Bill > S0504

This bill amends South Carolina law to expand the existing criminal offense of distributing controlled substances near schools to also include child care facilities and day programs. Specifically, the bill makes it a separate criminal offense to distribute, sell, purchase, manufacture, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance within a one-half mile radius of these locations. To be convicted, a person must have knowledge that they are within this radius and actually commit the controlled substance offense in that area. The bill clarifies that a person cannot be convicted if they are merely stopped by law enforcement within the restricted radius but did not actually commit the offense in that location. The law defines child care facilities and day programs by referencing existing statutory definitions in Sections 63-13-20 and 44-20-30, respectively. The bill is designed to enhance protections for children and vulnerable populations by creating stricter penalties for drug-related offenses near places where children are likely to be present. The legislation will take effect upon approval by the Governor of South Carolina.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0504&session=126&summary=B