The bill H. 3046 seeks to strengthen South Carolina's legal framework regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, particularly focusing on morphed images. It introduces definitions for "identifiable minor" and "morphed image" in Section 16-15-375, expanding the scope of sexual exploitation offenses to include these morphed images. Offenders found guilty of such crimes will be classified as Tier II offenders on the sex offender registry. Additionally, the bill allows for minors charged with offenses related to morphed images to have their cases heard in family court as misdemeanors for first offenses, with the possibility of mandating behavioral health counseling.

The bill also amends provisions related to sex offender registration and criminal solicitation of minors. It prohibits Tier III offenders from filing requests for termination of their registration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and outlines specific criteria for those who can file such requests, including successful completion of treatment programs and a clean record for the past ten years. Furthermore, it clarifies the unlawful nature of contacting minors for sexual activities and reinforces prohibitions against employing minors in sexually explicit situations. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval, and it includes a clause ensuring the validity of remaining sections if any part is deemed unconstitutional.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462, 16-15-342, 16-15-387, 44-48-30
02/26/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462, 16-15-342, 16-15-387, 44-48-30
02/27/2025: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462, 16-15-342, 16-15-387, 44-48-30
Latest Version: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462, 16-15-342, 16-15-387, 44-48-30
12/06/2024: 16-15-375, 16-15-395, 16-15-405, 16-15-410, 23-3-430, 23-3-462, 16-15-342, 16-15-387, 44-48-30