The bill H. 4754 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 33-31-1709, which establishes neutral principles of law regarding the ownership, transfer, and release of trust interests in real property for local churches that disaffiliate from state or national religious organizations. The bill clarifies that while it governs civil property consequences of disaffiliation, it does not interfere with matters of doctrine, ecclesiastical authority, or internal governance. It defines key terms such as "local church," "organization conference," and "real property," and outlines the conditions under which a local church can retain ownership of its property free from claims by the organization conference.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that when a local church disaffiliates, it must reimburse the organization conference for financial investments made in the church's real property, but it cannot be required to reimburse for amounts related to the church's own contributions or general denominational purposes. The organization conference is required to provide a detailed accounting of its financial investments upon notice of disaffiliation. Once reimbursement is made, the organization conference must release any claims it has on the church's property. All disputes under this section are to be resolved based on neutral legal principles, ensuring that internal church governance issues are not considered.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 33-31-1709
Latest Version: 33-31-1709