[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6325324,"mediaKeyId","2333772-c0d505b2ccfce895f638a02168fbcacd","parentId",2333772,"title","Committee favorably reports technical updates to guardian ad litem programs and Department of Children’s Advocacy","audioSeconds",76,"startMs",4499000,"endMs",4575000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333772-c0d505b2ccfce895f638a02168fbcacd&start=4499&end=4575","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333772-c0d505b2ccfce895f638a02168fbcacd/thumbnail_4499000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6325324/South-Carolina/Committee-favorably-reports-technical-updates-to-guardian-ad-litem-programs-and-Department-of-Childrens-Advocacy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325324-58e8f6d9f4e852d5961ce67bcc54dea1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192679&Signature=U9X5cUBusWHy1ydPaf3mshb6nzS8ZW-ziWqitucZoY6RdfP3yPgNR2B8B1ECLDfQLJD4-HkBCu96qoeOt7FPGvELjJpXCwJkX4Sx0WWfKd8Vq1GH4LBP50LWfRk2IbJbcMi0hAI7yycGXz4g~rhNgdyqWRU3b2rAFKmJ6ElXCR~0z0EdL~ntOTaraoL4WTnpEXcDTg~krCPfSJ~ve~E424zG6c1xtE21TnXSlfLAKRmvMmlDNUJUXCmXwzBUl3uayb0HYaXVnslWKCaYsgGTbUytCiP2hfwclvCstI6LTIy-BzucJzlzpBuHSiEl6MkMiRV6NlZY13x0P4RRhdDj2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","South Carolina Legislature","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","Lawmakers reported favorably a bill that makes technical updates to statutes for state and county guardian ad litem programs and the Department of Children's Advocacy (DCA).

Chairman Bernstein said the bill was presented in the Domestic Relations, Business and Probate Subcommittee and that Amanda Whittle, the state child advocate and director of the Department of Children's Advocacy, testified in support. Bernstein said the subcommittee received no testimony in opposition.

The committee ordered a roll‑call vote. The clerk recorded 20 votes in favor, 0 against, and 4 not voting; the bill (H 36‑54 in committee materials) received a favorable report and will move to the full House for further consideration.

Committee members offered no substantive amendments in the hearing record and described the changes as technical updates to improve program statutes and administration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Judiciary Committee February 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee gave a favorable report to a bill making technical updates to statutes governing state and county guardian‑ad‑litem programs and the Department of Children's Advocacy after testimony from the state child advocate; the measure received unanimous support in committee.","taxTitle","Judiciary, Standing, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, South Carolina","taxId",17507,"location","South Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325329,"Committee advances bill requiring coroner candidates to complete training and submit fingerprints; amendment adopted",1753,2696000,4449000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333772-c0d505b2ccfce895f638a02168fbcacd&start=2696&end=4449","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333772-c0d505b2ccfce895f638a02168fbcacd/thumbnail_2696000.jpg","/articles/6325329/South-Carolina/Committee-advances-bill-requiring-coroner-candidates-to-complete-training-and-submit-fingerprints-amendment-adopted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325329-8386f142a40a5d4aaa616a5ece8e31dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192679&Signature=d9q6X0-QweB0JhdlvD-BmsspNiMCk98dLPYHok0GGON50FdchUc3Pog~qMfYuQ2BaM31EOfEjZLy-RiUzMiOLy2aKuMu-AJN5u-tFbMCyfZseJ-K6-CQPr7hBuLFAP44DB3vLso15DqqB9bUwQXyH~6TBrCxnokm6JFhm-NSQnvQYAr~mhUApyNd~Tb4alk9nk7v0Lh4bjsTGlboo4gRz1-WlCJnbEu0nX3eoFX~aa82NRUe3dTgJXT2tDdyF1ZUtpw9OGZVVrA8folAdcjk2kker3RxnZusBYAD7bmIY8qWbtIMN07edqqw8n7U8HSWbnieAOvJfAMvBCJQfCj~Tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted to report favorably a bill that would change qualifications for coroner candidates by requiring completion of the forensic science certification program before taking office and by adding fingerprint and background‑check requirements.

