Bill > H3641

This bill updates South Carolina's laws related to sexual exploitation of minors by introducing new definitions and expanding legal provisions to include "morphed images" of identifiable children. Specifically, the bill defines a "morphed image" as a digitally altered visual representation that makes it appear an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and an "identifiable minor" as a person who was a minor when the image was created and is recognizable by distinct characteristics. The legislation amends existing statutes to incorporate morphed images into first, second, and third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor offenses, with a special provision that for minors creating such images on their first offense, the case will be handled in family court with potential behavioral health counseling. The bill also modifies the sex offender registry classifications, placing certain morphed image-related offenses under Tier I and Tier II categories, and clarifies the registration and potential removal requirements for offenders. Importantly, if a minor under 18 is charged with creating a morphed image of another identifiable minor, they would not be required to register as a sex offender. The legislation aims to address emerging digital threats to minors while providing nuanced legal approaches for handling such offenses.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3641&session=126&summary=B