upon the request of the Committee on Committees.
            The provisions of this paragraph may be specifically dispensed with by a two thirds vote of the members present and voting of the House, a quorum being present.
Employees performing such services shall be under the supervision of the Committee on Committees.
              5.15     The printing of any document required to be printed under the Rules of the House may specifically be dispensed with by two-thirds vote of the membership present and voting of the House, a quorum being present;
No officer or employee of the House shall receive any fee, tip or compensation from any member and violation of this rule shall be ground for dismissal.
provided, such vote shall be by division vote;
COMMITTEES Rule 37.
provided, however, the printing of any bill which has not been referred to committee shall not be waived.
Committee on Committees.
              5.16     Should any member seek immediate consideration of any House or Concurrent Resolution, the resolution shall receive immediate consideration unless five members object.  If immediate consideration of such resolution is not sought, or in the event five members do object where immediate consideration is sought, the resolution shall be referred to an appropriate committee and shall not be considered by the House until after the committee has made its report and at that time shall take its place on the Calendar.
There shall be a Committee on Committees composed of the Speaker of the House, the Speaker Pro Tempore, the Majority Caucus Chair, the Majority Floor Leader of the House, the Majority Whip, the Minority Floor Leader of the House, the Minority Caucus Chair, and the Minority Whip.
Provided, however, a House or Concurrent Resolution concerning Sine Die Adjournment under Article III, Section 21 of the South Carolina Constitution and Section 2-1-180 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, shall receive immediate consideration, which shall include the motion to commit or recommitshall be referred to the Rules Committee.
Page 12 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 The Speaker shall be Chair of the Committee and the majority of the Committee shall have full power to act on all matters referred to the Committee, either by these rules or by the action of the House.
If the resolution is reported favorably out of the Rules Committee, it shall receive immediate consideration.
All bills and joint or concurrent resolutions shall, upon their introduction, be automatically referred to the Committee on Committees who shall[may] refer same to the proper Committee not later than the fifth day in which the House is in session after the date of introduction.
            A House or Concurrent Resolution sponsored by a committee shall receive immediate consideration if so requested by a member unless five members object, in which case it shall take its place on the Calendar without the necessity of being referred to a committee.  Such resolution shall be printed in the same manner as is prescribed in Rule 5.9 for the printing of bills.
In the event of a vacancy on the Committee on Committees, the other remaining members of the majority or minority party’s leadership serving on the Committee on Committees may determine whether there is a vacancy on the Committee on Committees and shall appoint a replacement for that member.
            Provided, however, the Clerk shall prepare forms for House Resolutions expressing the sympathy or congratulations of the members of the House.  Any member wishing to sponsor such a resolution shall forward in writing on a form prepared by the Clerk information sufficient to prepare the resolution.  The Speaker shall sign the resolution on behalf of the membership.  Such resolutions shall not be read to the House or printed in the Journal except upon the request of ten members.  The Speaker may refer any such resolution to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions and, in such event, the resolutions must be approved by the committee or if the committee recommends, by the House.
The Committee on Committees shall have supervision and control over all employees of the House, whether elected by the House or provided by the Legislative Research Commission, and the Committee on Committees shall see that they perform all of their duties to the House and the members thereof.
            When the roll of the House is added by unanimous consent to a House or Concurrent Resolution, the Clerk of the House shall maintain possession of such resolution until noon on the following legislative day.  A member of the House who does not wish to have his name included on a House or Concurrent Resolution when the roll of the House is added by unanimous consent may request, on a form provided by the Clerk, that his name be removed from the resolution.  The Clerk shall remove the member's name from such resolution if the request is received by noon on the following legislative day.
The Committee on Committees is empowered to discharge any or all said employees and officers except the constitutional officers of the House.
After such time, a member who was not present when the roll of the House was added by unanimous consent to a House or Concurrent Resolution, shall be permitted to add a written statement, in less than two hundred words, in the appropriate journal stating that had the member been present in the chamber, he or she would not have voted in favor of the resolution.
The Committee on Committees shall appoint the members of all standing and special committees and shall fill any vacancies thereon in accordance with Rule 39.
              5.17     (A)       Upon the consideration of any statewide uncontested bill or joint resolution, an objection or request for debate by five (5) members at any time prevents the consideration of the statewide bill or resolution and it then must be placed upon the statewide contested Calendar and remain on it until one (1) or more objections or requests for debate are formally withdrawn from the floor, and if there are not further objections or requests for debate entered at that time so that the total number of outstanding cumulative objections or requests for debate is less than five (5) or more, the statewide bill or resolution shall then receive immediate consideration if there is any time remaining in the applicable period for that statewide day for that bill or resolution.
Rule 38.
