COLUMBIA, S.C. — This weekend's party shooting in Columbia that left nine wounded has led to another call for bond reform.
Sheriff Leon Lott told reporters he was upset after two men arrested in connection to that case were let go just hours after being arrested.
Gov. Henry McMaster and other law enforcement officials want laws toughened because they say there's a revolving door of criminals out on bond.
“I think all of us are fed up with the gun violence, especially among young people," said Sen. Dick Harpootlian (D-Richland).
Last month, the State Senate unanimously approved a bill to reform the bond system.
With six days left in the legislative session, time is running out for lawmakers to take action.
The House bill only included violent crimes. However, the Senate changed it to include gun crimes and created a tiered system that would make bonds more expensive or revoke bonds for defendants accused of violent crimes and gun crimes.
The biggest change got rid of a provision allowing prosecutors to seek an additional five-year sentence for anyone convicted of a subsequent violent crime while out on bond.
"I believe that when we have mandatory sentences, a judge cannot use discretion and listen to the actual facts in that case," said James Huff, an Aiken attorney and founder of the S.C. Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
Senators also added a provision allowing the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to create statewide regulations for electronic monitoring and allow defendants whose bond has been revoked to move for a speedy trial within 180 days.
The legislation also gives circuit judges responsibility for setting those bonds, instead of magistrates- who don't have to hold law degrees.
Advocates say that would slow down the process, giving judges more time to consider the suspect's criminal history before making a bond decision.
“If it went to general sessions court, it would give you a day or two between the arrest and a bond hearing, at which time police, and prosecutors can say who is this person? Do they have a prior record, why were they carrying," said Harpootlian.
Lawmakers said these changes address concerns about due process rights and overcrowding in the state's prisons.
The bill is likely heading to a conference committee, where lawmakers from both chambers will have to come to a compromise on the changes.
“Speaker Smith is committed to getting something passed and we are, too," said Harpootlian.
According to a fiscal impact report, the legislation could increase costs for housing prisoners and inmates, though the exact dollar amount is unknown.
Senators also tweaked a House provision that would have forced those out on bond for any crime charged with a subsequent violent crime to post a full cash bond.
“I think we'll wind up keeping poor people in jail and letting the wealthy get out while waiting for trial," said Huff.