H4644

Paternity

Introduced·1/13/26
Introduced Text

Amends South Carolina law to clarify parental rights and responsibilities for children born out of wedlock.

This bill amends South Carolina law to specify that the mother and father of a child born out of wedlock are the natural guardians of the child if paternity is established. If paternity is not established, the mother is the natural guardian. It also mandates that parental responsibility, child support, and parenting plans must be determined in court. The bill ensures that both parents have equal rights and duties concerning their minor children, including access to educational and medical records.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
2
RR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Jan 13

House

Introduced and read first time

Jan 13

House

Referred to Committee on Judiciary

Dec 16, 2025

House

Prefiled