summary
Introduced
01/29/2026
01/29/2026
In Committee
01/29/2026
01/29/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 16-8-230, Relating To Definitions For The Purposes Of The Criminal Gang Prevention Act, So As To Revise The Definitions; By Amending Section 16-8-240, Relating To Use Of Or Threat Of Physical Violence By Criminal Gang Members And Penalties, So As To Revise The Statute And Establish Unlawful Criminal Gang Activity Offenses; By Adding Section 16-8-245 So As To Provide Admissibility Of Criminal Gang And Criminal Gang Activity Evidence During A Trial Or Proceeding; By Amending Section 16-8-250, Relating To Preventing Witnesses Or Victims From Testifying And Penalties, So As To Provide A Mechanism To Abate A Public Nuisance Of Real Property Used By A Criminal Gang; By Adding Section 16-8-275 So As To Provide Admissibility In A Criminal Proceeding Of The Accused's Commission Of Criminal Gang Activity; By Adding Article 5 To Chapter 8, Title 16 So As To Enact The "anti-racketeering Act", To Provide Appropriate Definitions For The Anti-racketeering Act, To Provide It Is Unlawful For Any Person To Engage In Racketeering Activity, To Provide Criminal Penalties For Engaging In Racketeering Activity, To Provide That The Circuit Court May Enjoin Violations Of The Anti-racketeering Act By Issuing Appropriate Orders, To Establish Jurisdiction For Racketeering Activity, And To Provide Protection From Disclosure Of Informants; And By Amending Section 14-7-1630, Relating To The Jurisdiction Of The State Grand Jury, Among Other Things, So As To Add The Crime Of Racketeering To The Jurisdiction Of The State Grand Jury.
AI Summary
This bill aims to strengthen South Carolina's laws against criminal gangs and racketeering by revising definitions, creating new offenses, and expanding the jurisdiction of the State Grand Jury. It updates the definition of "criminal gang" to include groups of five or more people and broadens the scope of "criminal gang activity" to encompass a wider range of offenses, including those related to financial crimes, property damage, and drug offenses. The bill introduces new offenses for unlawful criminal gang activity, such as recruiting or coercing individuals into gangs, and for threatening witnesses or victims to prevent testimony. It also establishes provisions for the admissibility of evidence related to criminal gang activity and allows for the abatement of public nuisances, such as properties used by gangs. Furthermore, the bill enacts the "Anti-Racketeering Act," defining "racketeering activity" as illegal activity conducted for monetary gain and outlining penalties for engaging in such activities, including imprisonment and fines. The State Grand Jury's jurisdiction is expanded to include racketeering activity, and protections are provided for informants.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (13)
Robby Robbins (R)*,
Gary Brewer (R),
Case Brittain (R),
Paula Calhoon (R),
Brandon Cox (R),
Sylleste Davis (R),
Gil Gatch (R),
Jay Jordan (R),
Cody Mitchell (R),
Travis Moore (R),
Tommy Pope (R),
Mark Smith (R),
Richie Yow (R),
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 01/29/2026)
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=5062&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/5062_20260129.htm |
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