Bill > S0016

This bill amends several sections of South Carolina's juvenile justice law to improve how status offenses (behaviors that are only considered violations when committed by minors, such as running away or being incorrigible) are handled. The bill reduces the time a child can be held in detention for status offenses, eliminating the option to try children as adults for such offenses. It now requires families to seek counseling or other support services before filing a petition for incorrigibility and restricts the ability to commit a child to juvenile detention for status offenses. The bill also introduces automatic expungement of records for status offenses once the individual turns 18 and successfully completes any required sentences, provided they haven't been subsequently convicted of a criminal offense. Additionally, the legislation changes evaluation and commitment procedures, ensuring that children are not unnecessarily placed in restrictive environments for minor infractions. The goal appears to be providing more supportive and rehabilitative approaches to dealing with young people who commit status offenses, rather than using punitive measures that could potentially harm their long-term prospects.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=16&session=126&summary=B