All Roll Calls
Yes: 195 • No: 0
South CarolinaS 0823126th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTIONS 63-7-2630 AND 63-9-765 SO AS TO REQUIRE FAMILY COURTS TO CONSIDER THE APPROPRIATENESS OF NO CONTACT ORDERS OR SUPERVISED CONTACT ORDERS WHEN TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS OR FINALIZING ADOPTIONS; TO AUTHORIZE THESE ORDERS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Sponsored By: Mike Reichenbach (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Child Welfare
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Courts must weigh contact limits for kids
Starting May 18, 2026, when ending parental rights or finalizing an adoption, the court considers no-contact or supervised contact to protect the child. The court can add these limits in the final order and must state why if it decides none are needed. It looks at violence, abuse reports, the child’s age and wishes, the relationship, and effects on safety and attachment. Any party or the court can raise the issue. If asked, parties who know of incident reports, arrests, convictions, or a recent indicated abuse or neglect case must tell the court.
How contact orders last and get enforced
Starting May 18, 2026, a no-contact or supervised-contact order lasts until the child turns 18, unless the court changes it sooner. The order restrains the named adult, not the child. The child is not punished for starting contact. The court can enforce violations with civil contempt and can refer serious cases to police. Even if the court changes or ends an order, adoptive parents or caregivers can still refuse contact.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Mike Reichenbach
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Tameika Isaac Devine
Democrat • Senate
Brad Hutto
Democrat • Senate
Overture Walker
Democrat • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/13/2026
(Child Welfare)Passage of Bill
Yes: 115 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/24/2026
(Child Welfare)3rd Reading
Yes: 40 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/17/2026
(Child Welfare)2nd Reading
Yes: 40 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective date 05/18/26
6/5/2026legislatureAct No. 196
6/2/2026legislatureSigned By Governor
5/18/2026GovernorRatified R 232
5/15/2026legislatureRead third time and enrolled
5/14/2026HouseRoll call Yeas-115 Nays-0
5/13/2026HouseRead second time
5/13/2026HouseDebate adjourned
5/12/2026HouseCommittee report: Favorable Judiciary
5/6/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Judiciary
3/26/2026HouseIntroduced and read first time
3/26/2026HouseRoll call Ayes-40 Nays-0
3/24/2026SenateRead third time and sent to House
3/24/2026SenateAmended
3/24/2026SenateRoll call Ayes-40 Nays-0
3/17/2026SenateRead second time
3/17/2026SenateCommittee Amendment Adopted
3/17/2026SenateCommittee report: Favorable with amendment Judiciary
3/11/2026SenateScrivener's error corrected
1/22/2026legislatureReferred to Committee on Judiciary
1/15/2026SenateIntroduced and read first time
1/15/2026Senate
Bill Text
Introduced
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