TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 7-11-215 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CANDIDATE WHO EXECUTES A CANDIDACY PLEDGE WITH A POLITICAL PARTY FOR PURPOSES OF OFFERING FOR ELECTION TO A PARTICULAR OFFICE IN THAT PARTY'S PRIMARY ELECTION AND WHO IS LATER ELECTED TO THAT OFFICE IS REQUIRED TO RESIGN THIS OFFICE BEFORE HE MAY CHANGE HIS POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION.

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

SECTION    1.    Article 3, Chapter 11, Title 7 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 7-11-215.    (A)    A candidate who executes the pledge required by Section 7-11-210, and who subsequently is elected in the primary election and general election to that office, is required to resign that office before he may change his political party affiliation while still serving in that office. Whenever a resignation is required by this section, or if this public official changes his political party affiliation without first resigning his office as required by this section, a vacancy in this office exists, which must be filled in the manner prescribed by law.

(B)    Nothing in this section prevents this public official from later offering for election to the office he resigned as a member of the new political party with which he desired to affiliate, if he secures the nomination of that political party in the manner provided by law."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.