The South Carolina General Assembly (also called the South
Carolina Legislature) is the group of individuals that makes
laws to govern the Palmetto State. All members are elected by
the citizens of South Carolina and represent a specific district
or area of the state. Each member must live in the district that
he or she represents. The S.C. General Assembly is divided into
two bodies: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The
House has 124 members who are elected every two years concurrent
to the U.S. Congressional election and the Senate has 46 members
who are elected every four years concurrent to the U.S.
Presidential election. In both houses, there are no term limits.
- Each year, the S.C. General Assembly typically is in session
from January until June. - During that time, any member can
propose or sponsor a new law called a “bill.” - To begin the
process, a new bill is read before the entire House or Senate,
depending upon where it originated. - The bill is then sent to a
committee comprised of m