The bill H. 3730 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to facilitate the expungement of first offense nonviolent offenses and drug treatment court offenses. It introduces a new section, 17-22-915, which allows individuals convicted of a first nonviolent offense to apply for expungement after ten years without any pending charges or additional convictions. Additionally, those who complete a drug treatment court program for a first nonviolent offense can apply for expungement three years after completion, under similar conditions. The bill stipulates that expungement can only occur once per individual, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division must maintain a nonpublic record of the expunged offense.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing sections 17-22-910 and 17-22-940 to incorporate references to the new expungement provisions. Specifically, it updates the application process for expungement to include nonviolent offenses and drug treatment court convictions, and it clarifies the verification of eligibility by relevant court officials before the expungement process can proceed. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
01/15/2025: 17-22-915, 17-22-910, 17-22-940
Latest Version: 17-22-915, 17-22-910, 17-22-940