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.

The new legal language added to the existing law states that "a jail, detention center, correctional facility, or other public body may not disclose a recording of a telephone conversation of an inmate and his visitor made by the facility in which the inmate is incarcerated." This amendment will take effect upon approval by the Governor, reinforcing the protection of sensitive communications within the correctional system.

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