Attorney General Alan Wilson, legislators, and sheriffs urge swift passage of Administrative Subpoena Bill to protect children

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson today joined leading legislators and sheriffs from across the state at the Statehouse to call on the General Assembly to pass S.74, a critical bill that would expedite investigations into child sexual abuse material. 

Speaking alongside Senator Greg Hembree (R-Horry), Representative Travis Moore (R-Spartanburg), and Sheriffs Carl Ritchie (Charleston County), Jay Koon (Lexington County), and Tony Breeden (York County), Wilson emphasized that time is critical when it comes to protecting children and catching predators. 

"Every day that passes without S.74 becoming law is another day we risk leaving children vulnerable and giving child predators a head start," Attorney General Wilson said. "This bill gives law enforcement the tools we need to act faster, protect more kids, and bring offenders to justice." 

Currently, the Attorney General’s Office must request subpoenas through the U.S. Attorney’s Office to access vital electronic records, a process that can take days or even months. S.74 would allow the Attorney General to issue administrative subpoenas directly, significantly speeding up the early stages of investigations while still requiring judicial approval for any subsequent search warrants. 

"We’re talking about saving lives and preventing unimaginable harm," Attorney General Wilson added. "This is not about cutting corners; it’s about cutting red tape." 

S.74 has already passed in the Senate and the House in different forms. Attorney General Wilson and today’s coalition of leaders are urging lawmakers to work quickly to agree on the Senate’s version before the legislative session ends. 

Senator Hembree, the bill’s lead sponsor, said, "We have overwhelming bipartisan support. Now we need urgent action. Our children are counting on us." 

Representative Moore added, "Law enforcement needs every lawful tool available to stay ahead of predators who are using technology to victimize the innocent. S.74 provides that, and we must finish the job." 

Sheriffs from across South Carolina echoed that sentiment, stressing the importance of faster access to electronic records to intervene before more harm is done. Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie said, “The more time that goes by, the more we delay, the more harm that’s happening to our children, the more targets that these predators can identify. So, I would encourage everyone to make sure we get this passed.”

Attorney General Wilson closed by thanking the General Assembly for its work so far, but made clear: "The mission isn’t finished until this bill is on the Governor’s desk. Let’s get it done, for the children of South Carolina."