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crime15h ago
Solicitor pushes for DUI law overhaul after deaths of 3 Upstate children
- SC lawmakers consider Bill 52 to overhaul DUI laws after three Upstate children were killed in separate incidents this week.
- Solicitor Barry Barnette urged stronger measures, saying loopholes hinder DUI prosecutions and body-cam evidence is a contested issue.
- The bill would tighten court procedures and expand who can collect blood samples to show active drugs.
- Families of the victims urged harsher penalties and stressed the lifelong impact of these tragedies.
- If approved, the proposal would raise fines, extend jail time for repeats, and allow child-support orders in DUI deaths.
- Barnette highlighted procedural gaps, including how body cam video is treated in DUI cases.
- The push comes as three Upstate children were killed by drivers charged with felony DUI in the same week.
- Supporters say stricter DUI laws can help prevent repeat tragedies and improve prosecutions.
- The proposal includes potential changes to evidence handling and where tests are conducted.
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