Bill > H3115

This bill amends South Carolina law to waive birth certificate fees for homeless individuals, allowing them to obtain up to four free birth records annually. To qualify, a homeless person must have their status verified by an authorized entity, such as a homeless service agency receiving government funding, a licensed attorney, a public school homeless liaison, a school social worker, or a human service provider funded to serve homeless or at-risk populations. The Department of Public Health and Environmental Control will be responsible for establishing regulations and procedures for implementing this fee waiver. Previously, birth certificate requests required payment of a fee determined by the department, with only limited exceptions for certain government agencies like the Department of Social Services. The bill aims to reduce barriers for homeless individuals in obtaining important identification documents by eliminating the financial burden of purchasing birth certificates, which can be crucial for accessing services, employment, and housing.

Budget and Finance

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3115&session=126&summary=B