Current Status Bill Number:928 Ratification Number:277 Act Number:443 Type of Legislation:Joint Resolution JR Introducing Body:Senate Introduced Date:19980115 Primary Sponsor:Lander All Sponsors:Lander, Waldrep, McConnell and Courtney Drafted Document Number:gjk\21027sd.98 Date Bill Passed both Bodies:19980204 Governor's Action:U Signature of Governor not required Date of Governor's Action:19980217 Subject:Victim's Bill of Rights, notify and inform of rights; Crimes and Offenses, Constitution of South Carolina, victim
Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved
______ ________ _______________________________________ _______ ____________
------ 19980910 Act No. A443
------ 19980217 Signature of Governor not required
------ 19980217 Ratified R277
House 19980204 Read third time, enrolled for
ratification
House 19980203 Read second time
House 19980129 Recalled from Committee 25 HJ
House 19980121 Introduced, read first time, 25 HJ
referred to Committee
Senate 19980121 Read third time, sent to House
Senate 19980120 Read second time, unanimous
consent for third reading on
Wednesday, 19980121
Senate 19980115 Introduced, read first time,
placed on Calendar without reference
View additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
(A443, R277, S928)
A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 24, ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO A BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CRIME VICTIMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT REQUIREMENTS THAT VICTIMS OF CRIMES BE NOTIFIED AND INFORMED OF THEIR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES CONFERRED UPON THEM UNDER THIS SECTION DO NOT APPLY TO CRIMES THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY LAW EXCLUDES FROM THESE REQUIREMENTS, AND TO PERMIT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY LAW TO FURTHER DEFINE THE TERM "VICTIM" FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION TO STIPULATE THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS TO WHOM THIS SECTION APPLIES.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
Crimes excluded; definition of victim
SECTION 1. It is proposed that Section 24, Article I of the Constitution of this State is amended by adding a new subsection (D) to read:
"(D) For purposes of this section, victims of any misdemeanor or felony under the laws of this State or at common law must be notified of or provided with the information required by this section unless the General Assembly by law excludes particular misdemeanors or felonies from these notification provisions. The terms 'crime', 'criminal conduct', 'charge', or any variations thereof in another context as used herein shall mean all misdemeanors and felonies under the laws of this State or at common law except those crimes the General Assembly specifically excludes from the notification provisions of this section. The General Assembly is also authorized by law to further define the term 'victim' for purposes of this section to stipulate the specific individuals to whom this section applies."
Question
SECTION 2. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors at the next general election for representatives. Ballots must be provided at the various voting precincts with the following words printed or written on the ballot:
"Must Section 24, Article I of the Constitution of this State relating to a bill of rights for crime victims be amended so as to provide that requirements that victims of crimes be notified and informed of their rights and privileges conferred upon them under this section do not apply to crimes the General Assembly by law excludes from these requirements, and to permit the General Assembly by law to further define the term 'victim' for purposes of this section to stipulate the specific individuals to whom the section applies?
Those voting in favor of the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'Yes', and those voting against the question shall deposit a ballot with a check or cross mark in the square after the word 'No'."
Ratified the 17th day of February, 1998.