2013 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 1 - Administration of the Government
CHAPTER 6 - OFFICE OF THE STATE INSPECTOR GENERAL
SECTION 1-6-100. Confidentiality of identity of person reporting information in good faith; public inspection; exception.

(A) If an individual discloses information alleging fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, misconduct, violations of state or federal law, and wrongdoing in an agency in good faith to the State Inspector General, the individual's identity is confidential and must not be disclosed to anyone other than the Governor, the staff of the Office of the State Inspector General, or an authority to whom the investigation is subsequently referred or certified, unless:

(1) the State Inspector General makes a written determination that it is in the public interest to disclose the individual's identity; or

(2) the individual consents in writing to disclosure of the individual's identity.

(B) After an investigation is completed and a report is issued pursuant to Section 1-6-50(C), the investigative records of the State Inspector General are subject to public inspection pursuant to Chapter 4 of this title. However, if an individual's identity is confidential pursuant to subsection (A), the individual's identity or any information that reasonably might lead to the discovery of the individual's identity must not be disclosed, except as pursuant to subsection (A) or subsection (E).

(C) This subsection does not apply to a person who is a party to an action brought by the State Inspector General. Information received by the State Inspector General is not required to be produced in the course of discovery, unless ordered by a court after a showing of particularized need and proof that the information requested cannot be obtained from another source.

(D) Except as provided in subsection (E), a person commits the misdemeanor of unlawful disclosure of confidential information if he knowingly or intentionally discloses:

(1) confidential information or records; or

(2) the identity of a person whose identity is confidential under subsection (A).

A person convicted pursuant to this subsection must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year. If the person convicted is an officer or employee of the State, he must be dismissed from office or employment and is ineligible to hold any public office in this State for a period of five years after the conviction.

(E) A person may disclose confidential information, records, or an individual's identity that is confidential pursuant to subsection (A) if the Governor authorizes the disclosure of this information in the public interest.

HISTORY: 2012 Act No. 105, Section 2, eff January 1, 2012.