Mr. Britton presented the bill (identified in committee as H 30‑48) and said the proposal would require candidates to undergo a background check and provide fingerprints. The subcommittee amendment directs that candidates, rather than SLED, provide fingerprints and background results to their political party's county executive committee because the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) cannot make the direct request to local party authorities.

Representative Dan King offered an amendment to require fingerprint/background checks for all elected public officials; the committee voted to table that amendment. Representative Robbins and other members questioned the 130‑day filing timeline; committee members later adopted a Britton amendment to change the filing requirement so fingerprint results are provided at the time the candidate files for office.

The committee then took a roll‑call vote on H 30‑48 as amended. The clerk recorded 18 in favor, 2 against and 4 not voting; the bill received a favorable report and will move forward for consideration on the floor.

Supporters said coroners routinely enter private homes and handle personal effects and that the additional checks would improve public trust in death‑investigation officials. Opponents and several members raised concerns about singling out coroners, the potential for a chilling effect on candidates, and whether the office should be converted to a medical‑examiner system; those concerns were discussed but did not prevent the favorable report.","Lawmakers advanced a bill requiring coroner candidates to complete a forensic certification course before taking office and to provide fingerprint/background checks to party executive committees; the committee approved two committee amendments and reported the bill favorably by roll call.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325335,"Committee weighs hands‑free driving bill tied to federal funding; debate adjourned",976,1700000,2676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333772-c0d505b2ccfce895f638a02168fbcacd&start=1700&end=2676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333772-c0d505b2ccfce895f638a02168fbcacd/thumbnail_1700000.jpg","/articles/6325335/South-Carolina/Committee-weighs-handsfree-driving-bill-tied-to-federal-funding-debate-adjourned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325335-1c1abbc4843fa1442d4f7af33d421f93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192679&Signature=R1C2Nzqtv2JI5hp8Z6e7cmn9Ulehncm~lycoK1rxLc153Z0znXaCCGT9FJicJrdpOuRH~9MD-fLQEm96kMVusxSoabL8AZ0LyLKrEkg~kxMakhCXwuKhDbBHoUl73U6fZ~m-~s6ocWhW7IjfF9afVEc2hB5veUN5lnP0PYaoOPcVANEF5wNKkB0m~JKs-4BRBDEE-wlBSJCPaaag9xA9nKetmzhbLucH~qhvHntlkvcBxMBuFrJHotXT9bIjbwltEG9YOKVJpNxXcpc0w9UscwE8vj~vVf8BbIfD16AjEEaRkSudrloXCu9LZSpcZz~L~P6kw7fvY49PVC56Zzvk1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A proposal to expand the state’s distracted‑driving law and increase fines passed initial committee procedural steps but was set aside for further drafting after members raised questions about scope and enforcement.

Mr. Britton presented the hands‑free measure (identified in testimony as bill 32‑76) and explained that current law imposes a $25 fine for texting while driving; the bill would raise the first‑offense fine to $100 and the second‑offense fine to $200 and broaden the prohibition to “any kind of mobile device that you're using with your hands.” Britton told the panel the subcommittee removed license‑point accumulation and, at the DMV’s request, set a one‑year delayed effective date for implementation.

“While that is not the main purpose of the goal, it is a nice little treat to have on there as well,” Mr. Britton said, referring to tied federal transportation safety funding the state could access if the law meets federal standards.

Members praised the public‑safety goal while flagging drafting concerns about what it means to “hold or support” a device. Representative Bobby Pemberger asked whether commonplace behaviors — tucking a phone between legs, placing a device in a cupholder and resting a hand nearby, or using the phone to play audio during a commute — would be criminalized under the bill’s current language. Representative Britton said those concerns warranted further work. Several members also noted South Carolina’s poor statewide distracted‑driving statistics and the risk of losing federal highway‑safety funds without statutory change.

