Bills & Legislation

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND THE IMPOSITION OF THE USER FEE ON GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL AND THE IMPOSITION OF THE ROAD TAX FOR NINETY DAYS.

Motor fuel user fee suspension

Stephen D. FrankRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-73-10, RELATING TO THE LIABILITY OF A SELLER FOR SELLING A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 15-73-30, RELATING TO THE INTENT OF CHAPTER 73 CONCERNING THE LIABILITY OF A SELLER FOR SELLING A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, SO AS TO PROVIDE LIMITATIONS ON THE LIABILITY OF A DISTRIBUTOR, WHOLESALER, DEALER, RETAILER, OR SELLER OF A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.

Product Liability

Heath SessionsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "CHILD FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ACT" BY ADDING ARTICLE 25 TO CHAPTER 17, TITLE 63 SO AS TO CREATE A CIVIL PROCESS TO PETITION THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR AN ORDER REQUIRING A PERSON WHO CAUSES THE DEATH OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A MINOR CHILD TO PAY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUPPORT OF THE CHILD, WITH EXCEPTIONS, TO REQUIRE AN EVIDENTIARY HEARING AND THE CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN FACTORS AS PART OF DETERMINING APPROPRIATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 17-25-322, RELATING TO RESTITUTION FOR CRIME VICTIMS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Child Financial Assistance Act

Justin T. BambergDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM UNLESS THE PERSON HAS REGISTERED AS BEING A MEMBER OF THAT PARTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-110, RELATING TO REGISTRATION IN ORDER TO VOTE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM UNLESS THE PERSON HAS REGISTERED AS BEING A MEMBER OF THAT POLITICAL PARTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-170, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE REQUIREMENT OF STATING POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION, IF ANY, ON THE FORM AND INCLUDING IT IN THE OATH, AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO ASSIST IN CAPTURING THIS DATA; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-9-20, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE, AS A REQUIREMENT, REGISTERING AS A MEMBER OF THE PARTY AND TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION OR NONAFFILIATION AFTER A SELECTION HAS BEEN MADE.

Closed primaries

Joseph S. "Joe" WhiteRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 23 TO TITLE 63 SO AS TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS AFFIRMING AND PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND LOVED ONES TO BE PRESENT WHEN THEIR CHILD IS UNDERGOING A MEDICAL PROCEDURE OR RECEIVING DRIVING INSTRUCTION, TO ALLOW PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER, TO CREATE A CIVIL RIGHT OF ACTION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Parental Rights

Donald Ryan McCabe, Jr.Republican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CONNER BEAUDIN, A SENIOR AT JAMES F.

Connor Beaudin 2026 state boys wrestling champion

Robert J. "Rob" HarrisRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE DORCHESTER ACADEMY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON WINNING THE SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Dorchester Academy Girls Basketball Champs

Robby RobbinsRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE ROBERT EUGENE RYGGS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE DEPARTMENT, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR A SATISFYING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.

Robert Eugene Ryggs, retirement

Brandon NewtonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE THE CHESNEE HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITIVE CHEER SQUAD, ITS COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A STELLAR SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON WINNING THE 2025 CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Chesnee HS cheer champs

M. Brian LawsonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE CHESNEE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AA-A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Chesnee HS girls golf team

M. Brian LawsonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JENNA HUGGINS OF MOUNT PLEASANT FOR HER OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING CHILDREN'S HEALTH IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO COMMEND HER FOR HER DEDICATION TO MAKING A MEANINGFUL IMPACT IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE PALMETTO STATE.

Jenna Huggins

Leonidas E. "Leon" StavrinakisDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM RAKIN "KEEM" SINGLETON OF JAMES ISLAND AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

William Rakin Singleton

Elizabeth "Spencer" WetmoreDemocrat

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE THE OCEANSIDE COLLEGIATE ACADEMY BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON WINNING THE 2025 SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE CLASS AAAA BOYS VOLLEYBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

Oceanside Collegiate Boys Volleyball Champs

Kathy LandingRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE RIVER BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL CHESS TEAM AND SPONSORS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON WINNING THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOLASTIC CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP.

River Bluff High School chess team State Champions

Chris WootenRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SPENCER EDWARD PRICE OF LEXINGTON COUNTY FOR HIS NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON ACHIEVING THE PRESTIGIOUS RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT, THE HIGHEST AWARD IN SCOUTING.

