2023-2024 Bill 5454: Defamation, attorneys fees and court costs - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
125th Session, 2023-2024

Download This Bill in Microsoft Word Format

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

H. 5454

STATUS INFORMATION

General Bill
Sponsors: Rep. Gatch
Document Path: LC-0263AHB24.docx

Introduced in the House on April 23, 2024
Judiciary

Summary: Defamation, attorneys fees and court costs

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date Body Action Description with journal page number
4/23/2024 House Introduced and read first time (House Journal-page 16)
4/23/2024 House Referred to Committee on Judiciary (House Journal-page 16)

View the latest legislative information at the website

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

04/23/2024



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 15-37-230 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE PLAINTIFF TO PAY ALL COURT COSTS AND ATTORNEYS FEES IN A CIVIL ACTION FOR DEFAMATION, SLANDER, OR LIBEL IF THE PLAINTIFF DOES NOT PREVAIL IN THE ACTION.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 37, Title 15 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 15-37-230. In a civil action regarding defamation, slander, or libel, if the plaintiff does not prevail in the action, the court shall require the plaintiff to pay all court costs and reasonable attorneys fees of the prevailing party.

 

SECTION 2.  The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

 

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

----XX----

This web page was last updated on April 23, 2024 at 12:54 PM

Statutes affected:
04/23/2024: 15-37-230
Latest Version: 15-37-230