summary
Introduced
01/12/2021
01/12/2021
In Committee
02/10/2022
02/10/2022
Crossed Over
03/17/2021
03/17/2021
Passed
04/20/2022
04/20/2022
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/02/2022
05/02/2022
Introduced Session
124th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend Chapter 32, Title 1, Code Of Laws Of South Carolina, 1976, Relating To The "south Carolina Religious Freedom Act", So As To Provide That Religious Services Are Deemed An Essential Service During A State Of Emergency And Must Be Allowed To Continue Operating Throughout The State Of Emergency.
AI Summary
This bill amends the South Carolina Religious Freedom Act to provide that religious services are deemed an essential service during a state of emergency and must be allowed to continue operating throughout the state of emergency. The bill defines key terms such as "discriminatory action," "exercise of religion," "religious organization," and "state of emergency." It also sets forth provisions that prevent the state from limiting the ability of religious organizations to operate or engage in religious services during a state of emergency to a greater extent than it limits other essential services. The bill allows religious organizations to assert violations of the act as a claim or defense in court and provides for the award of attorney's fees, costs, and other appropriate relief if the religious organization prevails.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (44)
Richie Yow (R)*,
Nathan Ballentine (R),
Linda Bennett (R),
Jeff Bradley (R),
Bruce Bryant (R),
Mike Burns (R),
Bill Chumley (R),
Bobby Cox (R),
Heather Crawford (R),
Vic Dabney (R),
Sylleste Davis (R),
Jason Elliott (R),
Shannon Erickson (R),
Cal Forrest (R),
Russell Fry (R),
Doug Gilliam (R),
Patrick Haddon (R),
Bill Herbkersman (R),
Davey Hiott (R),
Bill Hixon (R),
Chip Huggins (R),
Stewart Jones (R),
Steven Long (R),
James Lucas (R),
Josiah Magnuson (R),
Rick Martin (R),
R.J. May (R),
Ryan McCabe (R),
John McCravy (R),
Sandy McGarry (R),
Travis Moore (R),
Dennis Moss (R),
Brandon Newton (R),
Weston Newton (R),
Roger Nutt (R),
Melissa Oremus (R),
Tommy Pope (R),
Mark Smith (R),
Bill Taylor (R),
Anne Thayer (R),
Ashley Trantham (R),
Will Wheeler (D),
Mark Willis (R),
Chris Wooten (R),
Last Action
Act No. 141 (on 05/02/2022)
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