The bill H. 5119 aims to amend Section 63-19-1820 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically concerning the Board of Juvenile Parole and its procedures for juveniles committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice due to adjudication for a violent felony. The amendments stipulate that the Board must meet monthly to review the records and progress of these juveniles, allowing for conditional releases under specific terms, including the requirement for juveniles to agree to warrantless searches by designated authorities. Additionally, the bill outlines the reporting obligations for law enforcement officers conducting such searches and establishes consequences for failing to report.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the rights of juveniles who have not committed violent offenses, allowing them to appear before the Board every three months for parole consideration, contingent upon the Board's determination of an appropriate time since their commitment. The Board is granted the discretion to waive quarterly reviews for juveniles convicted of violent crimes until they meet established minimum parole guidelines, after which their review schedule can range from three to twelve months. This legislation is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
02/05/2026: 63-19-1820
Latest Version: 63-19-1820