The bill H. 3525 aims to amend various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws related to victims' services and compensation. Key changes include updating the reference from the "Department of Crime Victim Assistance Grants" to the "Department of Crime Victim Compensation" in Section 14-1-211.5. Additionally, Section 16-3-1200 will see an update to the definition of "intervenor," while Section 16-3-1420 will remove the definition of "witness" as unnecessary. The bill also modifies Section 16-3-1430 to replace references to "spouse abuse" with "domestic violence" and updates the structure of victim assistance services, including changes in the appointment of representatives to the Victim Services Coordinating Council.

Further amendments include a revision of the definition of "criminal offense" in Section 16-3-1510 to clarify the scope of offenses covered, and the deletion of an obsolete reference in Section 17-25-45 regarding life sentences for certain crimes. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing training and technical assistance to municipalities and counties on the use of crime victim funds and aims to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of victim services across the state. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 14-1-211, 16-3-1200, 16-3-1430, 16-3-1510, 17-25-45
02/05/2025: 14-1-211, 16-3-1200, 16-3-1430, 16-3-1510, 17-25-45
03/26/2025: 14-1-211, 16-3-1200, 16-3-1430, 16-3-1510, 17-25-45
04/01/2025: 14-1-211, 16-3-1200, 16-3-1430, 16-3-1510, 17-25-45
04/02/2025: 14-1-211, 16-3-1200, 16-3-1430, 16-3-1510, 17-25-45
Latest Version: 14-1-211, 16-3-1200, 16-3-1430, 16-3-1510, 17-25-45