              (B)       Upon the consideration of any local uncontested bill or joint resolution, an objection or request for debate by three (3) members at any time prevents the consideration of the local bill or resolution and it then must be placed upon the local contested Calendar and remain on it until one (1) or more objections or requests for debate are formally withdrawn from the floor, and if there are not further objections or requests for debate entered at that time so that the total number of outstanding objections or requests for debate is less than three (3), the local bill or resolution shall then receive immediate consideration if there is any time remaining in the applicable period for that day for that local bill or resolution.
Standing Committees.
              5.18     If any bill or resolution shall be recommitted to a committee or referred to another committee retaining its place on the Calendar, the same may be listed on the Calendar by number only until it is returned to the floor for debate or such action as may be appropriate.
The following shall be the standing committees of the House:
            Any bill, resolution, or report upon which debate has been adjourned may be listed on the Calendar by number only until the date for consideration has been reached.
1.
              5.19     a.         No member shall speak more than twice on the main question of a bill or resolution being considered for any reading and not longer than sixty minutes for the first speech nor longer than thirty minutes for the second speech, unless allowed to do so by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting.  No member shall speak more than twice upon an amendment or a motion to reconsider that is debatable and then not longer than ten minutes each time.  However, if the previous question has been invoked, no member may speak more than twice on a motion to reconsider that is debatable and then not longer than the amount of time remaining for debate of the underlying motion;
Agriculture 2.
provided, that proposed amendments announced and introduced by the Reading Clerk shall be considered prior to a member speaking on the bill.  No member shall speak more than twice on Senate amendments to a House bill and not longer than sixty minutes for the first speech nor longer than thirty minutes for the second speech, unless allowed to do so by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting.  The House may, however, by consent of a majority of the members present and voting suspend the operation of this rule during any debate on any particular question before the House.
Appropriations and Revenue 3.
            Provided, each bill or joint resolution, prior to receiving second reading, must be explained for a minimum of ten minutes or until all questions from House members are addressed, whichever occurs first.
Banking and Insurance 4.
The committee chairman of the committee to which a bill or joint resolution was referred, the committee chairman's designee, the sponsor(s) of the bill or joint resolution, and other members of the House may jointly explain the bill or joint resolution in order to provide the required explanation.
Economic Development and Workforce Investment 5.
If a member accepts questions during the member's speech, either upon the main question of a bill or resolution or upon an amendment or motion to reconsider that is debatable, the member may not refuse questions thereafter.
Primary and Secondary Education 6.
Upon agreeing to accept questions, the member shall spend a reasonable amount of time, at the discretion of the Speaker, answering each member's questions upon the main question of the bill or resolution.
Postsecondary Education 7.
Refusal to accept questions after agreeing to do so shall result in the termination of the member's allotted time.
Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs 8[7].
              b.         Subsection a.
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of this rule shall be applicable on a section-by-section basis on debate upon the General Appropriations Bill, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill, or the bond bills but shall not apply to bills on reapportionment.
Health Services 10[9].
            c.         The question of granting Free Conference Powers shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the membership of the House and is not debatable.
Judiciary 11[10].
No member shall speak more than twice on the question of adoption of a Conference or Free Conference Report and not longer than sixty minutes for the first speech nor longer than thirty minutes for the second speech, unless allowed to do so by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting.
Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations 12[11].
When the pending question is adoption of a Conference or Free Conference Report, the yeas and nays must be taken by roll call and the votes on it must be recorded by name in the Journal.  Furthermore, the question of adoption of a Conference or Free Conference Report is subject to the provisions of Rule 8.6.
Local Government 13[12].
              5.20     Notwithstanding the provisions of any other House Rule, no House or Concurrent Resolution memorializing the Congress of the United States, the President of the United States, or any state or federal department, agency, or official shall receive immediate consideration but shall be referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions or the appropriate committee with subject matter jurisdiction concerning the resolution.
Natural Resources and Energy 14[13].
Provided, a House or Concurrent Resolution referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions and shall remain in such committee unless three members of the committee vote to report the resolution out of committee.
Small Business and Information Technology 15[14].
No such resolution may be recalled from committee.
State Government 16[15].
              5.21     (A)       A member of the House may request that a bill or joint resolution under consideration for second reading be read aloud to the chamber.
Tourism and Outdoor Recreation 17[16].
Provided, further, the bill or joint resolution must be read aloud before receiving a vote on the question of second reading.
Transportation 18[17].
            (B)       The member requesting that a bill or joint resolution be read aloud may withdraw the request and shall ask to be recognized in order to withdraw the request.
Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Rule 39.
No other request to read the bill or joint resolution may be entertained by the House.
Appointment of Committees.
After a bill or joint resolution has been read aloud, any additional requests to read the same bill or joint resolution are out of order.
The Committee on Committees shall appoint the Chair, Vice-Chairs and the members of all standing and special committees and shall fill any vacancies thereon.
            (C)       A member who requests that a bill or joint resolution be read aloud must remain seated in their assigned seat in the House chamber while the bill or joint resolution is read.
