Source: http://www.scag.gov/archives/category/opinions/2002opinions
Timestamp: 2018-03-25 05:32:27
Document Index: 121706167

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 44', '§23', '§ 42', '§ 34', '§ 12', '§ 8', '§ 23', '§ 59', '§16', '§ 33', '§33', '§ 14', '§40', '§6', '§ 16']

2002 Opinions Archives - South Carolina Attorney GeneralSouth Carolina Attorney General
Opinion concerning the law of possession of a controlled substance. Specifically, posing a hypothetical question, asking whether or not it would constitute possession of a controlled substance under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-370 and 44-53-445.
Requested by: Mr. Keith A. Sherlin, Public Safety Director and State Constable, S.C. School for the Deaf and Blind
Opinion asking as to whether a person who serves simultaneously as a magistrate’s constable and a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Chesnee is dual office holding in contravention of the South Carolina Constitution.
Requested by: Mr. Chadwick Hutchins
Opinion concerning the following questions as they relate to S.C. Code Ann. §23-20-30, the “Law Enforcement Assistance and Support Act.”
Requested by: Richard V. Woods, Chief of Police, Ridgeland Police Department
Opinion regarding the State Board of Education’s adoption of a uniform start date(s) for public schools.
Opinion concerning the investment policy of the Emerald Center Multi-County Disabilities & Special Needs Board.
Requested by: Bob Drake, Finance Director, Emerald Center
Opinion superseding the Informal Opinion dated November 3, 2000. Specifically, “whether a certified copy of a power of attorney, certified by the register of deeds office from another county or state, is recordable.”
Requested by: J. Terry Laws, Esquire
Opinion asking if simultaneously sitting on the Spartanburg County Library Board of Trustees as Treasurer and being appointed to the Spartanburg Planning Commission, constitutes dual office holding for purposes of the South Carolina Constitution.
Requested by: Mr. Robert P. Richardson
Opinion regarding “the use of the ‘Tax Sale’ overage funds when other taxes are due and payable to the county.”
Requested by: Mr. William O. Rowell, Treasurer of Lexington County
Opinion asking as to whether your “accepting a seat on South Carolina’s newly formed Conservation Voters of South Carolina volunteer board” while also serving on the South Carolina Consumer Affairs Commission would constitute dual office holding in contravention of the South Carolina Constitution.
Requested by: Barbara B. League
Opinion concerning the duties of a city manager in a Council/Manager form of municipal government. Specifically asking, “[c]an the authority and responsibility of the city manager be expanded or limited?”
Requested by: The Honorable Judith G. Tesla, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Tega Cay
Opinion regarding “whether an appointment to the GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission, Inc. along with an appointment to the Greenwood Metro Board (Water District) is considered dual office holding.”
Requested by: Joseph D. Patton, Executive Director, GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission, Inc.
Opinion regarding the functioning of the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Requested by: The Honorable Sherry Shealy Martschink, Commissioner, SC Workers’ Compensation Commission
Opinion regarding the eligibility of employees of ATC Vancom and TCT for participation in the South Carolina Retirement Systems.
Opinion “…as to whether the State or the Federal regulations regarding charges for medical records takes precedence in South Carolina.” This opinion deals with S.C. Code Ann. § 42-15-95.
Opinion regarding the constitutionality of R-425, a “bill that was passed by the General Assembly that only applies to Lexington County.”
Opinion noting that the City of Columbia as well as other large cities in South Carolina are “concerned about our ability to police traffic in our municipalities.” “Pressed to do more with fewer resources,” you are exploring the idea of “automated traffic enforcement.” Specifically asking, can we proceed statutorily or is this question a constitutional one?
Requested by: The Honorable Robert D. Coble, Mayor, City of Columbia
Opinion “regarding a statute that has been twice amended but continues to bring conflicting interpretation.”
Opinion asking the following questions: [i]f [Worker’s Compensation] commissioners have the statutory authority to employ court reporters to work “at his pleasure”, can the board by policy or any other means restrict a commissioner’s authority to employ and retain court reporters; and since each commissioner operates his or her office, are two employees in each commissioner’s office subject to agency RIFs?
Requested by: The Honorable Sherry Shealy Martschink, Commissioner, SC Worker’s Compensation Commission
Opinion asking us to outline the applicable federal and state law governing the payment of inmates who perform “certain service work for private sector entities at wage levels below the federal minimum wage.”
Requested by: The Honorable Mike Fair, Chairman, Corrections & Penology Committee, The Senate of South Carolina
Opinion asking is there any existing South Carolina state statute or Attorney General’s opinion that outlines how to dispose of unclaimed inmate funds left at county jails when inmates are discharged and never come back to claim their money; and can a county create an ordinance to set up a procedure to dispose of the unclaimed inmate funds?
