Current Status Introducing Body:House Bill Number:4912 Primary Sponsor:Cobb-Hunter Committee Number:08 Type of Legislation:JR Subject:Family Violence Advisory Committee Residing Body:Senate Current Committee:General Committee Computer Document Number:CYY/15552AC.94 Introduced Date:19940315 Last History Body:Senate Last History Date:19940512 Last History Type:Introduced, read first time, referred to Committee Scope of Legislation:Statewide All Sponsors:Cobb-Hunter Type of Legislation:Joint Resolution
Bill Body Date Action Description CMN Leg Involved
____ ______ ____________ ______________________________ ___ ____________
4912 Senate 19940512 Introduced, read first time, 08
referred to Committee
4912 House 19940511 Read third time, sent to
Senate
4912 House 19940510 Read second time
4912 House 19940510 Committee Report: Favorable 29
4912 House 19940315 Introduced, read first time, 29
referred to Committee
View additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
COMMITTEE REPORT
May 10, 1994
H. 4912
S. Printed 5/10/94--H.
Read the first time March 15, 1994.
To whom was referred a Joint Resolution (H. 4912), to create an advisory committee on family violence to the Joint Legislative Committee on Children and Families, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:
DOUGLAS E. McTEER, JR., for Committee.
TO CREATE AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON FAMILY VIOLENCE TO THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, TO PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP AND METHOD OF APPOINTMENT, POWERS AND DUTIES, AND ITS TERMINATION.
Whereas, one-third of all female homicides result from an attack by a husband or boyfriend, and a married woman is six times more likely to be attacked by her husband than by a stranger; and
Whereas, according to the State Law Enforcement Division, thirty and one-half percent of the 73,931 assaults reported in 1992 in South Carolina involved domestic assaults; and
Whereas, in 1992, spouse abuse constituted fifty-seven and one-tenth percent of the domestic assaults reported in South Carolina; and
Whereas, domestic assaults against women result in more injuries requiring medical treatment than muggings, rapes, and car accidents combined; and
Whereas, in 1992, 33,064 children were involved in newly reported cases of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, mental injury, or threat of harm and in thirty percent of these cases, the Department of Social Services substantiated that the abuse or neglect occurred; and
Whereas, domestic and family violence is considered by law enforcement officials to present one of the most clear and present dangers for officers and deputies responding to a call. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. (A) There is created an advisory committee on family violence to the Joint Legislative Committee on Children and Families. The seven member advisory committee is made up of the following membership:
(1) one representative from the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault;
(2) a family court judge;
(3) a magistrate;
(4) a representative from law enforcement;
(5) a representative from the University of South Carolina's Center on Family and Society;
(6) a representative from the field of public health; and
(7) a representative from a batterer's program.
(B) The chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on Children and Families shall appoint the membership of the advisory committee. Organizations specified as members of the advisory committee may submit a list of nominees from their respective organizations from which the chairman may select an appointee.
(C) At its first meeting, the advisory committee shall elect a chairman from among its members.
(D) Vacancies occurring on the advisory committee must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
SECTION 2. The advisory committee shall:
(1) examine and study the problem of family violence in this State;
(2) develop a long-term plan for comprehensive intervention services in this State by January 1, 1995;
(3) recommend statutory changes to improve and strengthen the state's statutes on family and domestic violence;
(4) recommend programs and policies as it considers appropriate to address and eliminate the problems associated with family violence;
(5) conduct surveys and research as may be necessary.
SECTION 3. (A) The advisory committee may procure information and assistance from an officer or agency of the State or a subdivision. All officers and agencies shall give the advisory committee all relevant information and reasonable assistance on matters of research within their knowledge and control.
(B) The expenses, resources, and staffing of the advisory committee must be shared by the membership of the advisory committee and there may be no new appropriated state funds for use by the advisory committee.
(C) The members of the advisory committee shall serve without compensation, per diem, subsistence, or mileage reimbursement.
(D) The advisory committee shall formally report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Committee on Children and Families at least once during the legislative session at a full meeting of the joint committee.
(E) The advisory committee terminates July 1, 1997, unless the General Assembly by joint resolution continues the advisory committee for a specified period of time.
SECTION 4. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.