Bills & Legislation

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-17-470, RELATING TO THE CRIMES OF EAVESDROPPING, PEEPING, AND VOYEURISM, SO AS TO INCORPORATE THE REALISTIC BUT FALSE IMAGES, RECORDINGS, OR DIGITAL ELECTRONIC FILES CREATED OR ALTERED USING GENERATIVE ADVERSARIAL NETWORK TECHNIQUES OR OTHER DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY, TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, TO REQUIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO DESTROY ITEMS WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED AS EVIDENCE, AND TO REQUIRE NOTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL VICTIMS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.

Eavesdropping, Peeping, and Voyeurism

Brandon GuffeyRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-5-130, RELATING TO CORONER QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO REVISE CORONER QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRE A FINGERPRINT AND BACKGROUND CHECK OF CORONERS BEFORE THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Coroner Qualifications

Wm. Weston J. NewtonRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-23-430, RELATING TO HEARINGS ON A PERSON'S FITNESS TO STAND TRIAL, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE CIRCUIT COURT TO ORDER INPATIENT TREATMENT OF PERSONS DETERMINED UNFIT TO STAND TRIAL IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Fitness to Stand Trial

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-605 SO AS TO CREATE AN ENHANCED PENALTY FOR ASSAULT AND BATTERY CONVICTIONS AGAINST AN EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONAL OR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DURING THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES.

Assault and Battery, enhanced penalties regarding certain victims

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-1-60, RELATING TO OFFENSES DEFINED AS VIOLENT CRIMES, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE OFFENSE OF DISCHARGING, OR CAUSING TO BE DISCHARGED, FIREARMS AT OR INTO A DWELLING HOUSE, OTHER BUILDING, STRUCTURE, OR ENCLOSURE REGULARLY OCCUPIED BY PERSONS.

Violent Crimes, discharging firearms into dwellings

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1700, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS REGARDING HARASSMENT AND STALKING OFFENSES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "PATTERN" TO INCLUDE INCIDENCES IN WHICH ONE ACT IS COMMITTED AGAINST ONE VICTIM AND ANOTHER ACT IS COMMITTED AGAINST ANOTHER VICTIM EQUALING TWO ACTS SIMILAR IN NATURE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1710, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR CONVICTIONS OF HARASSMENT IN THE SECOND DEGREE, BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1720, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR CONVICTIONS OF HARASSMENT IN THE FIRST DEGREE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-1730, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR CONVICTIONS OF STALKING, ALL SO AS TO REMOVE THE TEN-YEAR RESTRICTION FOR PRIOR OFFENSES AND PROVIDE THAT PROVISIONS REGARDING RESTRAINING ORDERS APPLY NO MATTER THE VICTIM.

Harassment and Stalking

Chris WootenRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-65 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR THE OFFENSE.

Reckless endangerment

Chris WootenRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-15-260 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL DISSEMINATION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIALS.

Unlawful dissemination of sexually explicit materials

Chris WootenRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-17-485 SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "TRACKING DEVICE", TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL TRACKING, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY, AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.

Unlawful Tracking

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 17-23-168 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A COURTESY SUMMONS MUST BE ISSUED WHEN CHARGES ARE DISMISSED OR NOL PROSSED AFTER A PRELIMINARY HEARING WHEN A DEFENDANT IS SUBSEQUENTLY INDICTED BY A LOCAL OR STATE GRAND JURY FOR THE ORIGINAL OR SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR CHARGE OR CHARGES.

Courtesy Summons

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-13-20 SO AS TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF INTENTIONALLY IMPERSONATING ANOTHER PERSON THROUGH THE USE OF EMAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA, OR OTHER INTERNET WEBSITE, TO PROVIDE A PENALTY, AND TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS.

Impersonating a person by certain means

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-7-335 SO AS TO REQUIRE CIRCUIT SOLICITORS TO PREPARE COST-ANALYSIS SENTENCING REPORTS REGARDING SENTENCING RECOMMENDATIONS PRIOR TO SENTENCING OF OFFENDERS CONVICTED OF OR WHO PLEAD GUILTY TO GENERAL SESSIONS COURT OFFENSES, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, PAROLE AND PARDON SERVICES SHALL PROVIDE THE CURRENT COSTS OF INCARCERATION AND PROBATION AND COMMUNITY SUPERVISION TO THE PROSECUTION COORDINATION COMMISSION, RESPECTIVELY, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROSECUTION COORDINATION COMMISSION SHALL PROVIDE THE UPDATED COSTS TO EACH CIRCUIT SOLICITOR WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME FRAME.

