The "Senator Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act" aims to enhance penalties for certain violent crimes committed with a bias motive. The bill introduces Article 22 to Chapter 3, Title 16 of the South Carolina Code, which specifies that if a person commits a violent crime or assault by mob and the victim was intentionally selected based on factors such as race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, the offender will face additional penalties. These penalties include a fine of up to $10,000 and an additional prison term of up to five years.

The legislation outlines that the court will allow both the prosecution and defense to present evidence regarding the motive behind the crime, and a special verdict will be required to determine if the crime was indeed motivated by bias. However, the enhanced penalties can only be applied if the offender was indicted for the bias-motivated offense and found guilty of the underlying crime. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.