A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 24-3-980 so as to provide it is unlawful for an inmate under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections to possess telecommunication devices unless authorized by the director, to define the term "telecommunication device", and to provide penalties.

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

SECTION 1.   Chapter 3, Title 24 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

   Section 24-3-980. It is unlawful for an inmate under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections to possess a telecommunication device unless authorized to do so by the director. For purposes of this section a "telecommunication device" means a device, an apparatus associated with a device, or a component of a device that enables, or may be used to enable, communication with a person inside or outside of a place of incarceration. Such devices include, but are not limited to, portable two-way pagers, handheld radios, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants or PDAs, laptop computers, or any components of these devices. "Telecommunication device" also includes any new technology that is developed or used for similar purposes. A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned for not less than one year nor more than ten years, or both.

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

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