South Carolina Public Safety and Second Chance Act

A BILL To improve public safety, support law enforcement, reduce violent crime, expand rehabilitation programs, and encourage bipartisan criminal justice reform. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE This Act may be cited as the “Public Safety and Second Chance Act.” SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSE The Legislature finds that: Communities across South Carolina deserve safe neighborhoods and effective law enforcement. Violent crime must be addressed with strong, consistent enforcement. Non-violent offenders benefit most from rehabilitation, job training, and mental health services. Smart public safety policy strengthens families, reduces repeat offenses, and protects victims. The purpose of this Act is to: Reduce violent crime Strengthen law enforcement resources Expand rehabilitation and reentry opportunities Promote bipartisan solutions to public safety SECTION 3. LAW ENFORCEMENT FUNDING AND TRAINING (a) The State shall establish the Public Safety Support Fund to provide: Increased funding for police officer recruitment and retention. Expanded training in de-escalation, community policing, and constitutional rights. Grants for body cameras and modern investigative technology. (b) Funds shall be distributed to local and state law enforcement agencies annually. SECTION 4. SENTENCING ENHANCEMENTS FOR VIOLENT CRIME (a) Any individual convicted of: Murder Armed robbery Carjacking Human trafficking Sexual assault shall be subject to enhanced sentencing ranges as determined by the court. (b) Repeat violent offenders shall be ineligible for early release. SECTION 5. SECOND CHANCE AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS (a) The Department of Corrections shall expand: Drug treatment and mental health programs. Educational and job training inside correctional facilities. Reentry preparation programs at least 6 months prior to release. (b) Non-violent offenders who complete approved programs may qualify for: Sentence reductions Probation alternatives Supervised community reentry SECTION 6. VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICES (a) The State shall increase funding for: Victim counseling and trauma recovery services. Relocation assistance for victims of violent crime. Legal aid for victims seeking protective orders. SECTION 7. COMMUNITY-BASED CRIME PREVENTION (a) The State shall create competitive grants for: Youth violence prevention programs After-school mentorship programs Substance abuse prevention initiatives (b) Priority shall be given to high-crime and rural communities. SECTION 8. BIPARTISAN OVERSIGHT COMMISSION (a) A Public Safety Oversight Commission is created consisting of: Equal members from both major political parties Law enforcement representatives Community leaders Victim advocates (b) The Commission shall: Review annual crime data Track effectiveness of this Act Issue public reports to the Legislature SECTION 9. APPROPRIATIONS The sum of funds necessary to carry out this Act shall be appropriated from the State General Fund beginning in Fiscal Year 2025. SECTION 10. EFFECTIVE DATE This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.