Bill > S0458

This bill amends South Carolina's trespassing laws by modifying two existing statutes to expand and clarify trespassing definitions and penalties. In Section 1, the bill adds "enclosing the land with a fence" as an additional method of providing notice against trespassing, alongside existing methods like posting signs or using purple boundary markings. Section 2 significantly revises trespassing criminal offenses by making it unlawful to knowingly enter someone else's dwelling, business, or structure without authorization or invitation, and by establishing graduated penalties for repeat offenses. For a first offense, a person could be fined up to $200 or imprisoned for up to 30 days; a second offense carries potential fines up to $500 and imprisonment up to 90 days; and third or subsequent offenses could result in fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment up to one year. The bill specifies that municipal courts and magistrate courts can handle such cases, and that all peace officers in the state are responsible for enforcing these provisions. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for determining trespassing and establishing consistent consequences for unauthorized entry. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0458&session=126&summary=B