The South Carolina House of Representatives convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss a significant bill aimed at enhancing the authority of the Attorney General and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The proposed legislation seeks to grant the Attorney General, circuit solicitors, and the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) the ability to issue administrative subpoenas for records from electronic communication service providers, specifically in relation to ongoing criminal investigations.

The bill stipulates that subpoenas can only be issued if the requested materials are relevant to an active investigation. This measure is intended to expedite access to subscriber information, such as names and addresses linked to specific IP addresses, which is crucial for investigations into child exploitation. Currently, state attorneys must coordinate with the U.S. Attorney's office to obtain similar information, leading to delays that can hinder investigations.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the broad language of the bill, which some members feared could lead to misuse of the subpoena power beyond the intended scope of child exploitation cases. To address these concerns, an amendment was adopted that restricts the authority to issue subpoenas solely to the Attorney General and limits their use to investigations conducted by the ICAC Task Force. This amendment aims to protect civil liberties and ensure that the law is narrowly tailored to its purpose.

Debate among representatives highlighted the tension between the need for swift law enforcement action and the protection of individual rights. Some members argued for the necessity of judicial oversight, suggesting that requiring a judge's approval for subpoenas would serve as a safeguard against potential abuses of power. Others contended that the current framework already provides sufficient checks and balances, as the information sought does not include content but rather basic subscriber data.

The discussion underscored the ongoing struggle to balance effective law enforcement with the preservation of constitutional rights. As the House continues to deliberate on this bill, the implications for privacy rights and law enforcement practices remain a focal point of concern among legislators. The meeting concluded with further amendments proposed to refine the bill, reflecting the complex nature of legislating in the realm of digital privacy and child protection.