The bill H. 3076 seeks to amend Section 63-3-620 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to penalties for violating family court orders. The primary change proposed is to limit the circumstances under which imprisonment can be imposed as a punishment for contempt of court. Specifically, the bill stipulates that an adult may not be imprisoned for contempt unless they are found guilty by a jury of their peers who recommend imprisonment as a punishment.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing penalties for contempt, which include fines, public works sentences, or imprisonment in a local detention facility, but it emphasizes the requirement for jury involvement in cases where imprisonment is considered. 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