Rep. Pace proposes the following amendment (LC-408.HA0015H):

Amend the bill, after the title but before the enacting words, by deleting the Whereas clauses.

Amend the bill further, by adding appropriately numbered SECTIONS to read:

SECTION X. Chapter 63, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 Section 40-63-245. A social worker licensed pursuant to this chapter may use their clinical judgement when providing treatment to a patient with gender dysmorphia. A complaint based on a non-affirmative diagnosis may not be grounds for disciplinary action by the licensing board pursuant to 40-63-110.

SECTION X. Chapter 75, Title 40 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 Section 40-75-226. A professional counselor licensed pursuant to this chapter may use their clinical judgement when providing treatment to a patient with gender dysmorphia. A complaint based on a non-affirmative diagnosis may not be grounds for disciplinary action by the licensing board pursuant to 40-75-110.

Amend the bill further, by deleting SECTIONS 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.A, 23.B, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37.A, 37.B, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44.

Amend the bill further, by striking SECTION 46 and inserting:

SECTION 46. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies to license renewal cycles ending after 2025.