Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Committee Report

February 16, 2023

H. 3340

Introduced by Reps. Dillard, Henegan, Hyde, Felder and King

S. Printed 02/16/23--H.

Read the first time January 10, 2023

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The committee on House Judiciary

To who was referred a Bill (H. 3340) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 23-3-330, relating to the Endangered Person Notification System, so as to provide the system also shall, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:

   Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 23-3-330(C) and inserting:

   (C) The center shall adopt guidelines and develop procedures for issuing notifications for missing persons believed to be suffering from dementia, a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, or some other cognitive impairment, provide education and training to local law enforcement agencies, and encourage radio and television broadcasters to participate in the notifications.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

WM. WESTON J. NEWTON for Committee.

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This bill specifies that individuals with a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder that are reported missing must be included in the Endangered Person Notification System. The Endangered Person Notification System, within the Missing Person Information Center of SLED, is a statewide system established to provide rapid dissemination of information regarding missing persons who are believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment. If the center receives a report that such a person is missing, the center must issue a notification providing the appropriate dissemination of information on the missing person. This bill expands who must be included Endangered Person Notification System, if they are reported missing, to include individuals who are believed to be suffering with a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder.

SLED anticipates being able to update the Endangered Person Notification System to include reports of missing persons believed to be suffering with a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder and manage the additional notification requirements with existing staff and within existing appropriations. Therefore, this bill will have no expenditure impact.

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

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A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 23-3-330, relating to THE Endangered Person Notification System, so as to provide the system also shall provide for the dissemination of information regarding missing persons believed to be suffering from a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Section 23-3-330 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   Section 23-3-330.   (A) The Endangered Person Notification System is established within the Missing Person Information Center. The purpose of the Endangered Person Notification System is to provide a statewide system for the rapid dissemination of information regarding a missing person who is believed to be suffering from dementia, a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, or some other cognitive impairment.

   (B) If the center receives a report that involves a missing person who is believed to be suffering from dementia, a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, or some other cognitive impairment, for the protection of the person from potential abuse or other physical harm, neglect, or exploitation, the center shall issue a notification providing for the appropriate dissemination of information regarding the person.

   (C) The center shall adopt guidelines and develop procedures for issuing notifications for missing persons believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment, provide education and training to local law enforcement agencies, and encourage radio and television broadcasters to participate in the notifications.

   (D) The center shall consult with the Department of Transportation and develop a procedure for the use of overhead permanent changeable message signs to provide information on a missing person who is believed to be suffering from dementia, a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, or some other cognitive impairment when the person's vehicle and license tag information is available. The Department of Transportation shall utilize current protocol for the content, length, and frequency of any message to be placed on an overhead permanent changeable message sign.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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