Cost-analysis sentencing reports

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-11-450, RELATING TO IMMUNITY FROM CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AND CIVIL ACTIONS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES FOR THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE AGAINST ANOTHER PERSON (STAND YOUR GROUND), SO AS TO PROVIDE THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON THE STATE TO PROVE THAT IMMUNITY IS INAPPLICABLE WHEN A DEFENDANT ASSERTS ENTITLEMENT TO IMMUNITY IN A PRETRIAL HEARING PURSUANT TO STAND YOUR GROUND PROVISIONS.

Stand Your Ground, burden of proof

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-5-535, RELATING TO PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS OF AN AUTOPSY, SO AS TO RESTRUCTURE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS OF AN AUTOPSY MAY BE DISSEMINATED.

Autopsy photographs

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-11-460 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN ORDER CONCERNING IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION PURSUANT TO THE PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY ACT IS IMMEDIATELY APPEALABLE AND TO PROVIDE THAT A DEFENDANT WHO DOES NOT APPEAL THE ORDER IMMEDIATELY MAY APPEAL THE DENIAL AFTER CONVICTION AND SENTENCING.

Immunity from prosecution

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-25-65, RELATING TO THE REDUCTION OF A SENTENCE FOR SUBSTANTIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE, SO AS TO ADD THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS ALSO AUTHORIZED TO FILE A MOTION UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECTION.

Substantial Assistance to the State

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-520, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND FORFEITURE PROCEDURES FOR PROPERTY SEIZED ACCORDINGLY, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPEDITED RETURN OF CERTAIN PROPERTY AND MONIES SEIZED WHEN FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS HAVE NOT BEEN INSTITUTED AND CHARGES HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF SEIZURE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE LAWFUL OWNER MAY NOT BE REQUIRED TO PROVE THAT THE PROPERTY OR MONIES SEIZED WERE LEGALLY ACQUIRED, TO PROHIBIT THE SEIZING AUTHORITY FROM REQUIRING A LAWFUL OWNER OF PROPERTY OR MONIES TO SIGN A RELEASE ABSOLVING THE SEIZING AUTHORITY FROM CIVIL LIABILITY RELATING TO AN UNLAWFUL SEIZURE BEFORE PROPERTY OR MONIES ARE RETURNED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT CRIMINAL CHARGES MAY BE BROUGHT AT A LATER DATE IF EVIDENCE WARRANTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-530, RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND FORFEITURE PROCEDURES FOR PROPERTY SEIZED ACCORDINGLY, SO AS TO ALLOW FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS TO BE HELD IN MAGISTRATES COURT IF THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY SEIZED DOES NOT EXCEED SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, CHANGE THE METHOD OF ALLOCATING VARIOUS ASSETS OBTAINED THROUGH DRUG FORFEITURES SO THAT AFTER THE FIRST ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS RETAINED BY THE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, THE REMAINING ASSETS MUST BE FORWARDED TO THE PROSECUTING AGENCY, AND MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES REFLECTING THE NEW DISTRIBUTION OF THESE ASSETS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-53-586, RELATING TO THE RETURN OF SEIZED ITEMS UNDER DRUG FORFEITURE LAWS TO INNOCENT OWNERS, SO AS TO ALLOW PROCEEDINGS TO BE HELD IN MAGISTRATES COURT IF THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY SEIZED DOES NOT EXCEED SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS.

Controlled substances, revised forfeiture procedures

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 22-3-545, RELATING TO TRANSFER OF CERTAIN CRIMINAL CASES FROM GENERAL SESSIONS COURT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CRIMINAL CASES IN WHICH THE PENALTY DOES NOT EXCEED THREE YEARS, RATHER THAN ONE YEAR, MAY BE TRANSFERRED FROM GENERAL SESSIONS COURT.

Transfer of cases from general sessions court

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 15-78-60, RELATING TO THE TORT CLAIMS ACT AND EXCEPTIONS TO WAIVER OF IMMUNITY, SO AS TO DELETE THE EXCEPTION FOR INSTITUTION OR PROSECUTION OF ANY JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDING.

Tort Claims Act

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

H 3071

Probate Judge qualifications

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-5-130, RELATING TO CORONER QUALIFICATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CANDIDATE FOR CORONER IN THIS STATE MUST BE A RESIDENT OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH HE SEEKS THE OFFICE OF CORONER AT THE TIME HE FILES FOR THE OFFICE OF CORONER RATHER THAN ONE YEAR BEFORE FILING.

