The bill H. 3598 aims to enhance the reporting requirements for the disposition of criminal cases in South Carolina by amending several sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It mandates that clerks of court, magistrates, and municipal judges report the disposition of cases to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) within forty-eight hours of certain orders being issued, rather than the previous five-day requirement. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section requiring law enforcement agencies to report specific incident reports to SLED within twenty-four hours.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new regulations regarding firearm sales and transfers, stipulating that no transfer may occur unless a criminal background check has been completed, or five days have passed without a negative report from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Violations of these provisions are classified as misdemeanors, carrying penalties of up to three years in prison or fines. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that any amendments do not affect pending legal actions or rights.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 14-17-325, 22-1-200, 14-25-250, 23-1-260
02/05/2025: 14-17-325, 22-1-200, 14-25-250, 23-1-260
Latest Version: 14-17-325, 22-1-200, 14-25-250, 23-1-260