summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 17-15-15, Relating To Deposit Of Cash Percentage In Lieu Of Bond; Assignment Of Deposit; Restitution To Victim, So As To Provide That If A Court Finds That A Defendant May Be Released On Bond Who Has Been Charged With A Violent Offense Or Any Felony Offense Involving A Firearm Or Drugs, The Bond Must Be Set At The Full United States Cash Currency Bond; By Amending Section 17-15-30, Relating To Matters To Be Considered In Determining Conditions Of Release; Contempt, So As To Include In The Consideration Of A Person's Mental Condition The Direct Observations Of A Law Enforcement Officer That Cause Reasonable Concern With A Person's Mental Condition And To Allow The Court To Include In The Bond Conditions That Law Enforcement Transport The Person For An Emergency Psychiatric Evaluation Or The Person Is Required To Seek Medical Treatment Upon Release.
AI Summary
This bill modifies South Carolina's bond and release procedures for criminal defendants, focusing on two key areas. First, for defendants charged with violent offenses, felony offenses involving firearms, or drug-related felonies, the bill mandates that bonds must be set at the full United States cash currency bond, eliminating alternative bonding options. Second, the bill expands the criteria courts must consider when setting bond conditions by explicitly allowing law enforcement officers' direct observations of a defendant's mental condition to be a factor in bond determination. The bill now permits courts to include bond conditions that require a defendant to be transported for an emergency psychiatric evaluation or to seek medical treatment upon release. These changes aim to enhance public safety by providing courts with more comprehensive information about a defendant's mental state and potential risks, while also ensuring that individuals charged with serious offenses post a full cash bond. The modifications to Sections 17-15-15 and 17-15-30 of the South Carolina Code of Laws will take effect upon the Governor's approval.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (11)
Billy Garrett (R)*,
Allen Blackmon (R),
Tom Corbin (R),
Jason Elliott (R),
Stephen Goldfinch (R),
Carlisle Kennedy (R),
Josh Kimbrell (R),
Matthew Leber (R),
Mike Reichenbach (R),
Rex Rice (R),
Jeffrey Zell (R),
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0716&session=126&summary=B |
| Fiscal Note - S0716 2026-01-13 Introduced | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/fiscalimpactstatements/S0716%202026-01-13%20introduced.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/716_20251210.htm |
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