Bill > S0316

This bill proposes three key changes to South Carolina law that enhance the Attorney General's legal powers and protections. First, it clarifies that when the Attorney General brings legal actions on behalf of the state, they are acting in the public interest and are not representing specific government departments or agencies. The bill specifies that while these departments are not parties to such actions, they must cooperate by producing documents if subpoenaed, with the Attorney General helping to facilitate that process. Second, the bill grants the Attorney General the ability to seek "disgorgement" in legal actions, which typically means requiring a defendant to give up profits or gains obtained through illegal activities. Third, the bill establishes a legal privilege for materials prepared or shared during law enforcement investigations, meaning such documents cannot be easily disclosed and this protection continues even after an investigation concludes, whether it ends in litigation or settlement. The bill would take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval, and it aims to provide more clarity and flexibility for the Attorney General when pursuing legal actions in the state's interest.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0316&session=126&summary=B