Bill > H4336

This bill amends South Carolina's assault and battery law to expand the definition of "assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature" by adding specific categories of professionals who are now explicitly protected. Under the proposed changes, if someone injures a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, corrections officer, healthcare professional, healthcare worker, emergency response employee, or educational professional (such as a school administrator, principal, counselor, teacher, or other educational provider) during or because of their official duties, it will be considered a high and aggravated assault. Such an offense would be classified as a felony, punishable by up to twenty years in prison. The bill builds upon existing law that already defines high and aggravated assault as causing great bodily injury or using means likely to produce death or serious injury. By adding these specific professional categories, the legislation aims to provide enhanced legal protection for workers in critical public service roles who may face increased risks of violence while performing their official responsibilities.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4336&session=126&summary=B