Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

 

Committee Amendment Adopted

May 7, 2026

 

H. 3335

 

Introduced by Reps. Dillard, Spann-Wilder and Garvin

 

S. Printed 5/7/26--S.

Read the first time May 6, 2025

 

________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

    Amend Title To Conform

 

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.  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.

 

SECTION 3.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

----XX----