The bill H. 3076 proposes an amendment to Section 63-3-620 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which addresses penalties for violating family court orders. The key change in this legislation is the limitation on the availability of imprisonment as a punishment for contempt of court. Under the new provisions, an adult found in contempt may still face penalties such as fines or public works sentences, but imprisonment will only be applicable if the individual is found guilty by a jury of their peers who specifically recommend imprisonment as a punishment.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing penalties, which include a maximum of one year of imprisonment in a local detention facility, a fine of up to fifteen hundred dollars, or a public works sentence not exceeding three hundred hours. The amendment aims to ensure that imprisonment is not a default punishment for contempt of court, thereby reinforcing the role of a jury in such decisions. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 63-3-620
Latest Version: 63-3-620
12/06/2024: 63-3-620