The committee adopted the subcommittee report and a Britton amendment dealing with license suspension language, then voted to adjourn debate to the next meeting to address outstanding definitions and scope. No roll‑call vote on final passage occurred during this session.","A hands‑free driving bill that would raise fines and broaden the ban on handheld mobile device use drew support as a safety measure and attention for an attached federal funding incentive; members voted to adjourn debate to resolve drafting points.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325340,"Committee debates tougher penalties for failure to stop for police; debate adjourned to Judiciary",0,2976000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333772-c0d505b2ccfce895f638a02168fbcacd&start=2976&end=2976","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333772-c0d505b2ccfce895f638a02168fbcacd/thumbnail_2976000.jpg","/articles/6325340/South-Carolina/Committee-debates-tougher-penalties-for-failure-to-stop-for-police-debate-adjourned-to-Judiciary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325340-1c54ec1e563bf2352e0b060145d74b68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192679&Signature=VdhSafy~ts57EyHKviErpCEP57Ca8OwsbDY4DeAtUZkIaOVh6hngFjXnvzr-FTCCvEbauQKNlg9usKlJnNPLCz1t6es2cucISy8apuogwbOUOTmd~spjAvZg3ydybvIWI5jgPRS7trAl6djeewP7NIV0telXAPLKuoENSD~5V7YBLSncx79fLR7Id5uD9iTSsIBzT8PqXpUb5qERIhPyRPcrEt-k7y~NcVIu3Ngsp1jRNp6k0rbbMvnSk-P050fV9G3gU8udwnMGtCuATstm4a2ZkSrfQU6QztWFIGudj87ZKtE5O6e6IFuXxLpQ2G4dsbjwZUr~DCte3Vkk~9vgXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A proposal to stiffen penalties for failing to stop when signaled by law enforcement — referenced in the hearing as bill 31‑27 — drew hours of discussion before members voted to pause further debate until the next Judiciary Committee meeting.

Mr. Britton, the committee presenter, told the panel, “This bill provides that certain factors can increase the penalty up to 10 years when great bodily injury or death are not present.” The subcommittee report also added a $10,000 threshold for property‑damage enhancements and new language about unlawful passing and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Representative Gregory Robbins offered two amendments, which he described as “a housekeeping matter” and an enactment delay requested by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Robbins said the DMV asked that the law “be enacted 1 year after the governor's signature” to allow the agency time to update systems. He also explained a drafting change that removed a “moderate bodily injury” phrase and returned to the original wording discussed in subcommittee.

Committee members expressed divided views about which conduct should trigger felony treatment. Representative Spencer Rose questioned whether nonviolent first‑time offenders could be swept into enhanced penalties by narrowly defined aggravators. “I get the logic of everything, and I do support the enhancements. I just get a little more concerned when we start talking about meeting these other things that could then subject someone who has no prior failure to stop,” Rose said.

Representative Bamberg and others stressed officer and public safety, pointing to high‑speed chases and foot pursuits as occasions when officers can be injured. “From a practical standpoint, you've got to give prosecutors discretion,” Mr. Britton said, adding that prosecutors could plea these cases to lesser charges where appropriate.

After adopting the general‑laws subcommittee report and the Robbins amendment (both approved by voice vote), Representative Case moved to adjourn debate on the bill to the next Judiciary Committee meeting; the motion passed on a voice vote. No final committee vote on the bill’s merits or on a full committee floor recommendation was recorded during this session.

The debate left several open questions members asked to resolve before the bill returns: whether enhancements should apply only to second or subsequent convictions or also to first offenses when specified aggravating facts are present; how prosecutor discretion and charging practices will interact with the new statutory elements; and the DMV’s requested one‑year enactment delay to accommodate system changes.

The panel did not take a roll‑call vote on the bill itself and set the matter for continued consideration at the next Judiciary Committee meeting.","A bill to enhance penalties for failing to stop for law enforcement drew extended debate over which aggravating factors should upgrade the offense to a felony. The committee adopted a subcommittee report and a Robbins amendment but voted to adjourn further debate to the next Judiciary Committee meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee favorably reports technical updates to guardian ad litem programs and Department of Children’s Advocacy

Committee advances bill requiring coroner candidates to complete training and submit fingerprints; amendment adopted

Committee weighs hands‑free driving bill tied to federal funding; debate adjourned

Committee debates tougher penalties for failure to stop for police; debate adjourned to Judiciary