Bill > S0520

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 allows eligible applicants—specifically 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations facing potential religious-based threats—to apply for grants up to $750,000 for security enhancements. These enhancements can include security assessments, training, personnel, physical upgrades like reinforced windows and doors, and technology such as cameras and alarm systems. SLED will develop an application process and use specific criteria to rank and award grants, including evaluating an organization's risk level, previous experiences with religiously motivated crimes, and existing security measures. A separate fund will be created in the State Treasury to support these grants, and SLED will establish rules governing application procedures, grant agreements, and verification of fund usage. The grant program aims to help vulnerable religious organizations improve their safety and protect against potential targeted attacks, with the goal of preventing violence and providing peace of mind to at-risk communities.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0520&session=126&summary=B