Spencer Price Eagle Scout

Micajah P. "Micah" Caskey IVRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO SALUTE THE PINEVIEW 6U ROOKIE BALL ALL-STAR BASEBALL TEAM AND COACHES FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON CAPTURING THE 2025 DIAMOND YOUTH WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Pineview 6U rookie ball All-Star champs

Micajah P. "Micah" Caskey IVRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 13-1-1790 SO AS TO CREATE THE "SOUTH CAROLINA HEADQUARTERS RELOCATION AND GROWTH FUND" TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO QUALIFYING BUSINESSES THAT ESTABLISH OR EXPAND CERTAIN HEADQUARTERS IN THIS STATE.

Headquarters Relocation and Growth Fund

Bruce W. BannisterRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-14930, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES REFLECTIVE OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ARMED FORCES SURVIVING SPOUSE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

Armed Forces Surviving Spouse License Plates

Kambrell H. GarvinDemocrat

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 15 TO CHAPTER 19, TITLE 50 SO AS TO PROHIBIT FISHING ON THE J.

Fishing

Phillip D. LoweRepublican

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROHIBIT AN INCREASE IN RATES FOR ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS FOR ONE YEAR AND TO ALLOW A DECREASE IN THESE RATES DURING THIS PERIOD.

Electricity & Natural Gas Rates

Leonidas E. "Leon" StavrinakisDemocrat

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND THE IMPOSITION OF THE USER FEE ON GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL AND THE IMPOSITION OF THE ROAD TAX FOR NINETY DAYS.

Motor fuel user fee suspension

Leonidas E. "Leon" StavrinakisDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM CHATBOTS ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 81 TO TITLE 39 SO AS TO DEFINE TERMS RELATED TO CHAT BOT USAGE; TO PROVIDE THAT A COVERED ENTITY SHALL MAKE A LIMITED-ACCESS MODE OF A CHATBOT AVAILABLE AND VERIFY THE USER'S AGE; TO PROVIDE THAT IF A PARENT PROVIDES CONSENT, THEN A MINOR SHALL BE ABLE TO USE A CHATBOT IN LIMITED-ACCESS MODE OR ACCESS RESTRICTED FEATURES; TO PROHIBIT A COVERED ENTITY FROM PRIORITIZING ENGAGEMENT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE USER'S WELLBEING; TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES TO REPORT INCIDENTS OF HARM THAT A CHATBOT INFLICTS ON A MINOR; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT.

Protecting Children from Chatbots

Brandon GuffeyRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF GREGORY GEORGE ANDERSON OF FOLLY BEACH AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Gregory Anderson sympathy

Elizabeth "Spencer" WetmoreDemocrat

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2025-2026 DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR UPON BEING SELECTED TO REPRESENT THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO CHILDREN, AND TO WISH THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.

District Teachers of the Year

Shannon S. EricksonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE W.

W. Wyman King Academy football champs

Cally R. "Cal" Forrest, Jr.Republican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE COOLEY GROUP FOR THEIR CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO SUSTAINABLY MEET THE NEEDS OF CUSTOMERS WORLDWIDE AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM UPON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY.

Cooley Group 100th Anniversary

Brandon NewtonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR.

Dr. Richard J. Gough

Shannon S. EricksonRepublican

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND THANK THE MT.

Mt. Ariel Chapter of DAR

John R. McCravy IIIRepublican

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CELEBRATE THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE, HISTORY, AND ENDURING CONTRIBUTIONS OF CAMBODIAN AMERICANS AND TO DECLARE APRIL 2026 CAMBODIAN HERITAGE MONTH IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Cambodian Heritage Month

James E. TeepleRepublican

AN ACT TO REPEAL ACT 989 OF 1948 RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE FLORENCE MEMORIAL STADIUM COMMISSION.

Florence Memorial Stadium Commission

Wallace H. "Jay" Jordan, Jr.Republican

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 8-11-150 AND 8-11-155, BOTH RELATING TO PAID PARENTAL LEAVE, SO AS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "ELIGIBLE STATE EMPLOYEE" AND TO INCREASE CERTAIN PAID PARENTAL LEAVE.

Paid Family Leave Eligible State Employee

Darrell JacksonDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 12-39-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE ELIGIBLE TO HOLD THE OFFICE OF COUNTY AUDITOR.

