Bill > H3124

This bill amends South Carolina law to create criminal penalties for individuals who expose first responders to fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances during the course of unlawful possession. Specifically, if a person over 18 years old causes a first responder (including law enforcement, correctional, probation officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) to be exposed to these substances in a way that results in an overdose or serious bodily injury, they can be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison or fined up to $100,000, or both. The bill broadly defines "exposure" to include ingestion, inhalation, needlestick injuries, and absorption through skin or mucous membranes. An important defense is available if the first responder acted outside the standard of care for their profession and substantially contributed to their own exposure. The bill defines "overdose or serious bodily injury" as a condition that creates a substantial risk of death or significant impairment of bodily function. The legislation will take effect upon the Governor's approval, aiming to provide additional legal protection and deterrence for first responders who may be at risk when interacting with individuals possessing dangerous substances.