The bill H. 3052 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 16-3-605, which establishes enhanced penalties for assault and battery convictions when the victim is an educational professional or law enforcement officer acting in their official capacity. Specifically, if a person is convicted of an assault and battery offense against these individuals during the performance of their duties, they may face an additional imprisonment of up to five years, which will be added to the punishment for the principal crime. The court has the discretion to impose this additional sentence either consecutively or concurrently, and the penalty cannot be suspended or result in probation.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the enhanced penalty can only be applied if the indictment specifically alleges that the offense was committed against an educational professional or law enforcement officer, and the conviction is based on this separate count. The definition of "educational professional" is provided, encompassing licensed teachers, principals, administrators, and other educational providers working on school grounds. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 16-3-605
Latest Version: 16-3-605