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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 14-1-240 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A JUDGE, COURT PERSONNEL, OR ANOTHER PERSON EMPLOYED BY A COURT IN THIS STATE MAY NOT RELEASE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC RELATING TO AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY.
SECTION 1. Chapter 1, Title 14 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 14-1-240. (A) A judge may not release information to the public concerning an ongoing investigation of which he has knowledge as a result of the performance of his official duties as an officer of the court.
(B) Court personnel or another person employed by a court in this State may not release information to the public concerning an ongoing investigation of which he has knowledge as a result of the performance of his occupational duties.
(C) A judge or court personnel who willfully violates the provisions of subsection (A) is subject to investigation by the Commission on Judicial Conduct and is subject to the full range of sanctions available to the Supreme Court for the misconduct of a judicial officer or court personnel.
(D) A person who willfully violates the provisions of subsection (B) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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