Bill > S0073

This bill amends South Carolina law to create enhanced criminal penalties specifically for offenses committed against educational professionals while they are performing their official duties. Under the proposed legislation, if a person is convicted of an offense defined in Section 16-3-600 (which likely relates to assault or another serious crime) against a licensed teacher, principal, administrator, or other educational provider working on school grounds, they can be sentenced to an additional five years in prison on top of the punishment for the original crime. The bill mandates that this additional sentence cannot be suspended or result in probation, and can be served either consecutively or concurrently with the original sentence. To apply these enhanced penalties, the indictment must specifically allege that the offense was committed against an educational professional acting in their official capacity, and the defendant must be simultaneously convicted of the underlying crime. The new law would take effect upon the Governor's approval, providing increased legal protection for educational professionals who may be vulnerable to criminal acts while performing their job duties.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=73&session=126&summary=B