A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 20-4-20, relating to terms defined in the "PROTECTION FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE ACT", so as to change the definition of "household member" and to add a definition for "dating relationship".

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

SECTION 1.A.Section 20-4-20(b) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(b) "Household member" means:

(i) a spouse;

(ii) a former spouse;

(iii) persons who have a child in common;

(iv) a male and female who are cohabiting or formerly have cohabited; or

(v) persons who are presently or were recently in a dating relationship together.

B. Section 20-4-20 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

(g)(i) "Dating relationship" means a romantic, courtship, or engagement relationship between two individuals that need not include sexual involvement. In addition to any other factors the court deems relevant, the court may consider the following factors in making a determination of whether a relationship exists or existed:

(A) the length of the relationship;

(B) the nature or type of the relationship;

(C) the frequency of interaction between the two individuals involved in the relationship; and

(D) the time since termination of the relationship, if applicable.

(ii) "Dating relationship" does not include a casual relationship or ordinary fraternization between two individuals in a business or social context.

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

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