Panel advances measure allowing repeat PTI participation after 20 years

A South Carolina committee advanced a bill that would allow a person who previously completed pretrial intervention (PTI) to participate again if at least 20 years have passed since their prior successful completion.

Representative Rose, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the change is aimed at giving elected solicitors a discretionary tool. "This does not mandate anything," Rose said, adding that PTI remains limited to nonviolent offenses and that an elected solicitor "can say no" if he or she chooses.

Rose walked members through practical considerations: solicitors consult officers and victims when processing PTI applications, victims' objections can prevent PTI admission, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains records solicitors can use to determine whether an individual previously completed PTI, even when expungement rules apply.

Members asked whether the bill would affect DUI eligibility for PTI; Rose said the measure does not change current law excluding DUI from PTI, though a separate Senate bill concerning DUIs could change that eligibility in the future; even if statute changes, solicitors could adopt local policies to exclude certain cases.

A member moved for favorable recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The bill will proceed to full committee.