COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ A panel of state legislators has approved a bill that would bar people convicted of a child sex offense from serving as foster parents.
The bill passed Tuesday by the House Judiciary Committee would also prevent judges from giving legal custody of a child to anyone convicted of criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
The bill now moves on to the full House for debate.
Current state law prohibits children from being placed in foster care with people who have a history of child abuse or have been convicted of certain crimes like criminal domestic violence. State regulations already bar sex offenders from being considered to serve as foster parents, and applicants must have background checks for any abuse and neglect or criminal history.