The following bills have been identified as priorities for SCCADVASA during the 2012 session:

House Bills

H.3208 and H.4272: This bill will add "strangulation" and "smothering" to the list of offenses included in the felony charge Criminal Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature (CDV-HAN)

H.3142: Safe Schools Climate Act: Amends the definition of harassment to include motivations, reporting requirements for harassment, requires local school districts to post policy link on their websites, creates procedures for filing of reports, process for evaluation of schools and publishing school's grade on the website.

H.3667: Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 3rd degree consensual act exceptions for acts between teens 14-18 years of age.

Senate Bills

S.53: Permanent Civil No Contact Order for certain crimes.  Establishes procedure for issuance of permanent and emergency civil no-contact orders under certain circumstances and provides penalties for the violation of such orders.

S.566: Safe Schools Climate Act: Amends definition of harassment to include motivations, reporting requirements for harassment, requires local school districts to post policy link on their websites, creates procedures for filling of reports, process for evaluation of schools and publishing school's grade on the website.

S.744: Adds "strangulation” and “smothering” to language for felony offenses (CDV HAN). Read and referred to House Judiciary Committee.

Other Issues of Interest

Sexual Assault Funding:

We will be working to increase the amount of funding for sexual assault programs (rape crisis centers). Funding was cut by over 50% two years ago.  Programs have experienced a 30-40% increase in reports of child sexual abuse as well as requests for services from adult survivors of child sexual abuse.  Programs are also receiving many more requests from businesses and churches to help establish protocols for handling reports of sexual abuse.  We are requesting a 30% increase in funding (from $648K to $842K) to assist programs with meeting this increased need.  The DHEC budget has been submitted with a level request for sexual assault program funding at the same amount as last year, which is insufficient.

Immigration Bill (S.20 now Act No. 69):

Requires law enforcement to question criminal suspects about their immigration status and cooperate with immigration officials.  SCCADVASA has serious concerns about the impact this legislation will have on the safety of victims and their children.

Right to an advocate for sexual assault victims:

Currently drafting. Gives victims the right to a non-profit sexual assault advocate during the forensic exam and all stages of the criminal proceeding.

Mutual Order of Protection legislation:

Not yet filed.  SCCADVASA is working with drafters of the legislation to identify a sponsor.  Would require a counter petition and reasonable notice before a mutual order could be issued.