SC Senate hopes to pass drug court bill next year

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Legislators say they are not going to be able to pass a bill this year to create special drug courts in each county in South Carolina.

But officials said Thursday they are going to keep working on the legislation, with the hopes of passing it early next year.

A Senate subcommittee is working on a proposal that would set up special courts to handle nonviolent drug crimes. Supporters say the process would alleviate crowding in the court system and save money.

Staffers say a group of judges, prosecutors and other supporters will work on the legislation throughout the summer. Bill sponsor Sen. Gerald Malloy of Hartsville plans to pre-file a version of the bill at the end of this year, with the hopes of getting it passed early next session.