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SC H5009

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/22/2026

Primary Sponsor

Carla Schuessler

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

126th General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Requires family courts to consider whether no-contact or supervised-contact orders are necessary when terminating parental rights or finalizing adoptions in South Carolina
  • Courts must make written findings on the record if they determine such protective orders are not necessary
  • Factors courts must consider include history of violence, stalking, harassment, abuse allegations, the child's age and preferences, and effects on the child's attachment to the adoptive family
  • No-contact orders remain in effect until the child turns 18, can be enforced through civil contempt, and may be referred for criminal investigation
  • Orders only restrain biological parents or relatives—children are not penalized for initiating contact and may petition the court for modifications

Legislative Description

Child Welfare

Last Action

Referred to Committee on Judiciary

1/22/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/22/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available