Bill > H3055

This bill amends South Carolina's harassment and stalking laws by expanding the definition of a "pattern" of harassment to include situations where one act is committed against one victim and another similar act is committed against a different victim. The bill removes the previous ten-year restriction for prior offenses, meaning that any prior conviction for harassment or stalking can be used to enhance penalties. For second-degree harassment, violating an existing restraining order or having a prior conviction now allows for a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail. First-degree harassment penalties are increased, with violations of a restraining order potentially resulting in up to three years in prison and a $2,000 fine, and prior convictions leading to a felony charge with up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Similarly, stalking offenses are modified, with violations of restraining orders potentially resulting in up to ten years in prison and a $7,000 fine, and prior convictions leading to even more severe penalties of up to fifteen years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The bill aims to provide stronger legal protections against repeated harassment and stalking behaviors by broadening the definition of patterns and removing time limitations on prior convictions. The legislation will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3055&session=126&summary=B