Carla Murphy

SC law completely exempts the victim compensation program from open records requests–even soliciting per the law is unlawful. How can I challenge or get around this? I include the law for reference.

The section 16-3-1240 of the SC Law States:   It is unlawful, except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the victim’s compensation program, for any person to solicit, disclose, receive, or make use of or authorize, knowingly permit, participate in or acquiesce in the use of any list, or names of, or information concerning persons applying for or receiving awards hereunder without the written consent of the applicant or recipient. The records, papers, files, and communications of the Board, its panel and the Director and his staff must be regarded as confidential information and privileged and not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act as contained in Chapter 3 of Title 30.

JPat Brown

Hello - Clearing out unanswered questions. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common restriction, and SC is just one of a few states that has this policy - http://www.vcgcb.ca.gov/media/pra.aspx Other than legal action, I’m afraid we can’t help you. Best, J.Pat