Bill > H3076

This bill amends Section 63-3-620 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to modify how contempt of court is handled in family court cases. Specifically, the bill limits the availability of imprisonment as a punishment for contempt by requiring that an adult can only be imprisoned if found guilty by a jury who explicitly recommends imprisonment as the punishment. Previously, the court had broader discretion to impose imprisonment, fines, public works sentences, or a combination of these penalties for up to one year. The bill maintains the existing provisions that allow individuals sentenced to imprisonment to earn good time credits, work credits, and participate in work/punishment programs. The key change is the new requirement for jury recommendation of imprisonment, which adds an additional layer of review before an individual can be incarcerated for violating a family court order. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.