Bonds

Source of recordSouth Carolina · scstatehouse.govLast synced Aug 28, 2026

Chamber

Senate

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
To Governor
Became Law

Overview

This bill changes South Carolina’s rules for setting bail. It requires that defendants charged with violent crimes, felonies involving firearms, or drug offenses be held on a full United States currency cash bond, rather than a smaller percentage deposit. The bill also expands the factors courts can consider when determining release conditions, including a law enforcement officer’s observations about a person’s mental health and the potential need for an emergency psychiatric evaluation or medical treatment upon release.

Key provisions

Requires defendants charged with violent offenses, felony offenses involving firearms, or drug offenses to be held on a full United States currency cash bond.
Allows courts to consider a law enforcement officer’s observations regarding a person’s mental condition when determining release conditions.
Permits courts to order a defendant to undergo an emergency psychiatric evaluation or seek medical treatment upon release if a law enforcement officer has concerns about their mental health.
Maintains the option for defendants to deposit a percentage of the bond amount in cash, but this option is restricted for violent and firearm-related offenses.
Updates the process for assigning cash deposits to ensure they are transferred to the appropriate party.
Clarifies the court’s authority to impose conditions of release to ensure appearance and public safety.
Requires law enforcement agencies to provide courts with relevant information, including criminal records and incident reports, regarding potential defendants.