Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Committee Report

March 27, 2024

S. 1126

Introduced by Senators Kimbrell, Peeler, Rice, M. Johnson, Adams, Climer, Garrett, Cash, Young, Alexander, Reichenbach, Shealy, Grooms, Cromer, Turner, Loftis, Fanning, Gustafson, Goldfinch, Massey and Campsen

S. Printed 03/27/24--S.   [SEC 3/28/2024 3:27 PM]

Read the first time February 29, 2024

________

The committee on Senate Judiciary

To whom was referred a Joint Resolution (S. 1126) proposing an amendment to Section 4, Article II of the Constitution of South Carolina, relating to voter qualifications, so as to clarify that only a citizen of, etc., respectfully

Report:

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

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking the second undesignated paragraph and inserting:

   "Must Section 4, Article II of the Constitution of this State, relating to voter qualifications, be amended so as to provide that only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law?

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

LUKE RANKIN for Committee.

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that must appear on ballot of the next general election. The proposed amendment is to clarify that only a citizen of the United States and this State who is at least eighteen years of age and properly registered is entitled to vote.

Based on responses to similar joint resolutions, RFA anticipates the State Election Commission. will be able to manage adding this proposed amendment to the ballot for the next general election within the normal course of business. Therefore, this bill will have no expenditure impact. If we receive information to the contrary, we will update this fiscal impact statement.

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

________

A joint Resolution

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4, ARTICLE II OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, RELATING TO VOTER QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO CLARIFY THAT ONLY A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES AND OF THIS STATE OF THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN AND UPWARDS WHO IS PROPERLY REGISTERED IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AS PROVIDED BY LAW.

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

SECTION 1.   It is proposed that Section 4, Article II of the Constitution of this State be amended to read:

   Section 4. Every Only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law.

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 4, Article II of the Constitution of this State, relating to voter qualifications, be amended so as to clarify that only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law?

Yes      o

No      o

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'."

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