County Auditor Qualifications

Margie Bright MatthewsDemocrat

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-80-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIREFIGHTERS EMPLOYMENT AND REGISTRATION ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "FIRE DEPARTMENT"; BY AMENDING SECTION 40-80-40, RELATING TO FIREFIGHTER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CLARIFICATION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-80-50, RELATING TO FIREFIGHTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIRED FOR DOCUMENTATION MUST BE ISSUED BY THIS STATE.

Firefighter registration requirements

Michael W. GambrellRepublican

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MAKE APPLICATION BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION FOR A CONVENTION OF THE STATES TO BE CALLED, RESTRICTED TO PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO SET A LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF TERMS THAT A PERSON MAY BE ELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND TO SET A LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF TERMS THAT A PERSON MAY BE ELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE.

Convention of the States

Rex F. RiceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 27-13-30, RELATING TO THE LIMITATION ON OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL OF LAND IN THIS STATE BY ALIENS OR CORPORATIONS OWNED BY ALIENS, SO AS TO REDUCE THE LIMITATION TO ONE THOUSAND ACRES.

Limitation on alien land ownership

Rex F. RiceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 9-1-1790 AND 9-11-90, RELATING TO THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION THAT MAY BE EARNED UPON RETURNING TO COVERED EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM, RESPECTIVELY, SO AS TO CHANGE THE AMOUNT THAT MAY BE EARNED FROM TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS TO AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE LOWER OF THE RETIREMENT EARNINGS TEST EXEMPT AMOUNTS FOR INDIVIDUALS BELOW NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE.

Retirement earning limitations

Rex F. RiceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "TAX CREDITS FOR PARENTAL CHOICE IN EDUCATION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3830 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WHO CHOOSES TO EDUCATE HIS CHILD OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

Income tax credit

Rex F. RiceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM UNLESS THE PERSON HAS REGISTERED AS BEING A MEMBER OF THAT POLITICAL PARTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-110, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF REGISTRATION IN ORDER TO VOTE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM UNLESS THE PERSON HAS REGISTERED AS A MEMBER OF THAT POLITICAL PARTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-170, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE A STATEMENT OF POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION, IF ANY, ON THE FORM AND INCLUSION IN THE OATH, AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION TO ASSIST IN CAPTURING THIS DATA; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-9-20, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING IN PRIMARY ELECTIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE REGISTRATION AS A MEMBER OF THE POLITICAL PARTY, AND TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION OR NONAFFILIATION AFTER A SELECTION HAS BEEN MADE.

Primaries

Rex F. RiceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "HELP FIND THE MISSING ACT"; AND BY ADDING SECTION 23-1-260 SO AS TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS, PROVIDE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN CORONERS OR MEDICAL EXAMINERS MUST REFER DECEDENTS' BODIES FOR EXAMINATION TO SLED'S FORENSIC SERVICES LABORATORY WHICH MUST RETAIN AND FURNISH CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE PERSONS TO THE NATIONAL MISSING AND UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS SYSTEM, TO REQUIRE THE COLLECTION OF DENTAL RECORDS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OF PERSONS WHO ARE SUBJECTS OF MISSING PERSONS REPORTS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPORTING OF MISSING PERSONS IN CERTAIN DATABASES, TO REQUIRE SLED TO ADOPT RULES RELATING TO THE DISSEMINATION OF MISSING PERSONS' RECORDS, TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES MAY NOT ESTABLISH OR MAINTAIN POLICIES WHICH REQUIRE A WAITING PERIOD BEFORE ACCEPTING AND INVESTIGATING MISSING CHILD REPORTS AND MUST ENTER THE REPORTS INTO THE NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION CENTER, TO PROVIDE WHEN MISSING PERSONS ARE FOUND, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES MUST INFORM SLED AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE THAT THE PERSONS HAVE BEEN FOUND, TO PROVIDE THIS SECTION DOES NOT PROHIBIT CERTAIN AGENCIES AND PERSONS FROM MAINTAINING CASE FILES RELATED TO MISSING CITIZENS OR UNIDENTIFIED BODIES, AND TO PROVIDE SLED SHALL PERFORM ANNUALLY A COMPLIANCE REVIEW OF THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION.