Requested by: Tom Fox, Director of Detention, Horry County Sheriff’s Office
Opinion concerning the application of S.C. Code Ann. § 34-11-60(e).
Requested by: The Honorable Kenneth H. Dover, Summary Court Judge, Inman Magistrate Court
Opinion concerning the application of certain ordinances related to the collection and disposal of solid waste in Allendale County.
Requested by: The Honorable Lonnie Hosey, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion asking whether members of a volunteer fire department need a commercial driver’s license to operate an emergency vehicle.
Requested by: Earl A. Rodman, Modoc Volunteer Fire Department
Opinion concerning the use of private property by the City of Union for the purpose of installing sewer lines.
Opinion as to the “proper interpretation of Proviso 22.6 of the Appropriations Act.”
Opinion requesting that we “…investigate [a] particular [video game] machine and issue an opinion as to whether or not the machine is legal.”
Opinion asking to “…issue an opinion that would provide the criteria for determining if a machine was an illegal game of chance as prohibited under S.C. Code Ann. § 12-21-2710.” Also “…address the issue of legality of awarding merchandise to a contestant or player if a machine is determined to be a game of skill versus a game of chance.”
Requested by: The Honorable James H. Harrison, Chairman, Judiciary Committee, South Carolina House of Representatives
Opinion concerning several sections of the South Carolina Charter Schools Act of 1996, as recently amended, which you authored, “are being seriously misinterpreted” in such a manner that “will drastically slow down the entire application process for new charter schools in our state, in complete contravention of the spirit and intent of our amendments.”
Opinion regarding one of your constituents who “is actually in the Air Force Reserve and has been called to active duty, effective October 21, 2001 through October 20, 2002. He is an employee of the city of Spartanburg.” Specifically, whether or not the thirty days of paid leave is thirty workdays or the number of days he would have worked in thirty calendar days.
Requested by: The Honorable Phillip K. Sinclair, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion on three issues concerning a County Government’s authority to retain the services of certain professionals.
Requested by: The Honorable Frank Brafman, Chairman, Ad Hoc Legal Committee, Beaufort County Council
Opinion regarding dual office holding, specifically serving on the Beaufort County Transportation Committee by appointment, and serving on the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education from the Second Congressional District.
Requested by: W. Brantley Harvey, Jr., Esquire, Harvey & Battey, PA
Opinion asking whether a “Chess Challenge” video gaming machine determined to be illegal per se.
Opinion concerning storage fees for impounded vehicles.
Requested by: Kathryn Deogburn, Charleston County Summary Clerk of Court, Summary Courts Administration
Opinion requesting we review a prior opinion issued on October 4, 2001. Specifically, concerning the relationship of building codes and requirements for licensure for day care facilities.
Requested by: Robert O. Polk, CFPS, State Fire Marshal, South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Division of Fire and Life Safety
Opinion concerning the recent amendments to S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-310. Specifically, clarification and guidance on this matter so that all the counties collect the proper fee on a uniform basis.
Requested by: Barbara J. Hahn, Administrative Assistant, Horry County Register of Deeds Office
Opinion asking “whether the St. Andrews Public Service District Commission, a local government employer, is barred or prohibited under any provision of the South Carolina Code Ann. from deducting association membership dues from an employee’s wages where the employee voluntarily requests such a deduction from his/her paycheck.”
Requested by: Paul Kemp, Commissioner, St. Andrews Public Service District Commission
Requested by: Chief W. M. Roth, Lexington Police Department
Opinion questioning: “can [the Cherokee Springs Fire District] put blue lights on our fire units?”
Requested by: Patrick S. Murray, Fire Chief, Cherokee Springs Fire District
Opinion asking for the clarification between an opinion by the County Attorney and another by an individual Attorney for the Planning Commission. These opinions are regarding the Applicability of Horry County Ordinance 20-01 to the July 1, 2002 Reappointment of Planning Commission Members.
Requested by: The Honorable William David Witherspoon, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion following-up to correspondence dated May 23, 2002, and April 10, 2002, concerning certificates of authorization in order to practice land surveying in South Carolina.
Requested by: Mr. Charles O’Quinn, Forester and Land Surveyor, Inc.
Opinion regarding the scope of S.C. Code Ann. § 23-1-225. Specifically, “[d]oes the section allow for retirees to retain their assigned weapon alone? … [and] … are the rights and privileges in retired status the same as with other retirees?”
