The bill H. 3524 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding the Department of Crime Victim Services Training, Provider Certification, and Statistical Analysis. It proposes to remove the exemption for certain crime victim service providers from basic certification requirements, mandating that those employed after the effective date of the article must complete these requirements within one year of employment. Additionally, the bill revises the definition of "victim service provider" to explicitly exclude mental health clinicians licensed in South Carolina from this classification.

The changes in the bill include the deletion of the provision that exempted certain crime victim service providers from basic certification requirements and the revision of the definition of "victim service provider" to clarify that it does not include licensed mental health clinicians. This legislation is intended to enhance the standards for crime victim services in South Carolina and ensure that all relevant providers meet specific certification criteria. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 16-3-1410, 16-3-1420
03/26/2025: 16-3-1410, 16-3-1420
Latest Version: 16-3-1410, 16-3-1420