Bill > H3398

This bill proposes significant changes to South Carolina's voter registration laws by removing barriers for individuals with felony convictions. Specifically, the bill eliminates provisions that previously disqualified people from registering to vote if they had been convicted of a felony or election-related offenses. Under the proposed changes, individuals who are currently serving a prison sentence would no longer be automatically barred from voting, and the requirement to affirm "never having been convicted of a felony" would be removed from voter registration forms. The bill maintains existing restrictions for individuals who are mentally incompetent as determined by a court. The changes would apply to both paper and electronic voter registration applications, effectively restoring voting rights to individuals with prior felony convictions upon their release from prison. The modifications aim to expand voter participation by removing legal obstacles that previously prevented individuals with criminal records from exercising their right to vote. The bill would take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval, representing a significant shift in South Carolina's voter eligibility requirements.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3398&session=126&summary=B