The bill H. 3037 seeks to amend Section 17-13-20 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which outlines the circumstances under which a citizen may make an arrest. The proposed changes specifically limit the conditions for a citizen's arrest to instances where a person has entered a dwelling house without express or implied permission. The bill retains the existing provisions that allow for a citizen's arrest in cases of felony commission, breaking and entering, possession of stolen property, or suspicious behavior, but emphasizes the restriction regarding unauthorized entry into a dwelling.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that a citizen may use necessary means, even to the extent of taking a person's life, when making an arrest under these specified circumstances. This amendment aims to refine the legal framework surrounding citizens' arrests in South Carolina, ensuring that such actions are more narrowly defined and focused on protecting private property rights. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 17-13-20
Latest Version: 17-13-20
12/06/2024: 17-13-20