Coroner qualifications

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 17-3-365 SO AS TO CREATE THE DIVISION OF STATEWIDE GRAND JURY DEFENSE WITHIN THE OFFICE OF INDIGENT DEFENSE AND PROVIDE FOR ITS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 17-3-5, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE DEFENSE OF INDIGENTS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE "DIVISION OF STATEWIDE GRAND JURY DEFENSE.

Commission on Indigent Defense, Division of Statewide Grand Jury Defense

J. Todd RutherfordDemocrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-3-130, RELATING TO ALIMONY, SO AS TO LIMIT THE AWARD OF PERIODIC ALIMONY TO MARRIAGES OF A CERTAIN DURATION.

Alimony

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-3-630, RELATING TO MARITAL AND NONMARITAL PROPERTY, SO AS TO REQUIRE FAMILY COURT APPROVAL OF POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS.

Postnuptial Agreements

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-3-620, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING AN ORDER OF THE FAMILY COURT, SO AS TO LIMIT THE AVAILABILITY OF IMPRISONMENT AS PUNISHMENT FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT.

Family Court

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-3-620, RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING AN ORDER OF THE FAMILY COURT, SO AS TO PROHIBIT IMPRISONMENT FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT.

Family Court

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-3-130, RELATING TO ALIMONY, SO AS TO ALLOW THE AWARD OF ALIMONY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN A PARTY COMMITS ADULTERY.

Alimony

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 63-3-835 SO AS TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS BY GUARDIANS AD LITEM IN PRIVATE ACTIONS BEFORE THE FAMILY COURT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Guardians ad Litem

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-3-830, RELATING TO RESPONSIBILITIES OF A GUARDIAN AD LITEM IN PRIVATE ACTIONS BEFORE THE FAMILY COURT, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM TO PROVIDE CERTAIN INFORMATION TO ATTORNEYS FOR THE PARTIES.

Guardians ad Litem

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-3-130, RELATING TO THE AWARD OF ALIMONY, SO AS TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN LIMITATIONS REGARDING THE AWARD OF ALIMONY.

Alimony

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 63-3-635 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE DISCOVERY AS A MATTER OF RIGHT IN CERTAIN FAMILY COURT CASES.

Family Court

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 63-3-820 AND 63-3-850, RELATING IN PART TO THE APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION OF AN ATTORNEY FOR A GUARDIAN AD LITEM, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE ATTORNEY'S FEE BE AUTHORIZED BY THE COURT.

Guardians ad Litem

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-15-220, RELATING TO PARENTING PLANS, SO AS TO CREATE A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD TO SPEND APPROXIMATELY AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF TIME WITH EACH PARENT WHEN BOTH PARENTS ARE WILLING, ABLE, AND FIT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-15-240, RELATING TO CHILD CUSTODY ORDERS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE COURT TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION CERTAIN FACTORS WHEN DETERMINING WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF A CHILD, TO REQUIRE THAT A CHILD CUSTODY ORDER INCLUDE FINDINGS OF FACT IF THE TIME-SHARING SCHEDULE DOES NOT ALLOCATE APPROXIMATELY EQUAL PARENTING TIME TO EACH PARENT, AND TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS TO MODIFY CHILD CUSTODY ORDERS.

Child Custody

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-63-145 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH TO ISSUE UPON RECEIPT OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTATION A CERTIFICATE OF FOREIGN BIRTH FOR A CHILD WITH UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP WHO IS BORN IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY TO A PARENT WHO IS A RESIDENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 44-63-140, RELATING TO SUPPLEMENTARY OR AMENDED BIRTH CERTIFICATES, SO AS TO MAKE A TECHNICAL CORRECTION.

Certificate of Foreign Birth

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-3-10, RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE, SO AS TO INCLUDE PHYSICAL CRUELTY TOWARD A MINOR CHILD OF THE PETITIONING PARTY AS A GROUND FOR DIVORCE.

Divorce

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 13 TO CHAPTER 22, TITLE 17 SO AS TO CREATE A PILOT "BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE PROGRAM" TO OPERATE IN CERTAIN COUNTIES AS DETERMINED BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT IN COORDINATION WITH CIRCUIT SOLICITORS AND DEFENSE ATTORNEYS TO OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE TO INCARCERATION FOR CERTAIN OFFENDERS WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDERS; TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR THE PILOT PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE CERTAIN EXECUTIVE BRANCH DEPARTMENTS TO FACILITATE SERVICES OF THE PILOT PROGRAM, INCLUDING TREATMENT AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES; TO REQUIRE DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING TO SOUTH CAROLINA COURT ADMINISTRATION, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AND THE GOVERNOR; TO CREATE AN ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR ASSISTING WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PILOT PROGRAM, INCLUDING MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES; TO CREATE A TRUST FUND FOR PURPOSES OF THE PILOT PROGRAM; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Behavioral Health Conditional Dismissal Program

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-7-395 SO AS TO REQUIRE HOSPITALS AND OTHER MEDICAL PROVIDERS TO FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM WITH A PATIENT'S HEALTH INSURER FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL COSTS AND EXPENSES.