Missing Persons

Rex F. RiceRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-110, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT PERSONS MUST REGISTER IN ORDER TO VOTE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON MAY NOT VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR A PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM UNLESS REGISTERED AS A MEMBER OF THAT POLITICAL PARTY; BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-115 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY AN ELECTOR REGISTERED AS A MEMBER OF A CERTIFIED POLITICAL PARTY MAY VOTE IN A PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION OR A PARTISAN ADVISORY REFERENDUM, AND TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-170, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SELECTION OF A POLITICAL PARTY ON A VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-9-20, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR PARTY MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING IN PRIMARY ELECTION, SO AS TO PROVIDE CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP IN A CERTIFIED POLITICAL PARTY; AND TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE DATES.

Single Party Primary

Richard J. CashRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-340 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT UPON REQUEST OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, A WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER SHALL PROVIDE CALL LOCATION INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE OF THE USER TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IN ORDER TO RESPOND TO A CALL FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES OR IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION THAT INVOLVES THE RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL HARM, TO PROVIDE A CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ACTION MAY NOT BE BROUGHT AGAINST A WIRELESS SERVICE PROVIDER UNDER THIS SECTION UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO PROVIDE SLED SHALL OBTAIN CONTACT INFORMATION FROM WIRELESS SERVICE PROVIDERS TO FACILITATE A REQUEST FROM A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

Telecommunication Location Information

Brian AdamsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "GUARDIANS OF OUR SCHOOLS ACT"; BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 66, TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR, THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF PUBLIC K-12 SCHOOLS MAY DESIGNATE EMPLOYEES AS SCHOOL GUARDIANS TO PROVIDE ARMED PROTECTION AND OTHER RELATED PUBLIC SAFETY FUNCTIONS ON THEIR CAMPUSES, TO DEFINE RELATED TERMINOLOGY, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED REQUIREMENTS; BY ADDING SECTION 23-23-112 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNCIL MUST DEVELOP A TRAINING PROGRAM AND GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL GUARDIANS THAT MUST BE OFFERED BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-23-420, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PROHIBITION ON POSSESSION OF FIREARM ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, SO AS TO EXEMPT SCHOOL GUARDIANS.

School Safety

Brian AdamsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-605 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, TO DEFINE TERMS PERTAINING TO THIS OFFENSE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-610, RELATING TO CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED WITH A CARRIED OR CONCEALED DEADLY WEAPON, SO AS TO INCLUDE RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 17-15-55, RELATING TO RECONSIDERATION BY CIRCUIT COURT OF BOND SET BY SUMMARY COURT AND SUBSEQUENT VIOLENT OFFENDERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE BOND FOR THE OFFENSE OF RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT TO BE HELD IN CIRCUIT COURT IF THE OFFENSE WAS COMMITTED BY A PERSON ALREADY OUT ON BOND FOR A PREVIOUS VIOLENT OFFENSE, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT OFFENSE, OR ANY FELONY OFFENSE INVOLVING A FIREARM.

Reckless Endangerment

Brian AdamsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 9-11-90, RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF RESTORING BENEFICIARY TO SERVICE, SO AS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF TIME A BENEFICIARY MUST BE RETIRED BEFORE RETURNING TO WORK FROM THIRTY TO NINETY DAYS AND TO REMOVE THE EARNINGS LIMITATION.

