The proposed "Teen Dating Violence Prevention Act" aims to address and define the issue of teen dating violence in South Carolina. It introduces a new offense of teen dating violence, which encompasses physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence between individuals aged eighteen or younger in a dating relationship. The bill outlines the penalties for such offenses, stipulating that individuals convicted of teen dating violence will face additional penalties that must be served consecutively to any underlying offenses. Furthermore, it allows victims aged sixteen and older to seek protection orders without parental consent, while those under sixteen will require such consent. Additionally, individuals convicted of this offense will be ineligible for pretrial intervention programs.

The bill also amends existing laws related to the Comprehensive Health Education Act to include education on teen dating violence. It defines "teen dating violence" within the context of health education and mandates that local school boards incorporate this topic into their health education curriculum. The amendments ensure that students receive instruction on teen dating violence alongside other health topics, and they require schools to notify parents about the content of these instructional materials, allowing them the option to exempt their children from such education if it conflicts with their beliefs. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 59-32-10, 59-32-20
Latest Version: 59-32-10, 59-32-20
12/06/2024: 59-32-10, 59-32-20