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.