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. 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 imminent threat. This means that a person who is not engaged in unlawful activity and is attacked in a church or place of worship can stand their ground and use force, including 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 another person is about to use physical force against someone present on the premises. This presumption applies only if the person using deadly force is not 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