A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 24-3-210, relating to furlough for qualified inmates of the state prison system, so as to limit the granting of furlough to medical reasons.

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

SECTION 1.Section 24-3-210(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(A) The director may extend the limits of the place of confinement of a prisoner, where there is reasonable cause to believe he will honor his trust, by authorizing him, under prescribed conditions, to leave the confines of that place unaccompanied by a custodial agent for a prescribed period of time to: for medical reasons.

(1) contact prospective employers;

(2) secure a suitable residence for use when released on parole or upon discharge;

(3) obtain medical services not otherwise available;

(4) participate in a training program in the community or any other compelling reason consistent with the public interest;

(5) visit a spouse, child (including stepchild, adopted child, or child as to whom the prisoner, though not a natural parent, has acted in the place of a parent), parent (including a person, though not a natural parent, who has acted in the place of a parent), brother, or sister.

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

----XX----