S.0870

Military chaplains in South Carolina will have specific duties and confidentiality rights for communications with militia members.

This bill amends South Carolina law to define terms, list requirements for military chaplains, and ensure privileged communication between chaplains and militia members. Chaplains must be properly ordained, endorsed, and wear uniforms identifying their status. They have the authority to engage in privileged communications with all militia members, authorized dependents, and authorized personnel. The clergy-penitent privilege allows individuals to refuse to disclose confidential communications made as a formal act of religion or as a matter of conscience.