The bill H. 3440 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by expanding the legal protections for individuals using deadly force in self-defense situations. Specifically, it amends Section 16-11-440 to include churches and places of worship as locations where individuals have no duty to retreat when faced with an attack, provided they are not engaged in unlawful activities. This amendment allows individuals to "stand their ground" and respond with force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or serious injury.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 16-11-445, which establishes a presumption that individuals are justified in using deadly force in self-defense if they are in a church or place of worship and believe that someone is about to use physical force against authorized individuals on the premises while committing a serious crime. However, this presumption does not apply if the person using deadly force is engaged in unlawful activity. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 16-11-440, 16-11-445
Latest Version: 16-11-440, 16-11-445