The bill H. 3440 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by expanding the "Stand Your Ground" law to include churches and places of worship. Specifically, it modifies Section 16-11-440 to state that individuals who are not engaged in unlawful activities and are attacked in locations where they have a right to be, such as their place of business or church, have no duty to retreat and can use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily 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. 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