TO AMEND SECTION 1-11-730, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY IN THE STATE HEALTH AND DENTAL PLANS, SO AS TO DISALLOW CERTAIN FORMER MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE PLANS IF THE MEMBER IS CONVICTED OF, PLEADS GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE TO CERTAIN CRIMES.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 1-11-730(A)(2) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 195 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"(2)    A member of the General Assembly who leaves office or retires with at least eight years' credited service in the General Assembly Retirement System is eligible to participate in the state health and dental plans by paying the full premium as determined by the board. However, if, while the member is in office or within five years after leaving office, such member is convicted of, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that is a felony, a crime that involves moral turpitude, a crime that has a sentence of two or more years, or a crime that violates election laws, then such member may not utilize the provisions of this item."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.