summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 16-5-5 So As To Define Person, Funding Entity, And Riot; By Amending Section 16-5-90, Relating To Preservation Of Property Owner's Right Of Action Against Participants In Mob Or Riot Resulting In Damage To Property, So As To Include Actions Against A Funding Entity And Establish A Funding Entity Is Responsible For Damages To Property; By Amending Section 16-5-130, Relating To Penalties For Instigating, Aiding, Or Participating In Riot, So As To Include Funding Or Providing Materials As Part Of Offense; By Amending Section 16-5-140, Relating To Enforcement Of Chapter, So As To Permit The Attorney General, Solicitors, Or Their Designees To Institute Proceedings Against Funding Entities Under Section 17-25-322; And By Amending Section 16-7-20, Relating To Powers Of Law Enforcement Officers, So As To Permit Law Enforcement Officers Called To Duty By The Governor Under Section 1-3-450 Due To Riot Or Unlawful Assemblage To Use Dye Or Paint To Identify A Person That May Be Charged Under Section 16-5-130.
AI Summary
This bill, titled "Incitement to Riot," aims to strengthen South Carolina's laws against riots by expanding the definition of who can be held responsible and how they can be prosecuted. It defines a "funding entity" as any individual or organization that provides financial or material support with the intent to instigate, aid, or participate in a riot, and clarifies that a "riot" involves a violent disturbance of the peace by three or more people acting together. The bill allows property owners to sue funding entities for damages caused by riots, and establishes that these funding entities are responsible for such damages. Furthermore, it makes funding or providing materials for a riot a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment or fines, and grants the Attorney General and solicitors the authority to initiate legal proceedings against funding entities. In situations where the Governor calls in law enforcement due to a riot, officers will be permitted to use dye or paint to identify individuals who may be charged with riot-related offenses.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Scrivener's error corrected (on 01/21/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0739&session=126&summary=B |
| Fiscal Note - S0739 2026-01-13 Introduced | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/fiscalimpactstatements/S0739%202026-01-13%20introduced.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/739_20260121.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/739_20251210.htm |
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