In making the appointments to standing committees, the Committee on Committees shall appoint a member with service in the immediately preceding regular session to at least one committee on which the member served in that previous regular session.
If the member making the request fails or refuses to remain seated in his assigned seat, the request to have the bill or joint resolution read aloud must be considered withdrawn.
That appointment to the one committee shall be at the preference of the member, and the Committee on Committees shall be bound by the member’s preference for that one committee;
The Speaker shall enforce the provisions of this subsection.
provided, however, a member who was a committee chair in the preceding regular session shall select for reappointment the committee the member so chaired if the member wishes to be considered for the chairmanship of that committee;
            (D)       The Speaker will accept no motion other than the motion to adjourn while the bill or joint resolution is being read aloud, but the adoption of a motion to adjourn does not dispense with the requirement to comply with a request to read a bill or joint resolution pursuant to this rule.
if another selection is made, the member shall not be reappointed chair of the committee which the member chaired in the preceding regular session.
  Rule 6   Daily Order of Business and Calendar               6.1 a.    The House shall meet each legislative day at 12:00 Noon every Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.
A member of the Committee on Committees shall not serve as chair of a standing committee.
every Wednesday, and 10:00 a.m.
A chair of a standing committee shall not serve as a member of the Committee on Appropriations and Revenue.
every Thursday and Friday unless otherwise ordered by the House.  Provided, that by motion made at any time the House by majority vote may fix the day and hour at which time the House shall next meet (not to exceed constitutional limitations) and this shall be decided without debate.
The Committee on Committees shall select members of each standing and special committee in proportion to the representation of each political party in the House.
            Provided, further, that during the first three weeks of the legislative session, unless a majority of the House members present object, on Wednesdays the House shall meet at 2:00 p.m.
The Vice-Chair shall act in the absence of the Chair.
to provide time in the morning hours for committees to meet and hearings to be held.
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            Provided, further, that unless ordered otherwise, the House shall consider only local uncontested matters and bills and resolutions that have received unanimous consent for third reading on Friday of each week.
Before the Committee on Committees shall appoint the members of standing and special committees, the number of members on the committee to be appointed shall be established by the Committee on Committees.
            b.         The Speaker, in his sole discretion, is authorized to call the House of Representatives into statewide session for the exclusive purpose of the introduction and referral of bills and resolutions and receipt and reading of communications and committee reports and to adjourn immediately thereafter with no roll to be taken.  Any such action by the Speaker shall provide the specific date of the statewide session and shall provide that the House of Representatives must convene at 10:00 a.m.
At the same time, the Committee on Committees shall establish the number of members of the committee of the majority party and the minority party.
and adjourn not later than 10:30 a.m.
Every member of the House shall be appointed to at least one standing committee.
on these days.  Provided, that a statewide session held pursuant to this paragraph shall not be considered in calculating the provisions of Rules 5.10 and 9.1.
In appointing the membership of standing committees, the Committee on Committees shall consider the predominant business interests or occupation of each member so that the private interests of a majority of a committee’s members do not correspond to the jurisdiction of the standing committee.
              6.2       All questions as to priority of business or as to the time when any matters shall be considered or ordered for consideration and as to a departure from the regular order of business shall be decided without debate.
Rule 40.
              6.3       The following order of business shall be enforced every day by the Speaker, except that Special Orders as defined in subsection 14a of this rule shall be considered at the time and place set:
Jurisdiction of Standing Committees.
               1.        a.         prayer;
The Committee on Committees shall refer each bill to the Committee with control over the subject matter.
                        b.         Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America;
All bills and resolutions on the same subject matter shall be referred to the same committee.
               2.        corrections to the Journal;
The general jurisdiction of the several standing committees shall be:
               3.        receipt of communications including messages from the Senate;
1.
               4.        reports of committees including Conference and Free Conference;
Agriculture:
               5.        first reading of House resolutions, concurrent resolutions, committee reports on resolutions, joint resolutions, and bills upon the desk;
matters pertaining to crops, livestock, poultry and their marketing;
               6.        call of the roll of the House;
disease control and warehousing;
               7.        a.         consideration of local uncontested bills and joint resolutions on third reading;
tobacco;
                        b.         consideration of local uncontested bills and joint resolutions on second reading;
stockyards;
               8.        Special introductions, recognitions, and announcements, the sum total of which may not exceed fifteen minutes with no more than eight special introductions, recognitions, or announcements, each one not exceeding ninety seconds.  However, nothing contained herein limits the discretion of the Speaker to allow such special introductions, recognitions, and announcements during roll call voting as he deems appropriate;
agricultural cooperatives and marketing associations;
               9.        a.         consideration of statewide uncontested bills and joint resolutions on third reading;
agriculture weights and measures;
                        b.         consideration of statewide uncontested bills and joint resolutions on second reading;
veterinarians;
               10.
the State Fair;
     withdrawal of objections and requests for debate;
county fairs.
