Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

 

Committee Report

March 29, 2023

H. 3553

Introduced by Reps. G. M. Smith, Erickson, Crawford, Hewitt, Davis, T. Moore, McCravy, B. Newton, West, Burns, Mitchell, Pace, S. Jones, White, Hixon, Hiott, Oremus, M. M. Smith, Landing, W. Newton, Robbins and Brewer

 

S. Printed 03/29/23--H.

Read the first time January 10, 2023

 

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The committee on House Judiciary

To who was referred a Bill (H. 3553) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 63-9-750, relating to final adoption hearings, so as to eliminate the mandatory ninety-day waiting period, etc., respectfully

Report:

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

 

WESTON NEWTON for Committee.

 

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

 

State Expenditure

This bill removes the mandatory 90-day waiting period after the filing of the adoption petition for the final adoption hearing.  This may change the timing of the final adoption hearing in Family Court.  However, Judicial and DSS anticipate being able to manage this change in timing using existing staff and appropriations.  Therefore, this bill will have no expenditure impact.

 

 

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

 

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A bill

 

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 63-9-750, relating to final adoption hearings, so as to eliminate the mandatory ninety-day waiting period to finalize an adoption.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Section 63-9-750(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The final hearing on the adoption petition must not be held before ninety days and no later than six months after the filing of the adoption petition. In the case of a special needs child, the hearing must not be held before ninety days and be held no later than twelve months after the filing of the adoption petition. In its discretion, upon good cause shown, the court may extend, or in the case of a special needs child extend or shorten the time within which the final hearing on the adoption petition may be held.

 

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

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