S 1115 General Bill, By Gregory, Rankin and Shealy
 A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH
 CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DIVORCE IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC
 POLICY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA REGARDING THE AWARD OF ALIMONY.

   02/25/16  Senate Introduced and read first time (Senate Journal-page 3)
   02/25/16  Senate Referred to Committee on Judiciary
                     (Senate Journal-page 3)
   02/25/16  Senate Referred to Subcommittee: Gregory (ch), Hutto, Bennett
   03/23/16  Senate Committee report: Favorable Judiciary
                     (Senate Journal-page 12)
   05/31/16  Senate Recommitted to Committee on Judiciary
                     (Senate Journal-page 90)

COMMITTEE REPORT

March 23, 2016

S. 1115

S. Printed 3/23/16--S.

Read the first time February 25, 2016.

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 1115) to amend Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 20, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, relating to divorce in this State, so as to provide a public, etc., respectfully

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

CHAUNCEY K. GREGORY for Committee.

Fiscal Impact Summary

This bill would have no expenditure impact on the general fund, federal funds, or other funds.

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This bill provides a public policy of the State of South Carolina that if alimony is awarded, no one form of alimony is preferred over the other and in consideration of all factors and evidence presented by the parties, the award of alimony should protect the public interest and should not benefit one individual over the other.

The Judicial Department reports that this bill will have no expenditure impact on the general fund, federal funds, or other funds.

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DIVORCE IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC POLICY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA REGARDING THE AWARD OF ALIMONY.

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

SECTION    1.    Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 20-3-129.    The General Assembly recognizes that if alimony is awarded, the award should be based on considerations of equity. Awards of alimony should adequately respond to the varied needs of modern society and seek to equitably resolve disputes arising in all actions for divorce and separation. It is the public policy of the State of South Carolina that, if alimony is awarded, no one form of alimony is preferred over the other and in consideration of all factors and evidence presented by the parties, the award of alimony should protect the public interest and should not benefit one individual over the other."

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