Bill would let state accept concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile crimes on military installations with federal waiver
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Summary
House Bill 3508 would allow South Carolina to accept concurrent jurisdiction over juveniles who violate federal law on military installations if the U.S. Attorney waives exclusive jurisdiction and the conduct is a state crime.
House Bill 3508 establishes a procedure by which South Carolina may accept concurrent jurisdiction over a juvenile who violates a federal law on a U.S. Department of Defense installation within the state if two conditions are met: (1) the United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina waives exclusive federal jurisdiction, and (2) the juvenile's alleged offense also constitutes a crime under South Carolina law.
Representative Celeste Davis, the bill sponsor for the current filing, told the committee the bill had passed the House in a prior session by a large margin but stalled in the Senate over technical issues. She said the measure provides an option — not a mandate — for framing juvenile cases in state juvenile court where federal juvenile processing otherwise would apply, and that the legislation is intended to protect military families and treat juveniles in a manner consistent with state juvenile adjudicatory procedures.
No external witnesses appeared; the subcommittee called the roll and recorded unanimous support from members present. The measure will move forward for additional consideration in the Legislature.
Ending: Sponsors indicated the bill has precedent in other states and that they will continue to coordinate with federal and military partners on jurisdictional details if the bill advances.