Rep. Gil Gatch

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-14-170 SO AS TO PROVIDE IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR MANUFACTURERS, FACTORY BRANCHES, FACTORY REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRIBUTORS, WHOLESALERS, DISTRIBUTOR BRANCHES, DISTRIBUTOR REPRESENTATIVES, OR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DEALERS TO ENGAGE IN UNFAIR METHODS OF COMPETITION AND UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 14-7-1050, RELATING TO JURY VOIR DIRE, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR ATTORNEY-CONDUCTED JURY VOIR DIRE BY ORAL AND DIRECT QUESTIONING; BY AMENDING SECTION 14-7-1060, RELATING TO THE DRAWING OF JURY PANELS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE NUMBER OF JURORS TO BE DRAWN IS WITHIN THE DISCRETION OF THE TRIAL JUDGE; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 14-7-1080, RELATING TO THE DRAWING OF SECOND JURY PANELS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT PANELS MUST BE MADE UP OF TWENTY JURORS.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-63-215 SO AS TO PROVIDE SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE OF CERTAIN DISCIPLINARY MATTERS IN THE LANGUAGE SPOKEN BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-32, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLING CHILDREN IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE DISTRICTS SHALL REQUIRE ADULTS SEEKING TO ENROLL CHILDREN TO STATE THEIR WRITTEN PREFERENCE FOR RECEIVING COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING DISCIPLINARY AND OTHER MATTERS FROM THE DISTRICT; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-217, RELATING TO BARRING ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS ON CERTAIN GROUNDS, SO AS TO PROVIDE MANDATORY NOTICE OF SUCH ACTIONS MUST BE PROVIDED IN WRITING TO PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 24-13-40, RELATING TO COMPUTATION OF TIME SERVED BY PRISONERS, SO AS TO REMOVE THE PROHIBITION ON PERSONS ON BOND UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES FROM RECEIVING CREDIT FOR TIME SERVED.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 3605) amends South Carolina's alimony law by defining "earning potential" for divorce cases. It specifies that a salaried spouse's earning potential equals their current salary, while a self-employed spouse's is set at twice the state minimum wage. The change directly affects divorcing couples in South Carolina where alimony is determined, as courts will now use these fixed calculations. The bill does not alter alimony eligibility or amounts but standardizes how courts assess each spouse's income potential. The definition applies to cases handled under Section 20-3-130 of the South Carolina Code.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-15-210, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO CHILD CUSTODY, SO AS TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR "LEGAL CUSTODY."

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 17-30-30, RELATING TO THE INTERCEPTION OF WIRE, ORAL, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS BY EMPLOYEES OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND BY PERSONS ACTING UNDER COLOR OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, SO AS TO PROVIDE INTERCEPTION OF WIRE, ORAL, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS BY PERSONS IS LAWFUL IF ALL PARTIES CONSENT PRIOR TO THE INTERCEPTION.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 3607) amends South Carolina law to define "supported spouse" in alimony cases. It specifies that a "supported spouse" is the party receiving financial support after separation or divorce because their income is too low to cover basic needs like bills, child support, or personal expenses. The bill does not change alimony award criteria but clarifies who qualifies under this definition for court decisions. It directly affects individuals involved in divorce or separation proceedings seeking alimony payments. The definition aims to provide clear standards for courts when determining alimony eligibility.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-3-590, RELATING TO CONDUCT OF CERTAIN FAMILY COURT HEARINGS, SO AS TO REQUIRE A JURY TRIAL IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 63-3-820, RELATING TO GUARDIANS AD LITEM IN PRIVATE CUSTODY OR VISITATION CASES, SO AS TO MAKE CERTAIN CHANGES REGARDING CASES IN WHICH ATTORNEY AND LAY GUARDIANS AD LITEM MAY BE APPOINTED.