The bill H. 3135 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 24-13-185, which establishes specific rights for inmates regarding visitation. It stipulates that jails, detention facilities, correctional facilities, or prisons cannot prohibit, eliminate, or unreasonably limit in-person visitation for inmates, nor can they pressure inmates to forgo such visits. Additionally, the bill allows for the use of electronic communication devices, such as video calls, to facilitate communication between inmates and visitors, but emphasizes that these electronic methods are supplementary to in-person visits.

Furthermore, the bill acknowledges that visitation privileges may be temporarily suspended for valid reasons, such as inmate misbehavior or emergencies. This legislation is designed to enhance the rights of inmates while maintaining the ability of correctional facilities to manage visitation in a responsible manner. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 24-13-185
Latest Version: 24-13-185