              11.       consideration of pending motions to reconsider;
2.
              12.       a.         consideration of unanimous consent requests;
Appropriations and Revenue:
                        b.         consideration of vetoes;
matters pertaining to the executive budget and other appropriations of state monies;
                        c.         consideration of Senate amendments;
the levying of state and local taxes, including school taxes;
                        d.         consideration of local contested bills and joint resolutions on third reading;
property tax rates and assessments;
              13.       consideration of statewide contested bills and joint resolutions on third reading in the order in which they appear on the Calendar;
the state debt;
              14.       a.         motion period;
revenue bond projects;
                        b.         consideration of local contested bills and joint resolutions on second reading;
claims upon the treasury;
              15.       consideration of statewide contested bills and joint resolutions on second reading in the order in which they appear on the Calendar;
accounting of state funds by local officers;
                        a.         Notwithstanding the order of business set forth in Rule 6.3 a matter may be set for Special Order for consideration on a particular day at a particular hour or at a particular place on the Calendar.
audits for state purposes;
                        b.         Special orders may be set for appropriations bills and local bills by majority vote of the House.
budget and financial administration;
Special orders on all other billsmatters placed on the Calendar shall be set only by written resolution, which has been referred to the Rules Committee or originates therein, and agreed to by two-thirds of the members of that committee and agreed to by majority of the members of the House present after the committee has made its report;
payment, collection and refund of taxes.
provided, .Resolutions setting matters for special order may include language governing the time, date, and debate of the matters set for special order;
3.
however, that notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 9 governing the amendability of bills and resolutions, no amendments may be offered to any Special Order resolution, which amendments do not pertain to the bill which is the subject of the Special Order resolution, except as to the time and date called for in such resolution.
Banking and Insurance:
            Provided, that for the purpose of explaining any Special Order resolution the time limit for opponents shall not exceed five minutes and the time limit for proponents shall not exceed five minutes.
matters pertaining to banking;
                        c.         A Special Order set for a certain day and hour, not being considered by the House at the hour named, shall be transferred by the Clerk of the House to the Special Orders of the following day until disposed of, in the chronological order of original appointment.
banks and trust companies;
            Any member may insist upon a Special Order of the Day, or other Special Orders, until it be discharged.
consumer loan companies;
                        d.         The motion period provided for the daily order of business under Rule 6.3 shall be limited to ten minutes only.
building and loan associations;
            Provided, however, that time consumed by roll call votes shall not be construed as part of time allotted to said motions period.(Reserved.)                         e.         Consideration of uncontested local bills and joint resolutions on third and second readings as provided in subsection 7a and b of this rule shall be limited to a total of ten minutes only.  Consideration of contested local bills and joint resolutions on second and third readings as provided in subsections 12b and 14b of this rule is limited to a total of ten minutes for second reading bills and joint resolutions and ten minutes for third reading bills and joint resolutions.
credit unions;
                        f.          Consideration of uncontested statewide bills and joint resolutions on third and second readings as provided in subsection 8a and b of this rule shall be limited to a total of thirty minutes only.
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                        g.         No debate shall be allowed in the uncontested period, provided, however, the Speaker may recognize a proponent and opponent of any uncontested bill or joint resolution for a brief explanation of their position.
industrial loan corporations;
                        h.         Consideration of unanimous consent requests as provided for in subsection 12 of this rule shall be limited to five minutes only.  No unanimous consent requests except those unanimous consent requests dealing with the pending matter may be considered at any time other than during the time provided for in subsection 12 of this rule.
securities;
              6.4       A debate interrupted by a simple adjournment shall afterwards be resumed at the point of interruption as if debate had been formally adjourned.  A matter interrupted by a call for the Orders of the Day shall, after the Orders have been disposed of, be resumed at the point of interruption before any other question.
the Blue Sky Law;
              6.5       Messages may be received at any time while the door is open, except while a question is being put, or a ballot, or a viva voce vote is taken.  A message shall be presented to the House by the Speaker when received, or afterwards, according to its nature, and the business in which the House is engaged, or its consideration may, on motion, be ordered by the House.
mortgage guaranty insurance;
              6.6       In all particulars not determined by these rules, or by the laws of the Constitution of this State, or of the United States, the practice of this House shall conform to its previous usage, or be guided by parliamentary law as it may be collected from the best authorities, Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure being the preferred parliamentary authority.
assessment and cooperative insurance;
  Rule 7   Voting               7.1       If, upon a question by acclamation, the Speaker doubts, or a division be called for, the House shall proceed with a division vote by voting on the electronic roll call board.  If the electronic roll call board malfunctions, the Speaker shall proceed to call the division vote by voice vote.  When division votes are made by use of the electronic roll call equipment, no individual votes shall be recorded.  The Speaker shall state:
fraternal benefit societies;
'The pending question is........
