SC H3597

Amends Section 17-25-65 to require the circuit solicitor to notify the arresting law enforcement agency and any victims when filing a motion to reduce a defendant's sentence for substantial assistance, including the date, time, and location of hearings

Requires law enforcement or the correctional facility warden to verify to the circuit solicitor that the defendant actually provided substantial assistance before a motion can be filed

Mandates that the circuit judge conduct a hearing on the record, verify statutory requirements have been met, confirm reasonable attempts were made to notify victims, and issue a written order with findings of fact

Allows judges to reduce sentences below mandatory minimums at their discretion for defendants who provided substantial assistance to the State

Existing provisions remain that allow sentence reductions within one year for assisting in investigations/prosecutions or aiding corrections employees in danger, with extended timeframes for information that became useful or known later