Attorney General Alan Wilson announced a significant development today as the South Carolina House passed Senate Bill 74, known as the Administrative Subpoena Bill. This legislation is a key initiative for the Attorney General’s Office and aims to enhance efforts against child sexual abuse material in the state.
"This is a HUGE WIN not only for our office but for South Carolina’s children and families," stated Attorney General Wilson. He emphasized that "S.74 cuts through red tape and empowers our Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce to move swiftly to issue administrative subpoenas in child sexual exploitation cases, dramatically reducing the time it takes to find child predators and protect children actively being harmed."
The bill's passage was supported by state legislators, whom Wilson thanked for their recognition of the issue's urgency. "Your support is saving lives," he said.
The bill has also received backing from law enforcement officials across South Carolina. Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie expressed his approval, stating, "I am pleased to have offered support of this bill and happy to see it is headed to the Governor's desk." He noted its importance in prosecuting internet crimes against children effectively.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon highlighted the partnership between local law enforcement and the ICAC task force. He remarked, "Allowing the Attorney General to sign administrative subpoenas will speed up our ability to catch these criminals and hold them accountable." Koon acknowledged Senator Hembree and Representative Travis Moore for advancing this legislation.
The next step for Senate Bill 74 is obtaining Governor Henry McMaster's signature before it becomes law.