Medical Billing

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-130-65 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO SEEK TREATMENT FOR OPIOID USE DISORDERS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Fentanyl

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-4-60, RELATING TO ORDERS OF PROTECTION, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE COURT TO AWARD CERTAIN RELIEF AFTER HOLDING A HEARING.

Orders of Protection

Thomas E. "Tommy" PopeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-41-95 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE DISCLOSURE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION TO PERSONS WHO MAY RECEIVE A CHEMICALLY INDUCED ABORTION, WITH EXCEPTIONS.

Chemically Induced Abortions

Melissa Lackey OremusRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-3-600, RELATING TO ASSAULT AND BATTERY OFFENSES, SO AS TO ADD THAT ASSAULT AND BATTERY OF A HIGH AND AGGRAVATED NATURE OCCURS WHEN A PERSON INJURES A HEALTHCARE WORKER OR EMERGENCY RESPONSE EMPLOYEE IN THE DISCHARGE OF OR BECAUSE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES.

Assault and battery on heathcare workers

Dennis C. MossRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA PARENTAL RIGHTS TO AFFIRM BIOLOGICAL SEX IN CHILD WELFARE AND PLACEMENT ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 63-7-50 SO AS TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO IDENTIFY WITH THEIR BIOLOGICAL SEX BY REQUIRING COURTS AND AGENCIES TO CONSIDER A CHILD'S BIOLOGICAL SEX AS A POSITIVE FACTOR IN CHILD WELFARE PROCEEDINGS; TO PROVIDE THAT PARENTS AND LEGAL GUARDIANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENCOURAGE A CHILD TO ALIGN WITH THEIR BIOLOGICAL SEX , INCLUDING IN MAKING MEDICAL DECISIONS, AND TO OFFER PROTECTIONS FOR EXERCISING THIS RIGHT; TO DEFINE TERMS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND FAMILY COURT SYSTEM TO DEVELOP POLICIES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO SUBMIT ANNUAL REPORTS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Child Welfare

John R. McCravy IIIRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 44-63-20, 44-63-100, 44-63-150, AND 63-3-530, ALL RELATING IN PART TO CHANGES TO CERTIFICATES OF BIRTH, SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, CORRECTION, OR OTHER CHANGE TO THE GENDER OF AN INDIVIDUAL AS IT APPEARS ON THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF BIRTH.

Birth Certificates

Steven Wayne LongRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-9-30, RELATING TO TERMS DEFINED IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA ADOPTION ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE THE TERM "SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD" TO "CHILD WITH CHALLENGING ADOPTION CIRCUMSTANCES"; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 63-9-60, 63-9-750, 63-9-1370, 63-9-1750, AND 63-9-2030, ALL RELATING TO ADOPTIONS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 12-6-1140, RELATING TO TAX DEDUCTIONS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 63-7-1700, RELATING TO PERMANENCY PLANNING, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Adoption

Jermaine L. Johnson, Sr.Democrat

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 20-3-130, RELATING TO CATEGORIES OF ALIMONY, SO AS TO ELIMINATE PERIODIC ALIMONY, TO ADD ALIMONY CALCULATED BASED ON THE LENGTH OF MARRIAGE, AMONG OTHER FACTORS, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 20-3-120, 20-3-140, 20-3-150, 20-3-620, AND 20-3-630, ALL RELATING TO ALIMONY, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

Alimony

Kevin HardeeRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-3-830, RELATING TO RESPONSIBILITIES OF GUARDIANS AD LITEM IN PRIVATE CUSTODY AND VISITATION ACTIONS, SO AS TO PROHIBIT GUARDIANS AD LITEM FROM MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS IN THEIR REPORT TO THE COURT.

Guardians ad Litem

Gil GatchRepublican

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 63-3-880 SO AS TO MAKE GUARDIANS AD LITEM IN PRIVATE CUSTODY OR VISITATION ACTIONS BEFORE THE FAMILY COURT SUBJECT TO INVESTIGATION BY THE OFFICE OF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL FOR CERTAIN MISCONDUCT.

Guardians ad Litem

Gil GatchRepublican