The bill S. 996 aims to amend Section 63-13-190 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to fingerprint-based background checks for personnel associated with the Department of Social Services. The key change proposed in this bill is the removal of the requirement that individuals who have direct unsupervised contact with a child in the custody of the Department must undergo a state fingerprint-based background check. This amendment alters the existing legal framework regarding the vetting process for volunteers and employees of contractors or subcontractors involved in various child welfare services.

The bill specifies that volunteers or employees of contractors providing protective services, family preservation services, foster care services, and related programs must still undergo both state and federal fingerprint-based background checks to assess their criminal history. Furthermore, it maintains that individuals with certain criminal convictions are prohibited from being employed or volunteering in capacities that allow them access to children in the custody of the Department. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Latest Version: 63-13-190