Bill > H3031

This bill expands South Carolina's "Stand Your Ground" law to explicitly include places of worship, providing legal protections for individuals defending themselves in religious settings. The bill amends existing state law to define a "place of worship" as a church or location where religious services are held, including surrounding grounds and facilities. It reinforces the state's intent to allow law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and others from intruders without fear of prosecution, extending this principle to religious facilities. Under the new provisions, a person who is not engaged in unlawful activity and is attacked in a place of worship has no legal duty to retreat and can use force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily injury, or the commission of a violent crime. The bill aligns with the state's interpretation of the constitutional right to bear arms and the principle that individuals should not have to surrender their personal safety to criminals. The legislation takes effect upon approval by the Governor, further codifying the legal protections for self-defense in religious settings.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3031&session=126&summary=B