A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 20-4-20, relating to terms defined in the "PROTECTION FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE ACT", so as to change the definition of "household member" and to add a definition for "dating relationship".

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.A.   Section 20-4-20(b) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   (b) "Household member" means:

      (i) a spouse;

      (ii) a former spouse;

      (iii) persons who have a child in common;

      (iv) a male and female who are cohabiting or formerly have cohabited; or

      (v) persons who are presently or were recently in a dating relationship together.

B.    Section 20-4-20 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

   (g)(i) "Dating relationship" means a romantic, courtship, or engagement relationship between two individuals that need not include sexual involvement. In addition to any other factors the court deems relevant, the court may consider the following factors in making a determination of whether a relationship exists or existed:

         (A) the length of the relationship;

         (B) the nature or type of the relationship;

         (C) the frequency of interaction between the two individuals involved in the relationship; and

         (D) the time since termination of the relationship, if applicable.

      (ii) "Dating relationship" does not include a casual relationship or ordinary fraternization between two individuals in a business or social context.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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