Bill 73

                    Current Status

Bill Number:                       73
Type of Legislation:               Joint Resolution JR
Introducing Body:                  Senate
Introduced Date:                   19950110
Primary Sponsor:                   McConnell 
All Sponsors:                      McConnell, Hayes 
Drafted Document Number:           PT\1444AC.95
Residing Body:                     House
Current Committee:                 Judiciary Committee 25 HJ
Subject:                           Divorce, one year
                                   separation

Body    Date      Action Description                       Com     Leg Involved
______  ________  _______________________________________  _______ ____________

House   19960530  Recommitted to Committee                 25 HJ
House   19960528  Debate adjourned until
                  Wednesday, 19960529
House   19960523  Debate adjourned until
                  Tuesday, 19960528
House   19960522  Objection by Representative                      Simrill
                                                                   Marchbanks
                                                                   Easterday
                                                                   Loftis
                                                                   Robinson
                                                                   Cain
                                                                   McElveen
                                                                   Inabinett
House   19960521  Debate adjourned until
                  Wednesday, 19960522
House   19960515  Committee report: Favorable with         25 HJ
                  amendment
House   19950426  Introduced, read first time,             25 HJ
                  referred to Committee
Senate  19950426  Read third time, sent to House
Senate  19950419  Read second time, notice of
                  general amendments
Senate  19950418  Committee report: Favorable              11 SJ
Senate  19950110  Introduced, read first time,             11 SJ
                  referred to Committee
Senate  19941003  Prefiled, referred to Committee          11 SJ

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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'."