Police Officer Retirement System

Brian AdamsRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-40(B), RELATING TO SAFE HAVEN FOR ABANDONED BABIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SAFE HAVEN MUST OFFER THE PERSON LEAVING THE INFANT INFORMATION PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNING THE LEGAL EFFECT OF LEAVING THE INFANT WITH THE SAFE HAVEN; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(A), RELATING TO PERMANENCY PLANNING, SO AS TO DECREASE THE TIME IN WHICH A PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING MUST BE HELD FROM NO LATER THAN ONE YEAR TO NO LATER THAN NINE MONTHS AFTER THE CHILD IS FIRST PLACED IN FOSTER CARE; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(E), RELATING TO THE FILING OF A PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE COURT A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND REPORT REGARDING THE CHILD WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF THE FILING OF A PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(F) AND SECTION 63-7-1700(H), RELATING TO AN EXTENSION FOR REUNIFICATION, SO AS TO DECREASE THE TIME IN WHICH AN EXTENSION MAY BE GRANTED FOR REUNIFICATION EFFORTS FROM EIGHTEEN MONTHS TO FIFTEEN MONTHS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700(I), RELATING TO PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARINGS, BY PROVIDING THAT A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING MAY SERVE AS THE NEXT PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING ONLY IF IT IS HELD NO LATER THAN NINE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE PREVIOUS PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING, AND SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERMANENCY PLANNING HEARING MUST BE HELD QUARTERLY INSTEAD OF ANNUALLY AFTER THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1710, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO COMPLETE AND FILE WITH THE COURT A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND REPORT REGARDING THE CHILD WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OF THE FILING OF A PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2550, RELATING TO SERVICE OF PETITION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN UNMARRIED BIOLOGICAL FATHER MUST RECEIVE SERVICE OF A TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-2570, RELATING TO GROUNDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN FINDING THAT TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF A CHILD, THE COURT MUST FIND THAT THE HOME OF THE CHILD'S PARENTS IS NOT SAFE FOR THE RETURN OF THE CHILD AT THE TIME OF THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-730, RELATING TO NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF NOTICE OF AN ADOPTION PROCEEDING CANNOT BE EFFECTED BY PERSONAL SERVICE, THEN NOTICE MAY BE GIVEN BY PUBLICATION OF THE SUMMONS IN WHICH THE REQUESTED RELIEF OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, OR ADOPTION, OR BOTH, IS SET FORTH; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-760, RELATING TO THE EFFECT OF A FINAL ADOPTION DECREE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE FINAL DECREE IS NOT AFFECTED BY A POSTADOPTION AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BEFORE OR AFTER THE ADOPTION; BY ADDING SECTION 63-9-765, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR POSTADOPTION CONTACT AGREEMENTS TO BE ENFORCEABLE IF AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-820, RELATING TO THE PUTATIVE FATHER REGISTRY, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A REGISTRANT MUST INCLUDE ANY ALIASES WHEN HE REGISTERS; AND BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-3595, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A TAX CREDIT FOR ANY RESIDENT TAXPAYER THAT CLAIMS THE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED ADOPTION EXPENSES RELATED TO A DOMESTIC ADOPTION.

Adoption

Billy GarrettRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 24-3-180, RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION AND CLOTHES FOR DISCHARGED INMATES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE INMATE MUST BE PROVIDED WITH WRITTEN NOTICE THAT THE INMATE IS ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER TO VOTE AND INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE; BY ADDING SECTION 24-13-190 SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 24-21-280, RELATING TO THE DUTIES AND POWERS OF PROBATION AGENTS AND THE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE CRIMINAL LAWS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON CONVICTED OF A FELONY WHO, BY COMPLETING SUPERVISION, HAS COMPLETED ALL TERMS OF HIS SENTENCE MUST BE PROVIDED WITH THE CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION BOARD; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-120, RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AND PERSONS DISQUALIFIED FROM REGISTERING OR VOTING, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON FORMERLY DISQUALIFIED FROM VOTING MUST PROVIDE VERIFICATION AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION THAT HE HAS SERVED HIS SENTENCE.

Voting Rights Notification

Tameika Isaac DevineDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-23-170 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING COUNCIL DEVELOP A MODEL USE OF FORCE POLICY THAT MAY BE ADOPTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, TO MANDATE USE OF FORCE TRAINING AT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, TO PROVIDE THAT A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THAT DOES NOT IMPLEMENT A USE OF FORCE POLICY LOSES QUALIFIED IMMUNITY FOR ITS OFFICERS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN A DEPARTMENT THAT DOES NOT ADOPT AN APPROVED USE OF FORCE POLICY ARE NOT SUBJECT TO QUALIFIED IMMUNITY FOR ANY INCIDENT THAT OCCURS WHICH WOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MODEL USE OF FORCE POLICY.

Use of Force

Tameika Isaac DevineDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE, SO AS TO INCLUDE PERSONS WHO ARE OR WERE DATING TO THE LIST OF PERSONS DEFINED AS "HOUSEHOLD MEMBER"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-40, RELATING TO PETITIONS FOR AN ORDER OF PROTECTION, SO AS TO INCLUDE A PARENT, GUARDIAN, LEGAL COUNSEL, OR OTHER APPROPRIATE ADULT AS A PERSON WHO CAN PETITION ON BEHALF OF MINORS IN THE PERSON'S HOUSEHOLD.

Household Member & Dating Relationship

Tameika Isaac DevineDemocrat