TO AMEND SECTION 17-5-130, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO CORONER QUALIFICATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO IS ELECTED AS CORONER AND COMPLETES NECESSARY TRAINING IS QUALIFIED TO SERVE AS CORONER.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 17-5-130(A)(2) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(2)    In addition to the requirements of subsection (A)(1), a coroner in this State shall have at least one of the following qualifications, the person shall must:

(a)    have at least three years of experience in death investigation with a law enforcement agency, coroner, or medical examiner agency;

(b)    have a two-year associate degree and two years of experience in death investigation with a law enforcement agency, coroner, or medical examiner agency;

(c)    have a four-year baccalaureate degree and one year of experience in death investigation with a law enforcement agency, coroner, or medical examiner agency;

(d)    be a law enforcement officer, as defined by Section 23-23-10(E)(1), who is certified by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council with a minimum of two years of experience;

(e)    have completed a recognized forensic science degree or certification program or be enrolled in a recognized forensic science degree or certification program to be completed within one year of being elected to the office of coroner;

(f)    be a medical doctor; or

(g)    have a bachelor of science degree in nursing. nursing; or

(h)    have completed the training requirements defined in subsection (C) by the end of the calendar year after being elected."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.