summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Enacting The "fargo's, Hyco's, Rico's, Coba's, Wick's, And Mikka's Law" By Amending Article 11 Of Chapter 3, Title 47, Relating To Taunting, Tormenting, Injuring, Or Killing Police Dogs Or Horses, So As To Expand The Conduct That Results In A Violation, Increase The Penalties, Require Restitution To The Law Enforcement Department Or Agency, And Make Technical Changes.
AI Summary
This bill, named after Fargo, Hyco, Rico, Coba, Wick, and Mikka (likely law enforcement animals), amends South Carolina law to strengthen protections for police dogs and horses by expanding the definition of prohibited actions and increasing penalties for offenses against these animals. The bill makes it unlawful to taunt, torment, tease, beat, strike, or administer desensitizing substances to law enforcement dogs or horses, whether on or off duty. For less severe offenses (such as taunting or interfering with the animals), violators can be fined between $500 and $1,000 and/or imprisoned for up to six months. More serious offenses like torturing, mutilating, injuring, poisoning, or killing a police dog or horse now carry more significant penalties, including fines between $2,000 and $20,000 and imprisonment for two to ten years. Additionally, the bill requires convicted offenders to pay full restitution to the law enforcement agency for replacement, purchase, training, and veterinary expenses, and may include a mandatory one-year animal-related community service sentence. The law maintains a self-defense exception and will take effect upon the Governor's approval.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (42)
Neal Collins (R)*,
William Bailey (R),
Phillip Bowers (R),
Jeff Bradley (R),
Gary Brewer (R),
Case Brittain (R),
Paula Calhoon (R),
Don Chapman (R),
Brandon Cox (R),
April Cromer (R),
Sylleste Davis (R),
Shannon Erickson (R),
Cal Forrest (R),
Craig Gagnon (R),
Doug Gilliam (R),
Brandon Guffey (R),
Patrick Haddon (R),
Bill Hager (R),
Lee Hewitt (R),
Bill Hixon (R),
Harriet Holman (R),
Jermaine Johnson (D),
Jay Kilmartin (R),
Roger Kirby (D),
Brian Lawson (R),
Randy Ligon (R),
David Martin (R),
Cody Mitchell (R),
Dianne Mitchell (R),
Travis Moore (R),
Dennis Moss (R),
Fawn Pedalino (R),
Tommy Pope (R),
Robby Robbins (R),
Carla Schuessler (R),
Mark Smith (R),
David Vaughan (R),
Bill Whitmire (R),
Paul Wickensimer (R),
Mark Willis (R),
Chris Wooten (R),
Richie Yow (R),
Last Action
Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Bowers (on 03/04/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3034&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3034_20241205.htm |
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