Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Committee Report

February 5, 2026

H. 4586

Introduced by Reps. Gilliam, McCravy, C. Mitchell, B. Newton, Pope, Edgerton, Taylor, Schuessler, Teeple, Erickson and Bradley

S. Printed 2/5/26--H.

Read the first time January 13, 2026

________

The committee on House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 4586) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Sections 7-15-310, 7-15-610, 8-7-10, and 63-5-910, all relating to armed forces definitions, so as to include, etc., respectfully

Report:

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

S.H. DAVIS for Committee.

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This bill adds the United States Space Force to the statutory definitions of "members of the armed forces" and "military service." These updated definitions will permit Space Force members and their families to receive the same treatment as the members of other military branches for the purposes of absentee voting, overseas and military voting, military leave, and family law.

This bill will have no expenditure impact on the Department of Administration, the State Election Commission, or Judicial as each anticipates being able to manage its provisions within existing appropriations.

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 SECTIONS 7-15-310, 7-15-610, 8-7-10, AND 63-5-910, ALL RELATING TO ARMED FORCES DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE AS MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

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

SECTION 1.   Section 7-15-310(1) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   (1) "Members of the Armed Forces of the United States" means members of the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Air Force, the United States Space Force, the United States Coast Guard, or any of their respective components.

SECTION 2.   Section 7-15-610(1), (11), and (12) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   (1) "Members of the Armed Forces of the United States" means members of the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Air Force, the United States Space Force, the United States Coast Guard, or any of their respective components.

   (11) "Uniformed service" means:

      (a) active and reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States;

      (b) the Merchant Marine, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, or the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States; or

      (c) the National Guard or organized militia.

   (12) "Uniformed-service voter" means an individual who is qualified to vote and is:

      (a) a member of the active or reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States who is on active duty;

      (b) a member of the Merchant Marine, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, or the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States;

      (c) a member on activated status of the National Guard or organized militia; or

      (d) a spouse or dependent of a member referred to in this item.

SECTION 3.   Section 8-7-10(2) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   (2) "Military service" means service in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, or Marine Corps of the United States or any compulsory service in any capacity to the Federal Government for the purpose of national defense; and

SECTION 4.   Section 63-5-910(A)(1) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   (1) In the case of a parent who is a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or a Reserve component of these services, "military service or service" means a deployment for combat operations, a contingency operation, or a natural disaster based on orders that do not permit a family member to accompany the member on the deployment.

SECTION 5.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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