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 revise the definition of "intervenor," while Section 16-3-1420 will remove the definition of "witness" as unnecessary. The bill also updates Section 16-3-1430 to replace references to "spouse abuse" with "domestic violence" and modifies the appointment process for representatives involved in victim services.

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 victim assistance services and aims to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of these services across various agencies. 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