hospital service corporations;
(designating the matter to be voted upon)'.  The Speaker shall then unlock the voting machine and announce that voting will proceed.  He shall then sound the bell.  Thirty seconds after the announcement of the commencement of the vote on the board, the Speaker shall then announce that voting is closed and shall lock the machine and instruct the Clerk to tabulate the vote on the electronic roll call board.  The Speaker shall then announce the result of the vote.
burial associations;
              7.2       The House of Representatives shall take a roll call vote on second and on third reading when an amendment has been made on third reading for the following matters, whereupon the yeas and nays shall be ordered and shall be entered by name in the House Journal, the electronic roll call system shall be used, and the procedure provided for in Rule 7.3 shall be followed:
medical and dental service corporations;
            (1)        adoption of a Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of South Carolina;
life, accident, indemnity and other forms of insurance;
            (2)        adoption of legislation ratifying a proposed amendment to the Constitution of South Carolina;
stock and mutual insurance companies;
            (3)        adoption of a Bill or Joint Resolution establishing a fee or tax, raising an existing fee or tax, or reducing an existing fee or tax;
banking and insurance aspects of the Uniform Commercial Code;
            (4)        adoption of the Annual General Appropriations Bill and any individual section of it pursuant to Rule 5.3G;
interest and usury;
            (5)        adoption of a state or congressional reapportionment plan;
pawnbrokers;
            (6)        adoption of a Bill or Joint Resolution directly increasing or decreasing the salary, benefits, or retirement benefits of members of the General Assembly, elected officials of the Executive Branch, or members of the Judicial Branch;
private credit;
            (7)        adoption of a Bill or Joint Resolution amending the Ethics and Accountability Act or the Campaign Finance Act;
consumer credit;
and             (8)        adoption of a Conference or Free Conference Report pursuant to Rule 5.19c.
sale of checks;
            Provided, the House of Representatives shall take a roll call vote and shall enter the yeas and nays in the House Journal for the following questions:
installment sales contracts;
            (1)        a question for which the Constitution of South Carolina requires the yeas and nays to be recorded;
legal investments;
            (2)        an election by the General Assembly or the House of Representatives except where the election is declared by unanimous consent to be by declaration;
principal and income.
            (3)        adoption of an amendment to the Annual General Appropriations Bill where the amendment directly effects the raising or spending of revenue in the amount of ten thousand dollars or more;
4.
            (4)        a question of overriding or sustaining an Act returned by the Governor with objections;
Economic Development and Workforce Investment:
            (5)        a question for which ten members of the House request a roll call vote;
matters pertaining to commerce, industry, and economic and industrial development;
and             (6)        a question of concurrence, nonconcurrence, or adoption of amendments to bills or joint resolutions returned to the House with amendments by the Senate.
the workforce and the workplace;
              7.3       a.         When the House is ready to vote upon any question requiring the yeas and nays and the vote is to be taken by the electronic roll call system, the Speaker shall state:
economic development planning, international trade and investment;
'The pending question is......
investment companies and industrial loan corporations as they relate to economic and industrial development;
(designating the matter to be voted upon)'.  The Speaker shall then unlock the voting machine and announce:
recruitment of business and industry;
'Roll call vote.  Voting on the board'.  He shall then sound the bell.  Once the voting has begun, it shall not be interrupted, except for the purpose of questioning the validity of a member's vote before the result is announced.
small business matters relative to economic and industrial development;
                        b.         Two minutes after the bell has been sounded, the Speaker shall ask the question:
financing of business and industrial development;
'Have all members present voted?' After a pause, the Speaker shall then lock the machine and instruct the Clerk to tabulate the vote on the electronic roll call board.  The Speaker shall then announce the result of the vote.
business regulatory matters, including the Uniform Commercial Code, relative to economic and industrial development;
                        c.         After the voting machine is locked, no member may change his vote and the votes of tardy members shall not be counted.
worker training;
                        d.         Subject to the provisions of Rule 2.10, the vote as electronically recorded on the roll of members shall not in any manner be altered or changed by any person.
technology development and application;
                        e.         No member shall vote for another member, nor shall any person not a member vote for a member.  Any member who shall vote or attempt to vote for another member or a person not a member who shall vote or attempt to vote for a member may be punished in such manner as the House determines.
chambers of commerce;
                        f.          Any member or other person who wilfully tampers with or attempts to disarrange, deface, impair, or destroy in any manner whatsoever the electronic voting equipment or who destroys or changes the record of votes thereon shall be punished in such manner as the House determines.
convention centers and publicly owned exhibition and parking facilities;
            Provided, however, the minimum penalty for violation of Rule 7.3 shall be a public reprimand.
arts and arts exhibition facilities;
                        g.         The Speaker Pro Tempore or a member who has been appointed by the Speaker to preside may designate another member to cast his vote on any question while he is presiding in accordance with his instructions from the Chair.
