S 0073 Joint Resolution, By McConnell and Hayes
 A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to Section 3, Article XVII of the
 Constitution of South Carolina, 1895, relating to the grounds for divorce, so
 as to provide that the ground of continuous separation for a period of one
 year may be voluntary or involuntary separation.

   10/03/94  Senate Prefiled
   10/03/94  Senate Referred to Committee on Judiciary
   01/10/95  Senate Introduced and read first time SJ-31
   01/10/95  Senate Referred to Committee on Judiciary SJ-31
   04/18/95  Senate Committee report: Favorable Judiciary SJ-26
   04/19/95  Senate Read second time SJ-119
   04/26/95  Senate Read third time and sent to House SJ-14
   04/26/95  House  Introduced and read first time HJ-72
   04/26/95  House  Referred to Committee on Judiciary HJ-72
   05/15/96  House  Committee report: Favorable with amendment
                     Judiciary HJ-2
   05/21/96  House  Debate adjourned until Wednesday, May 22, 1996 HJ-61
   05/22/96  House  Objection by Rep. Simrill, Marchbanks, Easterday,
                     Loftis, Robinson, Cain, McElveen & Inabinett HJ-35
   05/23/96  House  Debate adjourned until Tuesday, May 28, 1996 HJ-129
   05/28/96  House  Debate adjourned until Wednesday, May 29, 1996 HJ-128
   05/30/96  House  Recommitted to Committee on Judiciary HJ-106

COMMITTEE REPORT

May 15, 1995

S. 73

S. Printed 5/15/96--H.

Read the first time April 26, 1995.

To whom was referred a Joint Resolution (S. 73), proposing an amendment to Section 3, Article XVII of the Constitution of South Carolina, 1895, relating to the grounds for divorce, etc., respectfully

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, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/SECTION 1. It is proposed that Section 3, Article XVII of the Constitution of this State be amended to read:

"Section 3. Divorces from the bonds of matrimony shall be are allowed on the grounds of adultery, desertion, physical cruelty, continuous voluntary separation for a period of at least one year, involuntary separation as defined by law, or habitual drunkenness."

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 3, Article XVII of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to provide that the ground for divorce of continuous separation for a period of at least one year must be a voluntary separation and that an involuntary separation as defined by law by the General Assembly also may be a ground for divorce?

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'."/

Amend title to conform.

JOHN W. TUCKER, JR., for Committee.

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 3, ARTICLE XVII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE GROUND OF CONTINUOUS SEPARATION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR MAY BE A VOLUNTARY OR INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION.

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

SECTION 1. It is proposed that Section 3, Article XVII of the Constitution of this State be amended to read:

"Section 3. Divorces from the bonds of matrimony shall be are allowed on the grounds of adultery, desertion, physical cruelty, continuous voluntary or involuntary separation for a period of at least one year, or habitual drunkenness."

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 3, Article XVII of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to provide that, as a ground for divorce, continuous separation for a period of at least one year may be a voluntary or involuntary separation?

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'."