The bill, S. 779, proposes that each member of the South Carolina General Assembly receive a monthly legislative expense allowance of one thousand dollars, retroactive to July 1, 2025. It outlines the allocation of these payments for members whose seats were vacated during the fiscal year 2025-2026, specifying that they will only receive the allowance for the months they served. Additionally, members elected to fill a vacancy will receive the allowance for the months they serve after taking the oath of office, including a pro-rated amount for the month they were sworn in.

Importantly, the bill stipulates that members who vacated their seats due to felony convictions or guilty pleas are not entitled to receive the legislative expense allowance. The resolution includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will still be valid. The joint resolution will take effect upon the Governor's approval and will be repealed on July 1, 2026.