House advances dozens of measures; lawmakers adopt Senate Bill 32 establishing tax credit for pregnancy resource groups

The House of Representatives moved through a heavy legislative calendar on March 5, advancing dozens of measures on third and second reading and adopting key bills, including a Senate-conceived tax credit program that passed on a recorded vote.

Representative Long explained Senate Bill 32, which he said "enacts the Pregnancy Resource Act which establishes an income tax credit for contributions made to qualifying pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes and residential programs for human-trafficking victims." He told the body that taxpayers may claim a nonrefundable credit up to 50% of their tax liability, that no more than 25% of credits can go to any single organization, and that the program cap is $3,500,000.

The clerk recorded the bill as adopted; the clerk's tally was announced as "95 0 8 s 32 is adopted" following the roll-call vote called on the board.

Beyond Senate Bill 32, the House disposed of multiple uncontested third-reading bills by voice vote. The clerk announced several adoptions in sequence, including House bills recorded as 4,679; 4,706; 4,248; 50,69; 5111; and 5217 (adopted on third reading as announced from the floor). Where roll-call votes were not requested, the presiding officer announced adoption by yeas.

On family- and employment-related measures, Representative Cobb Hunter explained House Bill H4611 — the stillbirth parental-leave bill — saying the measure "amends the section to provide that stillbirth shall be considered a qualifying event for paid parental leave" and that it would allow six weeks of paid parental leave at 100% of base pay for eligible state and school district employees. The bill received second reading and was placed for further consideration (roll call recorded).

Other committee explanations on second reading included House Bill 5173, which Representative Brandon Newton said aligns the state definition of a "rural hospital" with the federal definition to give struggling rural hospitals a different designation and potential lifeline.

The House also concurred with senate amendments to measures later in the day (for example, the House announced concurrence with amendments to H4756, the South Carolina Student Privacy Act). Following the day's business the House recessed for a joint assembly and later adjourned until 10 a.m. the next day.

Votes at a glance - Senate Bill 32 (Pregnancy Resource Act): adopted (clerk announcement: "95 0 8 s 32 is adopted"). - House Bill 4,679: adopted (third reading, voice vote announced from the floor). - House Bill 4,706: adopted (third reading, voice vote announced from the floor). - House Bill 4,248: adopted (third reading, voice vote announced from the floor). - House Bill 41 03: recommitted to committee for further work (motion adopted).

The House's actions included both unanimous/voice adoptions for statewide uncontested bills and recorded roll calls on measures where members sought separate votes or the clerk indicated a roll call was required.