House Amendment 2
H 3127 - Session 126 (2025-2026)
Failure to stop a motor vehicle

Rep. RUTHERFORD proposes the following amendment (LC-3127.DG0006H):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by adding an appropriately numbered SECTION to read:

SECTION X. Section 56-5-750 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 (H) (1) A law enforcement officer may not engage in vehicle pursuits with a motor vehicle driver that fails to stop when signaled by the officer unless:
   (a) there is probable cause to believe that a person in the vehicle has committed a crime of violence as defined in Section 16-23-10;
   (b) there is probable cause to believe that a person in the vehicle has escaped from a state or local detention facility; or
   (b) the officer has received authorization to engage in the pursuit from a supervising officer and there is supervisory control of the pursuit. The supervisor must consider alternatives to the pursuit before permitting authorization.
  (2) A pursuing officer or supervisor must consider safety hazards including, but not limited to, speed, weather, traffic, road conditions, and if minors are present in the vehicles while in pursuit or supervising a pursuit.
  (3) No later than January 1, 2026, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council shall establish supplemental statewide policies, procedures, and training courses that may further advise upon or restrict the circumstances under which a law enforcement officer is authorized to engage in vehicle pursuit. State and local law enforcement agencies must abide by all vehicle pursuit policies, procedures, and training requirements adopted by the training council.
  (4) The Public Safety Coordinating Council may not award grants to a law enforcement agency when an officer employed by the agency engages in an unlawful vehicle pursuit pursuant to this subsection.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.