Bill > H4523

This bill amends South Carolina law to require the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to place special identifiers on driver's licenses and identification cards for certain sex offenders. Specifically, individuals adjudicated as sexually violent predators must have "Sexually Violent Predator" printed in red on their documents, while sex offenders who are required to register but have not been classified as sexually violent predators must have "Sex Offender" printed in red. Offenders have 30 days after adjudication or release from the Department of Corrections to obtain a new license with the required identifier. The DMV may charge a fee for adding the identifier, and individuals can have the identifier removed if they can provide documentation from SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) showing termination of their sexually violent predator or sex offender status. Violations of this law are classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $500. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor, and it aims to enhance public safety by making sex offender status more readily identifiable on official identification documents.