Rep. MCCRAVY proposes the following Amendment No. to H.5126 as introduced by Ways & Means

(Doc Name COUNCIL\DG\5126C003.CC.DG26.DOCX):

EXPLANATION:

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Part IB, Section 59, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, page 426, after line 11, by adding an appropriately numbered paragraph to read:

/ (AG: Abortion-inducing drug enforcement) (A) From the funds appropriated to the Office of the Attorney General for personnel, the Office must fund an FTE position with an annual salary of $83,792 by hiring an individual whose job description includes investigating and assisting in the prosecution of violations of South Carolina law relating to the unlawful importation, distribution, or sale of abortion-inducing drugs. Funding for this position must first come from amounts appropriated to the Office of the Attorney General to fund FTE positions that remain otherwise vacant.

 (B) Enforcement activities conducted pursuant to this proviso may include investigations relating to violations of South Carolina law involving: (1) the practice of medicine without a license issued by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners, including the prescribing or dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs by persons not licensed to practice medicine in this State; and (2) failure to comply with physician disclosure, examination, and procedural requirements applicable to abortion under South Carolina law, including those enacted in the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act.

 (C) The Attorney General's Office may coordinate with the State Law Enforcement Division, circuit solicitors, local law enforcement agencies, and appropriate state and federal authorities in carrying out the responsibilities set forth in this proviso.

 (D) By June 30, 2027, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee detailing activities conducted pursuant to this proviso, including investigations initiated, referrals for prosecution, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies.

 (E) Nothing in this proviso shall be construed to create a new criminal offense or to modify existing substantive law. The provisions of this section are intended solely to direct the use of funds appropriated in this act for enforcement of existing South Carolina law./

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and titles to conform.