Bill for statewide police body cameras returns to SC Senate

COLUMBIA, SC (WCSC) - The debate continues in the Statehouse on whether law enforcement in South Carolina should be outfitted with police body cameras.

A bill that passed in the House could be on it's way to Governor Nikki Haley's desk if the Senate approves changes made to the bill. Last week, the House made a few changes to the bill before a unanimous vote to approve it, returning it to the Senate which passed its version earlier this month.

Changes to the bill include renaming it "The Walter L. Scott Law," and also adds six months of study. It directs the Law Enforcement Training Council to study agencies already using body cameras, then develop statewide guidelines within six or more months.

The legislation became priority after Scott was shot and killed by an officer during a traffic stop in North Charleston in April.

The Senate's budget proposal provides $3.4 million to buy body cameras.

If passed, the plan would go into effect after a year.