A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 15-37-230 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE PLAINTIFF TO PAY ALL COURT COSTS AND ATTORNEYS FEES IN A CIVIL ACTION FOR DEFAMATION, SLANDER, OR LIBEL IF THE PLAINTIFF DOES NOT PREVAIL IN THE ACTION.

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

SECTION 1.  Chapter 37, Title 15 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 15-37-230. In a civil action regarding defamation, slander, or libel, if the plaintiff does not prevail in the action, the court shall require the plaintiff to pay all court costs and reasonable attorneys fees of the prevailing party.

SECTION 2.  The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

SECTION 3.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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