A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding article 17 to chapter 23, title 23 so as to establish the center for school safety and targeted violence within the state law enforcement division.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 23, Title 23 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Article 17

Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence

Section 23-3-1500. (A) The Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence is established within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The purpose of the center is to provide extensive training, education, and expertise in the fields of school safety and targeted violence.

(B) SLED shall adopt guidelines and establish procedures for training and educating local and state law enforcement, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, other school personnel, parents and the public on school safety and targeted violence.

(C) SLED may incorporate existing and new personnel from its Homeland Security Department, Investigative Services Department, Behavioral Science Unit and any other unit or department as assigned by the Chief of SLED as defined in Section 23-3-25.

SECTION 2.This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and is contingent upon funding in the general appropriations act.

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