A bill

TO AMEND The SOUTH CAROLINA code of laws BY ADDING ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 23 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (SLED) SHALL ESTABLISH A "HATE CRIMES DATABASE" AND PROVIDE SLED MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.

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

SECTION 1.Chapter 3, Title 23 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

Article 11

Hate Crimes Database

Section 23-3-910.(A) There is established within the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) a "Hate Crimes Database". SLED shall collect data from each law enforcement agency within the State and develop a database that contains individuals who have been convicted of crimes based upon the crime victims' race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or national origin.

(B) SLED shall make this information available to the public on its website.

Section 23-3-920.SLED shall promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions contained in this article.

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

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