South Carolina Constitution Article III - Legislative Department
South Carolina Constitution – Article III: Legislative Department
Article III of the South Carolina Constitution establishes the Legislative Branch of the state government. Here's a structured summary of its key provisions:
Overview
Article III defines the structure, powers, duties, and procedures of the South Carolina General Assembly, which is a bicameral legislature consisting of:
The Senate
The House of Representatives
Key Sections & Provisions
Section 1 – Legislative Power
All legislative power is vested in the General Assembly.
Section 2 – House of Representatives
Composed of members elected every two years.
The number of representatives and apportionment is determined by law based on population.
Section 3 – Senate
Composed of members elected every four years.
One senator is elected from each senatorial district.
Section 4 – Qualifications of Members
Must be U.S. citizens.
Must be qualified electors in their respective districts.
Minimum age:
Senate: 25 years old
House: 21 years old
Section 6 – Privileges
Members are privileged from arrest during the session, except in cases of treason, felony, or breach of the peace.
Not liable for words spoken in debate.
Section 8 – Sessions
The General Assembly meets annually.
The Governor may call special sessions.
Section 9 – Rules and Discipline
Each house determines its own rules.
Can punish or expel members (2/3 vote required for expulsion).
Section 15 – Journal and Voting
Proceedings must be published in a journal.
Voting must be recorded on demand.
Section 17 – One Subject Rule
Each act must relate to only one subject, clearly expressed in the title.
Section 18 – Origin and Passage of Bills
Bills may originate in either house.
Must be read three times on three different days in each house.
No law is valid unless passed by majority vote of both houses and signed by the Governor.
Section 21 – Appropriation Bills
Appropriation bills must originate in the House.
Section 22 – Governor’s Veto
The Governor can veto bills.
The General Assembly may override a veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses.
Section 30 – Limitation on Taxes
Restricts how and when taxes can be levied.
Additional Topics
Legislative ethics and conflicts of interest
Prohibition on passing special laws in certain cases
Procedures for constitutional amendments
Limitations on increases in state debt
RELATED Blog
0 comments