Requested by: Mr. William Kelly, Jr., South Carolina Forestry Commission
Opinion requesting that this Office “issue an opinion as to whether or not Act [A]178 of 2002 is preempted by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.).”
Requested by: Buford S. Mabry, Jr., Chief Counsel, SC Department of Natural Resources
Opinion asking whether the Tourism Review Committee “has oversight authority over certain Accommodations Tax disbursements as outlined under Chapter 4 of Title 6.”
Requested by: Frans N. Mustert, Chairman, Tourism Expenditure Review Committee
Requested by: A. G. Solomons, Jr., Esquire
Opinion requesting as to whether the Education Oversight Committee must give prior consent to standards and assessments adopted by the State Board of Education under S.C. Code Ann. § 59-18-320(D)(Supp. 2001) of the Education Accountability Act.
Requested by: The Honorable Mike Fair, Member, South Carolina Senate, The Honorable Thomas G. Keegan, Member, South Carolina House of Representatives, The Honorable William C. Mescher, Chairman, Senate General Committee
Opinion questioning “If Jasper County owns the equipment that the fire district uses, should Jasper County be in control of how it is operated?”
Requested by: Mike Hodges, Director, Jasper County Emergency Services
Opinion concerning a law enforcement officer’s discretion when determining whether to arrest pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §16-25-70(B) in light of the fact that such section uses the phrase “must arrest.” You wish to know whether a police officer retains discretion in carrying out his or her duties pursuant to such section.
Requested by: The Honorable Rebecca Meacham-Richardson, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion requesting that this Office “review and give an opinion as to whether Newberry County Council is encroaching on others’ rights?’
Opinion asking whether one serving on three separate boards would be dual office holding under the South Carolina Constitution.
Requested by: Greg Ohanesian, Esquire
Opinion questioning whether “South Carolina Wildlife, particularly deer, belong to all citizens of our state, and, therefore must be permitted to roam free without being impounded by fences over which they are unable to jump?”
Requested by: The Honorable John Drummond, Senator, District No. 10, The Honorable Arthur Ravenel, Jr., Senator, District No. 34, The Honorable Glenn McConnell, Senator, District No. 41, The Honorable Phil Leventis, Senator, District No. 35, The Honorable John Kuhn, Senator, District No. 43, The Honorable Robert Waldrep, Senator, District No. 3, The Honorable John Courson, Senator, District No. 20
Opinion asking whether it is legal for me as an elected official to pay bonuses to my employees in order to remunerate them for additional duties they perform as public employees, which duties are not part of their County job descriptions; and Can I, as Coroner, or Nurses who are employed by me and serve as Deputy Coroners, receive payments for articles we write for nursing magazines on the topic of forensic nursing if these articles are written outside of work, at times when we are not working for the County.
Requested by: The Honorable Susan J. Chewning, Coroner, Charleston County
Opinion questioning the procedure the Anderson County Legislative Delegation may follow in its appointment of board members of public service districts pursuant to §§ 33-36-1310, et seq., specifically the procedures outlined in §33-36-1330(A).
Opinion indicating that the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office has enacted a program known as the “Pawn Shop Buy Back Program.”
Requested by: Sergeant Doug Smith, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office
Opinion noting that you are considering running for County Council of Colleton County.
Requested by: Reverend Evon Robinson, Chairman, Colleton County School Board
Opinion asking whether a member of a local tourism advisory committee also may serve on the State Tourism Expenditure Review Committee without violating the dual office holding provision of the South Carolina Constitution.
Opinion reviewing a request for an opinion received from one of your constituents.
Opinion interpreting § 14-23-1040 of the South Carolina Code.
Requested by: Helen Ann S. Thrower, Staff Counsel, Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, South Carolina House of Representatives
Opinion asking “can attorneys be paid through a nonprofit organization to provide legal services to clients the organization serves?” Specifically, if S.C. Code Ann. §40-5-320, which prohibits a corporation from practicing law.
Requested by: The Honorable J. G. McGee, III, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion concerning “[t]he Medical University if South Carolina (MUSC) as to its responsibilities for the present Area Health Consortium (AHEC) and its various programs.” Specifically, is MUSC legally responsible for funds appropriated by the Legislature for the benefit of AHEC which through MUSC, the programs and activities of AHEC, and its obligations or responsibilities for the oversight of other AHEC activities in assuring that the organization complies with its stated mission and goal.”
Opinion asking whether the Senior Planner of Mt. Pleasant holds an office for dual office holding purposes.
