The bill S. 753 aims to amend Section 17-5-130 of the South Carolina Code of Laws to revise the qualifications required for coroners in the state. Key changes include the introduction of a requirement for candidates to undergo a fingerprint and background check conducted by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) before the general election. This new provision mandates that candidates must submit their fingerprints and the results of the criminal record search to the appropriate political party or county election commission at the time of filing for candidacy. Additionally, the bill outlines various educational and experiential qualifications that candidates must meet, such as having a high school diploma, relevant experience in death investigation, or specific degrees in forensic science or medicine.

Furthermore, the bill establishes training requirements for coroners, including a basic training session to be completed within a specified timeframe after election or appointment. It also stipulates annual in-service training requirements and the potential for suspension by the Governor for failure to meet these training obligations. The bill provides for the creation of a Coroners Training Advisory Committee to oversee training requirements and qualifications for coroners and deputy coroners. Overall, the proposed legislation seeks to enhance the qualifications and training of coroners in South Carolina to ensure they are adequately prepared for their responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
12/10/2025: 17-5-130
Latest Version: 17-5-130