The bill H. 3161 seeks to amend Section 30-4-40 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The proposed amendment specifically prohibits the disclosure of recordings of telephone conversations between inmates and their visitors that are made by the correctional facility where the inmate is housed. This change aims to enhance the privacy rights of inmates and their visitors by ensuring that such communications remain confidential and are not subject to public disclosure.

If enacted, this legislation would add a new provision to the existing law, clearly stating that jails, detention centers, correctional facilities, or other public bodies are not permitted to disclose these recordings. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor, reflecting a legislative effort to protect the privacy of inmate communications within the state's correctional system.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 30-4-40
04/11/2025: 30-4-40
Latest Version: 30-4-40