state, interstate, and national parks and historic sites;
                        h.         A member recorded as voting while absent from the Chamber shall present to the presiding officer an affidavit attesting to this fact.  Any member may also report to the presiding officer his knowledge that another member was recorded as voting while absent from the Chamber.  If the affidavit of the member whose vote is in question is presented within forty-eight hours of the vote, the presiding officer shall adjust the vote totals to reflect the affidavit and order action on the question in accordance with the adjusted vote total.  If the member filing the affidavit or any other member has knowledge of the identity of the person who voted for him while absent, he shall present this information to the presiding officer who shall refer it to the Ethics Committee for consideration of any recommendation of punishment in accordance with this rule.
travel promotion and advertising;
                        i.          Each member shall be issued one electronic card by the Sergeant at Arms to activate the voting console on his desk to operate the electronic voting system.  That card may not be duplicated by the member nor may a duplicate be issued to a member.  The card must not be left in the voting console at any time while the member is not within the outer doors of the Chamber.  If a member loses his card, a replacement will be issued by the Sergeant at Arms at the member's expense.  If a member is temporarily without his card while the House is in session, the Sergeant at Arms will provide a temporary card to that member at the member's request for that day only and that card may not be removed from the House Chamber.
wages and hours;
              7.4       If the electronic roll call machine is declared by the Speaker of the House to be inoperative, the 'Yeas' and 'Nays' shall be taken by the Reading Clerk calling each member's name in alphabetical order and each member responding by answering simply:
garnishments;
'Yea' or 'Nay'.  Each member who may be in the House when called may give his vote.
safety and health of employees;
            Provided, further, that when the electronic roll call system is being used to record votes, the doors shall not be closed and members shall be permitted to vote as provided in Rule 7.3.
child labor;
              7.5       No member shall, under any circumstances, be permitted to vote after a decision shall have been announced by the Chair.  After the decision of the question, a member absent may be permitted to record the vote he would have given if present, but such vote shall not affect the previous question.
employment agencies;
              7.6       No member shall be permitted to explain his vote during a roll call, but may reduce his explanation to writing, in not more than 200 words, and upon filing said explanation with the Clerk, it shall be entered in the Journal.
apprenticeship;
              7.7       When the pending question is the passage of any bill or resolution on the contested Calendar on second reading, the yeas and nays shall be taken by roll call and the votes thereon shall be recorded in the Journal.
unemployment compensation;
              7.8       A member of the House of Representatives may give his proxy to vote on matters before the full body to another member of the House of Representatives if that member is deployed by military order for federal military duty or state national guard duty to a combat zone for a period of more than twenty-one days during a legislative session.  However, the member holding the proxy may not cast a vote for the deployed member unless the deployed member has specifically provided the voting member with written voting instructions, including, but not limited to, instruction transmitted by facsimile or electronic mail, with regard to the deployed member's position on the issue.  The proxy on a particular question may be used upon unanimous consent of the members of the House present and voting provided the proxy vote does not change the outcome of the question.
workers’ compensation;
  Rule 8   Motions and Their Precedence                8.1      No motion shall be debated until it shall have been stated by the Speaker.  Any motion, if requested by the Speaker, must be reduced to writing and delivered at the desk and read, before it shall be debated.
consumer protection;
               8.2      The mover may withdraw any question or proposition before an amendment or decision, except after a demand for the yeas and nays and except after the previous question has been ordered.
industrial weights and measures.
               8.3      No dilatory motion or amendment shall be entertained by the Speaker, prior precedents to the contrary notwithstanding.
5.
               8.4      A question before the House shall be suspended by:
Primary and Secondary Education:
                          1.         a message;
matters pertaining to public primary and[,] secondary [and higher ]education;
                          2.         a report or resolution of the Committees on Rules, Conference, Free Conference, or Invitations;
the State Board of Education;
                          3.         a question of order;
the State Department of Education;
                          4.         a question of privilege;
the powers and duties of local boards of education;
                          5.         a question of taking recess;
conduct of schools;
                          6.         any other incidental questions, such as of reading papers, dividing a question, withdrawing a motion, excusing a member from voting, or the like.  Provided, further, the five first named may suspend even a speech;
attendance;
provided, that the fifth, if once negatived, shall not be received during the same speech without the consent of the member speaking.
state support of education;
               8.5      When a question is under debate only those motions herein below shall be received and notwithstanding the provisions of any other rule, none of such motions except the motion to adjourn or recede, a motion to continue, or a motion for the previous question shall be considered until the conclusion of such debate.  Such motions shall require a simple majority vote unless otherwise specified herein:
the operation of school districts, teachers’ qualifications and tenure;
                          1.         to adjourn or recede;
the school curriculum;
                          2.         to continue;
teachers’ retirement;
                          3.         to lay on the table;
school employees;
                          4.         for the previous question (fifty percent of those present and voting, a quorum being present, plus five when a member has the floor at the time the motion is made);
pupil transportation;
                          5.         to adjourn the debate to a certain day;
school property and buildings;
                          6.         to commit or recommit.
vocational education and Page 16 of 46 XXXX 1/7/2025 12:14 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 812 rehabilitation;
              These motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are hereinabove arranged.
