PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XVII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS, BY ADDING SECTION 7C SO AS TO ALLOW THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY LAW TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, ADMINISTRATION, AND REGULATION OF CASINO GAMBLING, LIMITED TO ONE CASINO IN EACH FIVE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THIS STATE, AND TO ALLOW THE ENACTMENT OF SPECIAL LEGISLATION, INCLUDING CRIMINAL LAWS, APPLICABLE ONLY IN THESE LOCATIONS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1. It is proposed that Article XVII of the Constitution of this State be amended by adding:

"SECTION 7C.    The General Assembly by law may provide for the establishment, administration, and regulation of casino gambling in this State limited to one casino in each of five locations as follows:

(1)    in or near the vicinity of the City of Myrtle Beach in Horry County;

(2)    in or near the vicinity of the Town of Santee in Orangeburg County;

(3)    in or near the vicinity of the City of Charleston in Charleston County;

(4)    in or near the vicinity of the City of Columbia in Richland and Lexington counties; and

(5)    in a location convenient to both Greenville and Spartanburg counties.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14, Article VIII or any other provision of this Constitution, the General Assembly in establishing the specific locations provided, may alter the application of the criminal laws of this State or any of its political subdivisions and the penalties and sanctions for violations in these locations and may enact special legislation, including criminal laws, relating to or arising from casino operations, and applicable only in these locations."

SECTION    2.    The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives. Ballots must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballot:

"Must Article XVII of the Constitution of this State be amended by adding SECTION 7C so as to provide that the General Assembly by law may provide for the establishment, administration, and regulation of casino gambling in this State limited to one casino in each of five specific locations throughout this State and to allow the enactment of special legislation, including criminal laws, relating to or arising from casino operations and applicable only in these locations?

Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'No'."