Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

 

Committee Report

April 29, 2026

 

H. 3335

 

Introduced by Reps. Dillard, Spann-Wilder and Garvin

 

S. Printed 4/29/26--S.

Read the first time May 6, 2025

 

________

 

The committee on Senate Judiciary

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 3335) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 33-1-103, relating to designation of representation in magistrates court, so as to include housing authorities, etc., respectfully

Report:

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 adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

SECTION X.  Chapter 3, Title 31 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 31-3-70. A housing authority may designate an employee or a manager to represent the housing authority in magistrates court as provided in Section 33-1-103.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

 

LUKE RANKIN for Committee.

 

_______

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 33-1-103, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF REPRESENTATION IN MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO INCLUDE HOUSING AUTHORITIES.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Section 33-1-103 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 33-1-103.  A corporation or partnership, as defined in this section, or a housing authority may designate an employee or principal of the corporation, or partnership, or housing authority to represent it in magistrates' court. This designation must be in writing and must be submitted to the magistrate at the time the initial pleading in the case is filed by the party. Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 5 of Title 40 or any other provision of law, the person so designated, while representing the corporation, or partnership, or housing authority in magistrates' court, is not engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.

    As used in this section, a corporation or partnership is defined as a general partnership, a limited liability partnership, a limited liability company, a limited partnership, a professional association, a professional corporation, a nonprofit corporation, a business corporation, or a statutory close corporation.

 

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

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