[universities and colleges;
            Provided, a motion to reconsider shall be received and noted while a speech is being made but notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 8.14, shall be considered immediately after disposal of the pending matter or pursuant to Rule 6.3(11), whichever shall come first.
community colleges;
              8.6       The previous question upon any matter may be invoked as follows:
regional education;
            Upon an affirmative vote on a motion for the previous question (fifty percent of those present and voting, a quorum being present, plus five, being required to interrupt debate and a simple majority vote at all other times), the amendments then upon the desk shall be considered, but no further amendments shall be allowed to be offered unless the amendment has at least two-thirds of the membership of the House as its sponsor.  The proponents of an amendment shall be allowed an opportunity to make a short explanation of his amendment for a period not to exceed three minutes, then opponents to the amendment shall be permitted not more than three minutes to oppose the proposed amendment.  Then two hours of debate shall be allowed on the bill, the time being equally divided between opponents and proponents with no person to speak more than ten minutes.  Provided, that after the previous question has been invoked, the primary sponsor of an amendment may withdraw it with unanimous consent without making a motion to table it.
]educational television.
            Provided, the previous question may be invoked on a motion to reconsider only when the matter to be reconsidered is debatable.
6.
            Provided, a motion to adjourn debate shall be in order even though the previous question has been invoked.
Postsecondary Education:
            Provided, further, any member who has been recognized by the Speaker and is speaking from the podium, is considered to be debating the issue and a call for the previous question, whether by the member or any other member, requires the necessary fifty percent of those present and voting plus five.
matters pertaining to higher education;
               8.7      A motion to recess may state the time for reconvening and in the absence of such time stated, reconvening shall be at the call of the Chair.  The Speaker may at anytime order the House to stand at ease to be reconvened at the call of the Chair.
universities and colleges;
               8.8      (Reserved)                8.9      When a motion is made during a motion period, the Speaker shall entertain but one motion at a time and there shall be no substitute motions considered.  The same motion may be entertained consecutively during the motion period.(Reserved.)               8.10     Any member may without debate, call for the division of a question and the House may divide the question if the Speaker determines the question so distinct that, one being taken away, the rest may stand entirely on its own.  Provided, however, that a bill may not be divided into separate parts.
community colleges;
              8.11     a.         The following motions shall be decided by simple majority unless otherwise specified and without debate after any short remarks the Speaker permits:
regional education;
                                    to adjourn;
postsecondary education property and buildings.
                                    to recede;
7.
                                    to continue;
Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs:
                                    to lay on the table;
matters pertaining to the proposing of constitutional amendments and the calling of a constitutional convention;
                                    for the previous question (unless it is made when a member                                     has the floor and then it requires a majority plus five);
ratification of amendments to the United States Constitution;
                                    to adjourn debate;
the election of officers to state, local and school board positions;
                                    to commit or recommit;
election commissioners, officers and precincts;
                                    to resolve the House into a Committee of the Whole;
qualifications, registration and purging of voters;
                                    to proceed to the orders of the day;
regular elections;
                                    to recur to the morning hour;
primary elections;
                                    to fix the hour to which the House shall next meet;
presidential and congressional elections;
                                    to grant free conference powers;
special elections to fill vacancies;
                                    to divide the question.
contest of elections;
                        b.         The following motions shall not be permitted at the same stage of the bill or proposition until one hour of time has elapsed since the same question was negatived:
corrupt practices and election financing;
                                    for the previous question;
election offenses and prosecutions;
                                    to lay on the table;
voting machines;
                                    to adjourn debate;
absentee ballots;
                                    to continue;
intergovernmental cooperation;
                                    to commit or recommit;
state-federal relations;
                                    to recur to the morning hour.
interstate compacts.
              8.12     Motions to adjourn, to recede, and to recede subject to the call of the Chair, shall always be in order except while the House is actually engaged in deciding a question by yeas and nays or in voting viva voce or in balloting.  However, if a motion to adjourn or to take a recess has been negatived, no new motion to adjourn or take a recess shall be in order until fifteen minutes shall have elapsed from the decision of the former motion, even though such motion to recede might be to recede to a different time.
8[7].
