South Carolina · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
H 4644: Paternity
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
H 4644 is a bill introduced in the South Carolina House on December 16, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Paternity. Primary sponsor: Tommy Pope (Republican), Sarita Edgerton (Republican). Most recent recorded action (January 13, 2026): Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 63-17-80 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CHILD SUPPORT AND THE CREATION OF A PARENTING PLAN AND TIME-SHARING SCHEDULE FOR A CHILD OF UNMARRIED PARENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 63-17-10, RELATING TO PATERNITY ACTIONS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 63-5-30, RELATING TO RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PARENTS OF MINOR CHILDREN, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN UNMARRIED MOTHER AND A FATHER WHO HAS ESTABLISHED PATERNITY ARE THE NATURAL GUARDIANS OF THE CHILD.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy Pope | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 47 |
| Sarita Edgerton | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 34 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Referred to Committee on Judiciary
- Introduced and read first time
- Referred to Committee on Judiciary
- Prefiled