Bill > S0247

This bill, named after Senator Clementa C. Pinckney, introduces a hate crimes enhancement law in South Carolina that allows for additional penalties when a violent crime or assault by mob is committed against a victim who was deliberately targeted based on their race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical/mental disability. Under the new law, if a court determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the offender intentionally selected the victim because of a perceived characteristic (even if that perception is incorrect), the perpetrator can be subject to an additional fine of up to $10,000 and an extra prison sentence of up to five years on top of the penalties for the underlying offense. To impose these enhanced penalties, the hate crime aspect must be specifically included in the indictment, and the defendant must be found guilty of the original offense. The bill aims to provide additional legal recourse and deterrence for crimes motivated by bias against specific groups, and it will take effect once approved by the Governor of South Carolina.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0247&session=126&summary=B