The bill S. 374 aims to amend several sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws related to the Department of Juvenile Justice. It mandates that the Department enter into intergovernmental agreements with counties or municipalities that utilize its detention services, specifying the per diem costs and the invoicing process. Additionally, the bill removes inconsistent language regarding the payment of a fee of fifty dollars a day per child from Section 63-19-1610 and a fee of twenty-five dollars a day per child from Section 14-1-208. These changes are intended to clarify the financial responsibilities of local governments when using juvenile detention services.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that the Department of Juvenile Justice will determine the per diem costs for each child detained, with the governing body of the law enforcement agency responsible for two-thirds of the cost, while the Department covers one-third. It also emphasizes that the Department can deny admission to youth from counties or municipalities that are delinquent in their per diem payments. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
02/25/2025: 63-19-360, 63-19-1610, 14-1-208
Latest Version: 63-19-360, 63-19-1610, 14-1-208