Opinion concerning the legality of a particular video game machine. Specifically, a game ‘Chess Challenge’ and they assume and are convinced that is perfectly legal…”
Opinion on whether 25A S.C. Code Ann. Regulation 61-84, Section 2301.G constitutes discrimination against the disabled in violation of the federal Air Housing Act and the S.C. Carolina Fair Housing Law. Requested by Carlisle Roberts, Jr., General Counsel, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Read full opinion.
Opinion concerning the constitutionality of a particular exemption from collection of the sales tax. Specifically, if state law allows a sales tax exemption for non-profit corporations which sale religious materials is unconstitutional.
Opinion concerning the interpretation of S.C. Code Ann. Section 14-17-210 which gives the Clerk of Court control of the Courthouse. Specifcally, if the Clerk’s authority applies “to the Circuit Court courtroom, petit jury room, etc., or could it be the entire courthouse?”
Requested by: The Honorable Harriett S. Pierce, Probate Judge, Kershaw County
Opinion concerning the territorial jurisdiction of a municipal court. Specifically, the Town of Fort Law and the County of Chester are in the process of passing an ordinance to give the Fort Lawn Police Department Jurisdiction up to 3 miles outside the City limits.
Opinion asking whether one who holds the position of Director of Planning and Development for the Town of Mt. Pleasant and wished to serve on the Awandaw Town Council would be dual office holding.
Opinion concerning “…elected officials playing the lottery or gambling outside of the State of South Carolina.”
Requested by: The Honorable George Addison, Mayor, Town of Cottageville
Opinion concerning S.C. Code Ann. §6-11-1410 et seq.. Emergency Powers of Fire Districts. Specifically, in Spartanburg County as Emergency Organizations are in planning for the operation of a medical Transport Helicopter located in Greenville County and if only EMT-Paramedic personnel will be allowed to request the use of this helicopter.
Requested by: The Honorable Scott F. Talley, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion asking whether the General Assembly may, by statute, authorize South Carolina’s participation in multi-state lottery games.
Requested by: The Honorable Michael E. Easterday, Member, House of Representatives; The Honorable Dwight A. Loftis, Member, House of Representatives; The Honorable Robert W. Leach, Member, House of Representatives; The Honorable Glenn L. Hamilton, Member, House of Representatives; The Honorable Lewis R. Vaughn, Member, House of Representatives
Opinion “…regarding proposed legislative changes to the statute of the South Carolina for Minority Affairs.” Specifically, “…requesting an opinion regarding adding language to our statute that authorizes our Board to issue ‘State Recognition’ to Native American organizations.”
Requested by: Janie A. Davis, Executive Director, South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs
Opinion regarding the legality of a “Customer Agreement” between DIRECTV, Inc. and a constituent. Specifically, when the “constituent received…the…agreement in the mail several months ago…[and the]…document appears to change the terms of the agreement without requiring the constituent to sign a new contract .”
Febuary 28, 2002
Opinion asking if the language added to the 2001 amendment to S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-250 applies only to machine guns and military firearms or whether it also applies to sawed-off shotguns and rifles.
Requested by: Mr. David C. Lieberman, Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
Opinion concerning the application of the Administrative Procedures Act as it related to proposed regulations of a state agency. Specifically, whether regulations promulgated by a state agency containing substantive changes that were not “considered or discussed by pubic comment,” are required to be “refilled” and “processed as a new regulation.”
Opinion on whether the display of the words “In God We Trust” in public schools violates the federal Constitution’s Establishment of Religion Clause. Requested by The Honorable Daniel L. Tripp, Member, South Carolina House of Representatives. Read full opinion.
Opinion regarding the South Carolina Local Government Development Agreement Act.
Opinion concerning a regulation governing the operation of the State Farmers Markets which has been promulgated by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Opinion asking whether S. 793, the purpose of the Bill is to establish the 17th of September of each year as “Respect For Law Day” and require the public schools to create a curriculum towards that is constitutional.
Requested by: The Honorable John D. Hawkins, Member, South Carolina Senate
Opinion asking if the Mayor the City of Spartanburg can simultaneously sever as Mayor of Spartanburg and as a member of the Education Oversight Committee violates the South Carolina’s Constitution prohibition against dual office holding.
Requested by: Jo Anne Anderson, Executive Director, Education Oversight Committee
Attorney General Alan Wilson announces drug and gang indictments against 15 people
(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – March 21, 2018 – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today State Grand Jury drug trafficking and criminal gang-related indictments of three people in Richland County on drug, gun, and money laundering offenses, and the indictments of 15 people in Lexington County on drug trafficking charges. Three of those 15 are the ones indicted in Richland County. The indictments allege that a criminal gang known as the “Paid Family” is responsible for the crimes. “The allegations in these indictments describe an armed gang that carried out a long-running conspiracy which brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars,”…