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 FOR "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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