COMMITTEE REPORT

May 30, 2012

H. 3209

Introduced by Reps. Cobb-Hunter, Long, Brady and Knight

S. Printed 5/30/12--S.

Read the first time May 1, 2012.

            

THE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 3209) to amend Section 20-4-60, as amended, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, relating to an order for protection from domestic abuse, so as, etc., respectfully

REPORT:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:

LUKE A. RANKIN for Committee.

            

STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED FISCAL IMPACT

ESTIMATED FISCAL IMPACT ON GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES:

$0 (No additional expenditures or savings are expected)

ESTIMATED FISCAL IMPACT ON FEDERAL & OTHER FUND EXPENDITURES:

$0 (No additional expenditures or savings are expected)

EXPLANATION OF IMPACT:

The Judicial Department indicates that this bill will have no fiscal impact on the state general funds, or on federal and/or other funds.

Approved By:

Brenda Hart

Office of State Budget

A BILL

TO AMEND SECTION 20-4-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO AN ORDER FOR PROTECTION FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE COURT MAY PROHIBIT HARM OR HARASSMENT TO A PET ANIMAL OWNED, POSSESSED, KEPT, OR HELD BY THE PETITIONER AND TO PROVIDE THAT IN ORDERING TEMPORARY POSSESSION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY, THE COURT MAY ORDER THE TEMPORARY POSSESSION OF PET ANIMALS.

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

SECTION    1.    Section 20-4-60(C) of the 1976 Code is amended by adding an appropriately numbered item at the end to read:

"( )    prohibit harm or harassment, including a violation of Chapter 1, Title 47, against any pet animal owned, possessed, kept, or held by:

(a)    the petitioner;

(b)    any family or household member designated in the order;

(c)    the respondent if the petitioner has a demonstrated interest in the pet animal."

SECTION    2.    Section 20-4-60(C)(5) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(5)    provide for temporary possession of the personal property, including pet animals, of the parties and order assistance from law enforcement officers in removing personal property of the petitioner if the respondent's eviction has not been ordered".

SECTION    3.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.