The bill H. 3598 aims to enhance the reporting requirements for the disposition of criminal cases in South Carolina by amending existing laws related to clerks of court, magistrates, and municipal judges. Specifically, it mandates that these officials report case dispositions to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) within forty-eight hours of certain orders being issued, rather than the previous five-day requirement. This includes reporting on criminal indictments, restraining orders, and other orders that may affect an individual's ability to purchase or possess firearms. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for law enforcement agencies to report incident filings 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 and clarifies that if any part of the act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining sections will still remain in effect.

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