The bill S. 894 proposes an amendment to Section 44-63-74 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which governs the electronic filing and transmission of death certificates. The key change allows for a death certificate to be filed on the next business day if the five-day filing period ends on a weekend or a federal or state holiday. This amendment aims to provide flexibility for funeral directors and ensure timely processing of death certificates, while maintaining the requirement for electronic filing with the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of funeral directors in obtaining necessary information for the death certificate and specifies the timeline for medical certifications of cause of death. It also establishes administrative penalties for physicians and funeral directors who fail to comply with the filing requirements, with penalties increasing for repeated violations. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
02/04/2026: 44-63-74
Latest Version: 44-63-74