Speaker Bobby Harrell appoints Special Committee to begin work on improving S.C.’s Criminal Domestic Violence laws.
With more than 300 South Carolina women killed by domestic abuse over the last 10 years, Harrell said, “There is more that we can do as a state to better protect our citizens and help prevent this type of abuse. It’s time to make South Carolina’s Criminal Domestic Violence laws better.”
Speaker Harrell today announced the formation of a Special Criminal Domestic Violence Ad Hoc Committee. The Committee Members will work during the remaining off-session months on ways to improve South Carolina’s current CDV laws and raise public awareness by researching what other states are doing, meeting with experts and formulating new solutions.
“Our goal with this Special Committee is that, by the time session begins in January, the House will have a legislative framework ready to be introduced the first day we come back,” Speaker Harrell said. “Raising awareness and preventing domestic violence in South Carolina will be a priority for the House this coming year. Our state has several vital areas we need to improve upon and that is why it is important this Committee begin its work now.”
Rep. Shannon Erickson, who will Chair the 10-member bipartisan Committee, said the CDV Committee plans to hold a preliminary organizational meeting Wednesday in Room 108 of the Blatt Building immediately upon adjournment of the full House – which reconvenes today at 2:00 p.m. at the State House to address some final pieces of legislation for the year.
“In addition to seeking out better ways to strengthen our state’s CDV laws, I hope this Committee will raise awareness of the horrible impact domestic violence inflicts on our neighbors, co-workers and friends,” Chairwoman Erickson stated. “Domestic abuse is a serious crime, and it’s time for our state to start treating it that way. Speaker Harrell has put together a committed group of diverse, hardworking Lawmakers who plan on holding batterers accountable, supporting victims’ rights and breaking the cycle of abuse.”
Speaker’s Appointees to the S.C. House Criminal Domestic Violence Ad Hoc Committee
Rep. Shannon S. Erickson, Chairwoman (District 124 – Beaufort)
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter (District 66 – Orangeburg)
Rep. MaryGail K. Douglas (District 41 – Chester, Fairfield & Richland)
Rep. Ralph Shealy Kennedy (District 39 – Lexington & Saluda)
Rep. Deborah A. Long (District 45 – Lancaster & York)
Rep. Peter M. McCoy, Jr. (District 115 – Charleston)
Rep. Robert L. Ridgeway, III (District 64 – Clarendon & Sumter)
Rep. Edward R. “Eddie” Tallon, Sr. (District 33 – Spartanburg)
Rep. Anne J. Thayer (District 9 – Anderson)
Rep. J. David Weeks (District 51 – Sumter)
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