Committee Report

February 22, 2023

S. 92

Introduced by Senators Campsen and Senn

S. Printed 02/22/23--S.

Read the first time January 10, 2023

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The committee on Senate Judiciary

To who was referred a Bill (S. 92) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 7-17-110 so as to provide for the extension of an election protest filing deadline which falls on a legal, etc., respectfully

Report:

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

   Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 7-17-110 and inserting:

   Section 7-17-110.   If the deadline for filing an election protest provided in this chapter falls on a legal holiday, then the deadline extends to the next regular business day that is not a legal holiday. For purposes of this section, "next regular business day" means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

LUKE RANKIN for Committee.

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This bill extends the deadline for filing an election protest to the boards of canvassers by one day if the original deadline falls on a legal holiday. The change will apply to protests for state and local elections. The State Election Commission indicates that the change will not impact expenditures for the agency.

Local Expenditure

This bill extends the deadline for filing an election protest to the boards of canvassers by one day if the original deadline falls on a legal holiday. Revenue and Fiscal Affairs (RFA) contacted counties regarding any impact for county governments. Charleston County responded that if the extended deadline falls on a Saturday, county governments may incur overtime. However, the change can be managed with existing resources for Charleston County.

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

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A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 7-17-110 so as to provide for the extension of an election protest filing deadline which falls on a legal holiday.

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

SECTION 1.   Article 1, Chapter 17, Title 7 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

   Section 7-17-110.   If the deadline for filing an election protest provided in this chapter falls on a legal holiday, then the deadline extends to the succeeding day that is not a legal holiday.

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

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