The bill S. 120 aims to amend Section 23-23-60 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the certification process for law enforcement officers. The key change introduced by this bill is the authorization for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to conduct both state and federal-level criminal records checks on individuals seeking certification as law enforcement officers. This includes a requirement for applicants to undergo a criminal records check supported by fingerprints from both SLED and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The bill also stipulates that SLED can retain the fingerprints for certification purposes and future identification searches.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in submitting various forms of evidence regarding a candidate's qualifications, including educational background, medical fitness, character assessments, and age verification. It emphasizes the importance of ethical policing and mandates that candidates sign an attestation form committing to these principles. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor, enhancing the vetting process for law enforcement officers in South Carolina to ensure they meet the necessary standards for certification.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 23-23-60
Latest Version: 23-23-60