Bill > S0518

This bill establishes the South Carolina Pray Safe Grant Program within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to provide financial assistance to religious organizations at risk of being targeted by religiously motivated crimes. The program will offer grants up to $750,000 to eligible applicants, which are defined as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations at particular risk of experiencing a religiously motivated crime. Eligible facilities can use the grants for various security enhancements, including security assessments, personnel, physical upgrades like windows and doors, lighting, camera systems, and alarm systems. SLED will develop an application process and establish ranking criteria for grant awards, considering factors such as the organization's risk level, previous incidents of religiously motivated crimes, and existing security measures. The program will be funded through a dedicated fund in the State Treasury, and SLED will create rules governing application procedures, grant agreements, and verification of fund usage. The bill aims to help religious organizations improve their physical security and protect themselves from potential targeted attacks, with grants awarded based on a comprehensive risk assessment.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0518&session=126&summary=B