              8.13     (Reserved)               8.14     When a question shall have been once decided in the affirmative or negative, any member who voted with the prevailing side may on the same day or the next day of the sitting of the House move for a reconsideration thereof and the House, if in session for statewide matters, shall immediately have the question of reconsideration before it.  If the House is not in session for statewide matters or have before it a matter under Special Order, it shall have the question of reconsideration before it as provided in Rule 6.3.  Provided, that, if the motion to reconsider concerns an amendment to the matter under Special Order, the House shall immediately have the question of reconsideration before it.  If the House shall refuse to reconsider, or, upon reconsideration, shall affirm its first decision, no further motion shall be in order except by unanimous consent;
Families and Children:
provided, that once a motion to reconsider is made it may not be withdrawn except in the same day in which it was made.
matters pertaining to child welfare;
            Provided, that a motion to reconsider shall not be allowed if the bill, resolution, message, report, amendment, motion, or the paper upon which the vote was taken shall have gone out of the possession of the House.
adoptions;
            A motion to reconsider may be laid on the table.  If such motion be laid on the table, it shall be deemed a final disposition of the motion.
assistance to children;
              8.15     A member may move to continue a matter when called on the Calendar to the next session, but not to a specific date in the next session;
children's homes;
and if the House agrees thereto, the matter shall be thereupon continued to the next session, and the Clerk of the House shall make up a Calendar of all the matters so continued, placing the same thereupon, in the order in which they have been continued.  At the ensuing session the continued matters shall be taken up and considered in the same stage in which they were when so continued and shall have priority according to the last order for consideration made upon them.
commitment and care of children and families;
            If a motion to continue, having received an affirmative vote, shall be reconsidered and thereupon such motion to continue shall receive a negative vote, the matter shall be taken up in its original place on the Calendar.
child protective services;
  Rule 9   Amendments               9.1       A bill which originated in the House, or which, having originated in the Senate and having been amended by the House, shall be returned from the Senate with amendments, such bill as amended shall be printed, placed on the House Calendar, and shall not be considered until its number and title shall have been printed in the House Calendar for at least one statewide day prior to such reading.  Provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to local bills;
adult protective services;
nor shall this requirement apply to bills returned from the Senate with amendments during any extension of the session under Section 2-1-180 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, or to bills returned from the Senate with amendments during an extra session pursuant to Article IV, Section 19 of the South Carolina Constitution.
state guardianship;
            The General Appropriations Bill, Supplemental Appropriations Bill for the ordinary expenses of State Government, and legislation appropriating the Capital Reserve Fund, having been returned from the Senate with amendments, shall not be considered until:
caregiver support services;
            (1)        their number and title shall have been printed in the House Calendar;
child support programs;
and             (2)        their contents, as amended, have been made available online to the public for at least forty-eight hours.
support of dependents;
            The consideration of amendments shall have precedence over a motion to either concur or nonconcur in the Senate amendments.  Once the matter is amended and all pending amendments are considered, then said bill is returned to the Senate for consideration.
family preservation programs;
            If no amendments have been adopted by the House then the question shall be:
social service programs;
'Will the House agree to the Senate amendment?' A decision in the negative shall be a rejection.  Upon a decision in the affirmative, the title of the bill shall be changed to an act an ordered to be enrolled.
child care;
              9.2       At the third reading of a bill, no amendment shall be permitted without unanimous consent, except that the Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means may (if he shall have given notice at the second reading of his intention to offer amendments at the third) be permitted to offer amendments to any appropriations bill, as may be pertinent to the bill.  The chairman of any committee may (if he has given notice at the second reading of his intention to offer amendments at the third) be permitted to offer technical amendments to any bill which has been reported from his committee;
senior citizens and aging;
and             Provided, that the House may, in its discretion, commit or recommit any bill at its third reading and after the report of the committee any amendment which it shall recommend may be adopted.
disabilities;
              9.3       No motion or proposition on a subject different from that under consideration shall be admitted under color of amendment unless it refers to the intent of the motion or proposition under consideration.  Provided, further, that nothing shall prevent the adoption of an amendment which rewrites the bill in its entirety if the bill as rewritten remains germane to the original title of the bill.  Provided, further, that in determining whether or not any amendment be germane, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be guided by precedents of the House of Representatives to the extent available.
rape crisis centers;
              9.4       A proposed amendment shall be in order regardless of the number of changes proposed therein to the matter under debate, provided such amendment is otherwise in order.  Proposed amendments must be typewritten and in the proper format for the computer system except as allowed by the Speaker at his discretion.
domestic violence shelters;
              9.5       Proposed amendments to any matter before the House shall be initially considered in the order in which received.
sexual assault programs;
              9.6       Proposed amendments to local bills may not impact, affect, or reference any portion of a county other than the county originally referenced in the local bill.
public assistance programs such as TANF, CCAP, SNAP, LIHEAP, and WIC.
  Rule 10   Miscellaneous               10.1     Only the following persons shall be admitted within the House Chamber during a session of the House unless otherwise authorized by House Resolution.
9[8].
            The present and former members and officers and present employees of the House of Representatives;
Health Services:
the members of the Press as designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
matters pertaining to health care and health care delivery;
human development;
health outcomes;
disabled persons;
mental health;
health, medical, and dental scholarships;
public health;
local health departments;
vital statistics;
communicable diseases;
epidemiology;
certificate of need;
hospitals, health clinics, and long-term care facilities;
substance abuse;
maternal and child health;