A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding section 24-1-142 so as to require the department of corrections to regularly conduct validation studies of its inmate classification system.

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

SECTION 1.   Chapter 1, Title 24 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

   Section 24-1-142.   (A) The department shall conduct validation studies of its inmate classification system in regular intervals not to exceed every five years, and in accordance with industry best practices, as recommended by industry experts such as the National Institute of Corrections and the Counsel of State Government Justice.

   (B) Each validation study must include, without limitation:

      (1) risk assessments of the inmate classification system in comparison with industry best practices as identified by industry experts;

      (2) recommendations for improvements to allow the department to comply with industry best practices;

      (3) documentation of any updates to the classification process; and

      (4) identification of the year by which the next validation study will be conducted.

   (C)   The department may obtain the services of an independent contractor to conduct the validation surveys required in this section.

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

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