Bill > S0111

This bill amends South Carolina law to provide enhanced penalties for drivers who fail to stop when signaled by a law enforcement vehicle, particularly focusing on high-speed pursuits captured on video. Under the proposed changes, a driver who leads law enforcement on a recorded high-speed pursuit would be charged with a felony, mandating a prison sentence of three to five years without the possibility of suspended time. For first-time offenders who do not cause great bodily injury or death, the current penalty remains a misdemeanor with a fine of at least $500 and potential imprisonment of 90 days to three years, along with a minimum 30-day driver's license suspension. A second or subsequent offense without causing great bodily injury or death would result in a felony charge with up to five years in prison and a one-year driver's license suspension. The most significant addition is the new provision specifically addressing high-speed pursuits documented by law enforcement vehicle video recordings or body-worn cameras, which carries a mandatory minimum three-year prison sentence and a one-year license suspension. The bill is set to take effect one year after approval by the Governor, signaling the state's intent to more strictly penalize individuals who attempt to evade law enforcement.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=111&session=126&summary=B