The bill H. 5740 seeks to amend Section 8-29-10 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the verification of lawful presence in the United States for individuals applying for public benefits. The amendment introduces a requirement for state agencies and political subdivisions to refer the information of applicants who are determined not to be lawfully present in the U.S. to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This change aims to enhance the verification process and ensure that public benefits are only provided to eligible individuals.

Specifically, the bill retains the existing provision that allows applicants who affirm their lawful presence through an affidavit to be verified via the Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) program. However, it adds a new requirement that mandates the referral of information regarding applicants found to be unlawfully present to ICE. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
06/25/2026: 8-29-10
Latest Version: 8-29-10