The bill H. 3739 aims to amend Section 23-1-212 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the enforcement of state criminal laws by federal law enforcement officers. The primary change introduced by this bill is the inclusion of special agents of the Department of Defense in the definition of "federal law enforcement officer." This addition recognizes various branches of the Department of Defense, including the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Naval Criminal Investigation Division, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, as authorized personnel who can enforce state laws.

The bill specifies that federal law enforcement officers must be full-time employees of the federal government and authorized to carry firearms while performing their duties. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor, thereby enhancing the scope of federal law enforcement authority within the state by formally acknowledging the role of Department of Defense agents in law enforcement activities.

Statutes affected:
01/15/2025: 23-1-212
Latest Version: 23-1-212