Bill > S0025

This bill modifies South Carolina's marriage laws by raising the minimum age for a valid marriage from sixteen to eighteen years old, effectively prohibiting individuals under eighteen from legally marrying. The bill repeals existing sections related to minor marriage applicants (Sections 20-1-250 and 20-1-260), which previously outlined provisions for obtaining parental or guardian consent and proving age for minors seeking to marry. The legislation also updates Section 20-1-290 to remove references to the repealed sections, which previously specified grounds for removing a marriage license-issuing officer who failed to comply with certain requirements. Additionally, the bill includes standard legal provisions ensuring that if any part of the act is found unconstitutional, the remaining portions will remain valid, and that pending legal actions or rights established under previous laws will not be affected by these changes. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor, representing a significant tightening of marriage age requirements in South Carolina to protect minors from potentially coercive or inappropriate marriage situations.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=25&session=126&summary=B