Opinion ID: 2507480
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Remedial

Text: A statute is remedial where it creates new remedies for existing rights or enlarges the rights of persons under disability. Smith v. Eagle Constr. Co., 282 S.C. 140, 143, 318 S.E.2d 8, 9 (1984). When a statute creates a new obligation or imposes a new duty, courts generally consider the statute prospective only. 82 C.J.S. Statutes § 585 (2009). The State argues that the amendments are remedial because the amendment enlarges the remedy provided to law enforcement to gather information about sex offenders. However, under this analysis, any law that expanded the police power could be considered retroactive because of the enlarged remedy given to the State in executing its responsibilities. Moreover, the amendments to section 23-3-430 of the South Carolina Code do not create a new right, but instead impose an obligation which did not exist prior to the amendments. The statute did not prevent Respondent's removal from the sex offender registry at the time of his pardon. However, the statute's amendments, if applied retroactively, would require Respondent to remain on the sex offender registry. The balance of authority on this subject weighs against this Court adopting the State's definition of remedial. Hercules, Inc. v. S.C. Tax Comm'n, 274 S.C. 137, 143, 262 S.E.2d 45, 48 (1980) (holding that statutes affecting the remedy, not the right, are generally retrospective); Kneisley v. Lattimer-Stevens Co., 40 Ohio St.3d 354, 533 N.E.2d 743, 745 (1988) (finding a statute substantive instead of remedial where it imposed new or additional burdens, duties, obligations or liabilities as to past transaction); Wiesart v. Stewart, 379 S.C. 300, 303, 665 S.E.2d 187, 188 (Ct.App.2009) (holding that a statute is remedial and applies retroactively when it creates new remedies for existing rights or enlarges rights of persons under disability); 82 C.J.S. Statutes § 585 (2009) (explaining that where a statute takes away or impairs vested rights acquired under existing laws, creates new obligations, imposes a new duty, or attaches a new disability, it will be construed as prospective only).