A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 23-23-60, RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE, INFORMATION TO BE SUBMITTED RELATING TO QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR CERTIFICATION, AND EXPIRATION OF CERTIFICATES FOR LAW ENFOCEMENT OFFICERS SO AS TO PERMIT SLED TO CONDUCT STATE- AND FEDERAL-LEVEL CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS ON INDIVIDUALS SEEKING CERTIFICATION.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Section 23-23-60 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    (E) An individual seeking certification pursuant to this section shall undergo a state criminal records check, supported by fingerprints, by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and a national criminal records check, supported by fingerprints, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). SLED is authorized to retain the fingerprints for certification purposes and for notification of the academy regarding criminal charges. Both SLED and the FBI may retain the applicant's fingerprints for future submission to the Next Generation Identification (NGI) program and for latent fingerprint searches. The results of these criminal records checks must be reported to the academy and cannot be further disseminated. Any cost associated with the state and federal criminal history background check, supported by fingerprints, shall be the responsibility of the individual seeking certification.

 

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

----XX----